Icy Roads, Hazardous Conditions Greet Commuters Tuesday Morning, Afternoon

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Photo: Yuck.

Ice-covered roads along with a wintry mix of snow and sleet will greet commuters Tuesday morning and later in the afternoon, Dec. 29, as the first blast of winter, hits Belmont and Eastern Massachusetts, according to the latest forecast from the National Weather Service in Taunton.

The service issued a winter weather advisory at 10:15 p.m. Monday, Dec. 28 that will last until 1 p.m. Tuesday, resulting in hazardous travel conditions as a mix of snow and sleet coats streets and highways before dawn with a layer of an icy slush on untreated roadways.

While conditions will improve in the early afternoon as temperatures rise, streets will once again become slippery in the afternoon as a cold front comes through the Boston area, warns the service.

The snow will fall around midnight and continue to 4 a.m., turning to snow and sleet with the accumulation of around an inch possible. 
Rain, snow, and sleet will end before 7 a.m., then turning to rain and sleet between 7 a.m. and 10 a.m., then rain after 10 a.m. High near 36. New snow and sleet accumulation of less than one inch possible. 
Rain showers are likely before 9 p.m., then a chance of freezing drizzle between 9 p.m. and 2 a.m. 

Despite Dunkin’s Postponed ZBA Presentation; Owner Confident He’ll Get An OK for Store

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Photo: An image of how the Dunkin’ Donuts on Pleasant Street would look like.

Belmont residents will need to wait until the New Year before getting their chance to debate whether the town wants to run with a third Dunkin’ Donuts, located at the corner of Pleasant and Brighton streets.

Belmont’s Joseph Noone, the attorney for Vincent and Nicholas Leo, asked the board for a postponement on Monday, Dec. 7, due to attorney/client “issues,” resulting in a dozen or so residents who came to speak to keep their powder dry for a month.

The ZBA rescheduled the hearing for January.

While the decision was a bit unexpected, according to the property owner, Vincent Leo – who also is a well-known Dunkin’ Donuts owner/operator – isn’t fazed by the delay, confident that once residents hear from him and his family, any “concerns” to having a donut shop as a neighbor will be set aside.

“We have been in business for over 35 years, and I am one of the premier Dunkin’ Donut franchisees in the system,” said Vincent, whose family business owns and operates 19 locations in both Massachusetts and Florida.

Vincent said the Pleasant Street property has been an eyesore for decades “and we are trying to make it right.” The Getty Corporation is currently remediating the land. 

“We are going to enhance that whole corner, elevating all of the property values in the surrounding neighborhood,” he said. The family purchased the property for $1,060,000 in July 2014.

Read about the proposed plans for the site here.

Leo said that the City of Cambridge had complimented his operations “many, many times for our passion with the landscape as well as the maintenance of the property.

He reiterated that there would “never be a drive through” at the Pleasant Street location. 

Leo said he believes a Belmont store “will enhance our little micro-market” that includes shops on Mass. Ave., Alewife and Fresh Pond.

IMG_4386

Dunkin’ Donuts franchise owner Vincent Leo (at the door, left) and his son, Nicholas, (door, right) listen to their attorney, Joe Noone, as he speaks before the Zoning Board of Appeals, Dec. 7, 2015.

“It’s just another niche we’re trying to protect and develop as an investment,” he said. 

As for issues of traffic – the intersection of Pleasant and Brighton is known as a choke point for both daily rush hours – Leo said a traffic study that he included with his application to the town, predicts no added vehicle trips due to the inclusion of a donut shop on that spot. 

While some residents have pointed to how close the site is to Route 2, Leo said his experience with his stores in Medford just off Route 93 shows that “no one gets off a highway to grab a coffee then heads back on it.” 

“It’s always a concern when they hear a brand like Dunkin’ Donuts is coming into a neighborhood. But at the end of the day, when the restaurant is in place, you’d be very surprised that it’s not a hindrance at all,” said Leo, noting there are several “as of right” businesses he could locate there that would increase traffic flow and litter. 

“With the type of building we are putting in, it will not be a barnburner regarding sales. This will be a nice neighborhood location that should be profitable and help us with the investment we made,” said Leo.

“It will be a nice place to come in for a cup of coffee,” he said. 

Belmont Police, Fire Recognized for Life Saving Team Work

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Photo: Personnel from Belmont Fire and Police, who were recognized for its teamwork, with Belmont Selectmen Sami Baghdady (left) and Jim Williams (right).

It was an awful accident that occurred a few months ago in Belmont.

A vehicle went off the road and imploded. Arriving at the scene, a Belmont Police officer found the driver (who due to privacy laws can not be identified) still in the vehicle in the worst possible condition; unresponsive, not breathing, and without a pulse.

That’s when the training for Belmont’s first responders kicked in. Members of the police departments removed the driver from the wreck and began preliminary lifesaving CPR. When Fire Department firefighters and paramedics arrived, they continued first aid while placing an advanced airway and stabilized a collapsed lung while treating the myriad of traumatic injuries. The victim was then sped to a nearby Boston trauma center.

And the victim lived.

The quick response by Belmont’s first responders in saving that one life was recognized by two organizations last week, according to Belmont Fire Chief David Frizzell and Belmont Police Chief Richard McLaughlin as they presented many of the first responders before the Board of Selectmen on Monday, Nov. 2.

The American Heart Association Emergency Cardiac Care Heart Saver Hero Award recognized the following police and fire personnel for their “hands on” work that saved the victim:

Belmont Police

  • Officer Franz Strassman
  • Officer Michael Pelrine
  • Office Jonathan Riddell
  • Sgt. David Sullivan

Belmont Fire

  • Paramedic James Bing
  • Paramedic Michael Dayton
  • EMT John McDonald
  • EMT Dennis Maher
  • Lt. Andrew Tobio
  • Capt. Wayne Haley

In addition, both public safety departments were recognized last week with the “Outstanding Team Response of the Year Award” from the Metropolitan Boston Emergency Medical Services Council Region IV. The award recognizes that a patient’s outcome may not be dictated by a single individual but may be as the result of team orientated professional approach, from the emergency telecommunicators to those who hands over the victim to hospital staff.

The Belmont Fire and Police team includes:

Belmont Police

  • Communications Officer David Jones
  • Communications Officer Brendan Reilly
  • Officer Franz Strassman
  • Officer Michael Pelrine
  • Office Jonathan Riddell
  • Sgt. David Sullivan

Belmont Fire

  • Paramedic James Bing
  • Paramedic Michael Dayton
  • EMT John McDonald
  • EMT Dennis Maher
  • EMT Shaun Campana
  • Lt. Scott Spuria
  • Lt. Andrew Tobio
  • Capt. Wayne Haley

Stewart Sworn in As Newest Belmont Police Officer

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Photo: Belmont Police Officer Michael Stewart being sworn in by Belmont Town Clerk Ellen Cushman on Nov. 2. Police Chief Richard McLaughlin (right) witnessed the ceremony. 

Belmont’s newest police officer Michael Stewart was sworn in by Town Clerk Ellen Cushman on at Town Hall on Monday, Nov. 2. Belmont Police Chief Richard McLaughlin was in attendance. 

On Friday, Oct. 30, McLaughlin and Belmont Town Administrator David Kale attended Stweart’s graduation ceremony from the Lowell Police Academy and Municipal Police Academy.

Stewart passed the 27-week intensive academy program where he served as the Academy’s Class President.

Trapelo Road Paving Resumes Monday, Except Delays Along Route

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Photo: Paving work in Belmont.

Starting at 5:30 a.m., Monday, Nov. 2, construction crews will resume paving Trapelo Road between Waverley and Cushing squares, according to Belmont Police.

The current construction schedule has paving work occurring on Monday, Nov. 2, Wednesday, Nov. 4, and Thursday, Nov. 5.

Police and town officials warn motorists to expect delays along the major thoroughfare that runs the length of Belmont from the Waltham to Cambridge town lines.

Town officials said that paving work is weather dependent and that the current schedule may fluctuate, although the latest forecast calls for clear skies and temperatures reaching the mid-60s into the 70s by the end of the week.

Due to cold temperatures it is not possible to complete the work during the overnight hours, necessitating daytime paving.

Questions about the project may be directed to the Office of Community Development at 617-993-2650.

Snarl-Up: Paving on Both Concord and Trapelo Will Tie Down Belmont

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Photo: Paving on Concord Avenue.

Commuters and residents: you can run, and you can’t hide.

In a rush to beat the weather and cold, two major road projects will be underway simultaneously, leading to likely gridlock around Belmont as drivers attempt to bypass the two sites. 

On the Trapelo/Belmont Corridor project, the final paving of Trapelo Road from Mill Street to Cushing Square, which commenced last week has been moving at a snail’s pace, due to falling temperatures.

To combat the chilly conditions, work along the main thoroughfare will be performed during the day beginning today, Monday, Oct. 26, resulting in possible traffic congestion and snarl-ups as the final layers of asphalt is laid.

The Trapelo Road work will now occur concurrently with scheduled paving on Concord Avenue (eastbound) which also begins today, Monday, Oct. 26 at 6 a.m. 

The work will take place from the US Postal Service Office to Cottage Street, which itself will be under-construction from Concord Avenue to School Street. 

While Concord Avenue will be open, commuters and residents are being warned that traffic will be limited to one side of the roadway.

In addition, on-street parking will be banned from Goden to Common streets and along Cottage Street.

Officials are hopeful the work can be completed within the next few days. 

Weather: Thunderstorms in Afternoon, Then Heavy Rain and Flood Watch

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Photo: It’s raining.
The National Weather Service has issued a flood watch beginning late tonight, Tuesday, Sept. 29 and lasting until next month (really only until Thursday morning, Oct. 1) as heavy rains – associated with Tropical Storm Joaquin – will begin late Tuesday and last for more than 24 hours, with rainfall rates will exceed an inch an hour.

(If this was snow, it would be a foot an hour!)

The Service also warned of possible pop-up thunderstorms Tuesday afternoon around 6:30 p.m. 
Low-lying areas, some roadways and streams and ponds – such as Clay Pit Pond – could see isolated flooding. 
During Wednesday, there could be a few thunderstorms, which will enhance the rainfall amounts.

Belmont Fire Log: Co-Workers Fall Victim to Careless Disposal of Smokes

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Photo: The victims. 

On the fence

Sept. 6 – At 8:35 a.m., Engine 1 and its crew sped to Waverely Square’s Church Street for a report of a smoldering mulch fire that had extended to a nearby fence post. The team used hand tools and a two-and-a-half gallon can of water to extinguish the fire.

Needs air 

Sept. 6 – At a quarter past 9 a.m., a crew from the Belmont Center station were sent to nearby Stone Hearth Pizza on Leonard Street for a “medical emergency.” Turns out that the alarm went off because painters didn’t ventilate the area tripping the alarm.

Let us in

Sept. 7 – Just before 3 a.m., fire crews were dispatched to a distillery on Brighton Street after the duct smoke detector went off. The firefighters who were first to arrive could not get inside the store because the keys inside the lock box could not open the door’s deadbolts. So an outside visual inspection was performed, and there were no signs of smoke or fire.  The crews made a return visit to the location an hour later companies for a second false alarm activation. 

I’m getting in

Sept. 7 – At 10 past 8 p.m., a crew was dispatched to South Cottage Road for a person who forgot their keys and needed a little help getting inside the townhouse. The property owner signed a release form then used some force on the door lock in the garage to get inside.

A little help

Sept. 8 – At just about 1:30 a.m., firefighters were sent to Slade Street for yet another resident who locked themselves out of their abode. This time, entry was gained through an open first-floor window. There was no damage. 

Power play

Sept. 8 – At a minute past 10 a.m., Engine 1, Engine 2 and the Ladder truck took off to Winter Street house for a report of an odor of smoke inside the house. Turns out an electrical power strip was arcing in the home office. Fire personnel unplugged the strip and used water to cool a scorched area of the rug. Firefighters also spoke with the homeowner regarding overloading of plugs and a missing face plates to several outlets in other parts of the home.

Lost: a working couple

Sept. 9 – At just before half-past 4 p.m., crews were dispatched to the rear of Salon Monroe on Pleasant Street for the aftermath of an outdoor rubbish fire. They found an extinguished fire in the right rear corner of the building where a mop and bucket had burned due to the careless disposal of cigarettes. Occupants were advised to use a proper container for disposing of smoking materials in the future.

Detour: Road Work to Impact Belmont Center for Week

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Photo: Big machines taking apart the Concord Avenue roadway. 

For the remainder of the week – which includes the first day of school and the beginning of the Labor Day getaway – Belmont Center will be a good place to actively avoid.

Beginning Monday Aug. 31 and lasting until Friday, Sept. 4, General Contractor Charles Contracting will begin road pulverization and full-depth reconstruction for

  • a portion of Concord Avenue, westbound  between the Leonard Street and the Belmont Police headquarters on Pleasant Street, and
  • along Leonard Street from Alexander Avenue southbound towards the underpass. 

During construction, the roadways will be closed between 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Detours around the work site will be in effect at these times.  After 4 p.m., typical traffic flow will be restored and the road will be made passable.

For any questions or concerns about the project please contact Robert Bosselman, resident engineer in the Belmont Office of Community Development, at 617-993-2657.

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Cushing Square Municipal Lot Closing for Good in Fortnight

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Photo: The municipal lot in Cushing Square. 

A long-time landmark in parking scarce Cushing Square will soon disappear as Belmont Police announced Monday, Aug. 31, the closing of the municipal parking lot adjacent to Trapelo and Williston roads.

The lot, which serves neighborhood businesses, shoppers, overnight parking and commuters, will shut down in the next two weeks, said the release.

Police note that 50 underground spaces reserved for municipal use will be available to the public when the project nears completion in 18 months. 

The closure is due to the start of construction of the Cushing Village construction project, the long-delayed 167,000 sq.-ft. multi-use development that will occupy the lot, the location of the former S. S. Pierce store building at the intersection of Common Street and Trapelo Road and the former CVS site at Common and Belmont Street. 

After the lot is closed, area businesses that purchased town-issued monthly parking passes in the lot “will be allowed to park in the Cushing Square area free from time restrictions on parking with the exception of the following roads: Trapelo and Horne roads and Common Street. 

Belmont Police will work closely with businesses and residents to minimize the impact of an increase in vehicles in the surrounding neighborhoods. The department will rely on a similar plan in place during the reconstruction of the municipal lot in Waverley Square last year. 

Questions can be directed to Belmont Police Traffic Sgt. Ben Mailhot at 617-993-2538.