News Briefs

Northeast Metro Tech Dismissed Due to Propane Leak

Superintendent David DiBarri and Fire Chief Michael Sullivan report that Northeast Metropolitan Regional Vocational High School was evacuated shortly before the start of the school day on Thursday due to a propane leak.

No injuries or illnesses have been reported. No fire or damage to the building has occurred. Classes have been canceled for the day.

The Wakefield Fire Department received a call at 7:09 a.m. that an odor of propane had been detected in the building; the school operates with propane gas. First responders determined upon arrival that the odor was emanating from the area where metal fabrication classes are taught.

First responders removed staff from the building, and held arriving students outside. Propane connections have been shut off, and the building has been vented.

Students were moved to nearby Wakefield High School, where school officials are arranging transportation.

The source of the leak is still under investigation by the Wakefield Fire Department.

This release will be updated as more information becomes available.

Nominations being accepted for People’s Memorial Project

 Chelsea Prospers, the city’s initiative for neighborhood vitality, is still accepting nominations for the People’s Memorial Project.

The top nominations will be featured in a temporary public art project on Thursday, Sept. 30 from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Images of the selected individuals will be projected, hologram-like, standing atop the plinth that formerly held the statue of Christopher Columbus in Chelsea Square.

The intent of the project, and the nominations, is to generate a conversation about how memorials present one view of history and leave other stories untold, according to the Chelsea Prospers website.

The artist behind the project is Cedric “Vise 1” Douglas, the founder of the Street Memorials Project and Up Truck, a mobile creative art lab.

Douglas has a background in graffiti art, and has given talks about how he learned to use his background productively. He went to college at the Mass College of Art to study graphic art where he met a professor who taught him that design can be about creating a message to share with the world.

 “The intent of this project is to create a glimpse into the future, by replacing an antiquated view of history with a vision of tomorrow where all people who have contributed to the growth and prosperity of the local community and the broader nation, are recognized and honored,” Douglas said.

From his first art project in college, Douglas’s art and projects have focused on raising social awareness in communities.

With the People’s Memorial Project in Chelsea, some of the topics up for discussion include who decides who gets memorialized, why has Christopher Columbus celebrated in so many neighborhoods, including Chelsea, and how do the memorials influence and reinforce a vision of what it means to be an American. 

In downtown Chelsea Square, the monument dedicated to Christopher Columbus was taken down after a request spearheaded by Chelsea High School students. These students came together to denounce the memorial, on the basis that Columbus does not represent the city’s values and Latino community.

The People’s Memorial Project poses the question: What does it look like to bring those who have been excluded back into the conversation? What would it mean for Black, Latino and other people of color, the poor and other marginalized people to be recognized in our public square?  The project opens an accessible, community-based conversation about civic monuments and their role in the community of Chelsea.

Nominations can be made on Facebook at www.facebook.com/The-Peoples-Memorial Project, by text message at (872) 713-6153, by voicemail at (617) 958-1760, or by email at [email protected].

Veterans Food Distribution to Continue at Chelsea Senior Center

The City of Chelsea will host in-person food pantries for veterans at the Chelsea Senior Center beginning on Wednesday, Oct. 6.

The Homeowner Stabilization Program (Round II) is Currently Accepting New Applications

The Homeowner Stabilization Program (Round II) is currently accepting new applications, and will be doing so until all funds have been exhausted. This relief program can cover a variety of costs for homeowners including mortgage, tenant rent, utilities, property taxes, and homeowner insurance.

Applications can be submitted in-person at City Hall and online at https://www.chelseama.gov/homeowner-stabilization-program

Chelsea Day Returns this September

On Saturday, September 25, Chelsea Downtown will transform into a city-wide celebration for Chelsea Day. Join your fellow residents at this community event that will feature music, entertainment, a Bake-Off, Beer Garden (21+), and much more!

Support Chelsea’s local businesses by participating in Shop Chelsea, an exciting event that will culminate in a raffle for residents on Chelsea Day!

Until Sept. 25, shop at any store, restaurant or establishment that gives receipts in Chelsea, and bring your receipt to the Chelsea Chamber to enter. There is NO limit on entries. Submit any receipt that you have from shopping in Chelsea during the two-week period to increase your chances of winning. Support the City’s local businesses, and bring the receipts to the Chelsea Chamber for your chance to win prizes at Chelsea Day! Winners will be announced on Saturday, Sept. 25th!

Chelsea Poetry Walk

The first-ever Chelsea Poetry Walk is a showcase of expression in the downtown business district. Poetry written by Chelsea residents of all ages are out on display at numerous establishments for all to enjoy through September.

We hope you choose to    take a walk! 

Great News on COVID-19

At the end of August, 30,217 Chelsea residents have been fully vaccinated — that’s 70.2% of all City residents.

Given the contagiousness of the Delta variant of COVID-19, as a preventative measure to keep our community and employees safe, the City re-instituted a mask mandate for all the public areas in City Hall, the Senior Center, and the Library on August 9. No employees or members of the general public will be allowed access to these municipal buildings without a mask or face covering the nose and face. Masks must be worn in all public areas of these buildings.

It is encouraged anyone still unvaccinated to get vaccinated. The COVID-19 vaccines are free, safe, and the best way to protect yourself and your loved ones from COVID-19. Free vaccines are available every weekend at the Senior Center across from City Hall: Fri. 3-7; Sat/Sun 10-5; and Mon. 2-6.

Finally, given the infectious nature of the Delta variant for both vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals, anyone experiencing even mild symptoms, as well as anyone who has had close contact with an individual who has tested positive for COVID-19, should get tested. There is free testing on the City Hall lawn on Broadway 7 days per week: Mon-Fri. 2-6, Sat/Sun 11-5.

COVID-19 vaccines will be offered at prominent events throughout Chelsea, including the Bosson Block Party (9/11), the Multicultural Festival & Parade (9/18), Chelsea Day (9/25), and more!

Read more at https://www.chelseama.gov/home/news/several-covid-19-mobile-vaccine-clinics-are-available-month

Community Projects

City’s ARPA Community Engagement Process

The City has received over 50 applications from residents and small business owners to join the Community Advisory Committee. The City will interview all the final candidates by mid-September.

Following a competitive procurement process, the City awarded a contract to Health Resources in Action to serve as a professional facilitator and logistical coordinator and manage upcoming activities.

The first Community Advisory Committee Meeting will be held the last week of September. The process should be completed by early 2022 with a Report from the Committee identifying priorities for the use of ARPA funds.

The People’s Memorial Project Chelsea

After an extensive debate about the removal of the Christopher Columbus statue last year, the City of Chelsea is working on an innovative way to reflect the diversity of people in our city. The People’s Memorial Project Chelsea is a call to all residents to participate in Public Art. Through a community engagement process, members of our community will be represented in a hologram-like projection, standing atop the plinth that formerly held the statue of Christopher Columbus.

The City encourages all residents to nominate who they would like to see represented in Chelsea Square. In mid-September, a group of finalists will be selected, and the elements for the installation prepared. The top nominations will be featured in a temporary public art project on Sept 30th from 7-10 PM.

Read more at https://www.chelseaprospers.org/peoples-memorial-project

Nominate on Facebook: www.facebook.com/The-Peoples-Memorial-Project

Nominate by text msg: 872-713-6153

Nominate by voicemail: 617-958-1760

Nominate by email:[email protected]

Veterans Food Distribution to Continue at Chelsea Senior Center

The City of Chelsea will host in-person food pantries for veterans at the Chelsea Senior Center beginning on Wednesday, Oct. 6.

The food pantries at the Senior Center will replace the food deliveries to veterans that occurred over the last seven months. Deliveries will no longer occur. Veterans will still be able to access food distribution through the pantry offered at the Senior Center, which will occur on the first Wednesday of every month from 10:00 am-12:00 pm beginning in October. Please check the schedule at https://www.chelseama.gov/home/news/veterans-food-distribution-continue-chelsea-senior-center.

Attendees are reminded to bring their reusable grocery bags. To enroll in the food distribution program, please call 617-466-4250 or email Director of Veterans’ Services Francisco Toro at email [email protected].

Housing

The Homeowner Stabilization Program (Round II) is currently accepting new applications

The Homeowner Stabilization Program (Round II) is currently accepting new applications, and will be doing so until all funds have been exhausted. This relief program can cover a variety of costs for homeowners including mortgage, tenant rent, utilities, property taxes, and homeowner insurance.

Applications can be submitted in-person at City Hall and online at https://www.chelseama.gov/homeowner-stabilization-program

About the Program

Owner-occupants of condominiums, and owner-occupants of 1-4 family homes can apply for grants from the City from between $5,000 and $10,000, depending upon the size of your home, to cover COVID related expenses. Applicants may apply as long as income does not exceed 100% of Area Median Income.

This funding was provided by the Chelsea City Council.

If you are having a difficult time making a mortgage payment, or if you are threatened with eviction, please contact our Chelsea Housing Legal Clinic by calling 617-603-1700 or 1-800-342-LAWS (5297). Lawyers will provide you will legal assistance.

For tenants, rental assistance is available.  For details on applying for rental assistance, please go to the Housing Resources page on our website at www.chelseama.gov/HousingResources.

Small Businesses Chelsea Strong

The City of Chelsea has partnered with the Roads Consulting Group to create the “Chelsea Strong Program”, a new program designed to help small business owners thrive in the City of Chelsea.

Chelsea Strong will use a multi-faceted approach to help small business owners across the City in various areas. They provide technical assistance in every aspect of business including accounting, financial operations, digital marketing, website development and more. They also offer assistance with COVID-19 relief programs, grant applications, Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) applications, and Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan forgiveness.

Participation in the program is offered to Chelsea small business owners free of charge.

A community meeting will be held after Labor Day where residents and potential applicants can learn more about the program. In the meantime, small business owners can apply for participation in the program by visiting https://www.chelseastrong.com, by phone (857-344-0445) or by picking up a paper application at City Hall. Questions can also be emailed to [email protected].

Chelsea Emergency Micro-Enterprise Grant Program

Need help to keep your Small businesses Afloat During COVID-19? Want to start your start-up in Chelsea?

The Micro Enterprise Grant Program has been created by Chelsea’s Department of Housing and Community of Development as another source of relief for small businesses in Chelsea affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The program was designed to provide support for the establishment, stabilization and expansion of qualifying micro enterprises in the City.

Eligible micro enterprises — businesses with five or fewer employees — are invited to apply for consideration to receive the grant award. Grant recipients will obtain up to $10,000 to cover various operating costs for up to three months, including rent, utilities, salaries and benefits and more.

Visit https://www.chelseama.gov/microenterprise for more details. Deadline to apply is Sept.22, 2021.

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