Chelsea council orders study on one‑way streets, schedules broader parking and traffic review

A proposal to impose a moratorium on converting streets to one‑way sparked debate Sept. 3 before councilors agreed to an amended, narrower action: the city manager will conduct a study of one‑way streets in Chelsea.

Councilor Recupero described heavy congestion and local hardship in his district, saying many blocks are one‑way and “you can't get in and out,” and urged a study and public engagement to determine whether conversions are overused. Councilor Jimenez and others cautioned that a citywide moratorium could have unintended effects in areas where one‑way streets serve circulation or parking needs. After discussion, the original moratorium language was removed and replaced with a directive that the city manager conduct a study on one‑way streets.

Councilor Taylor said he will propose a subcommittee or series of public meetings in each district to gather resident feedback on parking and traffic, and to avoid routing all decisions solely to the traffic and parking commission. The council also agreed to convene a conference with the police chief about revising the city's motorized scooter ordinance ahead of next spring, citing safety concerns from scooter and moped use on sidewalks.

The amended order directs the City Manager to study one‑way streets and report back with recommended next steps; the council requested that the study consider construction impacts and district‑level differences before any broad policy change.

Councilors emphasized public engagement and localized solutions: several members said they will bring forward more detailed proposals and public meetings in the coming months.