Around Town

Watch the Chamber’s Forum on the Impact Housing Cost; the State’s Competitiveness

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On Wednesday, the Charles River Chamber hosted an event focused on economic development in the region, and heard from the Mass. Taxpayers Foundation, as well as hosting two panels: one of young professionals and another with the planning directors from the Chamber’s four communities — including Watertown’s Steve Magoon. The Chamber provided the following information:

Earlier this week we hosted a program on the UMass Amherst Mount Ida campus exploring our region’s top economic challenges, including housing and workforce, as well as Massachusetts’ competitive strengths and weaknesses. Here’s the event recording, and here’s direct links to the event’s three segments:

– Mass Taxpayers Foundation presentation by Doug Howgate. – Planning directors discussing housing, commercial and economic development

– Young professionals share their housing challenges.

Around Town

OP-ED: Two Different Outcomes of Property Revaluation in Watertown

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By Linda ScottWatertown Resident

A Tale of Two Streets

When Charles Dickens wrote his famous novel, A Tale of Two Cities, his intent was to highlight societal injustices, and with great effect he showed us the dichotomy between living very well and simply surviving. In Watertown, in many ways the seeds of rancor and discontent are being sown … no guillotines involved! Follow me on this journey, if you will. I’m calling this “A Tale of Two Streets.”

On December 2nd a very important and transparent government document was shared through the Watertown Assessors Office with the people of Watertown.

Around Town

Russell Cooperative Silent Auction to Raise Funds for Preschool Programming

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An acorn painting by Todd Coyne is one of many unique items in this year’s auction. The following announcement was provided by Russell Cooperative Preschool:

Russell Cooperative Preschool invites the Watertown community to participate in its highly anticipated Winter Gala Silent Auction, a cornerstone event that supports the preschool’s annual fundraising efforts. This year’s auction features an array of unique and exciting items for every interest. Highlights include:

A Visit from the Watertown Library’s Bookmobile: Bring the joy of books and reading directly to your neighborhood or school with this exclusive opportunity to host a personalized visit. Gift Cards to Watertown Square Cafés and Restaurants: Including O’some Café and Not Your Average Joe’s.

Weather

Weather Forecast: Mix of Winter and Spring-Like Weather Ahead

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From December 12 to 19, Watertown will experience a mix of winter and spring-like weather. Expect some cold, sunny days with gusty winds that will make it feel chillier than the actual temperature. There will be a brief shift toward milder conditions, with some rain possible, especially toward the weekend. However, winter isn’t done yet — colder temperatures will return, and there’s a chance of snow showers midweek. So, it’ll be a week of fluctuating temperatures, so be ready for both chilly and slightly warmer days, with some wet and possibly slippery conditions to watch out for.

Around Town

Watertown’s Wada Hoppah Shuttle Wins Award for Electric Boat Design

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A drawing of the shuttle boat being designed for Wada Hoppah to take people from Watertown to Boston. (Courtesy of Wada Hoppah)

The boat being designed to be a shuttle from Watertown to Boston along the Charles River won an international award for electric boat design. The Wada Hoppah received the Gussie Award for Electric Commercial Passenger Vessels: In Development. Drew Rollert, the man behind the effort to create a water shuttle, proclaimed the honor on Tuesday. “I’m beyond proud to announce Wada Hoppah was informed today that it has WON the well recognized, international electric boat design award competition called ‘Gussie Awards,'” Rollert said.

Around Town

Affordable Housing Trust Hosting Listening Session, City Will Submit 5-Year Plan

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Watertown’s Affordable Housing Trust will be hosting a listening session to find out the housing needs, and create a strategy to include in the City’s five-year plan. See information in the announcement from the City of Watertown below. Every five years the federal government asks cities/towns that receive its housing money (like Watertown) to submit a 5-year plan with information about housing needs and strategies. If you want to comment on housing needs and strategies, the City (through its Affordable Housing Trust) will be holding a listening session on December 17, 2024, at 6 PM. The Affordable Housing Trust will take comments from the members of the public on Watertown’s housing needs and strategies at its December 17, 2024, meeting (meeting details at the bottom of this message).

Around Town

Watertown Housing Group Hosting HAW-Lidays Cookie Exchange

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Housing for All Watertown will host the second annual HAW-lidays Cookie Exchange. See more information in the announcement below. Housing for All Watertown is hosting its Second Annual HAW-liday Cookie Exchange on Tuesday, December 17 from 4-6pm at the First Parish of Watertown (35 Church St). All are invited – come meet your neighbors, discuss housing, and share your favorite baked goods. Sign up here and bring your family or a friend!