Letters
LETTER: Watertown Resident’s Class Action Suit to “Confront the Erasure of Black Americans”
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Federal Class Action Filed to Confront the Erasure of Black Americans and Their Constitutional Standing
Watertown Schools May Tap City’s Special Ed Fund, Add Athletics Fees to Make up Budget Deficit
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The Watertown Public Schools may ask the City to tap the Special Education Stabilization Fund created several years ago for a rainy day. The 2026-27 School Budget may be stormy, as the district faces a shortfall of $2.5 million as of Monday’s School Committee meeting. Other ways to make up shortfalls may include reinstating athletics and extracurricular fees.
Watertown Property Owners Were Not Overcharged on Property Taxes, Confusion Caused by Change in Software
Watertown City Hall
Watertown residents were not overcharged on the CPA surcharge on their tax bills, City officials said, but bills in fiscal year 2025 looked different from other years, leading to the appearance that they were calculated differently.
New Watertown High School Opening Pushed to September
A rendering of the new Watertown High School from Ai3 Architects.
After originally hoping to open Watertown’s state-of-the-art new high school after spring break, Watertown Superintendent Dede Galdston said that the school will not host classes until the fall of 2026.
Police Log: 2 Cart-Loads of Items Stolen from Home Depot, Man Inadvertently Turns Himself In
The following information was provided by the Watertown Police Department.
More Headlines
Triangle Co Cafe Opens in New Building at 66 Galen Street
Watertown Wrestling Coach Kevin Russo Notches His 500th Win
Watertown Renegotiating Contract for BlueBikes, Looks to Get More Beneficial Deal
Business
Chamber Hosting Webinar on Unlocking Energy Savings for Your Business
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The following information was provided by the Charles River Regional Chamber:
The chamber’s Environmental Committee is hosting a webinar on the Main Streets energy efficiency program, which is now available to businesses, commercial property owners, non-profits, and houses of worship in Watertown and Newton Centre.
Around Town
Council Sees Plans for 2 Parks; Asks About Crosswalks Near Bemis Park, Facilities at How Park
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Drawings for the improvements at Bemis Park.
Two parks on the westside of Watertown will be renovated in the near future, and City Councilors had questions about the features of the park, as well as the pedestrian crossings for one of the parks.
Transportation
State Awards Watertown TMA Grant to Analyze Data, Develop New Mobility Alternatives
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The Watertown Transportation Management Association (TMA) received a grant of $159,469 from the Mass Department of Transportation to analyze data on travel patterns and use findings to inform development of new mobility alternatives, all in an attempt to reduce single occupancy vehicle commuting. See details about the program provided by MassDOT, below.
Schools
Watertown Student Earns Interdisciplinary Studies Award from Emerson College
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The following announcement was provided by Emerson College:
Emerson College student Nel Blinman of Watertown earned a Marlboro Institute for Liberal Arts & Interdisciplinary Studies Award in spring 2025 at the end of the academic year, recognizing students for their achievements during a ceremony.
Around Town
Local Photographer Speaking About “Art & Agriculture: Who Grows Your Food?”
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The following announcement was provided by the Watertown Library:
You may have already seen the stunning new photo triptych on loan in the Watertown Free Public Library (WFPL) stairwell. On Thursday evening, Sept. 18, the Library invites all community members to hear from the artist that created “Agricultural Panel B” — celebrated photographer and Watertown resident Archy LaSalle.
Around Town
Watertown Woman Appearing at Author Event, Walk in Memory of Her Significant Other
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Debra Smith will be speaking about her first book at an event in Harvard Square on Sept. 28.
Watertown’s Debra Smith will be participating in a pair of events in memory of John R. Hope as part of Suicide Prevention month.
Around Town
Removal of Pavement on Mt. Auburn St. Begins This Week
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The process of removing the old asphalt to prepare for the repaving of on Mt. Auburn Street will begin this week. Also, hydrant installation and sidewalk pouring will take place in the East End. See details in the City of Watertown’s announcement, below.