Chelsea hopes bus brings foot traffic
Transit to a ‘notorious crime hot spot’
Officials say the new $57 million Silver Line through Chelsea will be safe for commuters despite passing by a “notorious crime hot spot” and say the new line could actually help improve the area.
The Silver Line extension opens today, extending service from the Logan Airport busway to the Blue Line Airport stop and then north for stops in Chelsea — Eastern Avenue, Box District, Bellingham Square and the Chelsea Commuter Rail. The Chelsea portion of the route is a dedicated bus line along old railway tracks that cost $57 million in state and MBTA funds.
And the new Bellingham Square station sits close to the square itself, which has long been a highcrime area. A solicitation for a consultant to help reduce crime in the city released in March describes it as a “notorious crime hot spot” prone to drug trafficking and prostitution.
Chelsea police Chief Brian Kyes said the area has improved in recent years and has a task force of four officers specifically assigned there.
“Bellingham Square has absolutely gotten a lot better over the past 12 months . ... Things have gotten a lot better in that area — it’s not running rampant, it’s not out of control,” Kyes said, adding Chelsea’s police force and MBTA Transit Police would have concurrent jurisdiction for the city’s T stops. “We’re certainly eager and optimistic for (the Silver Line’s) opening.”
The MBTA agreed. “Cooperation among law enforcement agencies is always key, and MBTA Transit Police Chief Green and Chelsea police Chief Kyes have an excellent working relationship,” T spokesman Joe Pesaturo said in a statement. “The people of Chelsea are very excited to have a direct transit connection to Logan and the Seaport, and the MBTA looks forward to providing safe and reliable service for years to come.”
Chelsea has dealt with high crime rates and drug issues, but Kyes said violent crime has decreased in the last year and in the first quarter of 2018. The city received a $1 million federal grant last year to reduce crime by 30 percent over the next decade through community and business partnerships and data analysis.
Kyes said the city has plans to improve lighting and infrastructure in Bellingham Square as part of crime reduction efforts, but that won’t take place for another two years. He said the new Silver Line could bring in more visitors to the area to give the city’s economy a boost.
“We definitely want more residents and visitors to come use the shops, and the significant police presence will make the area feel safe,” Kyes said. “The more the merrier.”
‘We definitely want more residents and visitors to come use the shops, and the significant police presence will make the area feel safe.’ — BRIAN KYES Chelsea police chief