Category: discussion

“Till Belmont Gets a Village” – The Case For Overlay Zoning 

Belmont Center - Belmont Historical Society

In 1857, as it looked to separate from Cambridge, Waltham and Watertown, Belmont’s lack of a commercial center (“village”) was a major issue. More than 160 years later, the town is looking to revitalize its “village” by modernizing its zoning regulations. In this opinion piece, Town Meeting Member Mary Lewis writes that the proposed Belmont Center Overlay will boost local business, provide accessible housing, and improve residents’ quality of life, fostering a vibrant, 21st century community.

I’m Just A (Belmont) Bill! A Simple Change To Make Town Meeting Work Better.

I’m Just A Bill!

Remember that cartoon bill in the Schoolhouse Rock! video? Sitting up on Capitol Hill, singing about the long, long journey to reach Congress? Belmont doesn’t have Congress. But it does have its own legislative body: Town Meeting. Town Meeting is…

Make Hybrid Town Meetings Permanent in Belmont

Belmont Moderator Michael Crowley

Belmont Moderator Michael Crowley details a new citizens petition asking Town Meeting to authorize the Select Board to seek special state legislation that would allow Belmont to hold hybrid and remote Town Meetings on a permanent basis.

A Tiered Override Won In Melrose. What About Belmont?

Yes For Melrose Sign.

Melrose’s successful $13.5 million override vote in November holds valuable lessons for Belmont, which – commercial development or not – will need to keep passing overrides to fund our Town.

Run For It!! The 2025 Apple Run Is October 26th

OK Belmont – the weather is cooling. The days are getting shorter. The leaves are starting to turn. That means only one thing: this year’s Apple Run is just around the corner and its time to register! The FBE Apple…

It’s Time To Vote, Belmont! Here Are My Picks.

Yard signs for April 1 2025 Belmont town election.

Belmont’s local election is just over a week away on April 1st with competitive races for Town Moderator, Select Board, School Committee and Board of Health. Here are my picks.

Opinion: Safeguarding Independent Processes in the 3A Universe

Leonard Street paved with Ben Franklins

Now that Belmont has approved its plan for the State’s MBTA Communities Act, it faces a critical issue: how to increase commercial development even as it obeys the requirements imposed by the state’s one size fits all law.

The Apple Run is Coming. Run for it!

Elvis Costume - Apple Run

Scheduled for Sunday, October 27th, the 2024 Apple Run is just around the corner, and it’s shaping up to be an exciting event for runners and families alike, with a 5K and a 2K race, prizes for top finishers and for the best costume! Register now.

Widmer: Criticism of Committees Won’t Be Allowed at Town Meeting

For Freedoms Image

Belmont’s Moderator Mike Widmer declared emphatically in a debate Monday evening that, if he is re-elected, Town Meeting Members will not be permitted to speak critically of the Town’s appointed committees, calling criticism of committees “ad hominem attacks” worthy of censorship.

Vote For Change: My Picks For The April 2nd Town Election

Vote for Change Belmont

For the first time in years, voters have the opportunity to enact big changes to Belmont’s leadership. It’s not an opportunity we should pass up. Change is on the ballot, Belmont. Let’s make it happen! Here are my picks for the April 2nd 2024 Town Election.