The Chelsea City Council considered an MBTA request to modify the curb/sidewalk at Pearl Street opposite Essex Street — a one-foot curb extension to improve wheelchair access — and to lengthen a bus stop zone to add a berth at Broadway and 4th Street.

Councilor Teshi asked that item 11 be considered separately and asked for more information about the impact to residents. Multiple councilors said they wanted additional outreach and traffic study. The city manager explained the request originated with the MBTA to improve accessibility: the proposed widening was a single-foot strip intended to allow wheelchair users to exit safely when buses lower ramps.

Councilor Teshi moved to separate item 11 for a roll-call vote. After discussion and questions about neighborhood congestion and whether a pilot or study should come first, the council held a roll-call. The clerk recorded a vote of 3 in favor, 6 opposed and 2 absent; the agenda item was rejected. Several councilors said they would ask MBTA to re-submit after local discussion and invited MBTA to return with additional materials.

The council left in place the remaining communications from the traffic and parking commission where not objected to, and asked staff to coordinate follow-up with MBTA and neighborhood stakeholders.