Leslie Lippard, a resident living adjacent to the demolition site, voiced concerns about a rat infestation that had escalated due to the construction activities. Lippard noted that the derelict buildings on the site were home to large colonies of rats before demolition, and despite notifying Chestnut Hill Realty, the company’s pest control efforts were deemed insufficient. She described how rats had infiltrated her home, with significant amounts of rat feces found in her basement’s storage area. Lippard called for the Select Board to hold Chestnut Hill Realty accountable and to require them to properly address the rat problem.

Similarly, Martin Yen, another resident, highlighted a lack of communication regarding asbestos issues related to the project. Yen, who lives directly across from the demolition site, noted that residents had not been informed about critical safety information, despite documentation indicating that the developer was responsible for such notifications. He pointed out the discrepancy in treatment between businesses, which could request air quality data, and individual citizens who had received no information. Yen urged the Select Board to ensure better communication from Chestnut Hill Realty.

Susan Park, another concerned resident, discussed the impact of the demolition on air quality, especially considering her daughter’s asthma. She described how her family was unprepared for the dust and debris generated during the demolition, which posed significant health risks to neighbors with respiratory issues or compromised immune systems. Park criticized the lack of communication from the developers, emphasizing the need for proper notification so residents could take necessary precautions.

These concerns were echoed by other residents, including Alex Santiago and Lauren Bernard, who shared similar experiences of increased rat sightings and inadequate asbestos notifications. Santiago cited a pest control company’s letter indicating that the vacant lot supported a rat population due to mounds of dirt and gravel, urging for more aggressive action from the developers and the health department. Bernard expressed regret for supporting the mixed-use development project, emphasizing the negative impact on health and safety.

The Select Board acknowledged the public’s concerns, discussing the importance of extending the public comment period to allow more residents to voice their issues. This need for better communication and accountability from Chestnut Hill Realty was a recurring theme throughout the meeting. In response to these comments, representatives from Chestnut Hill Realty, including Andy Martino and a consultant from J Turner Consulting, provided clarity on the demolition process and associated safety protocols. Jonathan Nickel, the director of building sciences, explained that a Massachusetts licensed project monitor was on-site daily, conducting air quality tests to ensure safety. However, this explanation did little to allay the residents’ concerns about the effectiveness of the current measures.

The meeting also covered other topics, including an update on the non-residential linkage Nexus study presented by Meredith Mooney, the Economic Development Director. The study aimed to establish a connection between anticipated non-residential development and the need for additional affordable housing in Brookline. Consultant Carl Sidman presented findings indicating that the projected development would create around 1,500 new jobs, necessitating approximately 191 new affordable housing units.

Additionally, the Select Board discussed the need for renovations of police locker rooms to accommodate female officers and those who are non-binary. The board also addressed the importance of public notification and safety assurance, particularly regarding the demolition activities at the Waldo Durgin garage. There was a consensus on the need for improved communication and transparency to ensure residents feel safe and informed about developments in their neighborhood.