The Chelsea City Planning Board meeting on April 22, 2025, highlighted significant concerns regarding a proposed housing project amid the city's ongoing housing crisis. Community members voiced strong objections, emphasizing that the project does not adequately address the needs of local residents.

One speaker pointed out that out of the 120 proposed units, only 95 are designated as one-bedroom apartments, which does not align with the community's demand for larger family units, specifically three and four-bedroom apartments. The speaker shared personal experiences of living in small spaces, illustrating the inadequacy of the proposed housing options for families and multi-generational households.

Additionally, concerns were raised about the limited number of affordable housing units within the project. Only 18 of the 120 units are classified as affordable, which many attendees deemed insufficient given the high percentage of residents in need of affordable housing. The speaker criticized this allocation as a "token gesture," arguing that it fails to meet the needs of working-class families in Chelsea.

The discussions at the meeting underscored the urgent need for housing solutions that reflect the community's demographics and economic realities. As the city grapples with a housing crisis, the Planning Board faces pressure to ensure that future developments prioritize the diverse needs of its residents.