Around Town

Hundreds Turn Up for Kick Off of Watertown Square Redesign, Designers Want to Make Area More Walkable

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Urban designer Jeff Speck spoke about making Watertown more walkable in during the Watertown Square Plan kickoff meeting. (Photo by Charlie Breitrose)

Hundreds of people packed a room to find out about plans for the future of Watertown Square. They saw a lot of transformations of downtowns around the United States and in other countries, but both City officials and members of the planning team gave a message that it is up to you, the public, to decide what Watertown’s center looks and feels like. Many have been looking forward to the chance to improve how the Watertown Square intersection operates traffic-wise, and make it a destination for shoppers, diners and others, said City Council President Mark Sideris. “This is an important time for us.

Entertainment

UPDATED: Watertown’s New Rep Theatre Announces it Will be Closing Down

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After 40 years and more than 300 productions, New Repertory Theatre announced that it will be closing its doors. The company has been located for many years at the Mosesian Center for the Arts, and it expanded beyond the walls of the theater at the Arsenal Center for the Arts to put on a pair of moving plays during the Pandemic, Listen to Sipu and the Charles W. Lenox Experience. The company Pandemic also brought financial woes for New Rep, and it suspended operations for nine months beginning in July 2021. In 2023, the company’s season included three plays, including Tony winners. However, those will be the final productions for New Rep.

On Oct.

Police/Fire

Former Watertown Lieutenant Sworn in as Stoneham Police Chief

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Former Watertown Police Lt. James O’Connor is pinned as Stoneham Police Chief by his father, James. (Courtesy of Stoneham Police Department)

A former member of the Watertown Police Department has become the Police Chief of the Stoneham Police Department. Watertown-native, and longtime WPD officer James “Jamie” O’Connor was sworn in as the Stoneham Police Chief on Oct. 10. He was a lieutenant when he left Watertown.

Sports

Watertown Field Hockey Setting Records & Making Headlines

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The Watertown field hockey team set a new national record for consecutive shutouts. (Courtesy of Watertown Field Hockey)

Add another one to the record book for the Watertown High School field hockey team. On Thursday night, the Raiders defeated Melrose 7-0, securing the 33rd straight shutout. That sets the national record for most games without allowing a goal. “Congratulations to our team breaking the High School National Field Hockey record by going 33 games without allowing a goal.

Government

Watertown City Budget Looks Strong in Current Fiscal Year, Next Year Could be Tighter

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Watertown City Manager George Proakis gave his second Preliminary Budget Overview on Tuesday. City officials got some unexpected good news from taxes generated by new development in the current fiscal year, but City Manager George Proakis said he remains cautious about the good financial times continuing. Tuesday night, Proakis updated the City Council about the current year’s budget, Fiscal Year 2024, and presented the Fiscal 2025 Preliminary Budget Overview. The revenues in FY24 came in $5.3 million above the projection when the budget was made last spring. However, the current bottom line for next year’s Watertown budget (FY25) is a $2.4 million shortfall.

Around Town

Boston Bruins Foundation Sponsoring New Outdoor Rink/Court at Moxley Field, Jerry York to Speak at Opening

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The new multi-sport rink and court at Moxley Field will be sponsored by the biggest name in hockey the Boston area, and one of Watertown’s hockey royalty will be part of the dedication later in October. The Watertown Recreation Department sent out the following announcement:

Residents and Friends of Watertown,

On behalf of the City of Watertown, the Watertown Department of Recreation, and the Boston Bruins Foundation, it is my privilege to formally invite you to our Court Dedication Ceremony at PFC Richard Moxley Field. This event will take place on Wednesday, October 25 at 4 p.m. at 31 Westminster Ave in Watertown. I am honored that we can salute Vietnam War Marine PFC Richard Moxley, for whom the field is named after, while creating a fun filled event to not only dedicate, but officially open our newest recreational facility. This facility includes a multi-purpose rink, basketball court, tennis / pickleball court, and LED lighting.