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…

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New 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,…

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Watertown High School First in Nation to Pilot Phone-Blocking App

Phone tapping device at Watertown High School.

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…

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Residents Prioritize Nature and Access in First Walker Pond Workshop

People birdwatching near a wooded lake.

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…

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Watertown Feedback Shapes MAPC’s I-90 Corridor Blueprint

Presentation with sign language interpreter and screen.

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…

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Councilors Vote Down Proposed Zoning Amendment Affecting East End Church Site

Historic brick church with white columns exterior.

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…

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City Council Supports Current Watertown DPW Employee for New Auditor

Woman speaking at a microphone, wooden chairs.

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…

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