Melrose Issues Moratorium On Gas Projects During Lockout

MELROSE, MA — No new permits for gas construction projects will be issued by the Board of Aldermen while National Grid continues its lockout of more than 1,200 gas workers.

The Board unanimously passed a resolution Monday night that brings Melrose into agreement with about 20 other cities and towns, including nearby Stoneham and Arlington. While emergency projects will still be allowed, there will be a moratorium on new work.

"For me this resolution all comes down to public safety," Ward 7 Alderman Scott Forbes, who sponsored the resolution. "It is vital to have experienced people doing the work."

City DPW Director John Scenna said in a letter read by Forbes that the moratorium would likely not present a "substantial roadblock on daily operations."

Local 12012 and 12003 workers have been locked out since June 25. More than a dozen gas workers - the majority of whom live in Melrose - were in attendance. Some spoke during the public comment section.

Joe Cincotta, a representative for the United Steelworkers, spoke at length about the importance of having highly trained, experienced workers able to respond to gas work.

President of the Board Mike Zwirko tweeted his support of the resolution after speaking on it earlier in the evening.

See Zwirko's remarks leading to the vote below:

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Photo, video by Mike Carraggi, Patch