The New England Produce Center plays a crucial role in the food supply chain for Greater Boston and surrounding areas, making it one of the most vulnerable locations in the region.
This vital hub for food and other industries is situated near sea level, a fact that became apparent several years ago when it was found to be highly susceptible to flooding and rising sea levels.
The City of Chelsea is now preparing to launch a significant initiative at the Island End River, aimed at safeguarding the industrial zones along Beacham Street and improving the environment around the river, which is undergoing its own enhancements.
““That area is about six or seven feet above
sea level now, and experts expect sea level and storm surges at 14 feet above
sea level by the end of the century,”,” explained Alex Train from the Chelsea Planning Department. “This project is in concert with Everett and it’s gathered a lot of
momentum. It’s a priority of the City Manager and our department because we
understand how much is at risk. It’s a gamble otherwise and we don’t like to
gamble in the planning industry.”
The risks of such vulnerabilities were starkly highlighted two winters ago, when powerful coastal storm surges raised water levels into the industrial areas near the Island End, nearly causing major disruptions and drawing attention to the region’s exposure to flooding.
Funding for the project has come from the Coastal Zone Management Office, as well as support from the Chelsea and Everett City Councils.
The initiative includes both gray infrastructure, such as flood walls and berms along the Island End River, and green infrastructure, such as the restoration of salt marshes adjacent to the river. In addition, the project will incorporate public amenities, like a boardwalk that connects to the Admiral’s Hill Marina area.
““It’s going to be a sizeable project, but in
the context of the surrounding industrial businesses and the produce center,
it’s easily a worthwhile initiative on our end,”,” said Train.
Currently, the project in Chelsea is at 60 percent of the engineering design stage. Everett is slightly behind, as it is within the Designated Port Area (DPA), which requires additional steps. The city is currently in the schematic design phase.
On the Chelsea side, Train noted that the design phase will be completed this summer, with efforts to secure further grants planned for the winter. Following that, the project will move into final engineering, permitting, and construction phases.
The initiative will also be integrated with upcoming improvements to the Beacham Street roadway, sidewalks, and bike paths.
A 2015 report by the Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC) revealed that the Produce Center generates $2.3 billion in economic activity annually, while the entire industrial district contributes $7 billion per year. The area supports 5,000 direct jobs and 10,000 supportive jobs.
““Many of that activity and those jobs
benefit Chelsea and Everett residents and they are solid middle-class jobs and
we’re committed to protecting them for our residents,”,” said Train.
Other Development Activity
•The City has secured a PARC grant for the rehabilitation of the O’Neil Playground, located on the hill above Williams Street. The new design will include water features and tree canopies, aiming to reduce heat islands and provide a cooler space during the summer. The project is currently under construction and is expected to be largely completed by fall, with a total cost of $884,000.
•The Eden Street playground is in the design phase. The new design will also feature a strong tree canopy and more permeable surfaces. The project will be put out for bidding in September, with construction beginning in the fall and resuming in the spring for a substantial completion by summer 2020. This project was supported by a $400,000 PARC grant.
•Voke Park is set to receive more attention in the near future. While the Bocce Court and fields were completed over two years ago, the playground now requires attention. A public meeting has already been held to gather input, and conceptual designs are currently being developed.
““We’ll apply for a grant in July to secure
funding,”,” said Train.
The design phase is expected to be completed in June 2020, with construction likely to begin in 2021.
•The City is preparing to upgrade the traffic signals and intersections at Williams/Chestnut and Williams/Broadway this summer. The improvements will include new Smart Traffic Signals capable of reading traffic flow and adjusting signal timing in real time. One of these signals has already been installed on Broadway and Webster this year. Sidewalks will also be improved as part of the project.