New Law Averts 18% Residential Tax Hike

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Tax-Relief Law Averts Steep Watertown Property Tax Hike

Gov. Maura Healey signed H.5569 on July 31, permanently allowing Watertown to shift its tax rate between commercial and residential properties and heading off an estimated 18% jump in residential bills. A decades-old provision in state law would have required the city to apply new growth from its commercial tax base to residential homes; a three-year reprieve secured in 2024 was set to end in Fiscal Year 2027. City officials credit Sen. Will Brownsberger, Reps. John Lawn and Steve Owens, Council President Mark Sideris and City Manager George Proakis with pushing the bill through on Beacon Hill.

Watertown News

Photo Exhibit 'My Armenia' Opens at Project Save

On Thursday, Aug. 6, from 2-5:30 p.m., the public can explore post-Soviet Armenia through Winslow Martin's documentary exhibit 'My Armenia (1999-2009)' at Project Save's newly expanded gallery.

Watertown Cultural District

Kymera Therapeutics Reports Q2 Financial Results

Watertown-headquartered biopharmaceutical company Kymera Therapeutics reported Q2 2026 results on Aug. 5, recording $65 million in collaboration revenues and finishing a Phase 2b trial's enrollment six months early.

Kymera Therapeutics, Inc.

Memorial Planned for Café Owner Aram Postaljian

Aram Postaljian, owner of Aram's Coffee Café on Trapelo Road, died July 31, 2026; a Celebration of Life will be held Sept. 19 at Armenian Memorial Church in Watertown.

The Armenian Weekly

Patio Sensory Play for Young Children at Library

Patio Sensory Play runs Aug. 6 from 10-11 a.m. on the Watertown Free Public Library patio for children ages 0-5; no registration required.

Watertown Free Public Library

Baby Time Program at Watertown Free Public Library

Baby Time runs Aug. 6 from 11-11:30 a.m. in the Watertown Savings Bank Room at the library for babies who are not yet walking and their caregivers.

Watertown Free Public Library

Teen Natural Dye Workshop at Library

The Natural Dye Workshop for Teens runs Aug. 6 from 2-4 p.m. at the Watertown Free Public Library, where students in grades 6-12 will dye cotton bandanas with logwood.

Watertown Free Public Library

Puzzle Fun for Kids at Library

Puzzle Fun runs Aug. 6 from 6-7 p.m. in the Children's Program Room at the Watertown Free Public Library for children ages 5-11; no registration required.

Watertown Free Public Library

Watertown 400 Planning Group Meets at Library

The City of Watertown 400 group meets Aug. 6 from 6-7:30 p.m. in the Lucia Mastrangelo Room at the library to plan the city's 2030 anniversary celebration.

Watertown Free Public Library

Taxes in Retirement Seminar at Library

A free Taxes in Retirement seminar runs Aug. 6 from 6-7 p.m. in the Watertown Savings Bank Room at the Watertown Free Public Library.

Watertown Free Public Library

Chris Bohjalian to Launch Novel at Armenian Museum

Bestselling author Chris Bohjalian will launch his new novel, 'The Amateur,' in conversation with Nancy Kricorian at the Armenian Museum of America on Tuesday, Aug. 11, at 7 p.m.

Watertown News