By Lisa Carolin
The Chelsea Housing Commission recently shared a message with Chelsea City Council: “We don’t have enough housing.”
The commission summarized its findings in a flyer, located at the end of this story.
Loren Rullman, chair of the Chelsea Housing Commission, which covers the geography of the Chelsea School District, made the presentation to council at its April 27, 2026 meeting. Rullman told council that the commission’s priority is to create opportunities for Chelsea area workers to live in the area, what he referred to as attainable housing.
“We need all types of housing because we have all types of people: seniors who want to stay in the community they love, young adults who are just starting out, children who want to come home and raise families, and workers who want to live near the people they serve,” said Rullman.
Findings of the housing commission include what it calls the “missing middle”, households that earn $75,000 to $150,000 that struggle to find attainable housing. Recommendations include creating more apartments, duplexes, senior housing and accessory dwelling units.
“Housing is not just about buildings,” said Chelsea City Manager Elle Cole. “It is about whether the people who teach our children, care for our families, serve our meals, work in our local businesses and factories, and keep Chelsea moving can also see themselves living and building a future here.”
“I see a bright future ahead for Chelsea, with many possibilities,” Cole said. “We have redevelopment opportunities, strong civic leadership, an engaged community, and a growing understanding that housing, economic development, infrastructure, downtown vitality, and quality of life are all connected. The goal is not to become something we are not. The goal is to become the strongest version of who we already are: welcoming, creative, practical, and forward-looking.”
Rullman says Chelsea’s Housing Commission has been surprised to learn how significant the housing shortage is in Chelsea. His message to city council called attention to the fact that demand for housing in Chelsea is high, vacancy is low, and prices are too expensive for many local workers including teachers, health care workers, first responders, retail workers, and more.
“A household should not spend more than 30% of its income on housing costs, yet the Chelsea Planning Commission noted in 2024 that average rent is $1,564, and the 2025 Master Plan reported that over 65% of Chelsea area households spend more than 30% of income on housing costs,” said Rullman.
This is the flyer created by the housing commission:
