North students who work and shop at the Star Market in Newtonville were unable to do so at the end of last month, from Tuesday, Oct. 28 to Friday, Oct. 31 while officials investigated asbestos released during demolition work inside the building.
The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection allowed the store to reopen after the exposed section of the stockroom was sealed and contained, according to a public statement from Newton Health and Human Services Commissioner Shin-Yi Lao. Air samples were found to be “well below clearance levels for asbestos,” and surface samples were “non-detect,” Lao said.
Sophomore Westley Sundram, who has worked at Star Market for more than a year, said he first learned of the closure from a notice posted on the door.
“I didn’t know how long it would last, so I was honestly worried about having a job,” said Sundram. “I was worried they would be closed indefinitely or for months.”
Sundram added that the job is important to him because it allows him to buy food and clothes with his earnings.
“What started as a summer job to make a little extra money became something I actually enjoy,” he said. “I really like the people that work there.”
Sophomore Marcel Mirzoev, another student employee, said the closure also affected him because he frequently shops at Star Market himself.
According to Mirzoev, employees were still paid for their scheduled shifts during the closure. However, Sundram noted that some workers felt uneasy about asbestos being found in the stockroom, especially those who often work in that area.
Junior John Palamidis, who visits Star Market daily during third lunch, said he discovered the closure when he arrived for his usual trip and “was told by someone that they weren’t open.”
Despite the four-day shutdown, students say customer traffic returned quickly.
“Right after it reopened, I went over the weekend and it was pretty packed,” Palamidis said. “I don’t think a lot of North students have been deterred because of this. Most people have kind of ignored it and just gone back.”
Sundram agreed, adding that business appears normal again.
“I think people approached it with a lot of grace and forgiveness,” he said. “I haven’t seen a drop in customers since it happened.”
Star Market continues to be a popular destination for North students because “the food is generally cheaper there,” according to Palamidis.
The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection is still working with Star Market to carry out additional abatement measures in the stockroom. The work will occur in a contained area “so there is no risk to the public,” Lao said.
