Over the past year, the conversation around Belmont Center’s zoning has been intense. As co-chairs of the Economic Development Advisory Committee (EDAC), we see the need for progress and pragmatism that benefits our town and its residents while also sending signals to the broader business community that Belmont is open to change. That’s why we support the overlay proposal.
Why is this change necessary? Challenges we hear from business owners and residents alike are high taxes, stagnant town finances, and declining foot traffic. This zoning overlay includes important first steps to address these, such as:
- Business Vitality: By reducing friction for development, we encourage the potential change needed to improve vibrancy and help our storefronts stay full.
- Fiscal Health: It invites sustainable new investment, helping to bolster the town’s tax base without overextending our infrastructure.
Through EDAC engagements, we have heard some concerns from local businesses related to possible sales impact and higher rents. One Belmont restaurateur, however, who experienced major construction near his establishment in a neighboring town indicated there was “short-term pain, but long-term gain”, and encouraged the town to implement phased construction and other programs to aid businesses. In response, the Planning Board is drafting an amendment for Annual Town Meeting that includes strong construction management requirements, and will conduct a thorough review and approval process for every project, ensuring residents and businesses are heard.
Passing this zoning bylaw does not immediately summon bulldozers. It updates our laws so that if a property owner wants to improve a building, they have a clearer path to do so. With the zoning overlay serving as a blueprint that will ultimately benefit all business neighborhoods throughout Belmont, it’s a critical step towards being open for change and helping to ensure that there is a thriving community that’s ready for tomorrow.
Marie Warner, Hillside Terrace and Jeffrey Broderick, Orchard Street