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Planning board confirms ANR for land acquisition tied to island and river resiliency project
Summary
The Chelsea Planning Board confirmed an Approval‑Not‑Required (ANR) plan for parcels at 145 Market Street and 359 Beauchamp Street to support an island and river resiliency project; public commenters asked why the vote was urgent and raised questions about demolition delay and floodplain oversight.
The Chelsea Planning Board confirmed an Approval‑Not‑Required (ANR) plan for 145 Market Street and 359 Beauchamp Street related to the island and river resiliency project. Staff thanked board members for signing documents quickly so the city could meet submission timelines.
Nut graf: The ANR confirmation advances a municipal step in a multi‑year flood‑resiliency project; at least one resident asked the board to explain the urgency and asked about related protections for historic buildings and how conservation and FEMA floodplain rules are applied.
A motion to “confirm the plan that we have already approved” was introduced, seconded and carried. Planning staff said the submissions were made on an expedited basis so the project could move forward; staff thanked members for coming to City Hall to sign the ANR in a short time frame.
During public comment, resident Eddie Gaffney asked why the vote was urgent given the project has been underway for “10, 12 years,” and he recommended the city consider a demolition‑delay ordinance for older buildings. Another resident, Jerry Jennings, noted the Naval Hospital historic district and referenced a 50‑year‑old master plan that encouraged preservation and light‑industry uses in that area; Jennings urged the board to keep preservation aims in mind as the resiliency project advances.
Ending: The ANR confirmation was recorded as approved; staff indicated the city will continue work on the island and river resiliency project and that the ANR submissions will proceed through the applicable state and local review processes.
