Category: discussion

Elections Matter: A Guide to Tuesday’s Election (Town Wide Offices)

If there was one message that we all received loud and clear back in November its that elections matter. They really, really matter. You showing up to vote can mean the difference between a government that goes to bat for…

Update2: First They Came for the Farmers: Foodie’s landlord opposes Farmers’ Market

Locatelli is objecting to part of the Town’s municipal lot being given over to the Belmont Farmer’s Market, which has dutifully served the community from that location for 11 years. Apparently, Mr. Foley and his employer banked on public resources (a small number of spaces at the back of the Town’s municipal lot) being there to boost the prospects for his private tenant (and the private property owner) despite an 11 year history. If he made any assurances to Foodies about the Market not being there in 2017 and those spots being opened, he was bargaining with an asset he didn’t own or control – always a risky business.

Remember the Town Green (and vote Adam Dash)

If you were as dismayed as I was two years ago, when the Belmont Board of Selectmen defied the will of Town Meeting and the voters by re-drawing an agreed upon and funded plan for the reconstruction of Belmont Center, fear not. You have a champion in next week’s race for Belmont Selectman: Adam Dash.

Important Community Path Meeting This Wednesday, March 8!

There’s a meeting to discuss options for the contested Eastern End of the proposed Community Path tomorrow (Wed) at 7PM in the Town Hall Auditorium. Come out to support smart, safe, 21st century infrastructure in Belmont!

Police Chiefs Say Trump’s Law Enforcement Priorities Are Out of Step – The New York Times

An interesting article on push back to the promised Trump “tough on crime” policies. This is likely to hit home in Belmont as well, especially with a planned sanctuary community article at the upcoming April Town Meeting. Not surprisingly, President…

Happenings This Week and a Calendar for Progress Minded Folk

The Belmont Democratic Town Committee meets and two local Indivisible groups are merging (and meeting) next Saturday. Also: the new Progress Belmont calendar will pull together local happenings for progress minded folk.

How America Lost Faith in Expertise | Foreign Affairs

If you’ve found yourself growing frustrated at the “facts neutral” quality of debate about important public policies,  you’re not alone. Many of us share your frustration. While principled disagreement about policies is vital in a democracy, the debate in the…

Think Globally, Resist Locally: Support The Safe Communities Act

There’s lots to do locally to resist the Trump Administration’s many excesses. Item #1 on the list: supporting Sen. Brownsberger and those who are trying to pass SD 1596, a law to prohibit Massachusetts officers and law enforcement from cooperating with mass deportations.

Safety must come first on the Community Path

A proposed on-road route along Concord Ave. that is being rated highly as a choice for Belmont’s Community Path would pose serious safety concerns to Path users and runs counter to the community’s wishes. A December 7 meeting with engineers is your chance to speak out.

Two Things: Library Feasibility Public Meeting Tonight and a Survey

There’s a meeting tonight at Beech Street Center for the public to weigh in on plans for a new or renovated Library. Also: there’s a survey to take and provide feedback on your priorities for the new library.