In a recent Chelsea City Planning Board meeting, discussions centered around the future of Merritt Road, a 50-foot wide paper street that has remained undeveloped and largely forgotten. Nestled between Galluli Road and Webster Avenue, this wooded area has been identified as a potential site for new residential development, sparking interest from local property owners.

The conversation began with a proposal from a property owner who owns land on both sides of Merritt Road. He envisions transforming the area into a residential complex featuring 90 units. This ambitious plan, however, hinges on the city’s decision to discontinue the street, effectively relinquishing its ownership and allowing for the proposed development to move forward.

The property owner also holds the building at 121 Webster Avenue, which currently houses a marijuana facility, and a vacant lot across from Merritt Road. The proposed development would require adjustments to the existing planned development regulations, as it falls within a shopping center district. The board members acknowledged the need for careful consideration of zoning laws and community impact before proceeding.

Interestingly, a portion of Merritt Road has already been separated and given to the Merit Club, indicating that the street's status is not entirely straightforward. The board members discussed whether the road, despite its lack of use, serves any connectivity purpose for the city. Ultimately, the meeting highlighted the delicate balance between urban development and preserving community spaces, as Chelsea City navigates its growth and planning strategies.

As the city contemplates the future of Merritt Road, residents and stakeholders alike will be watching closely to see how this decision unfolds and what it means for the neighborhood's landscape.