Dear Editor:
I completely understand the desire for the Chelsea City Council to develop more affordable housing in the city, however I urge the council to strongly consider larger existing alternatives to the Park Street property.
Though I understand that the Main Street Park is on the horizon and Timbertown has been recently renovated, it still cannot be said that there is an excess of park space in the city and none that are set IN a neighborhood.
I can see firsthand from my front windows how much the property is enjoyed in the winter months as a sledding hill and with a very small investment, benches and a couple of small tables could be placed there for residents of all ages to enjoy year-round. Also, as Councilmember Merkel put it, “Once we develop that property, it’s gone”. Likewise, Councilmember Mehuron noted “There is literally no place to go for a quiet moment… in the downtown area.”
I understand that this is something only under consideration at this time, but before it goes further, I respectfully ask that you look at other options for affordable housing and look to make slight improvements to the space so it can be more fully enjoyed by the community.
My sincere thanks for the work the City Council does on behalf of the citizens of Chelsea.
Thank you for considering this.
Bill O’Reilly
Chelsea
