Chelsea’s Valentine Present

Reuel S. Amdur

Valentine’s Day came early to Chelsea Council.  For most of us, it occurs on February 14, but Council celebrated at their February 6 meeting.  At the session, three councillors were named as marriage officiants: Enrico Valente (or is that Valentine?), Cybèle Wilson, and Rita Jain.  “I’m marrying my son!” Wilson cheerfully announced.  No, this is not what you may be imagining.

Mayor Pierre Guénard was not there that evening, so we approached Deputy-Mayor Kimberley Chan to ask about the appointment.  We understood that by law any councillor or mayor could officiate at a marriage, but she explained that apparently officiants need to be designated.  In Chelsea’s case, all of those interested were designated.  So, no waiting.  Three officiants are ready to serve you.

On another upbeat note, Council adopted a resolution recognizing La Fab as “an important cultural and artistic hub” for the community.

The resolution on site planning and architectural integration for a pair of apartment buildings in a sector south of the Meredith Centre was rather more prickly.  In general remarks that did not directly address the proposal, Councillor Dominic Labrie was bothered by the lack of retail business in the area, especially food stores.  At the same time, he told the Post that he was uncertain that the locale would be attractive to business.  Perhaps there is a need for consultation with experts in the retail field.

As to the site plan itself, the Planning and Sustainable Development Advisory Committee raised several concerns which made their way into the Council resolution.  In general, there was unhappiness with the character of the proposed buildings in themselves and in relation to their surroundings.  Concerns related to uniformity of building heights, color and materials of construction, and lack of ability to accommodate various family sizes.  Also, insufficient green space.  So it’s back to the drawing board.

On another matter, a contract was awarded to address the problem of clogging at the water filtration plant.  This was an effort to resolve the frequent boil-water advisories that have been plaguing Chelsea.

Photo caption: Enrico Valente 

Photo credit: Reuel S. Amdur