Mary Byrne
Paws in the Park Update
The Paws in the Park program has been stalled due to delays in dog licensing, according to Town Administrator Patrice Garvin.
Once licenses are processed, the recreation director will reach out to dog owners about the new program. Select Board Chair Roy Epstein added that there is a plan in place to inform residents of the program and to explain the issue of scheduling the parks for sports.
Garvin said temporary signs have been set up while the town waits for permanent signs.
“The goal is to have this ready just as soon as possible,” Epstein said.
Town to Review Handicap Parking at Veterans Memorial on Concord Avenue
Mike Callanan, chair of the Veterans Memorial Committee, appeared before the board to express concern for an accessible parking space on Concord Avenue that was, in effect, inaccessible to members of the community who might need it.
The spot is located by the Veterans Memorial Park at Claypit Pond.
“About a year, maybe 18 months after [it was dedicated], the restriping was done to remove curbside parking,” Callanan said. “That had a detrimental effect on the old timers that aren’t on a bicycle or walking down to the memorial.”
Last fall, a handicap spot was put in on Underwood Street.
“We’ve been monitoring and assessing its impact,” he said. “It doesn’t comply, and frankly, it’s just dangerous, and it’s not being utilized.”
Callanan advocated for improving the existing conditions or installing a curbside handicap spot at the entrance on Underwood Street, where there is a pre-existing curb cut.
Town Engineer Glenn Clancy said he would reach out to the Police Department about getting in the queue for a radar box in that area. Callanan was encouraged to bring the issue to the Disability Access Commission.
MBTA Advisory Committee
Following an update on the process so far, the Select Board voted to disband the MBTA Communities Advisory Committee.
After more than a year of discussing how to comply with a new state law [and with a December compliance deadline looming], the recommended map has been handed off to the Planning Board for consideration.
The new law, signed in 2021 by then-Gov. Charlie Baker, requires towns served by the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority, such as Belmont, to create at least one zoning district of reasonable size where multi-family housing is permitted and that meets other criteria.
Epstein and Vice Chair Elizabeth Dionne voted in favor; member Matthew Taylor voted no.
Age in Place Resource Fair
An Age in Place Resource Fair will take place at the Beech Street Center on April 30 from 4 to 7 p.m.
The event will feature experts in area resources on health and safety; services to stay independent at home; transportation; and health and nutrition.
An RSVP is appreciated at 617-993-2970.
