Belmont · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Belmont public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Street repaving and bike lane spending
A Carlmont High senior led a student bike audit and asked the city to improve dangerous cycling conditions on Ralston, Alameda, Old County, and El Camino; speakers also urged considering bus lanes on El Camino.
2 Davis Drive townhome project and fire station parcel
A proposed 45-townhome project at Davis Drive and Ralston would also dedicate land for a new fire station. The environmental review is just beginning; the public can comment on its scope through November 6.
Ground-floor commercial erosion in Belmont Village
Commissioners worry that approving all-residential projects in the village's mixed-use zone is eroding the walkable retail vision of the Belmont Village Specific Plan. Several asked staff to stop framing ground-floor residential as an 'established pattern' and to revisit the policy.
ALPR Data Sharing — Grand Jury Response
ALPR cameras have helped in 60 cases, including a counterfeit currency ring busted with the Secret Service. The department says access requires an active case number, is audited, and data sharing is being narrowed to under 100 agencies within roughly 40 miles — with no federal sharing.
Police Grant Awards
With the city dipping into reserves for the first time next year, the police department is chasing grants to soften the blow: $37,000 for traffic safety education, CHP cannabis tax funds for new equipment, and a hoped-for $1 million five-year grant funding part of a detective position.
El Niño Winter Storm Preparedness
NOAA forecasts a greater than 90% chance of a very strong El Niño this winter, bringing flooding, landslide, and drainage risks. The council's emergency proclamation lets the city formalize heightened readiness, and residents can pitch in by adopting storm drains and grabbing sandbags.
Twin Pines Senior Community Center Flood Reconstruction
An overflowing toilet flooded the senior center the night of August 6, closing the building. Senior lunches moved to the lodge, programs were relocated or moved outdoors, and remediation is being fast-tracked — which may let the planned restroom remodel happen sooner.
Barrett Community Center Off-Leash Dog Program
Belmont's only grass-field off-leash opportunity draws passionate support from dog owners but noise and enforcement complaints from neighbors. The commission heard five speakers backing the program and directed staff to form a committee to study usage, hours, and a possible ambassador pilot.
City Manager and City Attorney Compensation
The council approved 4% cost-of-living raises for its two appointed officials after the annual performance evaluation, keeping Belmont competitive with the regional market.
Solid Waste Rate Increase for 2027
Recology is seeking a 6.09% rate increase for 2027 — about $2.53-$3.02 more per month for most residents — driven by fuel costs, higher disposal (tipping) fees, and fleet depreciation. The formal protest hearing is November 24, and residents can submit written protests to block the rates.
Comprehensive City Fee Modernization
Belmont is raising sewer rates 1% a year for three years and will collect roughly $21 million in sewer-related fees through your property tax bill. The typical household bill rises about $1.38 a month, and the 10% drought adjustment is being phased out.
Community Center Special Tax Ballot Measure
The council prepared the ground for a major community center rebuild — addressing aging infrastructure, seismic and accessibility issues — should voters pass the citizen-led Measure Y parcel tax in November. No construction commitment was made; staff will set up a design-build framework and explore a Project Labor Agreement.
El Camino Real Complete Streets Redesign
SamTrans presented the Central El Camino Real Multimodal Plan — a shared vision for a safer, more walkable, bikeable and transit-friendly El Camino Real across four cities. Belmont's favored alternative includes separated bike lanes, wider sidewalks and preserved parking; final design selection comes in 2027-28. The council adopted a support resolution without committing to any specific design.
Fire Danger Along Club Drive Canyon Rim
A resident reported fireworks, nighttime gathering, and fire danger along the canyon rim across from Club Drive near Crestview Park, asking for signage and Belmont–San Carlos collaboration.
Retirement of Community Development Director Carlos de Mello
The city's long-serving community development director retires September 12 after 26 and a half years. He was honored with an ice cream social, a council proclamation, and an adjournment in his honor.
August meeting cancellations and commission transition
The commission takes August off, with the September 1 meeting resuming business. Director Carlos de Melo is retiring after 26.5 years with the city, with September 1 as his final meeting.
HIA Specific Plan Update
The plan would modernize the Harbor Industrial Area with taller buildings (up to 155 feet), increased setbacks along O'Neill and Caran Road, and a new master-plan path that could allow some housing. Neighbors remain worried about height, traffic, and privacy.
Affordable housing pipeline progress
Up to $1.5 million each from the Affordable Housing Fund goes to CRP Affordable Housing for affordable projects at 678 Ralston Ave and 951 Old County Rd.
General Plan Safety Element Adoption
Belmont is updating the state-mandated Safety Element covering wildfire, earthquake, flooding, extreme heat, and other hazards, plus a matching Conservation Element tweak. Commissioners pushed for mention of PG&E gas transmission lines near fault lines, current air quality data, and erosion-prone areas before recommending adoption.
Mental Health Clinician Program Funding
A resident asked about the future of the police department's mental health clinician program given uncertain grant funding. The department confirmed a six-to-seven-month extension thanks to extra county money, with reassessment after that.
Hallmark-Crestview Fire Access Gate Upgrade
Belmont and San Carlos will split the cost of replacing the narrow 1976 gate at the end of Hallmark Drive with a 20-foot double fire-access gate, improving emergency access and evacuation between Belmont Heights and San Carlos' Highland Park neighborhood.
Exempt Surplus Land Declaration for 1000 O'Neill Avenue
Before selling the city-owned Emmett House property, the council corrected errors in the 2025 surplus-land declaration — square footage and parcel map — keeping the property on track for disposition.
Corporate Landlord Regulation
Belmont may soon regulate corporate landlords, and this isn’t just a Wall Street issue—it could affect rental properties right in town. If you rent or own, expect possible changes to tenant protections, management rules, and housing costs.
Cannabis Dispensary Approval
Belmont just approved two cannabis dispensaries, so local adults may soon have legal retail options closer to home. The move could bring new tax revenue and foot traffic, but neighbors will want details on locations, hours, and security.
Cannabis Retail Policy
Belmont’s City Council is moving toward allowing cannabis retail shops, which could change which businesses show up in local neighborhoods. The policy isn’t final, but it’s a real shift for residents and nearby businesses.
Police Chief Appointment
Belmont has a new top cop: Tony Psaila is now Chief of Police, meaning he’ll lead local public-safety decisions and set priorities for the department. The appointment itself is a leadership change, not a policy or budget vote, but it can shape how policing is run.
Red-light Camera Program Suspension
Belmont is pausing its red-light camera program, so automated tickets at those intersections may stop for now. That means drivers won’t face camera-issued fines during the pause, but the city also won’t collect that revenue. The big question is whether safety at those intersections changes while the program is on hold.
City Staffing Appointment
Belmont just hired its first in-house city attorney, so legal advice is now on staff instead of outsourced. That could speed up city decisions and contracts—and maybe save money on outside legal bills. Why care? Faster legal review can mean quicker permits, projects, and services for residents.
Council Leadership Change
Belmont’s City Council has picked Braunstein as the new mayor, a leadership shakeup that could shift city priorities. It’s not a policy change by itself, but it signals possible new direction in how the council sets its agenda.