I write in support of the overlay as a thoughtful approach to strengthening Belmont Center, expanding housing options, and addressing the Town’s need to grow its commercial tax base.
While some feel Belmont Center remains vibrant, recent business closures suggest otherwise. Since the overlay process began, Stone Hearth Pizza, Didriks, and Shine have closed.
Irresistibles will close at the end of January. When asked, staff said the street is “too slow.” Their stores in Wellesley and Concord remain open.
Our Select Board members ran on platforms emphasizing economic development. Yet Belmont’s commercial tax base—about 5%—lags behind comparable communities such as Wellesley (11%) and Lexington (24%). The overlay offers zoning options that can enable carefully scaled mixed-use development in the Center, helping prevent further decline.
Importantly, the overlay proposal has been shaped by community input. Adjustments to building height, parking, and hotel size reflect resident and business feedback during public meetings. Without progress toward expanding the commercial tax base, the only option is to increase the tax burden on homeowners. However, given Belmont’s history of failed overrides, if we also reject reasonable options like the Belmont Center Overlay, we will have more infrastructure problems and gaps in school funding.
I share the desire to protect small businesses and Belmont’s character. Well-planned development can support local businesses rather than threaten them. Much as we supported our business community during the sudden crisis of the global pandemic, I am confident we can navigate a carefully managed period of change.
I trust Town Meeting members, residents, and business owners can engage in constructive discussion and move forward with a plan that ensures the future of Belmont Center.
Vicki Amalfitano, Dalton Road