Environmental Update

Nov 19

Written by Main Street Park

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Main Street Park Alliance
Environmental Update

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Project Updates:

In June MSPA was awarded a $64,000 grant to commence environmental testing at 500 S. Main St., the former Federal Screw Works (FSW) property. The MSPA board subsequently hired Hydro-Logic Associates as an environmental consultant. In an effort to promote transparency and goodwill, MSPA invited the City of Chelsea’s environmental consultant (SME), the Washtenaw County Brownfield Authority, and Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) to participate in the discovery process.
Hydro-Logic is using Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) to survey the entire property and is installing wells to test for water, soil, and vapor contamination. These tests are in addition to the disclosure data that MSPA received from EGLE, the previous property owner, Magellan, and Federal Screw Works. Based on the results of the GPR and to acquire analytical data that was lacking from previous testing, the board approved Hydro-Logic’s recommendation to drill and collect an additional thirty subsurface soil samples which range from 0–25 ft deep.

In addition to the soil sampling, Hydro-Logic has installed seven vapor wells, collected an additional four water samples, and installed eight monitoring wells on the property. Results from these tests are expected by the end of this year.

Environmental Drilling Video

The comprehensive testing demonstrates MSPA’s commitment to the environmental integrity of the site, because it is approximately four times more thorough than the traditional State-required Baseline Environmental Assessment.

When MSPA is certain of the conditions that need to be mitigated, a plan for remediation will be created. Remediation may include removal of objects found during the GPR tests, soil removal, and ultimately capping portions of the property to ensure that rainwater runoff does not further impact groundwater in the area. The top priority of the board is to ensure that the property is clean and safe for development of the park.

We must fix this!

Strategic Relationships

We continue to develop strategic relationships with community stakeholders and are incredibly grateful for the continued support—an excerpt from Chelsea Update…Chelsea State Bank is pleased to announce three community donations in honor of its 125th anniversary. These donations include a $125,000 pledge to Main Street Park Alliance, a $50,000 cash donation to the Chelsea Sports Complex and $25,000 pledge to the Mobile CDL. “We are extremely pleased to announce these community donations,” said Chelsea State Bank Chairman John Mann in a press release. “Each of these donations will make a significant difference in our neighborhoods and the wellbeing of the families in our communities.
“The Main Street Park Alliance is giving students at the University of Michigan a lesson in sustainable development,” shared Dr. Kimberly K Smith, Program in the Environment, The University of Michigan. This fall, students in Dr. Kim Smith’s Sustainable Towns course are using the park proposal as a case study in how small towns can develop sustainably. They will be asking whether the park is a good long-term plan to promote economic vitality, social wellbeing, and environmental quality–all at the same time. Dr. Smith will share the students’ insights with the Main Street Park Alliance.
MSPA and the City of Chelsea continue to explore a partnership for the development and ultimate operation of the park.
Help us demonstrate support Click to Donate $5

Who We Are: Board Spotlight

Jim Burkel Abby Hurst

Our board members all have unique perspectives on why they decided to get involved and volunteer their time for the Main Street Park project. We wanted to give you a chance to get to know them. We would like to introduce two of eleven Board Members; click on their names above to read more.

How To Overcome the Awkward Stages of Incremental Development

An interesting perspective into the timeline and process essential to building sustainable communities. “Our cities are full of areas that have been badly disrupted, in the sense of the economic and social ecosystem. Paved over, abandoned, disinvested, left to decay.” Read the rest of this thoughtfully written article by Daniel Herriges September 7, 2022 and published in Strong Towns’ Newsletter.

Imagine the possibilities...

Conceptual Rendering - Dangerous Architects

The Main Street Park project is for the community
by the community!

Join us. We need your help. Contribute to our vision, we are seeking small gifts that demonstrate community support.

Please share this newsletter with your friends and neighbors. Encourage them to reach out to the Chelsea City Council Members and share your excitement for Main Street Park!

DONATE $5

Our Mission

To create an intergenerational community park for Chelsea. Through the power of grassroot volunteerism, we will revitalize this downtown property for a better human experience.

If you have any comments, questions, concerns, feedback or want to support the project with time, expertise or a financial contribution, please email us at info@mainstreetpark.org.
Visit our website by clicking on the link below to learn more.

Please note, images, drawings, and videos of the future park are conceptual. The final plans will be dictated by environmental findings, public input, funding, city regulations, etc.

Main Street Park

Environmental Update

Our Mission

Completed Environmental Testing

Purchases Blighted Federal Screw Works Property