City Council Meeting 6/8/2026

The City Council meeting of Watertown on June 8, 2026, focused primarily on the ongoing construction project involving the closure of Second Street for a downtown hotel development. The council reviewed a resolution reaffirming the city's authority to issue permits for street closures and set conditions including biweekly construction schedules, maintaining two-lane traffic when possible, advance notification of full street closures to neighboring businesses, and restoration of the street upon project completion. Public testimony highlighted challenges faced by the developer, including soil issues and the commitment to using local contractors, as well as concerns from local businesses about the extended street closure and communication gaps. The council discussed enforcement measures, safety concerns, and the need for improved communication among the city, developers, and affected businesses. A motion to approve the resolution was made and seconded, with council members expressing support for the project while emphasizing collaboration and transparency to minimize disruption during construction.