Daily brief · Watertown, MA
285 units proposed for historic 9 Galen St.
August 5, 2026
Top story
RMR Group proposes 285-unit project at historic 9 Galen St.
RMR Group of Newton has submitted pre-application documents to the city's Department of Community Development and Planning to convert the office building at 9 Galen St. into a six-story mixed-use building with 285 residential units and 6,000 square feet of ground-floor retail. The original portion of the brick complex, which faces the Delta next to the MBTA bus turnaround in Watertown Square, was built in 1904 as part of the Lewando's French Dyeing and Cleansing Works. The plan would replace about 44,600 square feet of surface parking with residential amenities and landscaping and add a publicly accessible "River Passage" between Pleasant Street and the Charles River Greenway.
Watertown News
City lands MassCEC grant to expand heat pumps for renters
Watertown received funding from the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center's EmPower Massachusetts program, part of $2.9 million announced July 30, to help renters and lower-income households access energy-efficient heat pumps through coaching and financial support.
Watertown News
School Committee names interim Director of Student Services
The School Committee approved an interim Director of Student Services to oversee special education and formed a subcommittee to review the program after weeks of parent concerns.
Watertown News
Farmers' Market returns to Saltonstall Park today
The Watertown Farmers' Market runs today from 2:30-6:30 p.m. at Saltonstall Park, continuing its weekly season through Oct. 21 with local farms, artisan vendors, food, and live music.
Live Well Watertown
School Committee funds second middle school bus
The School Committee finalized $67,500 for a second middle school bus in 2026-27, funded by transportation funds and rider fees to meet rising demand.
Watertown News
Three city councilors switch State Senate endorsement to Lander
Councilors John Gannon, Theo Offei, and Tony Palomba rescinded their endorsements of incumbent Will Brownsberger and are now backing challenger Daniel Lander for the Suffolk and Middlesex State Senate seat.
Watertown News
Summer Concert Series returns to Saltonstall Park tonight
The free weekly concert series returns tonight at 6:30 p.m. after last week's rain cancellation, featuring the Rico Barr Band and JJR Horns playing 1970s-80s hits and tributes to Billy Joel and Frank Sinatra.
City of Watertown
Library offers drop-in tech help this morning
The Watertown Free Public Library offers Tech Tutoring today from 11 a.m. to noon in the Local History Room, with 15-minute help sessions and no registration required.
Watertown Free Public Library
Wednesday Book Group meets tonight at library
The library's Wednesday Book Group meets tonight from 7-8 p.m. in the Lucia Mastrangelo Room to discuss Ariel Lawhon's 'The Frozen River.'
Watertown Free Public Library
Pequossette summer camp holds Camp Cup today
Watertown Recreation's Pequossette Summer Program hosts Camp Cup today at Lowell Elementary School as part of Week 7 of the camp season.
City of Watertown
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