Early Voting Starts Feb. 24
Registered voters who wish to cast an early ballot for the Massachusetts Presidential Primary may do so in person from Monday, February 24 until Friday, February 28 at the Chelsea City Hall, City Clerk’s office (500 Broadway).
The hours of early voting are listed below:
Monday, Wednesday, Thursday 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Tuesday 8 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Friday 8 a.m. – noon.
Free Skating Day at the Cronin
Enjoy an afternoon of free ice skating for Chelsea residents at the Cronin Rink on the Parkway this Sunday, Feb. 23, from 1:20-4:30 p.m.
Come watch an ice show, drink hot cocoa, and skate in the afternoon with family and friends. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Wear warm, nonbinding clothing and gloves. Ice skates rental is free.
Charter Review Committee Volunteers
Every 10 years, the City Council is required to establish a Charter Review Committee consisting of members of the City Council, the School Committee, and residents of the city. This special committee will review the City Charter and report to the City Council findings, conclusions, and recommendations. The City Council is seeking five Chelsea residents who are registered voters to participate on this committee.
If anyone is interested in participating on this Committee, please e-mail a letter of interest and resume to both Ledia Koco at [email protected] and City Council President Roy Avellaneda at [email protected]. One may also submit a letter of interest and resume by mail to the City Council Office (Room 306, 500 Broadway, Chelsea, MA 02150).
The application deadline is February 28.
Capital Improvement Plan a Record
City Manager Tom Ambrosino has submitted his Capital Improvement Plan to the City Council and is requesting a record $24 million and more than 40 projects.
If approved, it will allow for the City to move forward with the long-awaited full reconstruction of Upper Broadway, from City Hall to the Revere city line. Other investments would be in the Garden Cemetery rehabilitation project and in repairs for the Chelsea Public School buildings.
The Council is expected to hold hearings in the coming months and vote on the Plan in the spring.
Black History Month Calendar
The Chelsea Black Community (CBC) will host a series of events for Black History Month throughout February, with the big event culminating on Feb. 20. There will be performances, educational artifacts, vendors, children’s’ activities and more.
The events are as follows:
•Feb. 20, 5-8 p.m. Black History Month Celebration, Williams Middle School, 180 Walnut St. Special recognition honoring ‘Chelsea Trailblazers.’ There will also be a dynamic keynote speaker with activities, food and more.
•Feb. 28, 6-8 p.m. Evening of Performing Arts. There will be dance groups, a fashion show, comedy acts and much more. Clark Avenue Middle School, 8 Clark Ave. Refreshments will be served.
Pre-kindergarten Lottery Feb. 26
The Chelsea Public Schools is holding a lottery for preschool programs (ages 3 and 4 by August 31, 2020). A limited number of seats are available at the John Silber Early Learning Center for the upcoming school year 2020-2021. Transportation is not provided for these programs.
•Lottery Information
When: Wednesday, February 26, 6 p.m.
Where: John Silber Early Learning Center (Gymnasium)
Please contact the Parent Information Center at 617.466.5500 or the
John Silber Early Learning Center at 617.466.5150 if you have any questions.
Chelsea Public Library Events
•Storytimes
Every Tuesdays, 10.30 a.m.
For any baby, siblings, and family.
• Lego Club
Thursday, March 5, 6 p.m.
Join us every first Thursday of the month.
Where: Chelsea Public Library
Address: 569 Broadway
For more information: call 617-466-5233 or visit our fanpage on Facebook.
Spring Recreation Sign Ups
Spring Registration for youth & adult recreation programs is now underway! Check our website HYPERLINK “http://recreation.chelseama.gov/” \t “_blank” recreation.chelseama.gov where you can review and register for a wide range of programs such as keyboard and guitar classes, tennis, Pilates, computer technology, field trips, English and Spanish language classes. Register online or in-person at the Williams Building, 180 Walnut Street, Monday-Friday, 4-8:30pm and Saturday 9-4:30 p.m. For more info call 617-466-5233.
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 HYPERLINK “http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0017Ss9ORreJv1q3qqRbGNroGV8RigTx_RspS54DXNHIIShBfDvg4V68VYR6LUj-BOBlr9RrNqB–J6YN2TkxINWzEzzwa5GsekcZGGoJa2_lEMsGLx_ElLNPPpdTqebMZJ-cZwVNLRYTdLy1YuGHHkCg==&c=7RXo2NPybL8YH3smAFlZAsULjxPq4AJNPfJL-0Ev93jRnw1XkgikzQ==&ch=yhzPkyvLmcp3jxcBRUwiGvvk5qO8-67SQ1_zBzHzC4HHsiAEYOiytA==” \t “_blank” http://chelma.aquahawk.us or call 617-464-4041 for more information.
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.