Belmont will soon experience new development as a result of the MBTA 3A zoning changes, the new by-right Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU) legislation, and future development in the Brighton Street area. Change is inevitable and should be welcomed as long as it is realistic, fiscally beneficial, and adequately analyzed.
Belmont Town Meeting members will meet in October to vote on the proposed Belmont Center Overlay Zoning Bylaw. Unfortunately, the process undertaken by town staff and the Select Board concerning this proposal is flawed. My concerns are many, including the following:
- The design for our center is an urban design
- The projected fiscal benefits are unrealistic
- The costs associated with the proposal are understated
- The existing businesses are opposed to the changes
- The parking analysis is pending
- There is no traffic analysis
- Revisions continue even at this late date
I urge Town Meeting members to attend the Public Listening Session on Sept. 11 at 7:30 p.m. in the Town Hall Auditorium. We need to be heard and to see exactly what the new building structures will look like next to the existing structures. The proposed changes will forever change Belmont. Unfortunately, the return will leave us with minimal benefits.
Margaret ( Peg) Callanan, Sargent Road