Belmont Moderator Eyes Four-Night Fall Town Meeting After Contentious Rink Name Debate

BELMONT — July 29, 2025 — Belmont's new Town Moderator discusses his first months in office and a contentious July naming dispute. Michael Crowley, elected in April 2025 after defeating incumbent Mark Polillo in a close race, appeared on Belmont Journal on July 29 to discuss the July 23 special town meeting, which was called after the Viglarolo family's citizen's petition gathered more than 200 verified signatures — automatically triggering a state-law requirement for the Select Board to convene a special meeting within 45 days, an outcome the petitioners did not anticipate. Town meeting members voted in favor of retaining the Skip Viglarolo name on the new skating rink building, but town counsel advised that naming authority rests with the Select Board, making the vote non-binding and advisory. Crowley said a four-night fall town meeting is now planned to begin October 20, with the Belmont Center Overlay District rezoning expected to generate significant debate, and he is racing to fill five Warrant Committee vacancies before that committee begins work in early September.