By Seth Daniel
City Manager Tom Ambrosino addressed the City Council Monday night during the State of the City address, explaining that the annual speech typically hinges on a single descriptor. However, he found himself unable to settle on just one word for Chelsea.
“fblikebutton_button” Ambrosino elaborated on his observation during his eight months in the role, noting that “fblikebutton_button” Chelsea experiences transformation across multiple dimensions—the governing body, his own office, and the municipality itself. He pointed to contradictions within the city: while the One North building brings professionals and new residents, “fblikebutton_button” pockets of incredible violence and social ills persist simultaneously.
During the 15-minute address, Ambrosino laid out his vision for Chelsea’s future. The speech inevitably touched upon the violent shooting incident on Washington Avenue the previous Sunday, though he had not originally planned to address it.
Following his discussion of public safety initiatives, Ambrosino turned his attention to education investment. “fblikebutton_button” He identified schools as an area requiring greater budgetary priority going forward. His plans include expanding the Citizen Schools program to encompass every middle school and grade level by 2019.
Youth services figured prominently in his agenda. Ambrosino proposed establishing a Cultural/Recreation Division within the Health and Human Services Department.
“fblikebutton_button” Reflecting on the city’s fiscal achievements, Ambrosino characterized recent financial stewardship as enabling a new phase. He called for channeling that stability toward resident investment to build the safe, vibrant, thriving and diverse city the community seeks.
The Council received requests to approve a Capital Improvement Plan directing $27 million into the city over two years—substantially more than previous CIPs—addressing sidewalks, street repairs, and related infrastructure.
Additionally, Ambrosino proposed $5 million for revamping the Broadway business district between City Hall and Chelsea Square. This year would allocate $400,000 toward planning, with subsequent spending of the remaining $5 million directed toward pedestrian access improvements, historic lighting, and other enhancements. “fblikebutton_button”
Economic development and selectivity in projects emerged as another priority. Ambrosino cautioned against unchecked gentrification while praising the city’s development record. “fblikebutton_button” He stressed the importance of ensuring that incoming development serves existing residents’ interests, requiring developers to meet specific community standards.
To address these concerns, Ambrosino introduced a new inclusionary zoning policy for Council consideration. If adopted, this policy would mandate affordable housing components in new developments, with developers given the option of contributing to an affordable housing fund for separate affordable housing projects instead of including units in their proposed development.