EBOL Public Documents from the East Boston Chelsea Creek Action Group
Attending: Lucy Del Muto, Ana Maria Gomez, Anna Lane, Christopher Blackler, Vinny Ieni, Mary Ellen Welsh, Mark Warren, Nancei Radicchi, Loretta Pardi, Chris Tauson, Aaron Toffler (The Watershed Institute), & Stacey Chacker (NOAH). Meeting Minutes: December 6th meeting minutes were reviewed and accepted.
Grant proposals submitted: NOAH submitted the following proposals –
Licensed Site Professional (LSP) change: Irwin Silverstein, our current LSP is leaving his current job and will not be able work with us at his new job. Stacey suggested that we speak to Joel Loetherstein who was the second choice for LSP. All agreed to this. Mapping Project –Aaron reported that following elements will be included on the Campaign for the Water’s Edge (CWE) Chelsea River map: parcels, what’s there now (e.g. open space, industry, hazardous waste site), potential for the site (e.g. open space, public access), and zoning issues (e.g. Chapter 91). Expect map to be completed in time for February 16th meeting. Aaron to follow-up with EPA regarding a map with all Mass Port owned property that Indira thought they had. Hess update: Conversations with Hess: Hess reports that they had two interested buyers (including East Boston Community Development Corp). Stacey made it clear that EB-CCAG wants to be involved in the redevelopment decision making process. Visioning session – At our at February 16th meeting, Jim from CLF will lead a discussion to help come up with a more definitive list of what people would like to see/tolerate on this site (in addition to open space). Hess is aware that EB-CCAG would like a park, but does not feel that that is practical since they plan to sell the land. They don’t know else we are interested in. Urban Wild update: The City’s LSP has completed a draft Scope of Services for Phase II. Stacey and Aaron have requested a meeting to get an update. We are not sure if our DEP-TAG grant is enough to pay for LSP services for this site. Stacey is requesting a pro-bono LSP from MEJN. In addition to the City funding to clean-up/redevelop the park, City is requesting $150,000 from Browne Fund. They were granted $25,000 from GB-URP and $75,000 from Boston Sand and Gravel in cash and donated materials. CWE is seeking additional funds for improvements to this site. Chelsea River oil hazards study - update: EPA is interested in meeting to discuss this report. Other Sites/Issues: Channel Fish: One complaint is that when they spray, the dirty water splatters on cars, carrying the odors a far distance, and that they may be a 24 hour operation. Mary made the following proposal, which was accepted: Hold a small meeting with Channel to introduce the issues. Discuss maintenance schedule, cleaning equipment and crew, odors, maggots, traffic concerns, etc. Ask for plot plan (to see if encroaching on wetlands). Then ask for Saturday tour, followed by larger meeting. Fran, Lucy, Mary, Vinny and Mark agreed to meet with Channel. Tour with Senator Travaglini and Rep. Petrucelli – Tuesday, Feb. 1st: 9:30 – 11:00. The following will like to attend – Vinny, Joe, Anna, Lucy (if she can meet us). We’ll ask Arthur and Maddy. Boudreau Boatyard hearing – Anna and Maddy attended this court hearing on 1/5/00. The court case was extended, and no decision was made. We will ask Ken Fields, one of our technical advisors to strategize with us to see how we can get the clean-up to move forward more quickly. Comparative Risk Assessment (CRA) study – The EPA is offering funding to do this study focused on Chelsea Creek. Involves setting up citizen’s (most probably a sub-committee of CCAG members) and a technical advisory committees. The group would look at perceived environmental risks, and finding existing data to support back it up. It was agreed that we should take on the CRA as a project, and that it could be helpful in getting long-term solutions. A Coordinator will be hired to work with both E.B. and Chelsea – this person will also work on Chelsea Creek special projects – such as a newsletter and special events. Logan Commerce Park Logan 480 – A coalition of environmental activists, including EB-CCAG members, is working on this. Have a lawyer who is helping to appeal DEP’s decision to allow freight forwarding facility on this site that is zoned for marine industrial use. If project goes through, it sets a negative precedent for all other sites in the Designated Port Area. Tentative meeting w/owner on January 27th at 6:00 Mark and Aaron are interested in attending. Suffolk Downs, Ch. 9l – EB-CCAG submitted a letter to Senators Travaglini and Burmingham (circulated at meeting) opposing the exemption of this property from the Chapter 91 process (proposed in the Transportation Bond Bill). There is word that they are proposing a Park ‘n Fly for this site. Tentative meeting w/ owners and CLF on Jan. 27th at 9:00. EB-CCAG 2000 meeting schedule Meet every third Wednesday of the month (except April and December). Please note, we may need to change some of these dates. Next Meeting is February 16, 2000. February 16th March 15th April 12th May 17th June 21st July 19th August 16th September 20th October 18th November 15th December 13th S. Chacker recorded these minutes to their best recollection. Please call Stacey at 569-0059 ext. 13 to make changes within 30 days. posted on EBOL on
2/23/00 |
