Watertown News (https://www.watertownmanews.com/page/2/)
A rendering of what could be built in and around the Municipal Parking lot in Watertown Square, including a garage and residential building on the parking lot. The image is from the City of Watertown’s virtual open house.
One of the biggest topics of discussion around Watertown, these days, is the parking garage proposed to go on the lot behind CVS in Watertown Square. People ask how big, what will it look like, how much will it cost, who will pay for it? There is a key question that needs to be answered first, City Council President Mark Sideris and City Manager George Proakis said in a recent interview with Watertown News: Should the City build a garage?
Watertown’s Graham Phillips and his father Jonathan in the stands for the June 13 World Cup game after Graham was a flag bearer in the pre-game ceremony. (Contributed Photo)
The eyes of soccer fans around the globe caught a glimpse of a 13-year-old boy from Watertown as he took part in the pre-game ceremony on June 13 before the Scotland-Haiti game in Foxborough.
311 Service Center staff — Constituant Service Director Laura Murray (left) and Constituent Services Representative Stephanie Owens — outside their office City Hall. (Photo by Charlie Breitrose)
Inside a small office in the back corner of City Hall sits the heart of Watertown’s 311 Service Center. The two-woman operation fields calls, texts, emails, and other messages about potholes, people trying to reach a City employee, and occasionally to report something strange they have just witnessed.
Caution tape blocks off an area of sidewalk under construction in Coolidge Square in early June 2026. (Photo by Charlie Breitrose)
Last week, looking out the window of her business, Artemis Yoga owner Liz Padula saw orange cones, yellow caution tape, gravel, and signs saying “no parking” and “sidewalk closed.”
The following announcement was provided by the Watertown Community Foundation:
The Watertown Community Foundation has launched a matching gift campaign to raise $25,000 in community donations and unlock up to $25,000 in matching funds. Through June 26, 2026, all gifts to support the work of the Watertown Community Foundation will be matched dollar for dollar — thanks to WCF’s Board of Directors.
By Tony PalombaCity Councilor At-Large
As an At-Large City Councilor in Watertown Massachusetts I am acutely aware of the housing storage that Massachusetts is facing – both for those who wish to purchase a home and who would like to rent. We also know that the cost of homeownership and renting is continuing to climb. The burden of these two factors makes it difficult to provide low-income and moderate-income residents with affordable housing.
(Updated June 16, 2026 at 2:24 p.m.)
By Linda ScottWatertown Resident
I want to mention three meetings, one that I attended on June 5th that City Council President Mark Sideris conducted. These meetings are a relatively new concept as a result of our last Charter review. Each councilor is required to have one community meeting a year and invite the public. It’s a good idea.
Dear Editor,
Wow! Watertown, you knocked Watertown Helps Out (WHO) out of the park! The Watertown Community Foundation has organized WHO for 12 years and this was the best one yet. Watertown residents, community partners, corporate sponsors, students, and city leaders came together in an extraordinary month of community service.
The Wayside Multi-Service Center is located on North Beacon Street in Watertown. (Courtesy of Wayside)
The following announcement was provided by Wayside Youth & Family Support Network:
Wayside Youth & Family Support Network has been awarded a $75,000 grant from the Cummings Foundation to support the launch of its Seeds of Wellness pilot program within the organization’s Multi-Service Program.
If you are looking for a place to watch the U.S. play Australia in the World Cup on Friday, or either of the other two games that day, the Armenian Cultural and Education Center in Watertown is hosting a watch party.
The process of removing, reconfiguring, and pouring new sidewalks in Coolidge Square continues during the week of June 15, 2026. See more details in the announcement from the City of Watertown, below.
Photo by Charlie BreitroseWatertown City Hall
City Manager George Proakis announced he seeks residents to serve on the Conservation Commission, the Environment & Energy Efficiency Committee, the Historic District Commission, and the Stormwater Committee. See more details in the announcement from the City of Watertown, below.