Council Votes 9-0 to Advance Crypto Kiosk Ban

Select Board · Meeting of September 8, 2026

Beverly's City Council voted 9-0 to advance a ban on cryptocurrency kiosks after police reported at least $195,029 in local fraud since 2024. The proposed ordinance, read in full by City Clerk Lisa Kent, would force removal of the city's roughly 13 active kiosks within 30 days and fine violators $300 per day; a second reading is still required. Mayor Mike Cahill separately told councilors a $2 million cost overrun on the City Hall and police station annex renovation forced cutting 3,050 square feet from the project, with city offices still moving to the leased TD Bank building the first week of October.

Councillor St. Hilaire's letter raising transparency concerns about the council's Deficit Reduction Committee was received and placed on file 9-0 after the committee's chair defended its summer work. Councillor Feldman moved to reconsider a $172,520 FAA airport grant "with the hope that it fails," a procedural step that cleared the grant for signature ahead of a Thursday deadline; the reconsideration failed 0-9.

In the full story:

• Who Was There
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Source: the Select Board meeting of September 8, 2026, reported from the official video recording and transcript.