Belmont High Bomb Threat Deemed A Hoax

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Photo: Belmont High School.

Units from the Massachusetts State Police and Belmont Police Department conducted a search of Belmont High School Wednesday morning, July 13, after the school district received an email bomb threat.

Belmont and three schools in Waltham including the high school were targeted by threats Wednesday. On Monday, several schools in Wareham were shut down due to bomb threats.

The message claiming that a bomb was inside the school arrived at the district office on Pleasant Street at approximately 9:45 a.m. School Administration immediately contacted the Belmont Police who informed the State Police. Law enforcement along with district staff conducted a visual inspection of the building.

After the inspection, and using State Police protocol, the threat was declared a “low risk, ” and the building was not evacuated.

“The School Department thanks Belmont and State Police for their quick response to this matter,” said Belmont Superintendent John Phelan.

Planning Board Parks il Casale’s Next Belmont Eatery

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Photo: Dante de Magistris before the Planning Board.

Everything appeared to be going swimmingly for the local team seeking to open a new restaurant in the former Macy’s building in Belmont Center.

The site review application before the Planning Board which met on Monday, June 10 at the Beech Street Center couldn’t have come with a better pedigree. The de Magistris brothers (“We all grow up in Belmont,” said one brother at the introductions) who run the prestigious award-winning il Casale restaurant at 50 Leonard St. are seeking to open a second Belmont location, a new dining experience for residents to experience.

Likely dubbed Roast 75 (as in 75 Leonard St. the street address), the new site would be a “new warm, inviting neighborhood restaurant,” according to Dante de Magistris, the chef, and co-owner of il Casale, speaking for the family. The eatery would incorporate an inexpensive, farm-to-table concept “that you can go to every day,” he said.

The “front” door would be the back entrance facing the two parking lots along Claflin Street. ‘It’s a nice beautiful spot there,” said de Magistris.

Architect Neli Ialamov of South End-based McMahon Architects said little would be done to the brick exterior. The interior would consist of a lower basement storage area and a main floor dining area with an open “show” kitchen so diners can see the cooks in action. 

Architect Neli Ialamov of South End-based McMahon Architects.

But for the Planning Board, it wasn’t what the customers would be ordering that interested them; rather where those patrons would park their cars that held their interest.

Len Simons, an attorney for landlord Locatelli Properties assisting the de Magistris family with its application, told the board it would be seeking relief from the town’s zoning bylaw requirement of supplying one parking space for every two seats in the restaurant. With the new site set to hold 133 seats, the de Magistris family will need to provide 67 spaces.

That would be an issue as the landlord’s parking lot located adjacent to the operation only has 61 spaces total which needs to supply existing retail and restaurants.

In the family and Simons’ view, the restaurant could get by with 54 dedicated spaces in which several spots would be daytime permitted commuter parking in the nearby lot behind the Leonard Street fire station and the municipal location.

With a total of 382 parking spaces in lots and on the street in Belmont Center,”[t]he thought is that there should be enough parking to satisfy the requirements of the zoning bylaw albeit not on the same lot as the restaurant,” said Simons.

Simons also said 70 percent of the expected 25 employees would take mass transit to work and since a growing number of diners are arriving via ride-hailing companies such as Lyft and Uber, the actual number of spots the restaurant would need will be reduced even further.

But as Board Chair Elizabeth Allison noted, “the numbers [of space] are not the problem.” While not disputing the data presented to the board, Allison wanted to see “firmer” facts on the number of restaurant seats and parking spaces in lots and on the street in the Center in chart form rather than just off the top-of-the-head figures. She also said the board would be reviewing past actions on relaxing the parking bylaw for restaurants to be “consistent” if it would grant relief.

And while the board wishes to be “business friendly,” Allison said it also wanted to “be friendly to all business” in the center, not crowding out one set of retailers for another.

But it was when they realized that the board was not going to vote on the application Monday – scheduling a return visit of the application on Aug. 1 – that the faces of the de Magistris brothers took a distinctly anxious turn. And little wonder as it was revealed the board’s three-week delay on a possible vote was putting the il Casale team “between a rock and a hard place,” according to Simons.

Apparently, the de Magistris’ are “on the cusp of obtaining a liquor license” from the Board of Selectmen, said Simons, which, in turn, will allow them to finalize a financing package needed to begin construction on a space they are paying rent.

“At the risk of seeming aggressive,” Simons asked if approval of the site review application could be granted at present with conditions attached. But Allison nixed the suggestion, and Aug 1 would be the next time the team can plead its case to the board.

After spending 10 minutes discussing strategy with Simons in the Beech Street Center’s parking lot, Dante de Magistris summed up the board’s decision with a shrug of the shoulders.

“It’s an ongoing process. It’s a beautiful process,” he said without a bit of cynicism in his voice.

 

Tweaked: Failed Dunkin’ Donut Developer’s Back On Pleasant Street With New Proposal

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Photo: The new design for the strip mall at Pleasant and Brighton.

The development team whose attempt to build a Dunkin’ Donut restaurant at the corner of Pleasant and Brighton streets was shot down by the Belmont Zoning Board of Appeals in January 2016 is back before the town with a new proposal for the site.

Although “new” will be seen as a stretch for some as Nick Leo’s proposed strip mall does mention a Dunkin’ Donuts restaurant as one “alternative” in occupying the larger storefront at the former Pleasant Street Getty service station located at 350 Pleasant St. which Leo bought for $1,060,000 in July 2014.

But this time, rather than building a strip mall with one of his franchise as the anchor tenant that would involve what some contend is a zoning board not favorably disposed to business interests, the development’s retail spaces will be open to anyone.

‘Once site plan approval is granted and the construction schedule is set up, Mr. Leo will then seek out possible tenants,” said Joseph Noone, the Belmont-based attorney for the Leo Organization.

Leo’s plan this time is to build the structure under the review of the Planning Board and “if a future tenant use requires a special permit under the Belmont By-Law, the tenant will apply to the ZBA for a special permit if the proposed use is not permitted as of right,” said Noone.

The new concept comes before the Planning Board on Tuesday, July 11 at 7 p.m. for a Site and Design Review a year-and-a-half after the Zoning Board of Appeals voted down the application in January 2016 due to traffic and parking issues.

Leo, the owner of 20 Dunkin’ Donut franchises in Massachusetts and Florida, is seeking to build a 3,516 sq.-ft. strip mall with three retail spaces of 1,500, 1,000  and 746 square feet with 269 square feet of common space. The site will have 21 parking spaces, seven more than is required in an LB3 zone.

In many ways, the new design is similar to the failed plan which included a 3,500 sq.-ft. building with a pair of 1,000 sq.-ft. retail operations.

While an application is prohibited for two years to return to the ZBA after being rejected, the new project is considered just enough of a change to allow it back before the town.

“In essence, the footprint of the building is not changed from the plans previously submitted,” said Noone, noting that a small second-floor storage space was eliminated.

The big difference is what’s going inside the space, said Noone. The initial design came before the ZBA as it needed a special permit to use one of the retail spaces as a Dunkin Donuts. Since the new proposal only mentions two possible uses – or alternatives – the Planning Board will only review the proposed structure.

“The denial of the special permit for the use of a Dunkin Donuts [in 2016] does not preclude seeking site plan approval for the proposed structure,’ said Noone.

Noone said the new design incorporates suggestions and requests by abutters, neighbors and the town made during the ZBA hearings, including moving the new building closer to Pleasant Street. and the placement of the dumpster, transformer, and environmental remediation equipment.

Leo also hosted an informational meeting for the neighbors on May 9 at Noone’s office, which was attended by several neighbors. 

Applications For 2018 Community Preservation Funding Now Available

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Photo: The Underwood Pool

Could your group or committee use a few dollars to complete a community project that involves acquiring or improving open space and recreation land, rehabbing or preserving historic sites, or goes to support affordable housing?

If “yes” is the answer, the town’s Community Preservation Committee has about a million dollars waiting to spend on your worthy venture in the coming 2018 fiscal year. And applications to start the process are available today.

The CPC, which distributes the total of a 1.5 percent surcharge on property taxes and an annual contribution of state funds for a wide range of proposals, has released preliminary applications for the 2017 funding cycle. You can download the preliminary application online here.

Applicants are invited to attend the CPC’s Public Meeting on Sept. 14 to ask any questions they may have regarding the application process.

The deadline for returning your application is Friday, Sept. 29 for those projects to be eligible for the next round in the process.

In the past, CPC funding has been distributed to the Belmont Housing Authority for much-needed infrastructure upgrades of housing under its control, to help fund the second phase of the PQ Playground Revitalization Project, updating the Town Clerk’s records, and for the repair of tennis courts at the Grove Street Playground. It was also instrumental in major projects such as the Underwood Pools and the building of Joey’s Park.

For more information, contact the Community Preservation Hotline at 617-993-2774 or send an e-mail to Michael Trainor at mtrainor@belmont-ma.gov

Belmont Requires Yard Sale Permits – Which Are Free and Online

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Photo: Get your permit now.

With summer underway and the weekends filled with signs pointing to the nearest garage sale, the Belmont Town Clerk’s office wants to remind all residents that via town bylaw a permit is required for all “yard sales,” with a limit of three in a calendar year.

“If you intend to hold a private sale as defined in the bylaw, you must first register and receive a free permit issued by the Town Clerk’s office,” says Belmont Town Clerk Ellen Cushman. Private sales include yard and garage sales, tag sales, moving sales and estate sales.

But fear not: obtaining a permit is so easy, you don’t have to go to Town Hall to get yours. 

Residents can file for the Private Sale permit by going to the Town Clerk’s web page on the Town’s website select ‘Yard Sale Permit.’ Registering for the free permit takes less than two minutes as the resident fills in an online form with the date, time, address of the sale and contact information about the sponsor. Once submitted, the free permit will be emailed automatically to you.

Residents who are unable to access email may call or visit the Town Clerk’s office and the staff will be happy to help. The Town Clerk’s office can be reached at 617-993-2600 or townclerk@belmont-ma.gov 

Sellers will also get a bit of free advertising. Yard Sale shoppers may use the web page to view a map of registered Belmont Yard Sales or print a list of registered Yard Sales for the upcoming two weeks.  

Market Day: Early Harvests Coming In; Donations Needed To Help Assistance Program

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Photo:
From the fresh greens of June to the colorful produce of July, the harvests are rushing into each other on Market Day in Belmont today.
Come to the Belmont Farmers Market to enjoy the early summer bounty. Strawberries and raspberries are coming in as are eggplant, broccoli and peppers.
The market – open from 2 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. – is located in the Claflin Street municipal parking lot at the corner of Cross and Channing behind Belmont Center. 
 
Learn about the markets’ vendors on its website.
Weekly Vendors:
Red’s Best, Stillman Quality Meats, Mamadou’s Artisan Bakery, Dick’s Market Garden, Del Sur Empanadas, Goodies Homemade, Bread Obsession, Hutchins Farm, Freedom Food Farm, Foxboro Cheese Co., Brookford Farm
 
Monthly and Occasional Vendors:
Minuteman Kettle Corn, Bittersweet Herb Farm, Valicenti Pasta Farm, Garbage to Garden, swissbäkers, Tewksbury Honey.

The Belmont Food Collaborative which runs the weekly Farmers Market is also making an

appeal for food assistance donations. The Market helps shoppers on limited budgets purchase fresh, local food. It matchs up to $25 of SNAP benefits (formerly called food stamps) and match WIC and Senior FMNP coupons as well. 
This market season, demand for SNAP matches has nearly tripled. Please make a tax-deductible donation to fund the Market match so we can continue to help our neighbors in need. You can do so at the market or online.
Also at the market today: 
Community Table
4 p.m.: Selectman Adam Dash will be holding office hours from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
 
Schedule of Events
2 p.m.: Music by traditional folk singer, guitarist, and Irish bouzouki player Lindsay Straw
4 p.m.: Storytime with the librarians from the Belmont Public Library’s Childrens’ room.
4:30 p.m.: Music by jazz guitarist and vocalist Sarah Fard.

4th of July Celebrations/Fireworks Close To Belmont (But Arlington’s Not One)

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Photo: Over the Charles River.

While Belmont does not hold a community 4th of July celebration, many neighboring and close-by cities and towns do. Here are just a few events and fireworks in adjacent communities and in Boston. 

• Lexington: The annual Lexington Lions Fourth of July Carnival takes place at Hastings Park (continue on Massachusetts Avenue past Lexington center) from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. The Youth Games take place on July 4 at 10 a.m. Sorry, but the fireworks were shot off on July 3.       

• Boston: Fireworks will fill the sky over the Charles River adjacent to the Esplanade after the Boston Pops concert a little after 10 p.m. 

• Newton: Newton Community Pride’s July 4th Celebration is an all day affair with an open air market, food vendors and children’s activities beginning at 1 p.m. at Albermarle/Halloran Field, located on Watertown Street, Route 16. The music starts at 6 p.m. and the fireworks get underway at 9 p.m.

Today, from 10 a.m. to noon, is Kids Morning (for children from 3 to 12) at the Newton Centre Playground at Tyler Terrace. There will be a Grande Pet Parade, a Teddy Bear Parade, Decorated Doll Carriage Promenade and Foot Races. There will also be free ice cream provided by Cabot’s Ice Cream.

• Waltham: The City of Waltham 4th of July Events begins with a kids celebration at Prospect Hill Park (off Totten Pond Road) include family activities like mini gulf, animal adventures, music, food and trolley rides.

Then it is over to Leary Field, 19 Athletic Field Rd., (a block from Lexington Street and close to Waltham City Hall) at 5:30 p.m. for a concert by “Back in Time” with fireworks at 9:30 p.m.

• Arlington: A favorite of many Belmont residents for its panaramic view of Boston’s firework celebration, this year’s events at Robbins Farm Park, just over Route 2 in Arlington, have been cancelled due to large-scale construction in the park that is part of a Community Preservation Act project. 

It’s Good to be Green: State Provides $250K in Energy Saving Grants

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Photo: The Burbank school.

Kermit The Frog famously lamented “It’s not easy being green.”

But recently for the town of Belmont, being green is not just easy but pretty darn profitable.

Last month, the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources Green Communities Division approved an award of $250,000 for four projects the town proposed in a “Green Communities Competitive Grant” application it submitted to the state last year.

List of projects being funded include;

• $92,499 for a boiler replacement at the Burbank Elementary School.

• $16,508 for retro-commissioning controls also at the Burbank Elementary.

• $92,481 for a boiler replacement at the Butler Elementary. 

• $48,512 for the weatherization of the Belmont Public Library.

The DOER reviewed Belmont’s grant application and determined these capital projects met the eligibility requirements of its “Competitive Grant” program, taking them off the rolls of the town’s Captial Budget Committee.

Belmont was named a Green Community at a State House ceremony in December 2014.

The Green Communities Division helps each of Massachusetts’ 351 cities and towns find clean energy solutions that reduce long-term energy costs through technical assistance and financial support to improve energy efficiency and increase the use of renewable energy in public buildings, facilities and schools.

Belmont High Athletes Selected All-Scholastic, All-Stars; Duffy Honored

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Photo: Belmont Girls’ Rugby.

It shouldn’t surprise anyone who attended or followed Belmont High 2017 spring sports that a fair share of athletes would be recognized with season-ending All-Scholastic Awards by Boston’s two daily newspapers.

Junior Anoush Krafian was honored in the Boston Globe and Boston Herald for her All-State victories in the pentathlon and 100-meter hurdles setting a personal record (14.64 seconds) in the hurdles and a new state record (3,243 points) in the multi-event. Krafian ended the season finishing fifth in the seven-event heptathlon at the New Balance Nationals.

Joining Krafian as a Globe and Herald All-Scholastic was her teammate junior Calvin Perkins who stood out in the 400 meters finishing second in a big PR (48.65 seconds) in the All-States while repeating as Eastern Mass 400 meter Division 3 champion.

Senior Julia Cella, freshman Soleil Tseng, and Krafian were named Herald Track All-Stars as were Aidan Carey, Perkins, Max-Serrano-Wu, Brian Huang and Jason Berger.

Speaking of state champions, junior outside center Rachel Iler-Keniston of Belmont girls’ rugby – the winners of the inaugural state rugby championship – and senior Brendan Walsh of the Boys’ Division 1 semi-finalists (and top public school) were named Boston Globe Rugby All-Scholastics. 

The Globe also named Molly Goldberg, Iler-Keniston, Sara Nelson, Georgia Parsons, Jessica Rosenstein and Gabriella Viale as 2017 Girl All-Stars. Laurent Brabo, Ben Jones, Joe Viale and Walsh were named Boy All-Stars.

Over at the diamond, junior southpaw Nate Espelin was honored as a Boston Globe All-Scholastic for his “dominant in his junior campaign, racking up 92 strikeouts over 63 innings with a 1.33 ERA.” Over at the Herald, senior catcher Cal Christofori was selected for its All-Scholastic team for leading Belmont to its first Middlesex League championship in 26 years and a berth in the Super Eight tournament. The four-year starter finished the season with a .414 batting average and a career hitting average of .417 with 42 RBI.

Christofori, Espelin, and Bryan Goodwin were named Middlesex League Liberty Division All-Stars.

Belmont High baseball ended the season 5th – and the top-ranked Division 2 program – in the Herald’s top 25 Eastern Massachusetts poll and 8th in the final Globe poll. 

Hard-hitting sophomore Drew Bates and standout junior pitcher Christine MacLeod were named Middlesex League Liberty Division Softball All–Stars.

The Bay State Games honored Belmont High junior Emily Duffy as one of six statewide scholarship recipients for the 2017 Future Leaders Scholarship Program.

These future leaders were selected based on their achievements and involvement in academics, community service, athletics and leadership roles. Each of the six rising high school seniors will receive a $2,000 scholarship.

Duffy is vice president of her class and has received many academic awards including the Stonehill Book Award. Duffy served an internship at Mass General Hospital and in a Young Marine Biologist Program at New England Aquarium. She is a talented singer as well as a two-sport varsity athlete (soccer and track) and a team captain in track.

Belmont Yard Sales: July 1-2

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Photo: Garage sales in Belmont

Here are this weekend’s yard/moving/garage sales happening in the 02478 zip code:

• 55 Becket Rd., Saturday, July 1, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

 

• 27 George St., Saturday, July 1, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

• 59 Trowbridge St., Saturday, July 2, 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

 

• Belmont at Marlboro streets, Saturday, July 1, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.