Chelsea experienced a remarkably eventful year in 2017, with significant developments occurring throughout the city.
The volume of major news stories was substantial enough that a comprehensive year-end review would be difficult to compile, as the pace of developments accelerated as months progressed.
Below is a selection of notable news stories covered by the Chelsea Record during 2017:
• When students returned to Chelsea High in January, they found the building free of flies. A fly infestation had forced students to miss considerable school time in December, but work crews resolved the issue during Winter Break.
• Chelsea’s status as a Sanctuary City faced uncertainty following President Donald Trump’s January executive order to defund such municipalities. Chelsea and Lawrence jointly filed suit to block implementation of the order, which was subsequently determined to be unconstitutional by a West Coast Appeals Court.
• On February 16, the Day Without an Immigrant protest saw more than 41 Broadway-area businesses close their doors, with more than 2,000 Chelsea Public Schools students absent. The normally vibrant Broadway district appeared unusually empty.
• After four months of operation, the new FBI Boston headquarters held its official ribbon cutting on March 7. Former FBI Director James Comey attended the ceremony to greet Chelsea officials and regional law enforcement.
• The Homewood Suites Hotel and Function Room opened to the public in March. That same month, owner Colwen Hotels obtained a building permit to construct an additional hotel on Broadway at the Revere/Chelsea line, a project that continues under construction.
• On April 24, the City Council voted down a Chelsea Housing Authority proposal to redevelop the Central Avenue housing development with private developer Corcoran, citing concerns about the use of non-union workers. A revised plan was anticipated for 2018.
• A new Downtown Task Force was established on May 1 through collaboration between Chelsea Police and community and business leaders. Four beat officers were assigned to patrol the Broadway corridor and meet weekly with residents, City departments, and business owners.
• Multiple MS-13 members from Chelsea and neighboring communities, including individuals who had admitted to murder, began entering guilty pleas in Boston Federal Court. By year’s end, 27 of the 61 individuals indicted across the three-year investigation had pleaded guilty to charges.
• Significant discussion emerged over the summer regarding the Re-Imagining Broadway initiative, particularly whether the business district’s one-way street configuration—in place for over 50 years—should be changed to two-way traffic. The question remained unresolved.
• During a May press conference, Governor Charlie Baker committed to funding a new $199 million Quigley Hospital at the Chelsea Soldiers’ Home. Summer months brought controversy when plans revealed that the existing water tower would require demolition to accommodate the new facility, disappointing many residents who view the structure as emblematic of the city.
• The historic Chelsea Clock building on Everett Avenue was demolished in October to clear space for more than 700 residential apartment units.
• Chelsea High School held commencement on June 11, graduating 309 students—the largest class in over 15 years.
• Three sitting councillors—Dan Cortell, Matt Frank, and Paul Murphy—announced before summer recess that they would not seek re-election.
• Chelsea Jewish Nursing Home on Lafayette Street celebrated the completion of a $16 million renovation project with a ribbon cutting ceremony on June 21.
• The Chelsea Fire Department received a federal SAFER grant enabling the addition of eight new members, supplementing two positions already committed by the City. The 10 new firefighters were sworn in on November 20, marking the Fire Department’s largest expansion since entering receivership in the 1990s.
• Outdoor seating on Broadway was approved for local establishments. The new Ciao Market pioneered this initiative in Chelsea Square by establishing a sidewalk seating area.
• The MassDOT Board approved a plan for extensive, multi-year rehabilitation of the Mystic/Tobin Bridge and Chelsea Viaduct. Disagreements between MassDOT and City officials regarding construction impacts and project scope generated considerable debate.
• Chelsea stakeholders and City officials announced on September 20 at a Chamber of Commerce meeting that the City had received the Robert Wood Johnson Culture of Health Prize. The achievement followed nearly a year of planning, submissions, and site evaluations, and included a $25,000 cash prize along with significant recognition.
• CAPIC human services marked 50 years of service to Chelsea, Winthrop, and Revere. The Chelsea-based organization celebrated the milestone with a grand gala bringing together longtime and current members.
• Community members mobilized to support those affected by Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico. Many residents participated in relief efforts at the Chelsea Collaborative, seeking to help while managing their own concerns about relatives in the region.
• The November 7 City Election resulted in three new councillors: Calvin Brown, Bob Bishop, and Joe Perlatonda. Each had previously served on the City Council or former Board of Aldermen.
• The MBTA announced in December that most Silver Line stations were nearing completion, with service on the new Bus Rapid Transit line potentially beginning in April 2018. The SL3 line will connect the Market Basket Mall to the Seaport via Logan Airport.