Throughout 2018, Chelsea experienced a range of changes as the city worked to manage growth with its core values. Increased investment brought opportunities, yet challenges remained, including difficulties for residents staying in the city and budget constraints affecting schools. Public transit saw significant improvements with the launch of the Silver Line service.
• Flooding became a major concern following a blizzard on Jan. 4 and a storm on March 2, both occurring during high tides. The Jan. 4 blizzard led to a significant storm surge, flooding large parts of the city and causing the closure of the Chelsea Street Bridge.
• The New England Flower Exchange marked its first Valentine’s Day at its new location on Second Street, having relocated from Boston’s South End after 50 years. The transition to the new facility was carried out smoothly.
• Steve Wynn, CEO of Wynn, appeared to be in control of his company and the Everett project until late January, when a Wall Street Journal report accused him of sexual misconduct. The allegations gained momentum, leading to Wynn’s resignation by February. The Everett casino license faced uncertainty, and the project was at risk. Matt Maddox took over as CEO, and the company experienced significant turnover throughout the year. By the end of 2018, the license for the Everett site remained unresolved, with an investigation delayed for months.
• On Feb. 26, City Manager Tom Ambrosino stated in his State of the City address that it was not the time to save money, but rather to continue investing in the city and its residents. He outlined several key initiatives for the coming year.
• Sen. Sal DiDomenico was involved in a competitive race for Senate President over several months but fell short of securing the necessary votes in the summer. Karen Spilka was elected Senate President instead, though DiDomenico retained his position as assistant majority leader, emerging from the contest in a strong leadership role.
• On March 15, students at Chelsea High staged a walk-out in response to concerns about school safety and gun violence. Despite heavy snowfall, thousands of students gathered at the Stadium for a one-hour protest.
• YIHE returned to the city with a new plan for the old Forbes site in the Mill Hill neighborhood. In April, they initiated a scaled-down version of their previous proposal, and the project continued to be reviewed throughout the year and into 2019.
• The Silver Line SL-3 service launched in Chelsea on Saturday, April 21. Initially slow, the service saw increased ridership by December, surpassing MBTA estimates.
• The Chelsea Soldiers’ Home secured a $70 million federal budget item in April, enabling the replacement of the Quigley Hospital to proceed. The Community Living Center held a groundbreaking ceremony in the fall, with construction continuing into the new year.
• The Chelsea Walk underwent transformation through a placemaking partnership between the City and GreenRoots during the spring, summer, and fall. The project concluded with a new mural and increased activity, with additional plans for 2019.
• A $3.1 million budget gap severely impacted the School Department, leading to cuts in essential services. The issue was debated throughout the summer by the School Department, City, and state, but no resolution was reached by the end of the legislative session. A school funding fix remains pending, with no legislation passed to assist districts like Chelsea, which have been unfairly affected by a new funding formula.
• Stephanie Simon, a sophomore track star at Chelsea High, concluded a successful year by competing at the National Track Meet in North Carolina. She placed 15th in the high jump and 27th in the triple jump among athletes from across the country.
• Students at Clark Avenue Middle School were thrilled to return to school on Aug. 29, as they entered their brand new building for the first time. The school officially opened to excited parents and students after years of construction.
• The Sept. 4 Primary Election brought several surprises, with the most notable being Boston City Councilor Ayanna Pressley’s victory over incumbent Congressman Michael Capuano. Capuano won in Chelsea with 54 percent of the vote, but Pressley’s strong showing in Boston, supported by Council President Damali Vidot and School Committeeman Julio Hernandez, led to her win.
• The Two-Way Broadway proposal gained initial approval from the Traffic Commission in late August but was later rejected by the City Council in September after strong opposition from residents and officials. Broadway will remain a one-way street.
• In late December, Supt. Mary Bourque surprised many by announcing her retirement at the end of 2019, pledging to assist the School Committee in the search for a new superintendent throughout the year.