Public meetings

Belmont’s Economic Development Advisory Committee is rolling out its plan to boost tax revenue by $5 million over the next five years, with three public meetings ahead of January’s Special Town Meeting. The committee is proposing major commercial developments in four areas: Cushing Square, South Pleasant Street, McLean Hospital, and on Route 2 at the site of the old Metropolitan District Commission skating rink. The commercial tax revenue from the projects is expected to help close some gaps in the town’s budget without increasing the burden on taxpayers. The meetings are scheduled for Nov. 9 at Chenery Middle School on Washington Street from 7:30 to 9 p.m. and Nov. 15 at the Beech Street Center from 7:30 to 9 p.m. A third meeting is planned for December. The goal, says Lalig Musserian, secretary of the committee, is transparency and open dialogue. - Evan Allen