Mary Byrne

Mary Byrne

Mary Byrne is a member of The Belmont Voice staff. Mary can be contacted at mbyrne@belmontvoice.org.

Mint Cannabis License Transferred for $1 Million Fee

May 28, 2026
The cannabis retailer that planned to open on Pleasant Street has transferred its license to another retailer, according to Town Administrator Patrice Garvin. Mint Cannabis, LLC, which had signed two different host community agreements with Belmont, sold its license to a group…

Belmont Rink Generates $270K In Inaugural Season

May 26, 2026
Word is spreading about the new rink in Belmont. “We’re getting people from all over the place,” said Barb Taylor of the Belmont Women’s Hockey program, which welcomes beginner hockey players of all ages. “For the women who play hockey, it’s a…

Belmont Native Climbs Beyond Her Injuries

May 16, 2026
Growing up in Belmont, Melissa Strong dreaded gym class. It didn’t help, of course, that she had a teacher she didn’t particularly like, and the feeling—she believed—was mutual. She described running laps during the school day as “torture.” Now, years later, Strong…

Belmont’s Top Dog Breeds, Names

May 15, 2026
According to town data, there are 1,122 licensed dogs in Belmont. Pet owners were required to apply for their 2026 pet licenses by March 15 or be subject to a late fee. Based on the licenses as of mid-March, Labrador retrievers topped…

Town Proposes Enhanced Leaf Blower Bylaw Enforcement

May 13, 2026
In the midst of this month’s annual Town Meeting, members will also be asked to consider three articles on a special Town Meeting warrant, including one that aims to enhance enforcement of the new leaf blower bylaw. The meeting is scheduled for…

New Police Chief Eager to Get Started

May 4, 2026
When Shane Smith takes over as chief of the Belmont Police Department next week, he won’t arrive as a stranger to town. The longtime member of the Salem Police Department in New Hampshire has been to Belmont many times, with one of…

With Hybrid, Town Meeting Participation Trends Remote

May 2, 2026
The COVID-19 pandemic made it clear that municipal meetings — even large ones like the annual Town Meeting — could take place remotely. Eventually, town officials introduced the hybrid model, designed to bring residents back into the room after the threat of…

Board Calls Health Insurance Increase ‘Shocking’

April 28, 2026
Effective July 1, town employees and retirees will see a 24% increase to their health insurance rates over fiscal year 2026 — an increase reflecting the rising cost of health care nationwide. With the Harvard Pilgrim HMO, individuals will pay $322 per…
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