Government

Get a Look at the Inner Workings of City Government at the New Watertown Civics Academy

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Watertown residents can get an in depth look into how the City’s government works, and even get a chance to see how they would deal with some real-world situations during a new program offered by the City. The City of Watertown recently announced the first Watertown Civics Academy, and residents can apply now through March 21. “Civics Academy is a 6-week program, meeting on Thursday evenings at 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. from May 8 to June 12, 2025. Each session will cover a different theme and topic within Watertown’s government, from the City Council, to our Public Works Department, to the way the City approaches Climate resiliency, and much more – all directly from the Watertown City Staff!,” the City’s announcement said. The idea for the Civics Academy came from Watertown City Manager George Proakis, according to Tyler Cote, the City’s Community Engagement Specialist, who is helping to plan the sessions.

Government

City Will Purchase the Sterritt Lumber Site in the West End

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Watertown City Hall

The downturn in the life science lab market opened an opportunity for the City of Watertown to purchase a site in West Watertown where a lab building had been permitted but never constructed. Tuesday night, the City Council voted to allow City Manager George Proakis to sign an agreement with the owners of the 2-acre site at 148 Waltham St. for $9.2 million, and approved an initial payment of $500,000. When the Sterritt Lumber site was sold neighbors strongly opposed proposed new uses for the property, which included an apartment building and later a lab, which was approved by the Zoning Board of Appeals and permitted, but construction never started. City Council President Mark Sideris said that led to an opportunity for the City.

Around Town

See Info About New Years Hours for City Departments Trash Delays

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The New Year holiday will impact hours at City facilities, including City Hall, the Library, and the Senior Center. Also, some residents will have trash and recycling pickup delays. See more in the announcement from the City of Watertown, below. Watertown City Hall, Parker Annex, and Senior Center will be closing at noon on Tuesday, December 31, 2024, and will be closed on New Year’s Day, January 1, 2024. The Department of Public Works Office will be closing at 11 AM on Tuesday, December 31, 2024, and will be closed on New Year’s Day.

Around Town

Historic Paintings Return to Watertown’s City Hall After Undergoing Restoration

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The crew from Maquette Fine Arts Services raise the historic painting of Watertown looked in 1630 after it had been restored. (Photo by Charlie Breitrose)

Two historic paintings returned to the lobby of City Hall looking better than they have for generations after undergoing a makeover to remove dirt and grime as well as repairing damages. The paintings show how Watertown looked in 1630, when the Town was founded, and 1930, two years before Town Hall opened. After nearly two years away, the paintings were reinstalled on Nov. 13 after a thorough cleaning and restoration project spearheaded by the Historic Society of Watertown, and paid for with Community Preservation Act funds.

Around Town

Kids Can Trick-or-Treat at Watertown City Hall

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Children are invited to head down to City Hall and do some trick-or-treating. See the announcement from the City of Watertown, below. Watertown children are invited to come Trick-or-Treat at City Hall, located at 149 Main Street, on Tuesday October 29, 2024, from 4:30-6:30 p.m. This is a free event. Come see how different staff members have decorated on their office doors and collect candy the departments will be handing out. You might also see some staff in costumes. 

Government

Multiple Planning & Zoning Offices Moving Out of City Hall

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The City of Watertown announced that multiple parts of the Planning and Zoning Department will be moving out of City Hall. See more information below. Please be aware that Watertown Planning & Zoning Division, Zoning & Code Enforcement Team, Historical Commission and Historic District Commission offices (the remainder of Community Development & Planning offices (DCDP) will still be in City Hall) are moving on Thursday, August 28, 2024 to Suite 2A of the Parker Annex located at 124 Watertown Street, Watertown, MA 02472. They will still have the same phone numbers, the same contact information, and the same webpages. The staff will not be available for in-office face-to-face interactions on Thursday, August 28, 2024 due to the move.

Government

Hours of Watertown City Hall, Senior Center & More Changing After Council Vote

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Hours will be changing for Watertown City departments in City Hall, the Parker Annex, along with the Senior Center, after a City Council vote on Tuesday. These facilities will be open later on Tuesdays and close earlier on Fridays throughout the year. City Manager George Proakis said at a previous meeting that the change in hours would help the city recruit employees, and that many surrounding communities have early closings on Fridays. One area of concern was resident’s ability to pay bills at the Treasurer’s office on Fridays. “There have been discussions about how it affects particular employees, and how it impacts the public as a whole,” Proakis said.

Government

City Offices, DPW, Senior Center Closing Early on Good Friday

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The City of Watertown announced that some municipal facilities will close early on Good Friday. The City release said:

Please be aware that the Department of Public Works office is open at 7:00 AM and closes at noon, and City Hall and Senior Center are open at 8:30 AM and are closed at 1 PM, in observance of Good Friday on Friday, March 29, 2024.