Councilor Nicole Gardner, Watertown District A

06/18/2026

Important update

Please be aware that there may be downed trees, and downed wires in multiple locations across Watertown in the aftermath of the strong winds.

We are asking for everyone to please stay away from any downed wires, as well as any cones that have been placed by our Public Safety and Public Works teams. If a tree is leaning into any wires, please do not touch that tree.

In the case of an emergency, please dial 911. We appreciate everyone’s cooperation as we work to clean up these impacts.

[Image description: words "Strong winds causing downed branches in Watertown", City Seal, photo of rain coming down on a street]

06/18/2026

Heads up! And please share!

There is an exciting opportunity for income-eligible households to participate in a lottery for deed-restricted “affordable” rental units at The Maximillian, the new development at 104-108 Main Street, across from the Watertown Free Public Library. There is an information session on June 24, 2026, and application deadline August 8, 2026.

See more information at: metrowestcd.org/rental/lottery-studios-1-2-3-br-units-in-at-the-maximillian-watertown-ma

[Image description: words "Lottery! Studios, 1-, 2-, & 3-BR Units at The Maximilian at Watertown, a drawing of the building]

06/15/2026

Affordable Housing. Incentives for it! We need them! The city is diving into the results of a study by Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC) on Watertowns options for incentives to increase production, whether thru for profit or not for profit developers. Come to the City Chamber not to hear more, or read the study. It’s on the city website or contact me and I can get it to you. This will come before the Council and we want to hear your input first.

06/13/2026

Let’s create shade for our neighborhoods. Just 1. Request a street tree (call 311). 2. Water it!!! VIP with this drought! 3. Enjoy it growing year to year. 4. Feel happy about the gift you are giving to future people! Then repeat!

06/12/2026

Fix-It Clinic, Middle School next step, and pickleball is coming!
Get the details on this and more in my latest newsletter:
https://mailchi.mp/nicoleforwatertown/watertown_district_a_update_3_22_22-10150509?fbclid=IwY2xjawSY4x5leHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEehuW417uwaoY0fAg1xWZPMij5H0Xol6JCSVD1kcsVs0Ms9hB22AJNHYNO16c_aem_j-mzbWzJRbLr4tvEfUUX5g

06/08/2026

Beat the heat in this lovely lobby in the LINX building on Nichols Ave across from the ACEC and also accessible from the Greenway and Arsenal Way. Cool and welcoming with a little cafe, shared and small tables for working, shared and private seating areas, and some outdoor space too. A lovely “third space” for the neighborhood!

06/06/2026

The Pride parade has landed at Saltonstall Park and our annual celebration is in full swing. Come on down and bring your joy!
🌈

06/04/2026

My mom always said a little dirt never hurt anyone. So come support our wonderful businesses! They’re and want to serve you!

06/03/2026

I see this everywhere in the east end. It is so invasive and kills other plants and does t support pollinators. Let’s try to eradicate it!

It’s Black Swallow Wort Season!

Have you noticed this plant in your yard? Black Swallow Wort (BSW) is an invasive species in Massachusetts, and removing it is a huge help in preserving our healthy, native ecosystems!

How you dispose of it depends on the flowers:

If the flowers haven't opened yet: Pull them now! Because BSW is a fast-growing vine that chokes out native plant species.
OR
If the flowers are already opened: the flowers will produce seed pods, and when the pods open, the seeds will spread! Pull the plants, place them in a sealed black plastic trash bag, and leave the bag in a sunny spot for at least 10 days to dry out ("desiccate"). Once dried, dispose of the bag in your regular trash.

Have questions? Reach out to [email protected]

You can also check out the City's website to learn more about Knotweed and other invasive species in Watertown: www.watertown-ma.gov/1156/Invasive-Plants

Here is a video that has a lot of information: https://wildcohasset.org/black-swallow-wort-id

[Image description: words "Black Swallow-Wort. Be aware of Black Swallow-Wort, a common invasive plant species around Watertown, and why we are asking residents to remove it from their yard." and photos of the plant]

06/03/2026

So proud of our library.

Here's a small thing that has made a big impact: WFPL introduced the "Health and Hygiene Station" on our second floor one year ago. It's a cart full of free toiletries and necessary hygiene items that anyone can take.

At first, we struggled to keep these drawers filled! Luckily, the Library Trustees and the City of Watertown, MA - Government Health Department stepped up to help us provide supplies for the community. Some Watertown residents joined in and donated supplies, too. This community effort made a big difference.

Numbers tell their own story. In one year, we distributed 353 soap bars, 226 tubes of toothpaste, 120 containers of bug spray, 130 combs, 28 tampons, 84 pads, and 74 hand warmers from this cart. And that's only about 1/2 of the list.

If you need basic health and hygiene supplies, or simply forgot what you need at home — we've got you at 123 Main Street. Supplies are located behind the Reference Desk on the Library's second floor.

WFPL gratefully accepts small donations of new, unopened health and hygiene items. (We don't have space to store a massive stock!) Please contact the WFPL Adult Service Department before you donate: watertownlib.org/staff