Chelsea Creek Municipal Harbor Plan Vision, Policies, and Implementation Strategies

City of Chelsea: Chelsea Creek Municipal Harbor Plan Public Meeting 3 November 28th, 2018 utiledesign.com 1 Outline

1. Regulatory Framework – MHP/DPA Plan Process 2. Community and Stakeholder Feedback 3. Overall Themes for MHP 4. Policy Areas and Recommendations

City of Chelsea: Chelsea Creek Municipal Harbor Plan Public Meeting 3 November 28th, 2018 utiledesign.com 2 I. Regulatory Framework

Article 97 of the Massachusetts Constitution “The people shall have the right to clean air and water, freedom from excessive and unnecessary noise, and the natural, scenic, historic and aesthetic qualities of their environment”

City of Chelsea: Chelsea Creek Municipal Harbor Plan Public Meeting 3 November 28th, 2018 utiledesign.com 3 I. Regulatory Framework Tree

Massachusetts Article 97: “The people shall have the right to clean air and water, freedom from excessive noise, and the natural, scenic, Constitution historic, and esthetic qualities of their environment; …”

US Federal 16 USC 1451 et seq – The Coastal Statutes Zone Management Act of 1972

Colonial Ordinances of 1641 - 1647 Massachusetts Ch. 21A (2006) Ch. 21A § 4A (1979) General Laws Ch. 91 – The Massachusetts Public Waterfront Act (1866)

Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs Massachusetts Department of Office of Coastal Zone State Agencies Environmental Protection Management

Waterways Division

Code of 301 CMR 20 – 301 CMR 23 – 301 CMR 25 – 310 CMR 9 – Coastal Zone Review and Approval of Designation of Port Massachusetts Waterways Regulations Management Program Municipal Harbor Plans Areas

City of Chelsea: Chelsea Creek Municipal Harbor Plan Public Meeting 3 November 28th, 2018 utiledesign.com 4 I. Regulatory Framework: What is a Municipal Harbor Plan?

A document stating the community’s goals, standards, and policies to guide public and private land use along harbors.

If approved by the Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs, the plan will help guide and coordinate local, state and federal actions along the Chelsea Creek waterfront.

City of Chelsea: Chelsea Creek Municipal Harbor Plan Public Meeting 3 November 28th, 2018 utiledesign.com 5 I. Regulatory Framework: What is Chapter 91?

Chelsea Chapter 91, the Massachusetts Public Waterfront Act : East Charlestown Boston • Set jurisdictional lines to provide public access to waterways

• Preserves and protect the rights of the public

• Establishes priority for water-dependent uses Boston

• Guarantees that private uses of tidelands and waterways serve a proper public purpose.

• Codifies the Public Trust Doctrine of 1641-47

South Filled Tidelands / Boston Ch 91 Jurisdiction

Historic Shoreline

City of Chelsea: Chelsea Creek Municipal Harbor Plan Public Meeting 3 November 28th, 2018 utiledesign.com 6 I. Regulatory Framework: What is Chapter 91?

Chelsea Where is Chapter 91 jurisdiction Creek along Chelsea Creek?

It includes filled tidelands extending up to Chelsea the first public ROW. It is bound by the yellow boundary and the area seaward of it.

East Boston

Chapter 91 Jurisdiction

City of Chelsea: Chelsea Creek Municipal Harbor Plan Public Meeting 3 November 28th, 2018 utiledesign.com 7 Chelsea Creek I. Regulatory Framework: What DPA is a Designated Port Area?

Chelsea • An area regulated to allow specific working port Mystic River industrial uses that need to use the watersheet to DPA operate. East • Land use is limited to Water-Dependent Industrial Charlestown Boston (WDI) uses. East Boston • In a DPA Master Plan, a municipality may request DPA flexibility for certain use standards, but must balance that flexibility with strategic elements that ensure that DPA interests are still protected.

Boston

South Boston DPA

South Boston

City of Chelsea: Chelsea Creek Municipal Harbor Plan Public Meeting 3 November 28th, 2018 utiledesign.com 8 II. Feedback from public engagement

What do you like about Chelsea Creek and the planning process? Advocacy for change can work here. • An active interest in changing the character PORT Park wasn't here 10 years ago! of the creek

• Opportunities to participate and actually be heard

• Seeing evidence of change over time Areas that are open aren't the most • Balance of industry and public access comfortable for pedestrians (e.g. harbor walk.) What frustrates you most about the Chelsea Creek? • No access to the water

• Unfriendly pedestrian environment with Clean up wooden abandoned buildings along Marginal St. piles between PORT Park and Greenroots.

City of Chelsea: Chelsea Creek Municipal Harbor Plan Public Meeting 3 November 28th, 2018 utiledesign.com 9 II. Stakeholder feedback: Property and business owners

Public access: • Existing public access provided through temporary licenses is of poor quality.

• Permanent public access is not permissible within the DPA with the exception of point access. Regulations: • Many temporary licenses are coming up for renewal.

• This is an opportunity for re-negotiating terms of public Flex open space, Eastern Salt, Marginal St. access. Jobs: • Some businesses owners are interested in expanding industrial/warehousing operations which would add more jobs along the Creek.

Potential for a light industrial uses buffer upland of Marginal St.

City of Chelsea: Chelsea Creek Municipal Harbor Plan Public Meeting 3 November 28th, 2018 utiledesign.com 10 II. Stakeholder feedback: City of Chelsea

Public access: • Require a linear harbor-walk on any parcel decommissioned from the DPA.

• Require that new development within the DPA provide point access. Regulations: • Align local zoning with statewide regulations and

economic development vision for Chelsea Creek. Connected and continuous • Suggest substitutions or amplifications to existing harbor walk Ch91/DPA regulations.

• Alter use allocation and rules around points of public access. Jobs: • Interest in maintaining industry which provides living wage jobs in Chelsea, especially a higher concentration of jobs, i.e. processing vs warehousing & distribution. Potential harbor walk between 295 and Forbes site

City of Chelsea: Chelsea Creek Municipal Harbor Plan Public Meeting 3 November 28th, 2018 utiledesign.com 11 II. Stakeholder feedback: DEP / CZM

Public access: • Take a point access approach towards public waterfront use in DPA (similar to PORT Park.)

• Limit lateral access (waterfront path) to parcels with temporary licenses or those out of the DPA.

• Lateral access should be removed when a WDIU is

recruited. Temporary harbor walk, 257 Marginal St. Regulations / Industrial Character: • Analyze the existing land use allocations and rebalance the distribution of water-dependent and supporting uses.

PORT Park provided as point access on Eastern Salt parcels

City of Chelsea: Chelsea Creek Municipal Harbor Plan Public Meeting 3 November 28th, 2018 utiledesign.com 12 III. Overall Themes and Community Vision

Public access Jobs Provide living wage jobs for local residents and Provide public access based on preferences of the businesses/operators that aim for a higher job community and alignment with state regulations. density where possible.

Regulations Reduce number of temporary licenses and regulate Industrial Economy the waterfront for uses that serve the needs of the Maintain the Chelsea Creek as a resource for water local economy; the public’s enjoyment of the dependent and other appropriate industrial uses that waterfront; ongoing operations; and economic support the tax base and regional economy. health of a working port.

City of Chelsea: Chelsea Creek Municipal Harbor Plan Public Meeting 3 November 28th, 2018 utiledesign.com 13 III. Overall Themes and Community Vision

• Build upon the area’s considerable history as a driver of the local and regional economy • Address the need to reclaim strategic locations for recreational and cultural uses by residents in nearby neighborhoods 1. Enhance public access 2. Increase density of living-wage jobs for Chelsea residents 3. Preserve the industrial and commercial character of the waterfront and adjacent upland area 4. Encourage water-dependent industrial uses and opportunities that contribute to the local tax base Municipal Harbor Plan public meeting in PORT Park

City of Chelsea: Chelsea Creek Municipal Harbor Plan Public Meeting 3 November 28th, 2018 utiledesign.com 14 IV. Policy Areas

1. Public Access 2. Public Programming 3. Economic Development 4. City Zoning 5. Transportation 6. Infrastructure Improvements

Public Access, Programming, 7. Climate Change and Streetscape Improvements Point Access 8. Pollution Linear Access Transitional Areas Long-term Industrial Uses Light-industrial / Commercial Buffer Future Development

City of Chelsea: Chelsea Creek Municipal Harbor Plan Public Meeting 3 November 28th, 2018 utiledesign.com 15 IV. Policy Areas

1. Public Access 2. Public Programming 3. Economic Development 4. City Zoning Ordinance 5. Transportation 6. Infrastructure Improvements 7. Climate Change 8. Pollution

City of Chelsea: Chelsea Creek Municipal Harbor Plan Public Meeting 3 November 28th, 2018 utiledesign.com 16 Public Access: Location What features and activities would make these points of public access attractive to you?

Better seating, Water-related Public Seasonal lighting, signage activities art activities

Takeaways: • Strong preference for public access at Kalick Piers

• Better seating and lighting along existing harbor walk

• Desire for public art near the Chelsea St. bridge

Feedback exercise on public features and activities for the waterfront

City of Chelsea: Chelsea Creek Municipal Harbor Plan Public Meeting 3 November 28th, 2018 utiledesign.com 17 Public Access: Streetscape conditions

Eastern Ave. • Poorly maintained sidewalk is unsafe for pedestrians

• Longer pedestrian signals needed. 10 seconds isn't enough to cross near the Chelsea St. bridge Marginal St. • Unsafe for pedestrians all along Marginal St.

• Larger crosswalks, lights, street trees needed

• Murals, art can activate blank facades along the eastern stretch

Nothing for bikers!

Areas that are PORT park is a lovely open aren't the most space but there is no comfortable for access for neighbors pedestrians without traffic signals, (e.g. harbor walk.) crosswalks, etc.

Eastern Ave (TOP) and Marginal St (BOTTOM) street conditions

City of Chelsea: Chelsea Creek Municipal Harbor Plan Public Meeting 3 November 28th, 2018 utiledesign.com 18 Public Access Policy: Create and maintain physical and visual public access within the harbor planning area that promotes recreation, relaxation, engagement with the waterfront, and economic development.

Strategy 15 1. Standardized signage requirements Bike/ped improvements 2. Robust point access at Chelsea St Bridge along street to connect to point access 257 3. Point access at every property boundary 4. Complete lateral access at all non-DPA parcels 249 245 5. Chelsea Creek Improvement Fund 227 235 239 229 6. Align permit language between City and State Require future 7. Allow boardwalks over tidelands in watersheet point access for DPA parcels 8. Responsible use by small craft Public access strategies

City of Chelsea: Chelsea Creek Municipal Harbor Plan Public Meeting 3 November 28th, 2018 utiledesign.com 19 IV. Policy Areas

1. Public Access 2. Public Programming 3. Economic Development 4. City Zoning Ordinance 5. Transportation 6. Infrastructure Improvements 7. Climate Change 8. Pollution

City of Chelsea: Chelsea Creek Municipal Harbor Plan Public Meeting 3 November 28th, 2018 utiledesign.com 20 Public Programming: Features and Activities Better seating, lighting, signage, materials

16 15

10 9 Water-related activities related activities related - Water Better seating, lighting, Betterlighting, materials seating, signage, activities Seasonal Publicart

City of Chelsea: Chelsea Creek Municipal Harbor Plan Public Meeting 3 November 28th, 2018 utiledesign.com 21 Public Programming: Art and Seasonal Activities Public art

16 15

10 9 Seasonal activities related activities related - Water Better seating, lighting, Betterlighting, materials seating, signage, activities Seasonal Publicart

City of Chelsea: Chelsea Creek Municipal Harbor Plan Public Meeting 3 November 28th, 2018 utiledesign.com 22 Public Programming Policy: Develop, support, and maintain public programming that creates economic and cultural opportunities for the community.

Strategy 1. Use point access at Chelsea St Bridge for public art and seasonal, temporary retail 2. Signage highlighting history and existing uses 3. Promote public art and programmable open space with all redevelopment 4. Where appropriate, licenses and City permits should require payments to support public programming

City of Chelsea: Chelsea Creek Municipal Harbor Plan Public Meeting 3 November 28th, 2018 utiledesign.com 23 IV. Policy Areas

1. Public Access 2. Public Programming 3. Economic Development 4. City Zoning Ordinance 5. Transportation 6. Infrastructure Improvements 7. Climate Change 8. Pollution

City of Chelsea: Chelsea Creek Municipal Harbor Plan Public Meeting 3 November 28th, 2018 utiledesign.com 24 Economic Development: Jobs / Compatible Uses Feedback Marginal St. Upland

Marine research 2 Urban manufacturing 2 Housing 2

Marginal St. Waterfront

Open space 3 Marine research 5 Urban manufacturing 6

Chelsea St. Bridge (TOD)

Open space 3 Urban manufacturing 5 Boat repair 8 Eastern Ave. Waterfront Marine research 2 Boat repair 2 Dry bulk storage 6 6 Open space Areas for waterfront economy

City of Chelsea: Chelsea Creek Municipal Harbor Plan Public Meeting 3 November 28th, 2018 utiledesign.com 25 Economic Development: Preferred future uses for Chelsea Creek Jobs: Working Port

Dry bulk storage Boat repair Marine research Seafood processing Jobs: Urban manufacturing

City of Chelsea: Chelsea Creek Municipal Harbor Plan Public Meeting 3 November 28th, 2018 utiledesign.com 26 Economic Development: Focus Areas

Upper Creek – Provide lateral waterfront access between parcels

Mid-Creek: Gulf Oil – No change

Mid-Creek: InterPARK – Address future development through zoning

Lower-Creek: Parking Lots – Consider future WDI use and public access

Lower-Creek: Eastern Study area Salt – No change Lower-Creek: Kalick Parcels – boundary Likely unsuitable for a future Chelsea Creek DPA WDIU Potential for change

City of Chelsea: Chelsea Creek Municipal Harbor Plan Public Meeting 3 November 28th, 2018 utiledesign.com 27 Economic Development Policy: Encourage uses in the harbor planning area that will create living-wage local jobs and support the local economy.

Strategy 1. Favor redevelopment that increases job density, especially for blue-collar, living-wage jobs 2. Allow reallocation of supporting use percentages 3. Flexible building typologies for wide variety of industrial uses, including water-dependent 4. Explore marine technology cluster 5. Align end dates of licenses on adjacent parcels 6. Promote temporary/seasonal structures and activities to create new economic opportunities New Boston Seafood Center

City of Chelsea: Chelsea Creek Municipal Harbor Plan Public Meeting 3 November 28th, 2018 utiledesign.com 28 Area Economic Development Land area within the DPA 97.40 ac Policy: Encourage uses in the harbor planning area Land area within Ch 91 jurisdiction 41.11 ac

that will create living-wage local jobs and support Supporting use allowance 10.28 ac the local economy. (25% of area within Ch91 jurisdiction)

Note: Refer to the attached spreadsheet for the area breakdown by parcel Mean high water line

City of Chelsea: Chelsea Creek Municipal Harbor Plan Public Meeting 3 November 28th, 2018 utiledesign.com 29 IV. Policy Areas

1. Public Access 2. Public Programming 3. Economic Development 4. City Zoning Ordinance 5. Transportation 6. Infrastructure Improvements 7. Climate Change 8. Pollution

City of Chelsea: Chelsea Creek Municipal Harbor Plan Public Meeting 3 November 28th, 2018 utiledesign.com 30 Existing Zoning Map Shopping City Zoning Ordinance Center Policy: Ensure the city's land use regulations Residential 1 promote the policies of this plan, buffer Waterfront residential neighborhoods from industrial District areas, and align with the relevant policies of MGL Ch. 91, the Public Waterfront Act.

1. New district replacing WIOD and prohibiting Industrial residential 2. Revise use table to allow water-dependent uses 3. New zoning on upland side of Marginal from Residential 2 Pearl to Highland allowing most uses but not Future upland zoning residential 4. Revise Lot Area to exclude land under water 5. Require consideration of sea level rise and storm surges in development proposals Waterfront Industrial Overlay District

City of Chelsea: Chelsea Creek Municipal Harbor Plan Public Meeting 3 November 28th, 2018 utiledesign.com 31 IV. Policy Areas

1. Public Access 2. Public Programming 3. Economic Development 4. City Zoning Ordinance 5. Transportation 6. Infrastructure Improvements 7. Climate Change 8. Pollution

City of Chelsea: Chelsea Creek Municipal Harbor Plan Public Meeting 3 November 28th, 2018 utiledesign.com 32 Transportation Policy: Increase opportunities for users of all modes and all abilities for improved transportation to, from, and through the Chelsea Creek waterfront.

Strategy 1. Widen sidewalks and provide signalized crossings, explore traffic calming, and develop bike lanes 2. Work with US Coast Guard and all relevant parties to reduce the impact of bridge openings 3. Discourage uses north of Chelsea St Bridge that would significantly increase openings 4. Explore potential for ferry/water taxi service 5. Allow for a new bridge crossing at the mouth of Mill Creek

City of Chelsea: Chelsea Creek Municipal Harbor Plan Public Meeting 3 November 28th, 2018 utiledesign.com 33 Chelsea Street Bridge

Analyzed data from 27 August to 5 October, 40 days • 5.4 openings per day • 18 minutes average open time • 30% of openings during rush hours (6:30-9:30 AM, 3:30-6:30 PM)

City of Chelsea: Chelsea Creek Municipal Harbor Plan Public Meeting 3 November 28th, 2018 utiledesign.com 34 IV. Policy Areas

1. Public Access 2. Public Programming 3. Economic Development 4. City Zoning Ordinance 5. Transportation 6. Infrastructure Improvements 7. Climate Change 8. Pollution

City of Chelsea: Chelsea Creek Municipal Harbor Plan Public Meeting 3 November 28th, 2018 utiledesign.com 35 Infrastructure Improvements Policy: Ensure that waterfront infrastructure is safe and adequate to accommodate existing and anticipated uses, and that improvements address predicted sea level rise and storm surge scenarios.

Strategy

1. Require waterside infrastructure assessment Interpark sheet pile wall Harbor Walk slope and cap for each parcel/property that goes for license renewal or for redevelopment projects. 2. Recommend setting baseline expectations for waterside improvements depending on the use of the waterfront property. 3. Integrate flood prevention/mitigation measures into redesign or improvements for waterside infrastructure. Enterprise Lot - sloped pavement Kalick parcels – derelict pile field

City of Chelsea: Chelsea Creek Municipal Harbor Plan Public Meeting 3 November 28th, 2018 utiledesign.com 36 IV. Policy Areas

1. Public Access 2. Public Programming 3. Economic Development 4. City Zoning Ordinance 5. Transportation 6. Infrastructure Improvements 7. Climate Change 8. Pollution

City of Chelsea: Chelsea Creek Municipal Harbor Plan Public Meeting 3 November 28th, 2018 utiledesign.com 37 Climate Change Policy: Minimize economic, social, and environmental impacts of climate-change-related flooding.

Strategy 1. Comprehensive planning to address climate change risks using best available science 2. Identify economic impacts during and after storms 3. Explore innovative approaches to protect against, retreat from, and/or accommodate flooding 4. Protect against the spread of contamination 5. Ensure that all Ch. 91 licenses consider projected climate change impacts 6. Mitigate inundation pathways

City of Chelsea: Chelsea Creek Municipal Harbor Plan Public Meeting 3 November 28th, 2018 utiledesign.com 38 IV. Policy Areas

1. Public Access 2. Public Programming 3. Economic Development 4. City Zoning Ordinance 5. Transportation 6. Infrastructure Improvements 7. Climate Change 8. Pollution

City of Chelsea: Chelsea Creek Municipal Harbor Plan Public Meeting 3 November 28th, 2018 utiledesign.com 39 Pollution Policy: Encourage waterfront uses consistent with all environmental regulations, promote the remediation of contaminated sites, and realize the promise of the Clean Water Act of swimmable and fishable waters.

Strategy 1. Require on-site remediation as part of redevelopment projects 2. Identify and eliminate sources of contamination into the Creek, including CSOs 3. Improve monitoring and transparency regarding ongoing impacts of releases into the Creek

City of Chelsea: Chelsea Creek Municipal Harbor Plan Public Meeting 3 November 28th, 2018 utiledesign.com 40 Chelsea Creek Municipal Harbor Plan Process

April - June June - December January 30 days

Final decision Notice to Submission of Public comment Development of MHP by the EEA Proceed MHP to EEA and consultation Secretary

Three public meetings: Public hearing: June 11 August 18 February 2018 November 28

City of Chelsea: Chelsea Creek Municipal Harbor Plan Public Meeting 3 November 28th, 2018 utiledesign.com 41 City of Chelsea: Chelsea Creek Municipal Harbor Plan Public Meeting 3 November 28th, 2018 utiledesign.com 42 City of Chelsea: Chelsea Creek Municipal Harbor Plan Public Meeting 3 November 28th, 2018 utiledesign.com 43