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Chelsea council schedules hearing on property takings for island and River Flood Barrier, reads acquisition amounts
Summary
The Chelsea City Council set a June 2 public hearing on proposed eminent-domain acquisitions for the Island and River Flood Barrier project and the clerk read two purchase amounts for properties the city plans to acquire as "friendly takings."
Chelsea City Council members on May 11 scheduled a public hearing for June 2, 2025, to discuss proposed eminent-domain takings for two parcels needed for the Island and River Flood Barrier project.
The hearing was set after the city manager updated the council on the project and announced the city is ready to complete a first round of property acquisitions funded in part by a $5 million MVP state grant. The clerk read the two properties and the amounts the city intends to pay: 145 Market Street for $821,163.51 and 359 Beach Street for an amount read on the record that was garbled when announced; the clerk asked the record be noted with the amounts as read.
The city manager told the council the project remains a priority despite the recent loss of a $50 million BRIC grant and that the MVP grant will cover design, engineering and land acquisition. The manager said the purchases are being handled through eminent domain procedures but described them in the meeting as "friendly takings," and said property owners have been cooperative.
Council members moved under suspension to set a public hearing on June 2 at 7 p.m. to discuss the proposed takings; the motion was adopted under suspension. The council president introduced the order and the clerk provided the property descriptions and amounts on the record.
Why this matters: the Island and River Flood Barrier is framed by the city manager as a critical infrastructure project intended to protect residents and facilities from coastal flooding; acquiring abutting parcels is a necessary step in advancing future construction. The $5 million MVP grant cited in the communication has a spending deadline of June 30, 2025, the manager said.
The council did not take a final purchase vote on May 11; it scheduled a public hearing where the takings will be discussed publicly. The clerk read the addresses and amounts into the record and the council set the hearing date.
The June 2 hearing will be the next formal opportunity for the public and the council to review the proposed takings and any supporting materials.
