Elections

LETTER: Meet Council-At-Large Candidate Theo Offei

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Theo Offei

I feel lucky to live in Watertown. Five years ago, my wife and I moved our family here, to her childhood home, looking for connection, community, and a place to put down roots. We found all of that in abundance. From the start, I felt welcomed into this diverse, close-knit, and deeply engaged city. I’m running for Councilor At-Large to build on Watertown’s positive trajectory and add a fresh, underrepresented perspective to its leadership.

Schools

Full Middle School Renovation is Off the Table, City Could Turn Focus to a New Senior Center

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Watertown Middle School (Courtesy of Watertown Public Schools)

Watertown cannot afford to totally renovate or rebuild Watertown Middle School, City Manager George Proakis told the City Council this week. At the Sept. 9 Council meeting, Proakis outlined the results of the feasibility study of renovating/rebuilding the middle school. The City budgeted $84.7 million for the middle school project, but the cost estimates for a project that would create a modern school that could accommodate 630 students came in well over $100 million. “I wanted to come here and share with you tonight that after spending a significant time and looking at this from every imaginable perspective, building a $112 million Middle School is not something I feel comfortable recommending that the Council do,” Proakis said.

Elections

Chamber Hosting Virtual Debate for District C City Council Candidates

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Candidates for the City Council District C seat will appear in a debate hosted by the Charles River Regional Chamber on Monday, September 22, 2025 from 1:30-2:30 p.m. via Zoom. The Chamber provided the following information:

Join us for the virtual debate between the candidates, Vincent Piccirilli and Andres Guzman, competing in Watertown’s November 4th citywide election for the open District C seat. Our focus will be on issues related to economic development, housing, workforce, supporting our nonprofits, and the environment, but more general topics may be discussed as well. Questions from the business community in advance are welcome. This event will be recorded and shared later.

Government

Revitalization of Watertown Square on City Council’s Agenda

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The future of Watertown Square will be discussed at the City Council’s meeting on Sept. 2. (Photo by Charlie Breitrose)

The City Council will hold a special meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 2, 2025, where the revitalization of Watertown Square will be discussed. The meeting description on the agenda says:

Informational presentation by our Watertown Square Revitalization Plan Consultants, Innes Land Strategies, to outline the role of a redevelopment authority and to lay the groundwork for the work they will undertake over the next year.

Around Town

New Policy for Lights at City Fields and Courts Approved by City Council

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A new policy was approved for lights at Watertown’s Recreation facilities, including Saltonstall Park, home to the Papas Elite Summer Basketball League. (Photo by Natalie Nigito Photography)

A new policy for controlling lights at Recreation Department-run fields and courts was approved by the City Council on Aug. 12, despite some confusion coming out of the Committee meeting on the issue. The purpose of the policy, said Councilor Tony Palmoba (chair of the Committee on Parks and Recreation) is to have effective lighting while balancing community needs, public access and energy conservation. Generally, lights will turn on at fields and courts at sunset and turn off at designated closing times.

Government

Council President to Republic: Trash Strike “Needs to Come to an End”

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Overflowing trash and recycling bins on Main Street during the trash strike. (Photo by Dean Martino)

City Council President Mark Sideris read a letter to the City Council Thursday night in which he calls on Republic Services to end of the trash strike, which began on July 1. The City Council voted to approve sending the letter. Sideris’ letter follows two letter sent by City Manager George Proakis and other municipal leaders to Republic. The last one was sent on July 10.

Around Town

2025 Watertown Election Includes Races for City Council, School Committee & Library Trustees

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Candidates pulled papers to challenge for seats on the Watertown City Council, School Committee, and Board of Library Trustees in the 2025 Watertown City Election. At least one incumbent on each of the boards will not be running, and there will be new faces on all three. The City Election will take place on Tuesday, Nov. 4, and there will be no preliminary election. Councilor-At-Large John Airasian, will not be seeking reelection.

Government

City Council to Vote on Water & Sewer Rates, Increase Expected

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Tuesday night, the City Council will vote on the water and sewer rates for residents and commercial customers in town. An increase is proposed, but not as much as previously estimated. The City Council will meet at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, July 8 in City Hall. Remote participation on Zoom will also be available. See details on the agenda here.