Construction Updates
This construction/Permit tracker represents all Active/current Street permits, including Street opening, Street occupancies and Lead pipe replacements. This tracker is updated on a weekly basis. You can also find a particular permit and its details in our Permit Database.
If you have additional questions or difficulty using this map tracker, please contact Public Works at 617-466-4200.
Infrastructure + Transportation
Latest updates (as November 8, 2022)
In June 2020, the City submitted a grant application to the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) under their Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) Program to reestablish the City's Quiet Zone.
Supported by this grant, the City has now contracted with Dagle Electrical Corp to construct the new grade crossings.
The MBTA is in the process of it's own Automatic Train Control upgrade process and the City must coordinate closely with the MBTA so that both projects can be accomplished. Construction of the foundations and installation of conduit will start this winter with signal upgrades to be completed in Spring/Summer 2023 to align with the MBTA schedule.
Utility, Road, and Traffic Improvements
The work consists of new water, sewage, and drainage utility installation and service connections on Central Avenue, Willow Street, Watts Street, and a small portion of Eastern Ave. Subsequently, sidewalks, roadways, and ramps will be rendered along the project limits. This project runs concurrently with the Innes Apartments Redevelopment Project.
Project Components
- Utility Work: Combined sewer separation, new gravity sewers, storm drains, and water main and service alterations.
- Road Work: Full width pavement reclamation and overlay, reset granite curb, curb extensions, new concrete and bituminous sidewalks, pedestrian curb ramps, and driveway aprons, new traffic signal at Central Ave. / Willow St., street lighting, new pavement markings and signs, decorative crosswalk markings and new street trees.
Latest updates (as November 16, 2022)
The work at Eastern Ave/Central Ave intersection has been delayed until the early Spring of 2023. This change is not affecting the overall project schedule.
- City of Chelsea, Department of Public Works, Jorman Mota, Project Engineer, 857.206.4750
- Dewberry Engineers Inc., Chris Barrett, Resident Engineer, 617.531.0745
Thank you in advance for your patience and understanding during this construction.
Open Space & Resiliency
The cemetery, an important facet of the City's rich heritage, is a historic and cultural resource for the City, yet it has fallen into disrepair. Its original design represented a major step forward in the development of the modern cemetery design. Restoration has been historically deferred due to complexity and lack of resources. The 2018 master plan for the cemetery identified the components of a major rehabilitation project necessary to reopen the cemetery for public use and enjoyment. Restoration of this important historic asset will eventually enable public access to the cemetery.
Latest updates (as March 30, 2022)
Garden Cemetery (Phase III)
After completing Phase II of the restoration program, the City, in consultation with its landscape architect, CBA Landscape Architects, is undertaking the design of Phase 3. Phase 3 entails the restoration of crypts, 100 grave stones, and interior pathways, coupled with tree planting and landscaping. Presently, the City's historic preservation consultant is finalizing the gravestone restoration plans, after the City expanded the number of grave stones subject to restoration. Subsequently, a construction contractor will be procured, with a targeted construction start date of Fall 2022.
Chelsea Garden Cemetery Master Plan
Project Contact: Alex Train, Director, Chelsea Department of Housing & Community Development
(617) 466-4192
atrain@chelseama.gov
The City of Chelsea Department of Housing and Community Development is currently undertaking a design project to improve historic staircases and community open space in the Powder Horn Hill and Upper Broadway areas. The intent of this project is to enhance safety, functionality, and aesthetics of the existing staircases, while beautifying the neighborhood by improving these features.
The Project areas in focus are:
- the small staircase and grassy area at the intersection of Forsyth Street and Lafayette Avenue;
- the historic staircase at Franklin Avenue and Spruce Street, connecting Franklin Avenue to Lafayette Avenue;
- and the historic staircase at Clark Avenue and Crest Avenue, connecting Crest Avenue to Broadway.
The Dept. hosted two community meetings, including an outdoor meeting with residents, to solicit ideas for the renovation program. Grounded in this guidance, the City progressed through the schematic design and design development phases of the project, in partnership with Weston & Sampson. Next quarter, the design development plans and cost estimate will be finalized and submitted to the City for review.
A community meeting will be held in June, following the refinement of the final design. In parallel with the design phase, the City is engaging with Chelsea High School students and local artists to develop a public art concept for the staircases.
Project Contact: Alex Train, Director, Chelsea Department of Housing & Community Development
(617) 466-4192
atrain@chelseama.gov
Latest updates (as March 31, 2022)
This quarter, the Department, in conjunction with La Colaborativa and GreenRoots, began the design and civic engagement process to comprehensively renew Bellingham Sq. plaza, in connection with the City's efforts around the Broadway Corridor. The City's landscape architect, Brown, Richardson, and Rowe composed a basemap, following the completion of the site survey.
As part of the City of Chelsea’s Redesign of Bellingham Square, students from Chelsea High School who are participating in La Colaborativa’s STEM program contributed a research project to aid the development of redesign proposals. The research project focused on five topic areas about Bellingham Square: History, Demographics, Businesses, Transportation and Safety. Within each project area, the team of students conducted their own research on the current functionality of Bellingham Square, and utilized existing data to support the report.
Additionally, a public visioning workshop, sensory walking tour, and discussions with abutters were held. Next quarter, the City will advance the schematic design process, culminating with the production of two schematic design options and cost estimates. The Dept. is planning to exhibit these design concepts at an upcoming community meeting later this spring.
Housing
On October 18 was the Groundbreaking Ceremony for Innes Redevelopment Project at 170 Central Ave. The City of Chelsea, in partnership with the Chelsea Housing Authority and the Joseph J. Corcoran Co., oversees this project which consists of 96 affordable public housing units, 40 middle-income units, and 194 market-rate units.
In tandem with the housing redevelopment, the City is completing infrastructure improvements in the surrounding area.
60 Day Construction Update: Wednesday, November 16th, 2022, through Friday January 5, 2022
The contractor continues to work through the Abatement and Demolition Phases in preparation for the construction of (2) new residential buildings and (1) parking garage. The contractor has a construction trailer on site serving as their office from now until the completion of the project.
Phase 1 through 3
- Typical Asbestos Abatement activities complete.
- Demolition of surface layers (e.g., parking lot, sidewalk materials) on going.
- Utilities are cut and capped in Phase 1.
- Building demolition activities in Phase 1 started October 27th. Demolition activities will occur during the hours of 7 AM and 3 PM. 230 Central Ave to start being demolished Monday, November 14.
- Demolition to commence on vacated buildings and continue through early next year.
- New Utilities to be installed. Any associated utility work within the road will be thoroughly coordinated with the Chelsea Police Department and Chelsea DPW.
- Subsurface improvements and foundations to commence in December starting in Phase 1.
What will you see by Phase:
November 2022
- Phase 1 – Two buildings demolished, ground improvements starting
- Phase 2 – Utilities being cut, buildings start being demolished
- Phase 3 – Abatement complete
December 2022
- Phase I – Ground improvements complete, foundations ongoing
- Phase 2 – Demolition complete and ground improvements starting
- Phase 3 – Demolition ongoing
Please note that parking is not allowed along the jersey barrier side of Central, Willow or Watts St.
Thank you in advance for your patience and understanding during this construction. As always, if you or any of the members of the community have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out to the City of Chelsea.
- Jorman Mota, jmota@chelseama.gov
- Alexander Train, atrain@chelseama.gov
Residents that would like to receive the 60-day construction updates going forward are encouraged to sign up for the emails and/or paper postings by contacting jmc@jmcandco.com or calling (781) 849-7111 to provide their contact information.
25 Sixth Street offers 56 affordable apartments and six homes for sale in downtown Chelsea. The Neighborhood Developers is working with NEI General Contracting to create these new homes located just a few blocks from City Hall.
To stay up to date, visit the project webpage at https://theneighborhooddevelopers.org/25-sixth-street
1005 Broadway offers 38 affordable homes for families at the border between Chelsea and Revere and on the edge of Mill Creek. The Neighborhood Developers is working with Traggorth Companies to create this building, along with associated community space including a pocket park and creek walk to serve residents and neighbors.
To stay up to date, visit the project webpage at https://theneighborhooddevelopers.org/1005-broadway