A large crowd of residents gathered to voice strong opposition to a proposed tortilla factory planned for a small commercial space in Chelsea’s Historic District. The meeting, held Tuesday night in the community room at the Chelsea Police Station, drew about 15 members of the Lower Broadway community who engaged in sometimes heated discussion about the project. The facility would occupy the old Kayem property on Winisimmet Street, pending approval from the city’s zoning board of appeals.
Fourteen residents spoke against the proposal, arguing that locating a tortilla factory in that building and location would be inappropriate. Richard Smigielski, a longtime influential voice in the community, expressed confusion about any support for the use. “We have fought for years against odors, trucks, smells, and rodents in this neighborhood. Why, after decades of hard work by the neighbors to fight objectionable elements would we want to grant multiple special permits to take a giant step backward?” Smigielski asked. While two residents offered brief remarks in favor of the factory, opponents dominated the evening’s discussion, raising concerns about extended operating hours, truck traffic noise, odors, rodent and pest problems, fire hazards and potential property value declines. Every resident opposed to the project cited concerns about reduced property values. “I’m out of here if that factory comes to be,” one resident said her tenant informed her last week. Another property owner stated she would not have purchased in the area had a tortilla factory been operating there. Several attendees indicated they would collectively seek tax abatements if the proposal were approved.
Howard Basinger, a Pembroke Street resident, contacted the Chelsea Record on Wednesday morning. “I have many complaints about this factory that is coming. I live right across the street from it. I don’t want the noise, the heat, the rodents. I’m against it all the way,” he said. Those present included Marc Hagelstein, Beacon Street; Lisa Tansey, Medford Street; Johnny Chiro, Washington Avenue; Linda Stefanowitz, Tremont Street; Michael Scola, Renee Drive, Wakefield; Richard Smigielski, Medford Street; Miriam Pancatore, Beacon Street; Darryl Smith, Beacon Street; Judy Parisella, Beacon Street; John Kennard, Chelsea; Taura Summit, Beacon Street; Nancy Cohn, Pembroke Street; Alan Cohn, Beacon Street; Matt Phelan, Beacon Street; Gina Malvarosa, Pembroke Street; Carol Brown, Beacon Street; and Arnold Jarmak, Pembroke Street. The brokers representing the property were also in attendance.