Postal employees will celebrate Memorial Day
Post Offices across the commonwealth will be closed on Monday, May 31, as our employees pause to celebrate Memorial Day. Street delivery on Monday will be limited to guaranteed overnight parcels and there will be no collection of mail.
Full retail and delivery operations will resume on Tuesday, June 1.
The Postal Service receives no tax dollars for operating expenses and relies on the sale of postage, products and services to fund its operations.
MVES Continues to Offer Free Transportation Services
Mystic Valley Elder Services (MVES) wants to remind individuals that it is offering free transportation services via one of MVES’ transportation providers to adults 60 years and older to local COVID-19 vaccine sites. MVES understands that older adults are more susceptible to the pandemic and feels it is important to help all older residents in its 11 communities served get vaccinated. So if you live in Chelsea, Everett, Malden, Medford, Melrose, North Reading, Reading, Revere, Stoneham, Wakefield or Winthrop, give us a call!
To make it simple, there are only three of eligibility guidelines to get approved for your two roundtrips: be 60 years of age or older, don’t have other means to get to a vaccination site or have access to the vaccines at building complex where you live. When taking your trips, masks or face coverings will be required. That’s it! Make sure to call us in plenty of time so you can plan the most convenient travel time for yourself.
For more information and to register for your rides, call MVES at (781) 324-7705 and ask to speak to an Information and Referral Representative about the transportation vaccination program.
Chelsea Public Library Programs and “Grab and Go” Craft Kits
The Bear Crown craft kits are available while supplies last. Pick-up times are:
*Monday, Tuesday, and Friday – 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
*Wednesday and Thursday – 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
*Saturday – 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
•Book Club on May 27th at 7 p.m. on Zoom. The book is Let’s Pretend This Never Happened (a mostly true memoir) by Jenny Lawson. To reserve a copy, please contact the library at 617-466-4350. Email [email protected] to register.
•Baby Sign Language program on Zoom to help parents communicate with babies ages up to 36 months. June 12th at 10 a.m. Sign-up by emailing [email protected].
•Mindful Einstein program. A weekly session of simple and fun activities to encourage mindfulness and relaxation in children aged 3-6 on Zoom. Thursdays at 4 p.m., 6/3, 6/10, 6/17, 6/24. Email [email protected] to sign-up.
Federal Restaurant Revitalization Fund
Owners of restaurants, food trucks, bars, bakeries and related businesses can now apply to the SBA Restaurant Revitalization Fund. Available up to
$10 million per business in COVID-19 relief for payroll costs, rental payments, debt service and more. If used correctly, these funds don’t have to be refunded. Priority will be given in the first 21 days to restaurants owned by women, veterans and socially or economically disadvantaged groups. Learn more about the restaurant revitalization fund at https://www.sba.gov/restaurantes. Get help with your application by calling 1-844-279-8898.
New Food Security Program
The City received $50,000 in last year’s State Budget to implement a new food security program from the Department of Agricultural Resources.
Focused on supporting local food security initiatives, the Program offers direct grants, up to $10,000 per organization, for capital and operational purposes. Organizations establishing or operating food pantries, community kitchens, community agriculture, and other food security efforts that serve low- and moderate-income residents are eligible to apply. The Program is expected to assist approximately five new or existing local food programs.
The deadline for proposals is May 21st, 2021 at 4 p.m. Proposals can be submitted to [email protected] via email or at 500 Broadway, Room 101, Chelsea, MA 02150. Our team is available to provide technical assistance to anyone interested in applying for this program.
Beacham Street Traffic Advisory
Starting on Monday, May 17, construction started between Market Street and the City of Everett. The work will impact the Market Street intersection and take place all week between 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Expect delays. Please seek an alternate route. Read more about the project at https://www.chelseama.gov/BeachamWilliamsCorridor
Temporary Outdoor Dining Permits Available
To expand business opportunities during COVID-19, restaurants and eateries can now apply for a temporary permit to offer outdoor dining services on:
•Private Property (including privately owned parking lots.)
•Sidewalks.
•Other public spaces such as streets or parking spaces adjacent to your establishment (Permits to use such adjacent streets or parking spaces require approval from the Traffic Commission).
Permits are valid through November 5, 2021 or 60 days until after the Governor ends the Pandemic. With each of these options, restaurants that currently serve alcohol may also serve alcohol outdoors in accordance with the Licensing guidelines. Apply for a permit online: Application for 2021 Temporary Outdoor Dining for Restaurants and Eateries. The City will also offer free technical assistance to business owners who need help with outdoor space design. To coordinate a meeting with the team, please contact Lourdes Alvarez via email at [email protected] or by calling 617-487-9763. Read more at www.chelseama.gov/OutdoorDining.
Join the Beautification Committee
Interested in beautifying the City? There is a Beautification Committee that meets monthly with the City Manager, ISD and the DPW to talk about trash and problem properties and to consider beautification initiatives such as improved signage, cigarette butlers and public art. If you are interested in being part of this Committee, please contact either Laura Brockington at GreenRoots email [email protected] or Monica Elias at The Neighborhood Developers email [email protected].
Mass Save Looking for Applicants
Do you own a 1-4 unit residential building? For a limited time, Mass Save’s sponsors are offering owners of 1-4 unit residential buildings 100% off all approved insulation for all rental units. These energy upgrades can help save energy and money.
To get started, schedule a FREE Mass Save Home Energy Assessment at (978) 237-4530 or visit https://allinenergy.org/chelsea.html.
Chelsea Eats Card Extended
The City wants to announce that the Chelsea Eats program has been extended for another month, so please keep the card. The fifth distribution will occur at the end of March. The City hopes to extend the Program beyond June 30. Stay tuned for further updates. The City wants to thank all city partners for their tireless fundraising efforts. If there are any questions, please call 617-466-4209 or email [email protected].
Property Tax Work-Off Program
Applications are available for the Senior Property Tax Work-off Program and the Veterans Tax Work-off Program. The programs have no income eligibility requirements. Any senior 60 years or older, and any veteran, with an ownership interest in real estate is allowed to participate in the Tax Work-Off Program regardless of assets or income. Participants receive a $1,500 reduction on property taxes, working 111.11 hours for the City. Interested persons should contact the HR Department at 617-466-4170 or find applications online by visiting www.chelseama.gov/elder-services/pages/senior-tax-work-program.
Street Sweeping
Street Sweeping begins this month. Please pay close attention to posted street signs detailing the scheduled sweeping days on each street. Failure to comply will result in a parking fine.
We strongly encourage residents to move their cars on street sweeping days to allow for cleaning. It is impossible to keep our streets clean if cars are not moved. Failure to move your car will result in a $25.00 ticket.
Find out when the sweeping occurs on your street on www.chelseama.gov/StreetSweeping