Plastic Bag Ban Coming Soon
The City will officially ban plastic bag sales in the City on December 17. As of that date, retail establishments will no longer be able to utilize plastic bags for packaging of goods to customers at checkout. The goal of the ban is to improve the environment and to eliminate litter in the City. The City will be providing businesses with a supply of reusable bags to begin with. Questions can be directed by email to Fidel Maltez at [email protected].
Breakfast With Santa
The annual Breakfast with Santa, sponsored by the Chelsea Chamber, will take place for the 15th year at the Williams School on Dec. 7, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. There will be free breakfast and free pictures with Santa (for children 12 and under).
School Comm. Considers Indigenous Peoples’ Day
The School Committee is preparing to vote on a resolution Dec. 5 that would call for changing Columbus Day in the schools to Indigenous Peoples Day. The matter was put before the Committee last month by Member Kelly Garcia. The matter is, as stated, to let the “community of Chelsea to take a step forward in studying, honoring and celebrating the people Columbus enslaved and terrorized.”
The matter is on the agenda for discussion and action at the meeting.
State Rep. Dan Ryan Office Hours
State Rep. Dan Ryan announces Office Hours will be Friday, Dec. 13, from 10-11 a.m. at the Chelsea Public Library, 569 Broadway.
Office Hours provide an opportunity for Chelsea residents to meet personally with the State Representative in Chelsea to discuss a legislative issue or to request assistance with a government agency.
Spanish translation also available. Any questions please call the State Representative (617) 722-2060 or email [email protected]
Collaborative Gala Dec. 18
The Chelsea Collaborative will celebrate 30-plus years of community service and social justice at their annual 2019 gala on Dec. 18.
The Collaborative will host the event from 5:30-8:30 p.m. in the Emiliana Fiesta, 35 Fourth St.
Thank You to Mary Bourque
The Chelsea Public Schools will host a Thank You Celebration for Supt. Mary Bourque on Thursday, Dec. 12, at 5 p.m. in Chelsea High School.
Suggestion donation is $25 and all proceeds will go to the Chelsea Education Foundation for the arts programs in the schools. RSVP by Nov. 30 to [email protected].
CHS Winter Concert
The Chelsea High Winter Concert is coming up on Weds., Dec. 11, at 7:30 p.m. in the CHS Auditorium. This year is going to be a special show because it will be the last in the auditorium before the lighting system is completely renovated, and because the concert will be a benefit show for the CHS Homeless Student Fund. Students really wanted to show that music and art can make a positive difference in the community by holding this concert. The suggested donation at the door is $3 and all proceeds will go to this charity, in order to help provide for CHS students and their families in need during the holiday season.
The acts performing that night will be the CHS Concert Band, Beginner Band, Jazz Band, and Percussion Ensemble, all under the direction of Shannon Chick, and the Cantare, under the direction of Cole Lundquist.
Flashlight Candy Cane Hunt
On Weds., Dec. 11, from 6-7 p.m., there will be a Candy Cane hunt around Washington Park in Prattville. Bring a flashlight and search for hidden candy canes. Dress accordingly and the event will be held indoors if bad weather. Register by Dec. 9.
Library Updates
•Lego Club, Dec. 5, 6 p.m.
Whether you are a great Lego builder, or a first timer, this is the place for you. Joining us on the first Thursday of the month at the Lego Club.
•Movie Nights, Every Thursday, 3:30 p.m.
December, 5 – Missing Link
December, 12 – The Grinch
December, 19 – Abominable
Yard Waste Pickup
December 9 – 13 is the last week for yard waste pick-up until the next spring.
Leaves, grass, and tree limbs can still be dropped off most mornings at the City Yard (380 Beacham St.) but call before you go: 617-466-4300
Water Leak Alerts
The City of Chelsea is offering a free service to residents to help efficiently manage water usage and lower monthly bills. The service also notifies residents if usage indicates a possible leak. Register for this service at http://chelma.aquahawk.us or call 617-464-4041 for more information.
Game Night Moves Inside
Game Night on City Hall Plaza has been a great success this summer. The group doesn’t want to break up so, as the evenings become increasingly wet, cold and dark, Game Night is moving inside the Chelsea Library at 569 Broadway . Everyone is welcome to join every Tuesday evening from 6-8 p.m. where friends and neighbors gather over dominos to play and chat. If the weather is really nice we’ll catch a little more summer out on the plaza beside City Hall. Otherwise, the group meets inside the library. They will be in the room to the right just inside the main entrance.
Online Payments Available for Parking
Beginning July 1, the City of Chelsea will offer an online payment portal for residential parking stickers and visitor passes. Residents can create an account and then sign in. For any questions, contact [email protected] or call 617-466-4054.
Free Water Meter Replacement
The City of Chelsea’s DPW is continuing its water meter replacement program for both residential and commercial customers. As part of this effort, meter service technicians from the DPW may be visiting a property to remove the old meter and replace it with a new meter. All DPW meter service technicians travel in marked City of Chelsea vehicles and have City of Chelsea identification badges. Whenever a water meter technician visits a property, one should ask to see the City issued ID. Installation of a new meter will typically take less than 30 minutes. The new meters will eliminate most estimated bills. Reliable readings will also allow customers to identify leaks that may result in higher than normal bills. There is no charge for the new meter.
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.