Broadway has traditionally served as a business district, but a proposal to establish a church in the heart of this commercial area has prompted discussion among Chelsea residents about whether such changes represent progress for the downtown. At 350 Broadway, a building that has historically housed offices, retail operations, and day care services, Alex and Sandra Umana of 965 Broadway, Chelsea, want to open Nueva Vision International Church in the basement. The 50-seat congregation currently worships at the Chelsea Boys & Girls Club and seeks a larger, more accessible space. Gerald Snierson owns the building, and the church would lease the space from him. The City has presented obstacles, however, requiring Nueva Vision to obtain parking variances before proceeding. No parking plan accompanies the church’s proposal.
The application raises a broader concern: whether locating multiple houses of worship in the traditional business district serves the community’s interests. Similar debates have emerged in nearby municipalities such as Revere and Everett, where officials have grappled with the same issue and the legal reality that cities have limited authority to restrict church locations. A significant challenge arises from the fact that churches remain closed during business hours, leaving what amounts to vacant retail space, while most businesses shut down when houses of worship are active. As churches increasingly occupy the business district, foot traffic may decline and the area may appear stagnant rather than vibrant. Broadway in Chelsea has not typically faced this concern, given its active merchant community, yet many worry that permitting such conversions could jeopardize the district’s commercial vitality.
City Manager Jay Ash noted that churches receive broad exemption from the city’s zoning rules, with parking restrictions being the primary exception. “We have a limited ability to affect houses of worship, but parking is one area where we can realistically deny a permit,” he said. “It’s not ideal to locate houses of worship in your main business district because every little store plays off the traffic generated by every other little store. With a house of worship, there is limited usage and usually on off hours, like Sunday. It really doesn’t contribute to the vibrancy of downtown.” The business district already contains a few smaller churches and one with minimal parking near City Hall at the former St. Andrew’s Club property. Neither has generated significant problems. Umana contends that locating his church on Broadway offers practical benefits to his congregation. “This is a really beautiful spot for the people who come to the church,” said Umana. “A lot of our members are very excited that the church is going to be so close to their home. They tell me they won’t have to take a taxi anymore or find a ride. Many have told me that they can just walk around the corner or up the street. We are trying to see if we can get this location. I hope and pray that we can get this place.” According to Umana, services would occur primarily on Sunday mornings and evenings, Friday evenings, and Wednesday evenings, with occasional smaller gatherings otherwise. This schedule means the space would remain largely unoccupied during business hours, addressing parking concerns. Umana also noted that his church operates two vans providing transportation from Revere, East Boston, and Everett. Most attendees carpool rather than drive individually. “People might think it’s 50 people and that means 50 cars,” he said. “It’s not like that. Not everybody has a car. The church has its own vans and we pick people up and bring them to the church…Our church is very close. If a member has a car, they will put it to work and pick up families that do not have transportation. For these reasons, I don’t think parking will be a problem.” Umana stated that he was unaware parking variances would be required when he committed funds to lease the space. He indicated he had been told the use was permissible. “We have already spent a lot of money for this, so I hope that we can get it okayed,” he said. The Zoning Board of Appeals will consider the matter on April 12 at City Hall.