News Briefs

Chelsea Public Library Programs: Craft Kits, Summer Reading, and Storytimes

•The animal cube 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.

•The library’s summer reading program is called “Tails and Tales” or “Colas y Cuentos” in Spanish. Ask for a registration kit at the library.

•Join us for the outdoor storytimes at John Ruiz Park at 141 Washington Ave. Chelsea, MA 02150. The dates include 7/14, 7/21, 7/28, 8/4, 8/11, Wednesdays at 9:30 a.m.

Pop up Vaccine Clinic: Washington Park

There will be a pop up COVID-19 vaccine clinic in Washington Park on Saturday, July 10, from noon to 4 p.m. They will be offering the first doses of Pfizer for ages 12 and older. As a treat, there will be music, ice cream and snacks to celebrate the occasion.

Homeowner Stabilization – Second Round

Anyone seeking assistance to pay for your mortgage, real estate taxes, or even past due tenant rent can apply for the Homeowner Stabilization Program Round II. Stop by City Hall for an application or go to the following link for an application: https://www.chelseama.gov/homeowner-stabilization-program

The program offers:

•Mortgage relief for owner-occupied 1-4 unit properties.

•Help for those whose household income is at or below 100 percent AMI.

•Applicants must certify mortgage information, household income, assets and public benefits.

•Applicants will be chosen by a lottery system, though priority will be given to households with children, disabled people, elderly people or veterans.

Benefits are up to $5,000 for a single family; up to $8,000 for a two-family, and up to $10,000 for a three- or four-family.

For questions, call Desirae Valentin at (617) 455-4185.

New Vaccine Hours

COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic at Chelsea Senior Center: New Hours available on Mondays!

– Fridays 3:00-7:00 pm.

– Saturdays and Sundays 10:00 am – 5:00 pm.

– Mondays, 2-6 pm

Vaccines Available:

Pfizer (for ages 12+) – 1st and 2nd shots.

One-Dose Johnson & Johnson (for ages 18+)

Walk-up or Register by calling 3-1-1 (617-466-4209) or visiting http://www.cic-health.com/chelsea/seniorcenter

Faster Internet? Fill Out This Survey

Please fill out this citywide survey to inform how our city needs to improve services and what programs you need! The survey will take 8 minutes to complete. Your input will help the city plan for future infrastructure investment, programs to increase digital skill sets, and policy changes to improve speed, price, and reliability of services. Take the survey at https://mapc.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_9Nsi6j7acPhCe1g

Arlington Street On-Ramp Reopening

At 5 a.m. on Friday, June 4, the Arlington Street on-ramp to Route 1 southbound in Chelsea will be reopened to drivers. The ramp has been closed since early 2020 for structural and safety improvements. 

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.

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.

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.

Residential Parking Sticker Extended

The residential parking sticker has been extended until February 2022 in order to stop the spread of COVID-19. The current sticker expiring on February 28, 2021 will be valid until February 28, 2022. 

Route 1 Housing Program

In an effort to enhance and preserve the quality of the existing housing supply in the City of Chelsea, the City has premiered the Route 1 Housing Enhancements Program.

The Program provides assistance to homeowners seeking to address sound attenuation, air quality improvements, and exterior repairs. Targeting properties adjacent to Route 1, the Program strives to mitigate the adverse public health effects caused by Route 1, including, but not limited to, noise pollution, degraded air quality, and property damage that occurred during recent state construction.

Learn more about this program and find the application online at www.ChelseaMa.gov/Route-1-Enhancement

1 comment for “News Briefs

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *