Newton Star Market Reopens After Asbestos Tests

The Star Market above the Massachusetts Turnpike at 33 Austin St. in Newton was abruptly closed Oct. 28 after the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection notified the Newton Health and Human Services Department that demolition work may have released asbestos, creating an imminent health hazard. Officials, including Commissioner Shin‑Yi Lao, initially said the store would remain closed until any asbestos was removed or properly contained and urged customers and employees with concerns to contact the health department at 617‑796‑1420 or starmarketquestions@newtonma.gov. On Friday the MassDEP informed Newton that the exposed stockroom area had been sealed and contained and that air and surface samples taken throughout the store did not detect asbestos, allowing Star Market to reopen at 10 a.m. while abatement work continues in a contained area. Star Market said it is cooperating with authorities and treating store safety as a top priority as officials complete their investigation and remediation.