In recent years, it has become painfully clear that our community is overly reliant on residential taxes that can’t keep up with the growing cost of our town services. I am encouraged that the vast majority of people I speak with are eager for solutions, despite the uncertainty that comes with change. The town has trimmed budgets and found ways to do more with less. Some services have been cut and fees have been introduced or increased. Without additional revenue, over time, we will face increasingly painful cuts, higher taxes, or both. As a parent of an 8th grader, I hear of the very large class sizes at the High School, and I am concerned. I also hear about the lean staffing in various town departments and key personnel being stretched thin.
The Belmont Center and Gateway zoning overlays that are coming up for a vote at Town Meeting on March 4 are not an immediate solution to our financial issues. The growth and development will not happen overnight. But our ability to say yes to this possibility for more commercial tax revenue and more housing opportunities is here now. The Planning Board has held many public meetings. Watching the recordings, I have seen the progress as the board has incorporated feedback from those who brought forward concerns. Doing nothing for fear of change or failure will not pay for our trash pickup, sidewalks, senior programs, public safety personnel, sports and music programs, or maintenance of our many wonderful public buildings, parks and playgrounds. We will have to find additional sources of revenue. My hope is that Town Meeting will approve the new zoning overlays and move forward with exploring additional ways to relieve financial pressure on taxpayers and achieve financial stability for our community.
Angela Carini, Benton Road