Watertown News (https://www.watertownmanews.com/page/7/)
Members of the Watertown Police Department discussed different technology used by the WPD, including a proposal to use the Flock Safety cameras. (Photo by Charlie Breitrose)
A room full of residents expressed their concerns about the Watertown Police Department’s proposed use of Flock Safety cameras in town, with the biggest issues about how the images collected by the license plate capturing system would be used outside Watertown and who would have access. As the debate over whether cameras should be used in the City, legislation at the state level could help reduce concerns.
The following information was provided by the Watertown Police Department.
Massachusetts Poet Laureate Regie Gibson recited several of his poems at the 2026 Unity Breakfast. (Photo by Charlie Breitrose)
Massachusetts’ Poet Laureate inspired the crowd at the 26th annual Unity Breakfast. During the event on Monday, awards were presented to a group monitoring immigration enforcement and supporting immigrants rights in Watertown, and a man who has been a big part of keeping the Unity Breakfast going through the Pandemic.
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.
As the nation marks the 250th anniversary of the Constitution, we should confront a structuralquestion that receives far too little attention: What happens if a President refuses to comply witha ruling of the Supreme Court?
Power Play Senior Hockey action returned to the John A. Ryan Arena on the first Saturday night after the New Year, pitting the hometown Boston Gold Kings (BGK) versus the Holyoke Papermen. The Gold Kings started the night in second place, and by the end of the night they were still there thanks to an offense that clicked early and often, and a sterling performance from goaltender Mike Cowell. Final score of this one was BGK 7 and Holyoke 2.
City Council President Mark Sideris gave his inaugural address on Jan. 2, 2026. (Photo by Charlie Breitrose)
Watertown’s elected officials face some key decisions that will impact the future of the City, including the future of Watertown Square and whether to build a new Middle School, said City Council President Mark Sideris, who also talked about the keys to successful governing of the City.
The results of the latest Youth Risk Behavior Survey will be discussed at a community forum hosted by the Watertown Youth Coalition and the Watertown Public Schools.
Passim awarded Watertown artist Zachariah Hickman a grant which will enable him to fund his new recording project. See more information about the Iguana Music Grants from Passim, below.
Dear Mr. Proakis/George:
Happy New Year for you and yours. All the best for 2026.
On January 2, 2026, I received and reviewed my 3rd Qt. Fiscal Year 2026 Real Estate Tax Bill. I took the time to compare CPA Taxes for Fiscal Years 2025 and 2026.
Watertown residents can put their Christmas trees out for pickup through Jan. 19. See more details in the announcement from the City of Watertown, below.
Three condos and a two-family house were sold this week.