Around Town

City Will Not Impose Fines for Not Clearing Snow in 2024-25 Season

By |

Watertown residents will have another year to get used to the new snow and ice removal requirements. City Manager George Proakis recommended only issuing warnings for properties not clearing snow and ice from the sidewalk within 24 hours of the end of a snow storm. This will allow the City to inform residents with the education program about how the fines will work. The City Council approved the new Snow Ordinance in January 2024. “Unfortunately, or maybe fortunately, we were unable to realize the benefits of the program.

Schools

Naming of New WHS Gym & Auditorium Put on Hold, List of Nominations Released

By |

Ai3 ArchitectsA rendering of the designs for the new Watertown High School viewed from Columbia Street. The School Committee voted to take more time to make the decision about after whom the gymnasium and auditorium at the new Watertown High School should be named, and will come up with criteria to judge the nominations submitted by the public. The original timeline called for having nominations in by Oct. 7 and the final vote on Oct. 21.

Government

City Can Enforce Unpaid Fees and Fines by Imposing Liens on Properties

By |

Watertown City Hall

The City of Watertown will now be able to attach liens to properties for unpaid fees, fines, and tickets after a recent City Council vote. Previously, the City had to go to District Court to enforces fines and other payments, but the City wanted a more reliable way to enforce fines, fees, and other payments, City Manager George Proakis said at the Sept. 22 City Council meeting. The lien would appear on the property tax bills. “We had a conversation with (legal) counsel about best strategy to go about when we impose a fine to someone for a violation of the State sanitary code, or building regulations or noise regulations.

Entertainment

Library’s 4th Annual Watertown Zine Fest Spotlights DIY Creators

By |

The following announcement was provided by the Watertown Free Public Library:

On Saturday, October 19, the Watertown Free Public Library (WFPL) will be a hive of activity during the Fourth Watertown Zine Fest, a day-long celebration of zine-making and do-it-yourself creativity. All are welcome, even if you don’t know what a zine is! For the uninitiated, here’s a quick primer: Zines are small, self-published works featuring original or repurposed content, often replicated by photocopier and/or shared online. Their subjects are as varied and diverse as their creators, covering everything from art and music to politics and personal stories. Because they cover so much ground, zines are hard to define!

Business

2 Life Science Companies Sign Leases at Galen Street Building

By |

Elkus Manfredi ArchitectsA view from Water Street of the life sciences building at 66 Galen St. A prominent life science building on Galen Street Watertown has signed two tenants, developers announced on Friday. LifeMine Therapeutics will lease the fourth floor of 66 Galen, a 225,000 sq. ft. life science lab building on the Southside of Watertown.

Around Town

Anoush’ella: A Sweet Taste of Armenia in the Heart of Watertown

By |

Manakeesh, a flatbread with za’atar and cheese on top, served at Anoush’ella Cafe in Watertown. (Photo by Maya Shwayder)

Tucked inside the Armenian Cultural and Educational Center (ACEC) in Watertown, the café Anoush’ella — a name that translates to “may it be sweet” in Armenian — has quickly become a beloved weekly fixture, serving more than just food. Run by Nina Festekjian and her husband Rafi, alongside community center manager Vatche Seraderian, this gem of a spot blends culinary delights with cultural pride, providing a space for the Armenian community to gather, share stories, and reconnect with their heritage through shared space and food. Though the café only opens its doors just once a week on Thursday, it’s already establishing itself as a key part of the community’s rhythm. The story of Anoush’ella started as a personal passion project for Nina and Rafi.

Around Town

Mt. Auburn St. Project: Drainage Installation Work Starting This Week

By |

Drainage installation begins this week as part of the reconstruction of Mt. Auburn Street. (Courtesy of City of Watertown)

The following announcement was provided by the City of Watertown:

Newport Construction has begun preparing for drainage installation on Mount Auburn Street, with work set to begin on October 2, 2024. The project will start at the Cambridge line near 805 and 821 Mount Auburn St. and progress towards the intersection of Mount Auburn Street and Arlington Street.