Watertown News (https://www.watertownmanews.com/category/more/page/27/)
Homebuyers have many, many options in Watertown this week. 19 Garfield St., $2,750,000, 6 bedroom 6 bathroom 6,274 sq. ft. Single Family, Open house: Sunday, Oct. 20 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM
63 Bradford Road #B, $930,000, 3 bedroom 3 bathroom 1,289 sq.
Wednesday night, the City Council and Planning Board began to dig into the details of the zoning that will make the transformation of Watertown Square a reality. The zoning includes areas where City officials seek to create areas with a vibrant street front, make the area more friendly for walkers and bicyclists, promote affordable housing, and a section where multi-story residential buildings will be allowed by right to comply with the state’s MBTA Communities Law. The two boards must approve the dozens of Zoning amendments in the Watertown Square Area Plan proposed zoning so that City officials can submit them to the State by December, said Assistant City Manager Steve Magoon. Added to the zoning changes are zoning to allow Accessory Dwelling Units by right, which would allow Watertown to comply with recently approved State legislation by the February deadline. See a bigger version of the proposed zoning map by clicking here.
The City of Watertown recently released the Health and Human Services Report, and a meeting is scheduled to present it ot the public. See more information in the City’s announcement, below. Health and Human Services Report
Please read the Watertown Health and Human Services Report, authored by Health Management Associates (HMA)! This report includes an analysis of the existing health and human services available in Watertown, an identification of gaps between needs and services, and a series of recommendations made by the experts at HMA for the City of Watertown. To coincide with the release of this report, the City of Watertown is also hosting a presentation to the community, where HMA will present their findings and recommendations on Monday, October 21, 2024, at a hybrid meeting.
The following announcement was provided by the Charles River Regional Chamber:
The Charles River Regional Chamber invites our local business community to its highly anticipated Fall Business Breakfast presented by Needham Bank on Friday, November 1, 2024, from 7:15 to 9:00 a.m. at Newton Marriott. The event is the Chamber’s largest annual gathering for business, civic and nonprofit leaders across Newton, Needham, Watertown, and Wellesley. This year’s program will feature Steve Gross, a Needham-native, Newton-resident and founder of the Life is Good Playmaker Project, as the keynote speaker. Using research, humor, and personal stories from his 25+ years as a clinical social worker, Gross will share how optimistic leaders bring out the best in people and organizations – especially in challenging, change-filled times. In addition to the keynote address, attendees will have the opportunity to network with more than 400 local business leaders, decision-makers, and community members.
Hi Massachusetts Voters,
As I have said in a comment, I will be voting yes on all the ballot questions. (Watertown specimen ballots for the general election on Tuesday, November 3rd, can be found here at https://www.watertown-ma.gov/295/Specimen-Ballots). At the root of many of the ballot questions is economic fairness. However, I feel most completed to write about Question 4. “This proposed law would allow persons aged 21 and older to grow, possess, and use certain natural psychedelic substances in certain circumstances. The psychedelic substances allowed would be two substances found in mushrooms (psilocybin and psilocin) and three substances found in plants (dimethyltryptamine, mescaline, and ibogaine).” I feel compelled because this is about how we care for those who have no other options.
Liz Helfer, the City of Watertown’s Public Arts & Culture Planner. The “Little Local Conversations” podcast spoke with the woman behind public art projects in Watertown, and who also creates art of her own as a sculptor: the City of Watertown’s Public Arts and Culture Planner, Liz Helfer. In “Little Local Conversations,” discover the people, places, stories, and ideas of Watertown. Creator and Watertown resident Matt Hanna has conversations with various businesses owners, community leaders, creatives, and other interesting folks in Watertown to learn about what they do and get to know a bit about the people behind the work.
Hanna wrote:
“Meet Liz Helfer! She works for the City of Watertown as the Public Arts and Culture Planner and she’s also a working sculptor in the region.
Watertown Girl Scout Junior Troop 70133 with Kathy Cunningham of the Watertown Food Pantry. The Troop created a Pet Pantry. (Contributed Photo)
The following announcement was provided by Watertown Girl Scout Junior Troop 70133:
By Olivia Nardone Cavanaugh
Members of Watertown Girl Scout Junior Troop 70133 in fifth grade are working to earn their Bronze Award, one of the highest awards in Girl Scouts, by making a difference in their community. The girls conducted observational research and decided they wanted to help wild and domestic animals in Watertown to stay safe and healthy through community education and awareness. For the project, the girls met with Animal Control Officer Samantha Gatchell to gather wildlife safety tips and designed and printed flyers to educate community members about how to treat wild animals safely.
Dear Neighbors,
We are Watertown residents and educators working in neighboring school districts (Belmont and Newton) asking you to consider these reasons for voting Yes on Question 2 this election. Question 2 proposes removing the MCAS graduation requirement for high school students. MCAS is a set of standardized tests the state uses to monitor public school performance in Massachusetts. Students are tested in grades 3-8 and 10, and sometimes 9, in English, math, civics and science. Question 2 does not eliminate MCAS.