Developers and green organizations team up to revitalize area in Chelsea for climate resilience
Green organizations and neighborhood developers have teamed up to revitalize an area in Chelsea, Massachusetts that's been closed to the public for years.
For as long as John Walkey can remember, the Chelsea Creek has been something people only admired from afar. "It's always been something you drove over or you saw from a distance," he said. "You didn't get a chance to actually go out to the waterfront to see what was going on."
Area inaccessible for nearly 20 years
For nearly 20 years, the 18 acres of land offering an up-close look at the waterfront, has been inaccessible to the public, remaining locked behind a chain-link fence.
But now, three organizations have come together with the goal of transforming the site. In March, the Massachusetts Superior Court approved an offer submitted by Mass Audubon, New England's largest nature-based conservation organization, the nonprofit GreenRoots, and neighborhood developers to purchase the property.
David Santomenna, Senior Director for Land Conservation at Mass Audubon, describes the land as having been "abandoned for decades" and becoming "an eyesore and become a hazard to the neighborhood." According to him, this new venture will revitalize the space for the community's benefit.
Park and affordable housing
Roseann Bongiovanni, the Executive Director of GreenRoots, says within the next three to five years, the site will look completely different. "What this will mean for the community is that these fences and gates won't be here," she said.
The goal of the project is to create a vibrant community space that includes affordable housing and a restored natural landscape. As the project unfolds, residents will have the opportunity to give their input.
"What we really envisioned is a vibrant community, including affordable housing and a beautifully restored landscape," said Santomenna.
The deal is expected to close in June, with a focus on enhancing Chelsea's climate resilience in the face of rising sea levels.
Longtime resident Fran Powers, owner of S & L Subs, told WBZ she's excited about the changes. "I would love that. My grandchildren would love that," she said. "Just to be able to see a different scenery. It would be beautiful."