New Main Street director urges councilors to visit downtown; council approves event liquor licenses

Stephanie Brewer, the newly hired executive director of the Watertown Main Street program, used the public-comment period Tuesday to introduce herself and urge council members to patronize downtown businesses as they make policy decisions affecting the district.

“Businesses have just come through a difficult season in the downtown district,” Brewer told the council. “I would like to encourage you to go and see those business owners. If you have a lunch meeting… eat downtown.” She asked council members to visit coffee shops, bakeries and retail stores, and to speak directly with owners about their goals for downtown.

Councilors subsequently approved a series of temporary Class B licenses and event permits tied to Main Street programming: a temporary license for a craft beer and salsa walk organized by Watertown Main Street on July 17, a temporary license for the town-square summer concert series on May 31, and other short-term beer licenses for community events. Motions to approve the temporary licenses passed by voice vote.

Why it matters: council members and the new Main Street director said face-to-face engagement with business owners will help the council make better-informed decisions about downtown programs and investments. Brewer thanked Alderman Stocks (who attended recent downtown events) and said business owners appreciate opportunities to speak directly with elected officials.

What council did: approved temporary Class B licenses for Watertown Main Street events and several other community event licenses, with standard conditions such as required fire inspections where noted.

What’s next: Brewer said she hopes to continue outreach to downtown merchants and to coordinate with councilors as they consider policies that affect the downtown district.