City Meetings
Gore Place Solar Project Draws Mixed Reaction From Residents
WATERTOWN – A proposed solar and farming project at Gore Place is sparking debate in Watertown. The plan would bring solar panels and sheep grazing to a portion of the historic property—but while some see it as a step toward sustainability and long-term revenue, others are raising concerns about visual impact and neighborhood character. At…
Read MoreNew Forest Park Plan Proposed for Watertown’s Walker Pond
WATERTOWN – Watertown officials unveiled a refined “Forest Park” concept for Walker Pond during the project’s third community meeting on February 5. The design features expanded woodland, a boardwalk along the pond, pollinator gardens, a flexible lawn, nature play areas, and potential reuse of the existing pavilion structure. Residents weighed in on gathering spaces, parking,…
Read MoreWatertown Shortens Winter Parking Ban to Two Months; Snow-Emergency Fines Jump to $100
WATERTOWN – The Watertown City Council has approved a temporary change to the city’s longstanding winter parking rules, shortening the overnight ban to just two months for the 2026 season. Effective Jan. 1 through March 1, the updated policy aims to provide relief during December’s heavy travel and school vacation weeks, while maintaining safety during…
Read MoreWatertown High School First in Nation to Pilot Phone-Blocking App
WATERTOWN –When students return to Watertown High School this fall, they’ll encounter a new classroom routine unlike any other in the country. Instead of slipping their phones into a pouch or ignoring the teacher’s request to put them away, they’ll be asked to “tap in” at the classroom door. That single tap activates Doorman, a…
Read MoreResidents Prioritize Nature and Access in First Walker Pond Workshop
WATERTOWN –Watertown opened public discussions on the future of Walker Pond on August 14, 2025, drawing several dozen residents to review baseline studies and share early priorities. The city’s consultant team presented environmental and site findings, noting that Walker Pond’s watershed spans roughly 87 acres—about 54 acres in Waltham and 33 in Watertown—and that runoff…
Read MoreWatertown Feedback Shapes MAPC’s I-90 Corridor Blueprint
WATERTOWN – On July 31, the Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC) held a public feedback session at CIty Hall in Watertown as part of its I-90 Corridor Development and Resiliency Plan. Covering five corridor communities, the study uses GIS analysis to identify sites for development and preservation with climate impacts in mind. The draft map…
Read MoreOrdinance Establishing Watertown’s First Human RIghts Commission Heads to Council for Approval
WATERTOWN – The Watertown City Council’s subcommittee on Rules & Ordinances voted during its June 5th meeting to send the final draft of a Human Rights Commission ordinance to the CIty Council for approval. The establishment of a Human Rights Commission was one of over two-dozen additions to the city’s Home Rule Charter in 2021.…
Read MoreCouncilors Vote Down Proposed Zoning Amendment Affecting East End Church Site
WATERTOWN – The Watertown City Council voted down a developer’s proposed zoning amendment to apply the Religious & School Overlay District (RSOD) at 126-134 Templeton Parkway in Watertown. The site is home of the former Belmont Baptist Church. The RSOD allows developers to purchase and apply new uses to historic properties. However, most councilors believe…
Read MoreCity Council Supports Current Watertown DPW Employee for New Auditor
WATERTOWN – The Watertown City Council voted 8-1 during a special meeting on May 2nd to enter into negotiations with Megan Langan for the position of Watertown’s new City Auditor. Ms. Langan is a Watertown resident who has worked for the city’s Department of Public Works since October of 2021. Ms. Langan’s past experience include…
Read MoreWatertown Planning Officials Will Consider Citizen Petition Calling for Smaller Buildings
WATERTOWN – A citizen petition signed by over 200 residents was submitted to the City Council this week. The petition calls for a zoning amendment that would reduce the allowable size of buildings in the Central Business District, which is located around Watertown Square. By law, the City Council must refer the petition to the…
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