City of Watertown Planning and Community Development

If you've seen large flocks of crows around, please be sure to report them to assist in our crow hazing efforts.

Happy Holidays! Last night, City Council members and staff lit the Christmas tree in Public Square to officially kick off the holiday season in the City. Due to COVID restrictions, we couldn't hold our annual Tree Lighting Ceremony and invite the public. Many thanks to Channel 7 news for broadcasting the lighting live during the 6:00pm news so we could share the excitement with everyone virtually.... We hope to see everyone at "Deck the Parkway" on Friday evening. The reverse style parade will be setup along Black River Parkway and the public is invited to drive by, entering on Coffeen Street anytime between 6:00p-7:00p that evening. Check out the video from last night's tree lighting here: https://www.wwnytv.com//watertown-kicks-off-holiday-seaso/

Only 4 more days!

Mark your calendars!

If you would like to participate in the reverse parade with a stationary float, message us for our Parade Coordinator's contact information!

Did you know that this October is the first ever Pedestrian Safety Month? Staying safe is a shared responsibility between pedestrians and drivers. Check out this article for more tips on how to stay safe as a pedestrian.... #everyoneisapedestrian

Great article about our Sewall's Island and Factory Square Redevelopment Plan!

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING AND 5-DAY PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD FOR THE PROPOSED CITY OF WATERTOWN COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT PROGRAM ANNUAL ACTION PLAN AMENDMENT ... FOR PROGRAM YEAR 2020 CARES ACT FUNDING Notice is hereby given that under the provisions of 24 CFR 91.105 (c) (2) that a public hearing will be held by the City Council of the City of Watertown, NY (the City) to solicit citizen participation and public comments regarding a proposed amendment to the City’s Annual Action Plan for Program Year (PY) 2020 for the City’s Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program. The City Council will convene the public hearing on 7:15 p.m. on Monday, August 3, 2020. The public hearing will take place both in-person in the City Council Chamber, Room 303, Watertown City Hall, 245 Washington St., Watertown, NY and virtually to allow for the widest range of public participation. The public may join the virtual meeting through the use of GoToMeeting and must register ahead of time using the following link: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/regist/8425636077401820431 After a member of the public registers, a confirmation email will be sent containing information regarding how to join the webinar. Notice is also given that this publication shall serve as notice of the five-day public review period required under Federal Regulation 24 CFR 91.105 (c)(2) for the proposed amendment to the City’s Annual Action Plan for Program Year 2020. The CARES Act waives the standard 30 day comment period and allows a comment period of no less than five days. The public review and written comment period begins on July 27, 2020 and concludes on July 31, 2020. The amendment to the 2020 Annual Action Plan is necessary in order to utilize the additional funded awarded to the City through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act. The proposed amendment identifies how the City intends to use the CARES Act CDBG funds provided by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Full copies of the PY 2020 Annual Action Plan Amendment are available for public viewing on the City’s website, www.watertown-ny.gov. Any interested person may also request that a free copy of the amendment be mailed to them by contacting the Planning Department at the address below. Upon request, the City will place the proposed plan amendment in a format accessible to persons with disabilities or non-English speaking individuals. Contact the City Planning Office at the address or phone number below if special arrangements are needed or to request a mailed copy of the amendment. Comments on the PY 2020 Annual Action Plan Amendment will be accepted through July 31, 2020. Interested parties may contact the Planning Department by phone with comments or may submit them in writing. The Planning Department can be reached by phone at (315) 785-7741, by mail at 245 Washington St., Watertown, NY 13601 or by email at [email protected].

Have you filled out the survey yet?? Click below to share your thoughts on the Sewall's Island and Factory Square Redevelopment Plan.

We need your input!! Since we can't have a public meeting and show you the proposed development scenarios for Factory Square and Sewall's Island, we need you to participate in our survey and share your thoughts. Follow this link for the survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/SIFS

Happy Tuesday! Adult beverages purchased at local dining establishments can now be enjoyed responsibly at the picnic tables in Public Square and in the green space along Park Drive, just off State Street. Beverages must be from a local dining establishment and can be enjoyed at the tables during the hours of 4:00pm-10:00pm daily.... CHEERS!

Exciting things are happening downtown! Bring your takeout food and enjoy it on one of the 26 picnic tables placed throughout Public Square! On Monday, City Council is expected to pass a resolution allowing open containers at these tables, so you can enjoy your takeout adult beverages too. Stay tuned! Big thanks to our Parks and City of Watertown New York Parks & Recreation Department and DPW crews for getting all these tables into place for us.

Great news! Restaurants are now authorized to open for outdoor dining. Restaurant owners in the City that need permission to place tables/chairs on City property can contact our office at [email protected] and we will assist you.

Happy birthday to the City!

You don't need The Force to respond to the Census, only a computer, tablet, smartphone or envelope. Do your part for the North Country, and May the 4th be with you!

Don't forget to fill out your Census form! The Watertown Daily Times reported today that Jefferson County ranks 56 out of 62 for responses. Let's change that! You can fill out your Census form online, even if you don't have your Census ID as long as you have a street address. . Just go to: https://2020census.gov/, select Start Questionnaire. Below the ID field, click the link that says, If you do not have a Census ID, click here, to input your address.... Do your part to ensure that the North Country receives our share of Federal funding and representation.

Are you a Planning or Zoning Board of Appeals member, looking for a way to get your required annual training hours? Check out these free online options from the Department of State. Remember, Planning Board and Zoning Board of Appeals members are required to attend at least 4 hours of training each year.

Our physical office may be closed, but we are still here to help. If you need assistance from our Planning staff, send us a message through this page, or email us at [email protected].