I’m a great fan of Belmont Center and enjoy patronizing its charming selection of shops and fun food spots, as well as the outstanding farmer’s market. It’s a wonderful community, where “buying local” is a pleasure.
Yet the fact is, small business people face myriad challenges every day – fierce competition from large online retailers and national specialty brands. And US consumer confidence has recently plummeted to its lowest level in 12 years. It’s hard enough to run a small family business these days.
So, isn’t it up to Town Meeting to support the good things we have in Belmont? From what I have seen, Belmont Center merchants oppose this change.
I’m all for expanding our commercial tax base and creating new housing options across Belmont, but surely there must be other less-disruptive ways to spur Belmont Center’s vibrancy.
Cynthia Sheppard, Ernest Road