utiledesign.comCity of Chelsea: Chelsea Creek Municipal Harbor Plan 1Public Meeting 3 November 28th, 2018
Chelsea Creek Municipal Harbor PlanVision, Policies, and Implementation Strategies
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Outline
1. Regulatory Framework – MHP/DPA Plan Process2. Community and Stakeholder Feedback3. Overall Themes for MHP4. Policy Areas and Recommendations
utiledesign.comCity of Chelsea: Chelsea Creek Municipal Harbor Plan 3Public Meeting 3 November 28th, 2018
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”
I. Regulatory Framework
utiledesign.comCity of Chelsea: Chelsea Creek Municipal Harbor Plan 4Public Meeting 3 November 28th, 2018
MassachusettsConstitution
US FederalStatutes
MassachusettsGeneral Laws
MassachusettsState Agencies
Code of MassachusettsRegulations
I. Regulatory Framework TreeArticle 97: “The people shall have the right to clean air and
water, freedom from excessive noise, and the natural, scenic, historic, and esthetic qualities of their environment; …”
Department of Environmental Protection
Executive Office of Energyand Environmental Affairs
16 USC 1451 et seq – The Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972
Colonial Ordinances of 1641 - 1647
Ch. 91 – The Massachusetts Public Waterfront Act (1866)
Ch. 21A (2006) Ch. 21A § 4A (1979)
Waterways Division
Office of Coastal Zone Management
310 CMR 9 –Waterways
301 CMR 20 –Coastal Zone
Management Program
301 CMR 23 –Review and Approval of Municipal Harbor Plans
301 CMR 25 –Designation of Port
Areas
utiledesign.comCity of Chelsea: Chelsea Creek Municipal Harbor Plan 5Public Meeting 3 November 28th, 2018
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.
I. Regulatory Framework: What is a Municipal Harbor Plan?
utiledesign.comCity of Chelsea: Chelsea Creek Municipal Harbor Plan 6Public Meeting 3 November 28th, 2018
Chapter 91, the Massachusetts Public Waterfront Act :• Set jurisdictional lines to provide public access
to waterways
• Preserves and protect the rights of the public
• Establishes priority for water-dependent uses
• Guarantees that private uses of tidelands and waterways serve a proper public purpose.
• Codifies the Public Trust Doctrine of 1641-47
I. Regulatory Framework: What is Chapter 91?
Chelsea
Boston
East BostonCharlestown
South BostonFilled Tidelands /
Ch 91 Jurisdiction
Historic Shoreline
utiledesign.comCity of Chelsea: Chelsea Creek Municipal Harbor Plan 7Public Meeting 3 November 28th, 2018
I. Regulatory Framework: What is Chapter 91?
Chapter 91 Jurisdiction
Chelsea Creek
Chelsea
East Boston
Where is Chapter 91 jurisdiction along Chelsea Creek?
It includes filled tidelands extending up to the first public ROW. It is bound by the yellow boundary and the area seaward of it.
utiledesign.comCity of Chelsea: Chelsea Creek Municipal Harbor Plan 8Public Meeting 3 November 28th, 2018
I. Regulatory Framework: What is a Designated Port Area?
• An area regulated to allow specific working port industrial uses that need to use the watersheet to operate.
• Land use is limited to Water-Dependent Industrial (WDI) uses.
• In a DPA Master Plan, a municipality may request flexibility for certain use standards, but must balance that flexibility with strategic elements that ensure that DPA interests are still protected.
Chelsea Creek DPA
East Boston DPA
Mystic River DPA
Chelsea
Boston
East BostonCharlestown
South Boston DPA
South Boston
utiledesign.comCity of Chelsea: Chelsea Creek Municipal Harbor Plan 9Public Meeting 3 November 28th, 2018
Areas that are open aren't the most
comfortable for pedestrians
(e.g. harbor walk.)
II. Feedback from public engagementWhat do you like about Chelsea Creek and the planning process?• An active interest in changing the character
of the creek• Opportunities to participate and actually be
heard• Seeing evidence of change over time • Balance of industry and public access
What frustrates you most about the Chelsea Creek?• No access to the water • Unfriendly pedestrian environment with
abandoned buildings along Marginal St.
Advocacy for change can work here.
PORT Park wasn't here 10 years ago!
Clean up wooden piles between PORT
Park and Greenroots.
utiledesign.comCity of Chelsea: Chelsea Creek Municipal Harbor Plan 10Public Meeting 3 November 28th, 2018
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
access.Jobs: • Some businesses owners are interested in expanding
industrial/warehousing operations which would add more jobs along the Creek.
II. Stakeholder feedback: Property and business owners
Flex open space, Eastern Salt, Marginal St.
Potential for a light industrial uses buffer upland of Marginal St.
utiledesign.comCity of Chelsea: Chelsea Creek Municipal Harbor Plan 11Public Meeting 3 November 28th, 2018
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.• Suggest substitutions or amplifications to existing
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.
II. Stakeholder feedback: City of Chelsea
Connected and continuous harbor walk
Potential harbor walk between 295 and Forbes site
utiledesign.comCity of Chelsea: Chelsea Creek Municipal Harbor Plan 12Public Meeting 3 November 28th, 2018
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.Regulations / Industrial Character: • Analyze the existing land use allocations and rebalance
the distribution of water-dependent and supporting uses.
II. Stakeholder feedback: DEP / CZM
PORT Park provided as point access on Eastern Salt parcels
Temporary harbor walk, 257 Marginal St.
utiledesign.comCity of Chelsea: Chelsea Creek Municipal Harbor Plan 13Public Meeting 3 November 28th, 2018
III. Overall Themes and Community Vision
Public accessProvide public access based on preferences of the community and alignment with state regulations.
JobsProvide living wage jobs for local residents and businesses/operators that aim for a higher job
density where possible.
RegulationsReduce number of temporary licenses and regulate the waterfront for uses that serve the needs of the
local economy; the public’s enjoyment of the waterfront; ongoing operations; and economic
health of a working port.
Industrial EconomyMaintain the Chelsea Creek as a resource for water dependent and other appropriate industrial uses that
support the tax base and regional economy.
utiledesign.comCity of Chelsea: Chelsea Creek Municipal Harbor Plan 14Public Meeting 3 November 28th, 2018
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 access2. Increase density of living-wage jobs for
Chelsea residents3. 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
utiledesign.comCity of Chelsea: Chelsea Creek Municipal Harbor Plan 15Public Meeting 3 November 28th, 2018
IV. Policy Areas
1. Public Access 2. Public Programming3. Economic Development4. City Zoning5. Transportation6. Infrastructure Improvements7. Climate Change8. Pollution
Public Access, Programming, and Streetscape Improvements
Point Access
Linear Access
Transitional Areas
Long-term Industrial Uses
Light-industrial / Commercial Buffer
Future Development
utiledesign.comCity of Chelsea: Chelsea Creek Municipal Harbor Plan 16Public Meeting 3 November 28th, 2018
IV. Policy Areas
1. Public Access 2. Public Programming3. Economic Development4. City Zoning Ordinance5. Transportation6. Infrastructure Improvements7. Climate Change8. Pollution
utiledesign.comCity of Chelsea: Chelsea Creek Municipal Harbor Plan 17Public Meeting 3 November 28th, 2018
Better seating, Water-related Public Seasonallighting, 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
Public Access: LocationWhat features and activities would make these points of public access attractive to you?
Feedback exercise on public features and activities for the waterfront
utiledesign.comCity of Chelsea: Chelsea Creek Municipal Harbor Plan 18Public Meeting 3 November 28th, 2018
Areas that are open aren't the most
comfortable for pedestrians
(e.g. harbor walk.)
Nothing for bikers!
Public Access: Streetscape conditionsEastern 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
PORT park is a lovely space but there is no access for neighbors
without traffic signals, crosswalks, etc.
Eastern Ave (TOP) and Marginal St (BOTTOM) street conditions
utiledesign.comCity of Chelsea: Chelsea Creek Municipal Harbor Plan 19Public Meeting 3 November 28th, 2018
Strategy
1. Standardized signage requirements
2. Robust point access at Chelsea St Bridge
3. Point access at every property boundary
4. Complete lateral access at all non-DPA parcels
5. Chelsea Creek Improvement Fund
6. Align permit language between City and State
7. Allow boardwalks over tidelands in watersheet
8. Responsible use by small craft
Public AccessPolicy: Create and maintain physical and visual public access within the harbor planning area that promotes recreation, relaxation, engagement with the waterfront, and economic development.
239235229227
15
249
245
257
Require future point access for
DPA parcels
Bike/ped improvements along street to connect
to point access
Public access strategies
utiledesign.comCity of Chelsea: Chelsea Creek Municipal Harbor Plan 20Public Meeting 3 November 28th, 2018
IV. Policy Areas
1. Public Access 2. Public Programming3. Economic Development4. City Zoning Ordinance5. Transportation6. Infrastructure Improvements7. Climate Change8. Pollution
utiledesign.comCity of Chelsea: Chelsea Creek Municipal Harbor Plan 21Public Meeting 3 November 28th, 2018
Public Programming: Features and ActivitiesBetter seating, lighting, signage, materials
Water-related activities
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utiledesign.comCity of Chelsea: Chelsea Creek Municipal Harbor Plan 22Public Meeting 3 November 28th, 2018
Public art
Seasonal activities
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Public Programming: Art and Seasonal Activities
utiledesign.comCity of Chelsea: Chelsea Creek Municipal Harbor Plan 23Public Meeting 3 November 28th, 2018
Strategy1. Use point access at Chelsea St Bridge for public
art and seasonal, temporary retail2. Signage highlighting history and existing uses3. Promote public art and programmable open
space with all redevelopment4. Where appropriate, licenses and City permits
should require payments to support public programming
Public ProgrammingPolicy: Develop, support, and maintain public programming that creates economic and cultural opportunities for the community.
utiledesign.comCity of Chelsea: Chelsea Creek Municipal Harbor Plan 24Public Meeting 3 November 28th, 2018
IV. Policy Areas
1. Public Access 2. Public Programming3. Economic Development4. City Zoning Ordinance5. Transportation6. Infrastructure Improvements7. Climate Change8. Pollution
utiledesign.comCity of Chelsea: Chelsea Creek Municipal Harbor Plan 25Public Meeting 3 November 28th, 2018
Economic Development: Jobs / Compatible Uses Feedback
Marine researchUrban manufacturing
Housing
6
8
6
2
6
5
5
2
2
3
3
2
2
Open spaceMarine research
Urban manufacturing
Open spaceUrban manufacturing
Boat repair
Marine researchBoat repair
Dry bulk storageOpen space
Marginal St. Upland
Marginal St. Waterfront
Chelsea St. Bridge (TOD)
Eastern Ave. Waterfront
Areas for waterfront economy
utiledesign.comCity of Chelsea: Chelsea Creek Municipal Harbor Plan 26Public Meeting 3 November 28th, 2018
Economic Development: Preferred future uses for Chelsea CreekJobs: Working Port
Jobs: Urban manufacturingDry bulk storage Boat repair Marine research Seafood processing
utiledesign.comCity of Chelsea: Chelsea Creek Municipal Harbor Plan 27Public Meeting 3 November 28th, 2018
Study area boundary
Chelsea Creek DPA
Potential for change
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: Kalick Parcels –Likely unsuitable for a future
WDIU
Lower-Creek: Eastern Salt – No change
Economic Development: Focus Areas
utiledesign.comCity of Chelsea: Chelsea Creek Municipal Harbor Plan 28Public Meeting 3 November 28th, 2018
Strategy1. Favor redevelopment that increases job density,
especially for blue-collar, living-wage jobs2. Allow reallocation of supporting use percentages3. Flexible building typologies for wide variety of
industrial uses, including water-dependent4. Explore marine technology cluster5. Align end dates of licenses on adjacent parcels6. Promote temporary/seasonal structures and
activities to create new economic opportunities
Economic DevelopmentPolicy: Encourage uses in the harbor planning area that will create living-wage local jobs and support the local economy.
New Boston Seafood Center
utiledesign.comCity of Chelsea: Chelsea Creek Municipal Harbor Plan 29Public Meeting 3 November 28th, 2018
Area
Land area within the DPA 97.40 ac
Land area within Ch 91 jurisdiction 41.11 ac
Supporting use allowance (25% of area within Ch91 jurisdiction) 10.28 ac
Parcel boundaries
Ch91 jurisdiction
DPA boundary
Mean high water lineNote: Refer to the attached spreadsheet for the area breakdown by parcel
Economic DevelopmentPolicy: Encourage uses in the harbor planning area that will create living-wage local jobs and support the local economy.
Strategy1. Favor redevelopment that increases job density,
especially for blue-collar, living-wage jobs2. Allow reallocation of supporting use percentages3. Flexible building typologies for wide variety of
industrial uses, including water-dependent4. Explore marine technology cluster5. Align end dates of licenses on adjacent parcels6. Promote temporary/seasonal structures and
activities to create new economic opportunities
utiledesign.comCity of Chelsea: Chelsea Creek Municipal Harbor Plan 30Public Meeting 3 November 28th, 2018
IV. Policy Areas
1. Public Access 2. Public Programming3. Economic Development4. City Zoning Ordinance5. Transportation6. Infrastructure Improvements7. Climate Change8. Pollution
utiledesign.comCity of Chelsea: Chelsea Creek Municipal Harbor Plan 31Public Meeting 3 November 28th, 2018
1. New district replacing WIOD and prohibiting residential
2. Revise use table to allow water-dependent uses3. New zoning on upland side of Marginal from
Pearl to Highland allowing most uses but not residential
4. Revise Lot Area to exclude land under water5. Require consideration of sea level rise and
storm surges in development proposals
City Zoning OrdinancePolicy: Ensure the city's land use regulations promote the policies of this plan, buffer residential neighborhoods from industrial areas, and align with the relevant policies of MGL Ch. 91, the Public Waterfront Act.
Waterfront District
Future upland zoning
Waterfront IndustrialOverlay District
Waterfront District
Industrial
Residential 1
Shopping Center
Residential 2
Existing Zoning Map
utiledesign.comCity of Chelsea: Chelsea Creek Municipal Harbor Plan 32Public Meeting 3 November 28th, 2018
IV. Policy Areas
1. Public Access 2. Public Programming3. Economic Development4. City Zoning Ordinance5. Transportation6. Infrastructure Improvements7. Climate Change8. Pollution
utiledesign.comCity of Chelsea: Chelsea Creek Municipal Harbor Plan 33Public Meeting 3 November 28th, 2018
Strategy1. Widen sidewalks and provide signalized crossings,
explore traffic calming, and develop bike lanes2. Work with US Coast Guard and all relevant parties
to reduce the impact of bridge openings3. Discourage uses north of Chelsea St Bridge that
would significantly increase openings4. Explore potential for ferry/water taxi service5. Allow for a new bridge crossing at the mouth of
Mill Creek
TransportationPolicy: Increase opportunities for users of all modes and all abilities for improved transportation to, from, and through the Chelsea Creek waterfront.
utiledesign.comCity of Chelsea: Chelsea Creek Municipal Harbor Plan 34Public Meeting 3 November 28th, 2018
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)
utiledesign.comCity of Chelsea: Chelsea Creek Municipal Harbor Plan 35Public Meeting 3 November 28th, 2018
IV. Policy Areas
1. Public Access 2. Public Programming3. Economic Development4. City Zoning Ordinance5. Transportation6. Infrastructure Improvements7. Climate Change8. Pollution
utiledesign.comCity of Chelsea: Chelsea Creek Municipal Harbor Plan 36Public Meeting 3 November 28th, 2018
Infrastructure Improvements
Strategy1. Require waterside infrastructure assessment
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.
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.
Harbor Walk slope and capInterpark sheet pile wall
Kalick parcels – derelict pile fieldEnterprise Lot - sloped pavement
utiledesign.comCity of Chelsea: Chelsea Creek Municipal Harbor Plan 37Public Meeting 3 November 28th, 2018
IV. Policy Areas
1. Public Access 2. Public Programming3. Economic Development4. City Zoning Ordinance5. Transportation6. Infrastructure Improvements7. Climate Change8. Pollution
utiledesign.comCity of Chelsea: Chelsea Creek Municipal Harbor Plan 38Public Meeting 3 November 28th, 2018
Climate Change
Strategy1. Comprehensive planning to address climate change
risks using best available science2. Identify economic impacts during and after storms3. Explore innovative approaches to protect against,
retreat from, and/or accommodate flooding4. Protect against the spread of contamination5. Ensure that all Ch. 91 licenses consider projected
climate change impacts6. Mitigate inundation pathways
Policy: Minimize economic, social, and environmental impacts of climate-change-related flooding.
utiledesign.comCity of Chelsea: Chelsea Creek Municipal Harbor Plan 39Public Meeting 3 November 28th, 2018
IV. Policy Areas
1. Public Access 2. Public Programming3. Economic Development4. City Zoning Ordinance5. Transportation6. Infrastructure Improvements7. Climate Change8. Pollution
utiledesign.comCity of Chelsea: Chelsea Creek Municipal Harbor Plan 40Public Meeting 3 November 28th, 2018
Pollution
Strategy1. Require on-site remediation as part of
redevelopment projects2. Identify and eliminate sources of contamination
into the Creek, including CSOs3. Improve monitoring and transparency regarding
ongoing impacts of releases into the Creek
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.
utiledesign.comCity of Chelsea: Chelsea Creek Municipal Harbor Plan 41Public Meeting 3 November 28th, 2018
Chelsea Creek Municipal Harbor Plan Process
Notice to Proceed Development of MHP Submission of
MHP to EEAPublic comment and consultation
Final decision by the EEA Secretary
April - June June - December January 30 days
Three public meetings:
June 11August 18
November 28
Public hearing:
February 2018
utiledesign.comCity of Chelsea: Chelsea Creek Municipal Harbor Plan 42Public Meeting 3 November 28th, 2018
utiledesign.comCity of Chelsea: Chelsea Creek Municipal Harbor Plan 43Public Meeting 3 November 28th, 2018