Chelsea residents demand rapid rail in Tobin Bridge planning process

The Chelsea City Council meeting held on June 23, 2025, focused on critical issues affecting the community, including transportation infrastructure and healthcare advocacy. The meeting began with public comments, highlighting the urgent need for improved transit options and healthcare services in Chelsea.

Monica Elias Soriano, a resident and director of health equity mobility at GreenRoots, addressed the council to express strong support for a resolution proposed by Councilor Roberto Jimenez. This resolution calls for the inclusion of rapid rail infrastructure in the planning process for the Tobin Bridge replacement. Soriano emphasized that Chelsea, the most densely populated city in Massachusetts without a rapid transit rail station, faces significant transit challenges. She pointed out that residents rely heavily on congested bus routes, which often lead to delays and inconvenience for essential workers and students. Soriano urged the council to support the proposed rail study, stressing the importance of community involvement in the planning process.

Following Soriano, Dr. Andrew Foley, a primary care physician at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) Chelsea, spoke about the need to strengthen primary care services in the community. Although not a Chelsea resident, Foley highlighted that most of his patients are from Chelsea. He raised concerns about the increasing corporatization of healthcare, which prioritizes profits over preventive care. Foley cited the elimination of a community-based smoking cessation program as an example of this troubling trend. He called for the council's support in advocating for the recognition of a union formed by primary care doctors at MGH, which aims to ensure that patient care remains a priority.

The meeting concluded with a call for further community engagement and support for the resolutions discussed. The council's actions in response to these public comments will be crucial in addressing the pressing needs of Chelsea residents, particularly in transportation and healthcare.