Chelsea Community Forum Talks Police Task Force, Renewable Energy and Federal Screw Works Site
This summary comes from Chelsea Community Forum moderator Vincent Elie:
About 10 people participated in the Chelsea Community Forum (CCF) via Zoom on February 12. Our recorded chat can be found at one of the following links: The audio link provides audio only. Video provides both audio and video. Both start at around 39 minutes.
The following link takes you to the Chelsea Update article regarding the Chelsea Community Public Safety Task Force:
The themes chosen:
The New Community Policing Task Force
The possibility of local renewable energy via Chelsea Power
Federal Site of Screw Works
A member of the Patient Experience Advisory Council (PEAC) at St. Joseph’s Hospital-Chelsea shared the staff’s gratitude to the Chelsea community, acknowledging that the community’s actions had a profoundly positive impact on members Staff.
Participants noted that the Bobcat report on the Chelsea Police Service recommended greater community involvement and to that end the task force was created. Members have been chosen and more information about the task force can be found on the city’s website.
Concerns were expressed that with the resignation of John Hanifan and the potential retirement of Chief Toth (he has since confirmed his retirement), a significant amount of institutional knowledge would be lost in the transition to a new City Council and a new mayor. Others expressed sadness at Mr Hanifan’s tone during his interview with the Chelsea Sun-Times in which he expressed reservations that the city would ignore these voices different from those of the majority. Many noted that this sentiment should be acknowledged and not ignored, but they also thought his concerns were misplaced.
Participants asked if Chelsea were considering renewable energy sources in the future. Ideas expressed included: solar panels on school buildings or on available land.
The challenge is to balance efficiency and cost. Some pointed out that sustainability might be a consideration when hiring a new city manager. Others noted that the county plans to reduce its carbon footprint.
The park concept involving the former Federal Screw Works site on Main Street South received widespread appreciation. Some noted that issues with deed restrictions, parking, and brownfields could negatively affect the project.
The Rockwell Building project is moving forward with efficient apartments. Brownfield issues are being resolved. Parking is envisaged on rue Nord-Est and this may present some difficulties. A carpooling program can be used by residents of the Rockwell Building once it has been converted into residential units.
The next Chelsea Community Forum, via Zoom, is scheduled for March 12 at 9 a.m.
The CCF is open to anyone interested in Chelsea School District business and meets on the 2nd Saturday of each month at 9:00 a.m., currently on Zoom. The meeting link can be found on the Forum website: https://sites.google.com/site/chelseamiforum/home.
Forum activity is announced via Chelsea Update, on the “Chelsea Residents in the Know” Facebook page, and if you would like to be added to the email contact list, please provide your email address on the Forums: https://sites.google.com/site/chelseamiforum/home