Chelsea Traffic and Parking Commission approves Merit Road discontinuance, 15‑minute spot and multiple parking sign changes; denies one handicap request

The Chelsea City Traffic and Parking Commission on the evening of its April 2025 meeting approved the discontinuance of a parcel on Merit Road, authorized a single 15‑minute parking space at 311 Chestnut for the Chelsea Employees Federal Credit Union, approved removing several curbside handicap signs for which paperwork was not current, and denied a request for a handicap curb spot at 44 Kimball Road after extended discussion.

Why it matters: The actions affect street access and short‑term loading for downtown businesses, pedestrian and transit operations along Broadway during ongoing utility work, and individual access for residents seeking curbside handicap parking.

The commission began the meeting by opening a public hearing on the proposed discontinuance "of a parcel known as Merit Road between Webster Avenue and Stockton Street pursuant to section 24‑85 of the Chelsea Code of Ordinances," and with no public speakers moved directly to a vote. A motion to approve the discontinuance passed on a voice vote.

Commissioners then approved minutes from the March 4 and March 11, 2025 meetings. One commissioner abstained from the March 4 minutes because he said he had not attended that meeting.

The commission considered a request from Circle Earth Excavation for two to three temporary parking spaces at 150 William Street while a local project is under way. The applicant did not appear with a plan showing the proposed stall locations; commissioners agreed to "table" the request and asked staff to notify the applicant that more detailed plans are required.

Gary McNaughton of Bowman Consulting presented a plan to install a traffic signal at the Silver Line Busway exit onto Central Avenue and said he had discussed the concept with the hotel manager on the adjacent property. "I was actually quite excited about the idea of the signal, and the additional crosswalk," McNaughton told the commission. After commissioners discussed timing and the potential for improved traffic flow near Eastern Avenue and Marginal Street, the commission voted to accept the proposal so the project can move forward with staff coordination.

A lengthy public exchange occurred over a curbside handicap request from resident applicant Geraldo Mateo for 44 Kimball Road. Mateo said he had been told previously by a city office staffer he could not park in a front curb spot because the driveway is shared; he also said his garage is full of stored materials. City staff and commissioners reviewed assessor maps and told Mateo the driveway line appeared to fall inside his property but that an easement (express or implied) could allow neighbor access. Commissioners pressed Mateo to explore using his driveway or clearing his garage and suggested the police could mediate neighbor disputes. After extended discussion about limited street parking citywide and the availability of on‑site parking for the applicant, a commissioner moved to deny the handicap curb request; the motion was seconded and approved by the commission.

Beatrice Rivera, owner of Betty's Flowers and Botanical Shop, requested a handicap sign near 791 Broadway to ease access while she recovers from recent surgery and leg ulcers. Staff confirmed that a curbside handicap sign would be available to any legally issued placard holder (not reserved for a single business). Commissioners and staff identified an accessible location adjacent to the driveway apron near 793 Broadway where someone using a wheelchair could access the sidewalk; the commission voted to install a handicap parking sign at that location.

Councilor Tesh's communication requesting temporary removal of the dedicated Broadway bus lane during construction prompted extended discussion. Commissioners noted the bus lane was already being used for construction work in many hours and that the 1 and 11 (high‑ridership) bus routes benefit from dedicated lane capacity. Commissioners agreed the councilor should be asked to provide more specific parameters for any temporary removal and tabled the item to invite council staff for a future discussion.

A petition from a resident about Clinton Street and nearby intersections led to staff recommendations (painted markings to discourage parking in the turn radius, possible enforcement). Commissioners said the item contained concerns but not a formal recommendation and asked staff to follow up with the resident if he wants to propose ordinance or parking‑pattern changes (for example, one‑side parking or a one‑way request).

The commission considered a request from Bruce Black on behalf of the Chelsea Employees Federal Credit Union to create one 15‑minute parking space at 311 Chestnut for short customer visits. Black said customers generate roughly "20 to 40 people each day" and asked for a single 15‑minute stall to reduce congestion at City Hall and nearby parking lots. Commissioners discussed site placement to keep the front bay clear for the firehouse apparatus and concluded one 15‑minute space (8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday‑Friday) near the building entrance was appropriate; the motion to authorize one 15‑minute stall passed.

Finally, staff brought a set of curbside handicap signs recommended for removal because the placards on file had expired. One property at 108 Winthrop Road provided updated documentation during the meeting; the commission voted to deny removal for that address (i.e., to retain the sign). The commission then combined and approved removal for a batch of other addresses where documentation remained outstanding. Staff said residents will be notified prior to any sign removal and may reapply if they submit current paperwork.

Votes at a glance (summary of formal actions taken): - Discontinuance: parcel (Merit Road between Webster Ave and Stockton St) — motion to approve; outcome: approved (voice vote). - Minutes: 03/04/2025 — motion to approve; outcome: approved (one abstention recorded). - Minutes: 03/11/2025 — motion to approve; outcome: approved. - Circle Earth Excavation (150 William St temporary parking) — motion to table pending site plans; outcome: tabled. - Signalize Silver Line Busway exit onto Central Avenue (Bowman Consulting) — motion to accept proposal; outcome: approved. - Handicap application, 44 Kimball Road (Geraldo Mateo) — motion to deny; outcome: denied. - Downtown Broadway utility project (information from Commissioner of Public Works Kate Fox) — read into record; no action required. - Councilor Tesh: temporary removal of Broadway dedicated bus lane — motion to table to request further specificity; outcome: tabled. - Handicap sign request, Betty's Flowers / 793 Broadway (Beatrice Rivera) — motion to place a curbside handicap sign in front of 793 Broadway (to serve 791/793 area) ; outcome: approved. - Petition re: Clinton Street and nearby intersections (Yahad Noor) — discussion and follow up; no vote taken. - Visitor parking‑pass regulation (Sylvia Divista) — motion to table pending clarification and outreach; outcome: tabled. - 15‑minute parking: 311 Chestnut (Chelsea Employees Federal Credit Union) — motion to approve one 15‑minute stall (8 a.m.–4 p.m., Mon–Fri); outcome: approved. - Removal of curbside handicap signs for expired placards (batch): 108 Winthrop Road — documentation provided; motion to deny removal (retain sign); outcome: denied (retain). Remaining addresses (8 Reynolds Ave; 302 Tudor St; 702 Addison St; 202 Blossom St; 309 Spruce St; 3 Clinton Court; 130 Congress Ave; 107 Marlborough St) — motion to remove signs for failure to update documentation; outcome: approved. Staff will notify affected residents and accept updated paperwork before removal if submitted.

Commissioners said staff will follow up with petitioners and applicants for missing materials and will invite council staff to discuss the bus‑lane request if Councilor Tesh provides a more specific plan. The commission adjourned after completing the listed items.