The introduction of EV charging stations was a primary focus, sparked by a communication from Commonwealth Electrical Technologies regarding the installation of four charging stations at Highland Park, Crescent A, Cab Street, and Washington A. This initiative is part of a grant from the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center, aimed at providing charging infrastructure for residents lacking private parking facilities. The proposal includes installing four charging ports at each site, with each location featuring two dual-port pedestals, totaling 16 parking spaces.

Community engagement was an aspect of the discussion, with a survey conducted over the summer yielding 30 responses. While responses were generally favorable, some commission members questioned the adequacy of this feedback, given Chelsea’s population of 30,000. Concerns were raised about the reduction of 16 parking spaces in densely populated neighborhoods, prompting a suggestion for more direct outreach to residents near the proposed sites.

The commission debated the feasibility of scaling back the project to fewer spots per location or redistributing them across more sites to mitigate the impact on parking. A public hearing was suggested to gather more comprehensive community feedback, with a motion passed to move the plan as is to the hearing stage. Despite the low survey participation, it was emphasized that more extensive outreach and consideration of local parking constraints are necessary before finalizing the project.

Another discussion centered on traffic visibility and enforcement on Crescent Avenue. A resident highlighted visibility issues when exiting driveways, primarily due to larger vehicles parked too close. The commission considered installing convex mirrors to enhance visibility, with members acknowledging their affordability and past successful implementations. Parking enforcement was also discussed as a means to address vehicles obstructing sightlines, especially during peak traffic times.

The commission also explored the possibility of adding a traffic light or a four-way stop at the intersection of Crescent Avenue and Broadway. Despite acknowledging the intersection’s dangers, the commission learned that it did not meet the state’s criteria for a traffic light. As an alternative, enforcement of existing traffic rules was proposed to enhance safety, with a commitment to revisit the proposal after assessing the impact of these measures.

The MBTA’s bus network redesign was another topic of interest, with a project manager seeking approval for changes aimed at improving service in Chelsea. The redesign intends to increase bus service by 25% systemwide, addressing issues like non-ADA compliant sidewalks and high failure rates at bus stops. The commission reviewed plans for a bus stop at Third and Chestnut Street, noting its significance for high-frequency routes. Proposed improvements include adding a second bus berth to alleviate congestion and a bulb-out to enhance pedestrian safety. The concept received unanimous support from the commission, with further detailed designs to follow.

In addition to these discussions, the commission approved several handicap parking applications, considering individual circumstances and the need for accessible parking. One notable application involved a four-year-old child’s family lacking off-street parking, which received unanimous approval. The commission also addressed requests to remove handicap signs, ultimately denying a request based on the continued need for the sign by a resident.

Parking regulation changes were also on the agenda, with a proposal to reserve parking spots for 12-hour durations on weekends drawing scrutiny. Concerns about its impact on residents and shoppers led to the decision to table the discussion for further consultation.