Around Town

Watertown Library Will Host Eclipse Viewing Party & Free “Space Week” Events

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The Watertown Library announced a series of events leading up to the April 8th solar eclipse. The following information was provided by the Library:

April 1–8 is Space Week at the Watertown Free Public Library! Are you ready for the solar eclipse? Yes or no, you are invited to discover fun and educational library events, for all ages, in the first week of April. After learning all about space, join WFPL staff as we safely watch the Solar Eclipse on Monday, April 8th in Saltonstall Park! 

Need eclipse glasses?

Around Town

Registration Open for Middlesex Sheriff’s Youth Public Safety Academy

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Photo by Charlie BreitroseA cadet in the Middlesex Youth Public Safety Academy uses the fire hose as at Saltonstall Park. The following announcement was provided by the Middlesex Sheriff’s Office:

Middlesex Sheriff Peter J. Koutoujian is pleased to announce registration for the 2024 Youth Public Safety Academy (YPSA) is now open. Now in its 24th year, YPSA is an educational and affordable summer program that is open to all children living in Middlesex County ages 8-12. Older children have the opportunity to become a Counselor-in-Training.  The program is comprised of five, one-week camps and is held at the Middlesex Sheriff’s Office Training Academy in Chelmsford. Registration for each week is $100 per child and includes transportation to and from designated bus stops; daily breakfast and lunch; and a graduation ceremony held each Friday. 

“YPSA is a proud tradition here at the Middlesex Sheriff’s Office,” said Sheriff Koutoujian.

Around Town

OP-ED: Democracy Dismantled, One Poll and Survey at a Time

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A continuation of “When Bad Ideas Happen to Good Neighbors”

By Linda ScottWatertown Resident

A news article just came out on March 17, 2024 in a real estate publication, Banker and Tradesman. Watertown is famous! Here’s why:

“In Watertown Square, consultants recommend zoning areas around the square for building heights ranging from three to five stories, with the tallest heights near the five corners intersection. The proposal could generate over 6,320 housing units at full buildout, compared with the 1,701 required by the state’s formula for Watertown.”

And here’s HAW’s official response in that article:

“You don’t hire those consultants if you just want to do paper compliance,” said Sam Ghilardi, a steering committee member of the Housing For All Watertown resident group that supports additional multifamily development. “We are thrilled with what has been proposed so far.”

Around Town

Developer of Galen Street Life Science Building Hopeful of Filling Space as Industry Improves

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Elkus Manfredi ArchitectsAn illustration of the view of the life sciences building at 66 Galen St. from Water Street

One of Watertown’s newest life science buildings remains unoccupied, but the developer of the building south of the Charles River believes the trends are looking better in the industry and hopes to have tenants in the near future. Members of the public got a look inside of 66 Galen Street in late February during an event hosted by the Charles River Regional Chamber, and there will be another chance (a free one) to visit the building in early April. Jodie Zussman, President and CEO of Boston Development Group, said the company saw the rising prospects of Watertown as a life science hub. The project was a long effort but she is pleased with the final result.

“It’s exactly what we envisioned.

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40th Annual Run of the Charles Coming in April, Register to Participate or Volunteer

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The Charles River Watershed Association announced that the Run of the Charles, Boston’s Premier Paddling Event, will be held Saturday, April 27, 2024. The CRWA provided the following information. Race Information

The Run of the Charles: Boston’s Premier Paddling Race is the biggest paddling race in New England, celebrating its 40th race anniversary and the Charles River Watershed Association’s 50+ years of improvements to the health, beauty and enjoyment of the Charles River and its tributaries. Over 500 paddlers throughout the U.S., ages 12 and up, compete in the 3-, 6-, 9-mile and 14-Mile Relay Race. Races start in Newton and Brighton and finish at DCR’s Artesani Park on Soldiers Field Road in Brighton. The Finish Line Festival will offer a range of entertainment for spectators and participants of all ages, free of charge.

Around Town

OP-ED: When Bad Ideas Happen to Good Neighbors – The False Promise of Trickle-Down Rent Reduction

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By Linda ScottWatertown Resident

STOP! If you think that those living in Watertown who are low or middle class are just a drag on our community, this is not the letter for you. But if you are committed to a diverse and thriving Watertown community, complete with small businesses and diversity of age, income, race, religion, language, etc., please read on. First, I’d like to take us to California, where this madness seems to have begun in this country, with a serious housing crunch. Then came the “solution,” building as many “market rate” (aka very expensive) apartments as possible.