I served as the campaign treasurer for Taylor Yates in his successful 2025 Select Board campaign and was encouraged by the strong support for the Belmont Center Overlay. Taylor ran unapologetically in favor of the overlay and was transparent about his role in shaping it as Chair of the Planning Board. His campaign made clear that it would enhance our Town’s quality of life by expanding the commercial tax base, supporting housing near transit, and revitalizing Belmont Center as a walkable, economically resilient downtown.
Based on conversations on the doors during Taylor’s campaign, the election was as much about the overlay as it was about the candidates. By that measure, Taylor (and the overlay) won by 20 points. In addition, he won every single precinct, including the ones that abut Belmont Center, precincts 1, 2, 3, and 8. Moreover, he was the third consecutive candidate to support this type of economic development and win.
Now, in 2026, Town Meeting will vote on the overlay. As Town Meeting members, we should, of course, weigh the arguments for and against on their merits, as that is democracy in action. But we should also be mindful that voters have already weighed in, and they overwhelmingly support the Belmont Center Overlay.
Our democracy depends on candidates putting forward ideas and voters choosing among them. In this case, the Belmont voters were clear. I encourage Town Meeting to consider that when we vote on the Belmont Center Overlay in March.
Cabell Eames, Lewis Road