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Council asks staff to fix map showing alcohol area for Belmont literary festival
Summary
Councilors flagged a mismatch in the proposed ordinance for the Sept. 5, 2026 Belmont Literary Festival that named the upper field for alcohol sales while a whereas clause included the lower pavilion; staff agreed to amend the operative language and add signage to protect playground areas.
Council members pressed staff over inconsistent language and a map showing the alcohol consumption area for the Sept. 5, 2026 literary festival.
At issue was a whereas clause describing the festival as taking place "in the lower pavilion and the upper field," while the ordinance's operative provision named only the "upper field of Stow Park" as the permitted alcohol area. Council Member (speaker 6) asked, "So is it meant to include the lower pavilion as well or the lower pavilion?" Staff (Miles) acknowledged the discrepancy and confirmed the ordinance will be amended to include the lower pavilion where appropriate and that signage would be placed to exclude the playground and fountain area.
Councilors also discussed where the consumption area would stop relative to the playground and sidewalk, and staff agreed to ensure the map and the ordinance text match before final adoption so signage and public expectations align.
