Mall Makeover, Tragic Chemical Accident: Burlington's 2019

BURLINGTON, MA — Burlington's biggest story in 2019 was a tragedy, when a chemical accident at the Buffalo Wild Wing killed the restaurant's manager and hospitalized a dozen others. Changes at the mall, including announcements of restaurants in the pipeline, made the news as well.

Bleach-Acid Mix Killed Burlington Buffalo Wild Wings Manager

Ryan Baldera, 32, of Lawrence, passed away in November after attempting to clean up a chemical accident at the Burlington sports bar he managed. 13 other people were hospitalized in the incident. Baldera was a newly-wed and the father of a three-month old baby. Family and friends remembered him as someone who "always tried to help others." Donors raised over $100,000 for his family.

Shake Shack Coming To Burlington Mall In Spring 2020

In very different news, nothing excited Patch readers more than the news that a Shake Shack is coming to the mall. The most recent word from the mall is that the burger joint will open in the spring. Karma restaurant, an upscale Asian fusion chain, is also coming to the mall in 2020.

See also: More Tenants Added To Burlington Mall Makeover

Selectmen Say 'No' To 9 New Liquor Licenses For Burlington Mall

The mall is in the midst of a major renovation, replacing the old Sears with a mixed-use development, and is seeking 9 additional liquor licenses. The Selectmen voted in July to not support a state bill to grant them. But a planned hearing on the bill never happened, and the bill now awaits only the governor's signature.

Burlington Police Find Stash Of Amazon Packages In Cemetery

In September, Burlington Police found themselves working as delivery agents, after a stash of Amazon packages were found in the cemetery.

Burlington Babysitter Resentenced For 2014 Child Death

Burlington daycare worker Pallavi Macharla was sentenced in October to three and a half to four and a half years in prison. She was given a life sentence on a second-degree murder conviction in May, but Middlesex Superior Court Judge Kenneth Fishman reduced the verdict in August, finding the evidence "inconsistent." Macharla was sentenced on a lesser charge of involuntary manslaughter.

Burlington Official Resigns Over Herb Chambers Lawsuit

In September, Planning Board Member John Kelly resigned suddenly, arguing a lawsuit by Herb Chambers was marginalizing the board he had served on for years.

Christopher Huffaker can be reached at 412-265-8353 or chris.huffaker@patch.com.