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Mary Byrne

Mary Byrne

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

Mint Cannabis Seeks License Transfer

May 13, 2026
More than five years after receiving its original special permit and two years after receiving its certificate of occupancy, Mint Cannabis on Pleasant Street has yet to open its doors to the public. It has, however, renewed its state marijuana retailer license…

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…

Town Meeting Warrant Includes Consent Agenda

April 28, 2026
Thirty-eight articles are expected to be considered by Town Meeting members next month, as annual Town Meeting begins May 4. Among the 38, nine are citizen petitions, of which five are expected to be withdrawn, according to town officials. The rest are…

Belmont Mom Brings Pregnancy, Infant Loss Walk to Boston

April 27, 2026
While grieving the loss of her daughter, Lyla, Belmont resident Heather Toland discovered the podcast “Confessions of a Grieving Mother,” created by the nonprofit organization Emma’s Footprints. “It really helped me listen to other moms tell their stories and made me feel…

Quorum Issues Prompt Change in Human Rights Commission

April 27, 2026
With meeting quorum being a recurring problem, the Belmont Human Rights Commission will vote next month on a revised charge, reducing the maximum number of members from nine to seven. “The larger our group, the harder it is,” said Human Rights Commission…
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