News Briefs

PAINFUL: CHELSEA CURVES PROJECT STARTS APRIL 1

Massachusetts Department of Transportation Highway Administrator Jonathan Gulliver and MBTA Deputy General Manager Jeff Gonneville announced major lane closures which are being implemented on the northbound side of the Tobin Bridge on Monday, April 1, and are associated with the Tobin Bridge/Chelsea Curves Rehabilitation Project.

These lane closures will lead to increased congestion and travel times along Route 1 northbound, and the public should also note that additional traffic impacts including lane closures on Route 1 north and southbound in the Chelsea Curves area are expected to be implemented by early May.

These impacts will be in place for the next two years and MassDOT encourages travelers to make informed decisions during this necessary rehabilitation work in order to reach destinations in a timely and efficient manner.

PUPUSA FIESTA APRIL 7

On Sunday, April 7, from 2-5 p.m. at Emiliana Fiesta, 35 Fourth Street: This festival is a celebration of this savory thick corn tortilla. Local restaurants compete for the coveted Best Pupusa Award, learn all about the dish’s Salvadoran roots and the various interpretations and make your own curtido to take home.

KELLY SCHOOL CULTURAL FEST

The George Kelly School will feature a Cultural Festival at the school on Thursday, March 28, at 5 p.m.

Students will represent their culture and the many countries that are represented at the Kelly School.

EDEN PARK DESIGN MEETING

On Tuesday, April 2 from 6-7 p.m., there will be a Public Meeting on the design of Eden Park. Come discuss the design of Eden Park with the City of Chelsea. The City is looking for ideas from the public that will create a vibrant, safe and enjoyable park. This event will take place at Chelsea Public Library Auditorium, 569 Broadway, Chelsea.

YOUTH COMMISSION

The City of Chelsea is accepting applications for its Youth Commission. Members of the Youth Commission will advise and assist the City Council, the School Committee, and the City Manager in the development of policies, programs, and delivery of services for the health and welfare of Chelsea’s youth and their families. The Youth Commission is comprised of eleven members each being appointed to the position for a one-year term beginning in September, 2019.  Interested applicants must be Chelsea residents between the ages of 13 and 20 and currently enrolled in high school.  Members will be appointed by City Manager Tom Ambrosino with the approval of the City Council.

Ideal members of the Youth Commission have a solution-focused attitude and are passionate about making an impact on their community. Members meet the 1st & 3rd  Tuesdays of each month and attend additional meetings as needed. Youth interested in being considered for the Commission need to fully commit to making a difference in our community. Applications are available online at https://tinyurl.com/solicitudchelsea. For more information call 617-466-4073 or email  [email protected].  The application deadline is Monday, April 29, 2019.

CITY HALL GALLERY: NICARAGUA

On Tuesday, April 2 at 5 p.m. the City Hall Gallery with host a reception for the new show: “Nicaragua: Leyendas y Tradiciones con Justicia y Libertad.” For more information, contact Maria Belen Power at [email protected]. This event will take place at Chelsea City Hall, 500 Broadway.

GALLERY 456 EVENTS

As part of Chelsea’s celebration of Black History Month, the Lewis Latimer Society presents an exhibit at Gallery 456 featuring three notable former city residents of African descent. See portraits of each notable Black resident of Chelsea’s past at 456 Broadway, on display through the end of February.

Keep an eye out for these upcoming events at Gallery 456:

•Empty Bowls, an exhibit by the Chelsea Hunger Network: March 4 to April 18 

•Senior Art Show, presented by the Chelsea Senior Center: April 29 to June 3.

•2019 Year Book, presented by the Chelsea High School Year Book: June 3 through July 8. Opening reception Friday, June 7

•Photography One Person Show, the work of Matt Frank: July to August

FREE TAX PREPARTION at CAPIC

Despite the government shutdown, the Internal Revenue Service has confirmed that it will process tax returns beginning January 28 and provide refunds to taxpayers as scheduled.

•Official VITA Program start date is Jan. 28

•Drop-offs will be  accepted starting Jan. 22

•Days of hours of operation: Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays from 2-8 p.m.

•No appointments are needed as we are a drop off service only.

•Facilitated Self-Assisted Returns (people who do their own returns with guidance/help from CAPIC staff) – Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4-8 p.m.  Please bring your prior year tax return.

WHAT YOU NEED TO BRING:

•Picture ID

•Social Security Cards for EVERYONE on your return.

•Proof of health insurance – 1095B, 1099HC & 1095A (if you have one)

•W-2’s, 1099’s for interest, dividends, and other income – if any.

•Annual rent paid for State Return.

•Annual amount paid for weekly or monthly T- passes (for State return)

•IF over age 65 – and you are a homeowner, please bring with you the annual amount paid for real estate taxes and annual amount paid for water bills (for State return).

Please contact Shelly Thimmer at 617-884-6130, ext. 116

PROPERTY TAX DEFERRAL PROGRAM

Seniors 65 or older having trouble keeping up with real estate tax increases may wish to take advantage of the tax deferral program. This program allows seniors to defer taxes on their real estate, up to 50 percent of the fair market value of the property, provided they agree to repay the City upon death or re-sale of the property. The City has increased the income eligibility limits to this program and reduced the annual rate of interest on deferred taxes to 4 percent. Seniors who are interested should contact the Assessor’s Office at 617-466-4010.

CHELSEA HILLS WALKS

The Chelsea Hill Community has updated its schedule and has new meeting times.

Chelsea Hills will now be meeting every first Tuesday of the month at 6 p.m. in the Starbucks at the Mystic Mall.

As for their walks, they will have them every second Saturday at 10 a.m. and every fourth Wednesday at 6 p.m. Locations vary, so please check the Chelsea Hills Facebook page or subscribe to email list. 

CHELSEA STREET BRIDGE APP

For those seeking real time information about the Chelsea St. Bridge closures, Massport is operating a Twitter account which alerts drivers whenever the bridge is opening for shipping and closed to traffic. The Twitter account is @LoganToChelsea. This real time information supplements the new vehicular warnings systems now currently active on Broadway and Williams St.

CITIZENSHIP CLASSES

With support from the City, the Chelsea Collaborative will again be offering citizenship classes to Chelsea residents eligible to become a U.S. citizen. Classes include a free citizenship preparation course and application assistance. To learn more about the requirements for these classes and how to apply, please call the Chelsea Collaborative at 617-889-6080 —Monday- Thursday 10 a.m.—5 p.m. Classes will be at the Chelsea Collaborative located at 318 Broadway.

MASSPORT NOISE COMPLAINT LINE

Residents who are being disturbed by airplane noise are encouraged to call the MassPort Noise Hotline 24 hours a day. The phone number is (617) 561-3333.

SENIOR WATER AND SEWER DISCOUNT

Chelsea senior citizens are reminded to sign up for the new Senior Discount for water and sewer charges. Any senior 65 or older who owns and occupies his/her own home may apply.  The discount is 10% off the monthly bill.

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