Resident raises contamination concerns about Old Manchester project

Chris DeWitt, a Chelsea resident, told the City Council at its Jan. 26 meeting that he had reviewed Phase I Environmental Site Assessments for the Old Manchester property and raised concerns about potential harmful contaminants, citing reports from the Traverse Group (2000), AKT Peerless (2006), and a 2025 Phase I by AKT Peerless. He asked council members what environmental testing the developer had completed and whether the city would share results.

Council members responded that they would share any environmental testing results provided by the developer when those results become available. No formal action or vote on the property was recorded at the meeting.

Why it matters: Residents and prospective developers often rely on Phase I and Phase II environmental assessments to identify contamination risks that can affect site remediation, health, and future property use. The council's assurance to share developer testing results means the community will have access to updates if the developer conducts further environmental sampling.

What was said: The minutes record that DeWitt presented a report and asked questions about the property. The minutes do not record additional details about the contaminants cited, whether follow-up testing was scheduled, or whether the city or developer has commissioned a Phase II investigation.

What comes next: The council did not vote or direct staff to order independent testing at this meeting; the recorded outcome is that the council would share any testing results supplied by the developer. Residents seeking more detail were directed to await any future reports the developer or the city provides.