A Sigh of Relief in Newton: Star Market's Swift Return After Asbestos Scare

Remember that sudden, unsettling quiet around the Star Market on Boylston Street in Newton last week? For many of us, it was more than just a closed grocery store; it was a disruption to our daily rhythm, a little piece of the familiar suddenly inaccessible. And let's be honest, when news of an "environmental issue" starts swirling, a tiny knot of worry can form, can't it? Well, good news, dear neighbors: that knot can finally unravel, as our beloved Star Market has officially reopened its doors, aisles once again bustling with the everyday hum of commerce.

It all began rather abruptly, didn't it? On June 11, the store, a fixture at 200 Boylston Street (that's Route 9 for most of us), shut down without much warning. The reason, as it turned out, was a discovery that no one wants to hear: asbestos. During what were presumably routine renovations, some rather unwelcome asbestos was found lurking in the ceiling tiles. And yes, in truth, the mere mention of asbestos can send a shiver down anyone's spine, given its well-documented hazards.

But here’s the crucial part of the story, the bit that truly matters: the response was immediate, decisive, and thankfully, incredibly effective. Star Market, to its credit, didn't hesitate. They closed the store down then and there. And that, you could say, made all the difference. Town officials, including those from the Newton Health and Human Services Department and Mayor Ruthanne Fuller's office, were quickly in the loop, ensuring that every precaution was being taken. Because public safety, truly, is paramount.

Specialized environmental consultants, the folks from Clean Earth, were brought in, and they got straight to work. Their mission? To thoroughly clean and remediate the affected areas, leaving no stone unturned, no harmful particle unaccounted for. This wasn't just a quick sweep; it was a meticulous, expert-led process designed to ensure that when those doors did reopen, they would do so to a completely safe environment.

And indeed, that's precisely what happened. On Tuesday, June 18, just a week after the initial closure, the Star Market welcomed shoppers back. A huge relief, wasn't it? Town officials, after careful review of all the work done by those third-party experts, gave the all-clear. They confirmed what we all hoped: there was no public exposure to the asbestos because of that quick, timely closure. So, you can walk through those familiar aisles, pick up your groceries, and perhaps even grab that coffee you missed, with complete peace of mind.

It’s a story, honestly, that underscores the importance of quick action and diligent oversight. Things happen, of course; unexpected discoveries are a part of life, even in our local grocery stores. But when they do, a rapid, responsible response can turn what could have been a prolonged headache, or worse, into a temporary inconvenience. And for once, it’s nice to know that the community’s safety was indeed the absolute priority. Welcome back, Star Market!