Almost 20 people spoke in favor of the upcoming redevelopment of the Mack Building at the Chelsea City Council on May 21, many also asking that the city do everything it can to redirect traffic to the businesses on Jackson Street that will be affected by the temporary and partial road closure.
To ensure safety in the construction area, there will be a partial road closure, fencing will be erected, and about 10 parking spaces will be closed to stage the area.
The Main Street side of Jackson Street will be closed beginning May 29 and is expected to remain that way until about July 13.
However, the other side of Jackson Street allows access to the three businesses located there – Chelsea Farmers Supply, The Depot and the Chelsea Area Historical Society Museum.
City officials have already met with and assisted the owners of Farmers Supply, creating an alternate route map and a flyer for the business to hand out to its customers. Signage is also expected to be erected that will redirect motorists to the side of Jackson Street that will remain open.
Those wishing to visit the museum, The Depot or Farmers Supply can access those locations from the other side of Jackson Street or by taking East Middle Street and turning left into the driveway by the First Congregational Church or by traveling to Madison or East streets and coming in from the other direction. (See map below)
The road closure and fencing are necessary for the removal of the roof and second floor of the building as the walls will buttressed. Further delaying the date of the partial road closure could jeopardize the project as the developer, Joe Ziolkowski has 11 subcontractors lined up to do specific portions of the project that must be completed before the cold weather arrives.
Demolition is expected to begin on June 4.
Speaker after speaker praised the unique items available at the Chelsea Farmer Supply store and urged everyone to support the business during the construction.
Greg Raye, an owner of the 92-year-old store, has repeatedly appealed to city officials asking that the partial road closure be delayed at least two weeks because spring is the store’s busiest sales time.
Below is a map of ways to get to the businesses and to view the city council meeting and hear all the comments, please click here to view a video of the meeting produced by Randy Lee of RK Studios.
