Customers seeking to fill their carts at the Star Market over the Massachusetts Turnpike in Newtonville found the supermarket's doors unexpectedly shut this Tuesday. According to CBS Boston, health authorities swooped in for an asbestos investigation sparked by demolition work that may have released the hazardous fibers into the store, prompting a closure at around 4:30 p.m.
While the demolition was aimed at improving the grocery destination, it potentially disturbed a silent but deadly guest: asbestos. The Newton Health and Human Services Department, acting with due diligence, didn't bat an eye before shutting down the location at 33 Austin St. A statement from the Commissioner of the department, Shin-Yi Lao, obtained by CBS Boston, noted, "may have resulted in the release of asbestos into the building which might result in an imminent health hazard."
The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection is now dissecting the situation, with their investigation set to determine the reach of potential contamination. As reported by Boston.com, the store will stay closed until MassDEP can give the all-clear, stating that asbestos, if found, must be removed or properly contained before re-entry is allowed.
Amid this unexpected break in business as usual, a company spokesperson made the priority crystal clear: "At Star Market, the safety of our stores is a top priority, and we take this matter seriously," as told to Boston.com. The promise to customers and workers alike is that Star Market is in lockstep with Newton officials, navigating the road to reopening.
In the meantime, questions swirl among the community, with those who've recently walked the aisles wondering about potential exposure. A helpline has been set up for anyone with concerns, directing them to contact the health department at 617-796-1420 or email [email protected], as indicated by CBS Boston. And as for the store's grand reopening? An employee optimistically eyed Thursday afternoon for flicking the lights back on, though official confirmation remains as elusive as a clean bill of store health.
Properties dating back to 1960, like the structure housing the Star Market straddling Interstate 90, may still harbor remnants of this outlawed material.
