North College Hill council amends and adopts resolution to remediate asbestos and mold at 1500 Galbraith Road

The North College Hill City Council unanimously amended and then adopted Resolution 3-2025 at a special meeting to authorize asbestos and mold abatement and measures to stabilize the city-owned building at 1500 Galbraith Road.

The amended resolution, presented by the law director and approved by a 6-0 roll call, removes earlier language council members and residents said could be read as authorizing immediate renovation. Councilmember Wilson moved to amend the resolution; Councilmember Gaston seconded the amendment. After the amendment passed, Wilson moved to adopt the resolution and Councilmember Alexander seconded. The final adoption passed by voice roll call: Gaston — yes; Chichester — yes; Alexander — yes; Wilson — yes; Davis — yes; Underwood — yes (6-0).

Why it matters: The change narrows the council action to environmental abatement and stabilization steps before any decisions about design, financing or renovation. Residents and local organizations had urged clarity so the vote would not be read as authorization to begin full renovation work without further council review.

Public comment and council discussion

Several residents and local organization leaders spoke during public comment. Linda Stagman, a Waltham resident who attended the previous meeting, said the phrase “renovate” in the resolution and on the agenda caused the misunderstanding: “the resolution said renovate. And I…