By Seth Daniel
As City Manager Tom Ambrosino approaches his one-year mark on July 20, the City Council has formed a three-member committee to conduct his annual evaluation process, as required by the City Charter.
The Charter mandates that the Council evaluate the Manager each year using criteria established by the committee.
Council President Dan Cortell selected Councillor Leo Robinson to chair the Committee, with Councillors Matt Frank and Roy Avellaneda serving alongside him.
The sub-committee has not yet scheduled a meeting, though one will be arranged when the Council returns from summer recess.
In advance of this evaluation, Ambrosino submitted a one-year self-assessment addressing three key areas: Economic Development; support for Chelsea Public Schools and Youth Initiatives; and Neighborhood and Quality of Life Issues.
On the Economic Development front, Ambrosino pointed to Phase II of One North, which opened at the end of July, and the upcoming completion of the FBI building this summer. The Hilton Homewood Suites and Events Center is currently under construction and expected to finish in winter. He noted that two additional projects—the Broadway Hotel near the Revere Line and the Fairfield Residential Project at the old Chelsea Clock—would begin construction during the current budget year.
The most significant Economic Development initiatives, according to Ambrosino, involve tracts in the Downtown Business District and along the Chelsea Creek waterfront, both in early stages with substantial groundwork already completed. He also mentioned that developers of the Forbes site in Mill Hill are considering a scaled-down but still substantial redevelopment proposal.
Ambrosino emphasized his commitment to Chelsea Public Schools, noting that the Council approved his recommendation to reverse a net school spending deficit and make substantial new investments. This funding increase has expanded the Citizens School program in middle schools and brought in For Kids Only to provide after-school and summer programming. He also highlighted the ongoing Clark Avenue School building project, which he has been closely overseeing based on his experience managing school building projects as Revere’s mayor.
In his review, Ambrosino stressed his focus on youth programs, including doubling summer jobs funding for young people, creating a Youth Navigator position, and establishing a new Recreation and Cultural Affairs Division.
Neighborhood investment emerged as his primary accomplishment.
He cited Downtown Corridor investments and the early success of Navigator and on-demand services programs for residents in Bellingham Square, along with park improvements and streamlined City Hall operations.
“The paramount task of any municipal government is to improve the life of its residents,” he wrote. “During this past year, through collaboration and good decision-making, we have advanced this goal. I look forward to another productive year ahead.”