Vision for a Better Belmont: Jeff Birenbaum

The stated goal of the Planning Board is to protect and preserve the character and the quality of life that defines Belmont (www.belmont-ma.gov/planning-board). Jeff Birenbaum is chair of the Belmont Planning Board.

BCF

How would you define Belmont’s character and quality of life, in a few sentences?

Birenbaum

Belmont, Massachusetts, is known for its great neighborhoods, excellent schools, vibrant community life, and keen sense of history. Its character and quality of life are shaped by its close-knit community feel. Residents value Belmont’s suburban charm, cultural diversity, recreational amenities access, and commitment to environmental sustainability. Preserving these aspects while responsibly managing growth and development, especially creating a commercial tax base, is essential to maintaining Belmont’s unique character and high quality of life.

BCF

Can you describe the most important workings of the Planning Board and how the board engages with other town departments and committees?

Birenbaum

The Planning Board plays a critical role in shaping the future development of Belmont by reviewing and approving proposed projects, zoning ordinances, and land use policies. Its key functions include:

• Zoning and land use regulation: The board recommends zoning regulations to provide development guidelines in close coordination with the town planner.
• Site plan review: It evaluates site plans for new construction or renovations to ensure compliance with zoning bylaws, architectural standards, and environmental regulations.
• Comprehensive planning: Planning Board members actively participate in long-term strategic planning efforts to address future growth.

To engage with town departments and committees, the Planning Board:

• Collaborates with planning staff: Board members work closely with planning department staff to analyze proposals, receive technical expertise, and ensure consistency with town regulations and policies.
• Consults with other departments: The board regularly communicates with other town departments, such as building committees and conservation, to coordinate review processes, address concerns, and incorporate feedback into project approvals.
• Holds public meetings with other town boards, committees, and elected officials to provide opportunities for collaboration, information sharing, and coordination on issues of mutual interest, such as economic development.
• Public engagement and feedback: The Planning Board conducts public hearings to solicit input from residents, stakeholders, and community organizations, ensuring their perspectives and concerns are considered in decision-making.
• By actively engaging with town departments and committees, the Planning Board fosters a collaborative approach to planning and development that promotes sustainable growth, protects community character, and enhances Belmont’s overall quality of life.

BCF

Can you share an instance where the Planning Board’s advice or recommendations significantly influenced town policy or an important decision? How did this advice align and support the broader goals of Belmont’s development?

Birenbaum

The Planning Board recommended bylaw amendments that were overwhelmingly passed at the fall 2023 and spring 2024 Town Meetings. This fall, the Planning Board expects to make recommendations to Town Meeting for the MBTA Communities Act (also known as 3A). The bylaw amendments are meant to achieve a more transparent and predictable development process for Belmont to promote commercial opportunities to expand our commercial tax base while also preserving our character.

The MBTA Communities Act is an opportunity to provide more housing for families, taking advantage of our two great commuter rail stops. However, collectively, we need to understand the fiscal impact of future developments so the town can plan accordingly, which is why the town has engaged a firm for a fiscal impact study and market analysis.

BCF

What changes do you see ahead that will support or amend Belmont’s character and quality of life?

Birenbaum

The MBTA Communities Act is at the forefront, and while achieving compliance with the law, we need to understand the impacts on the town and mitigate and plan meaningfully.

For the future, responsible commercial development to broaden our commercial tax base will have a direct positive impact on the budget. It may mitigate future tax increases or provide for more town services or improvements without having the burden fall on the property owners. Encouraging responsible economic development that supports local businesses, creates job opportunities, and generates revenue while preserving the town’s character and quality of life is essential for long-term prosperity.

Infrastructure investment is paramount to the quality of life, and it includes road repairs, water and electrical system upgrades, and park enhancements to ensure the continued functionality and attractiveness of Belmont’s built environment.

Addressing these challenges will require initiative-taking planning, collaboration among stakeholders, and a commitment to preserving Belmont’s unique character and high quality of life for current and future generations.

BCF

What steps do you believe we need to make in the short-, medium-, and long-term to enhance Belmont’s quality of life and achieve a sound fiscal future that includes vibrant neighborhoods, excellent municipal services, and world-class schools?

Birenbaum

To enhance the quality of life in Belmont while ensuring fiscal stability and responsibility, I see the following steps:

Short-term (1-2 years)

1. Community visioning workshops: Organize workshops to engage residents, businesses, and stakeholders in identifying priorities and aspirations for the community, ensuring that future planning efforts align with the community’s values and goals.
2. Zoning regulations: Review, update, and rewrite zoning regulations to encourage mixed-use development, affordable housing options, and sustainable design practices that enhance neighborhood vibrancy and livability while promoting fiscal sustainability.
3. Permitting processes: Streamline and expedite the permitting process for small businesses, homeowners, and developers to encourage investment, job creation, and economic growth while maintaining high-quality development standards.

Medium-term (3-5 years)

1. Strategic growth management: Develop a comprehensive growth management strategy that balances residential, commercial, and recreational development to maximize economic opportunities, preserve open space, and maintain neighborhood character.
2. Infrastructure investments: Prioritize investments in utilities and public facilities to improve connectivity, enhance services, and support sustainable growth while minimizing long-term maintenance costs.
3. Public-private partnerships: Explore these partnerships to leverage resources, expertise, and funding for infrastructure projects, community services, and economic development initiatives that benefit residents and businesses.

Long-term (5+ years)

1. Fiscal planning and sustainability: Develop long-term fiscal plans and reserve policies to ensure financial stability, resilience, and flexibility in responding to future challenges, such as economic downturns, demographic changes, and infrastructure needs.
2. Education and workforce development: Invest in education and workforce development programs that prepare residents for 21st-century jobs, support innovation and entrepreneurship, and attract employers seeking a skilled labor force, thereby strengthening Belmont’s economic competitiveness and tax base.
3. Sustainable development practices: Adopt and implement green building standards, renewable energy initiatives, and climate resilience measures, to minimize environmental impacts, reduce operating costs, and enhance the quality of life for residents.

By adopting a proactive and strategic approach to planning and development, the Planning Board can help ensure that Belmont remains a vibrant, inclusive, and financially resilient community with world-class schools, excellent municipal services, and vibrant neighborhoods that enhance residents’ overall quality of life.

Jeff Birenbaum is chair of the Belmont Planning Board.