Around Town

City’s Rodent Control Program Using Smart Traps to Eliminate & Track Pests

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With the problem of rodents growing around Watertown, and more expected as a result of a pair of major road projects, the Department of Public Works will deploy more robust rodent control methods. The City will use dozens of smart traps that will both take care of rats and other rodents, and also provide information such as where the “hot spots” are, said Tom Watkins, Director of Administration and Finance for the Watertown DPW. “The Anticimix technology does represent a change in the way we are approaching our efforts in addressing rodent control in the City,” Watkins said. “The Anticimix is a SMART technology that provides us real live data for which we will use to strategically locate the traps as the program moves forward.” The City, in partnership with Modern Pest Services, will deploy 40 of the traps on Arsenal Street and 30 on Mt.

Around Town

A Look Inside the Watertown Home Selling for $2.6 Million

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Real Estate AdvisorsThe home on Robbins Road selling for $2.6 million. Perched near the top of the hill above Watertown High School sits a newly constructed home with a modern look, bright spacious rooms, and views far beyond the City limits. The asking price for the 4,718 sq. ft. single family home: $2.6 million.

Police/Fire

Police Log: Man Faces OUI Charge After Striking 2 Cars, Scuffle at Dog Park & a Dumpster Fire

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The following information was provided by the Watertown Police Department. Arrest

March 9, 9:14 a.m.: Officers spotted a woman they knew was wanted on warrants in the Municipal Parking lot in Watertown Square. Rosemary Taverna, 45, of Watertown, was arrested on four warrants from Waltham District Court: the first for larceny under $1,200; the second for larceny under $1,200 and breaking and entering; the third for breaking and entering; and the fourth for shoplifting by concealment. After she was taken to the Police Station, officers found she had two credit cards that did not belong to her and a AAA card. They belonged to someone who had their pocket book stolen in December.

Government

City’s 5-Year Capital Plan Includes Park Projects, School Improvements, and Demolishing the Old Police Station

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The five-year Capital Improvement Plan includes 43 items, including 19 new items for Fiscal Year 2024. Projects in the pan include the new Watertown High School, the Victory Field track and courts area, the second part of the Arsenal Park renovation, and the demolition of the old Police Station. In addition, the capital plan also includes a field house at Victory Field, an extension of the Community Path, replacement of the spray pad at Filippello Park, lighting improvements at Saltonstall Park, improvements to the baseball field at Casey Park, and improvements to Sullivan Playground. There are also multiple projects at Watertown’s schools, improvement projects at the Library, the newly acquired Parker School office building, and at the John A. Ryan Skating Arena. Purchases of vehicles and equipment for the Fire Department and the Department of Public Works also made the list.

Around Town

Court Renovation & Multi-Sport Rink at Moxley Field Approved

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CDM SmithA drawing of the approved project to resurface the basketball and tennis courts at Moxley Field and add a multi-sport rink with boards. The area of Moxley Field which now has two tennis courts and a basketball court will be renovated, and one of the tennis courts will be replaced by a multi-sport rink. On March 16, the City Council approved the project, which had been in the queue for capital projects since Fiscal Year 2016, said City Manager George Proakis. The $1.38 million project includes the demolition and removal of the current courts, and the creation of the new courts and the rink. The grassy area of Moxley Field will be the temporary home of Watertown High School while the new building is constructed.

Around Town

City Deploying Rodent Control in Areas of Big Road Construction Projects

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The following announcement was provided by the City of Watertown:

The City of Watertown, MA has begun using Anticimex SMART technology, provided through Modern Pest Services, a licensed pest control company. The SMART City concept is an intelligent, non-toxic, always-on solution for pest control, and was developed to provide municipalities and community organizations access to a comprehensive solution to rodent control. The City of Watertown, in partnership with Modern Pest Services, is conducting site evaluations and has deployed SMART equipment in tactical areas of the city to identify, monitor, and control rodent “hot spots” to reduce rodent pressure throughout the city. Modern Pest has begun rolling out strategic deployment of above-ground SMART boxes, which monitor and control rodent activity while providing real-time data for proactive pest control in the community. These Smart Boxes have been initially deployed on Mt.

Police/Fire

Watertown Fire Department Remembers Fallen Firefighter Six Years Later

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Watertown Firefighters honored their fallen colleague, Joe Toscano, who died fighting a fire on March 17, 2017. Friday, the Watertown Fire Department marked the sixth anniversary of losing one of their own in the line of duty. On March 17, 2017, Firefighter Joseph Toscano died during the aftermath of a fire on Merrifield Avenue. On Friday, Watertown Firefighters stood at attention and observed a moment of silence during a brief ceremony at the intersection that now bears Toscano’s name — Merrifield and Bigelow avenues. Joe Toscano

Toscano served as the aid to retired Watertown Fire Chief Bob Quinn during the time Quinn was a deputy chief.

Government

Deadline Approaching to Take Comprehensive Plan Survey

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The City of Watertown released the draft Comprehensive Plan update in late February and held an open house on March 9. Those who did not have a chance to comment on the plan then can still do so by filling out an online survey. The deadline to fill out the survey is Friday, March, 24. The survey also covers the draft Open Space and Recreation Plan. “Your participation will help the City better understand your interests and incorporate your ideas in the plans and their implementation,” the City’s announcement said.