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Dear Neighbors,
I hope you and your family are enjoying the start of spring. I would like to provide you with some updates regarding the work that I have focused on recently, upcoming meetings, city updates, and events in District 2. At the Council, I continue to focus on public safety and quality of life issues. With the Lunar New Year and Evacuation Day/St. Patrick's Day seasons behind us, I've since shifted my focus to the City Budget, released by the Mayor last Wednesday.
Following reports since February of 2024 that estimated Boston would lose between $1.7 billion - $2.1 billion in revenue annually due to falling commercial property values, I advocated to exercise fiscal discipline and responsibility, implement a hiring freeze, utilize our surplus revenue (over $1.1 billion at the time) and examine our dependence on the property tax (over 70%). Instead, we raised the budget significantly, hired over 300 City employees, and committed $135 million to a professional soccer stadium. With this fiscal crisis, over 70% dependence on property taxes, and over 50% of city land absorbed by large nonprofits or untaxable - it’s long past time for Boston to establish the Blue Ribbon Commission that my colleagues and I passed twice as a unanimous City Council resolution.
On public and pedestrian safety, I held a hearing last week on my amendment to effectively ban mopeds and e-bikes from third-party food delivery services (GrubHub/DoorDash/Uber Eats). Since 2022, the City of Boston encouraged large delivery companies to have drivers use mopeds. This resulted in a worsened pedestrian safety crisis, with mopeds and e-bikes speeding through red lights, stop signs, and driving the wrong way on one-way streets on a daily basis. No reasonable person believes the rules of the road can continue to be optional. It can no longer be the Wild West on the streets of Boston.
I also called for a hearing on the status of addressing potholes across Boston. Paving our roads and filling in potholes is a critical part of the nuts and bolts of city government, and our focus needs to remain on addressing local safety and quality of life issues.
On quality of life issues, I held a hearing to discuss pest control in the City of Boston. As recommended by Dr. Corrigan in the city’s study, I continue to advocate for a dedicated point person solely focused on addressing our pest control crisis. We need to launch a massive public awareness and outreach campaign on proper trash removal and containerization for individual residents and businesses. It is critical to supply bait boxes, compost containers to separate the food source, provide strict enforcement for violations, and language access is key for all communities to also understand their role in addressing a crisis that has left rodents carrying leptospirosis in Boston.
I also called for a hearing to discuss city services and quality of life concerns in Copley Square. Residents from Back Bay and the South End have raised ongoing concerns about persistent trash accumulation, poor sidewalk maintenance, lighting, and vacant storefronts. It is critical that the City of Boston, Boston Public Works, and the MBTA work together and give Copley Square the care and commitment it deserves.
With summer approaching, I called for a hearing on the impact of FIFA World Cup Fan Marches on basic city services. With the World Cup coming to Boston this June, thousands of visitors are expected to march through the city. I do not support any plan that includes thousands of visitors marching from Medal of Honor Park in South Boston to the Menino Convention & Exhibition Center (MCEC). That would raise serious concerns about traffic and rideshare overcrowding, public safety, and the potential shutdown of Summer Street, which would disrupt Conley Terminal.
On housing, I filed a text amendment to require on-site affordable housing as part of PLAN: Downtown. This amendment would ensure that future projects include income-restricted units so working families have the opportunity to live in Boston. It will also help expand access to housing and support small businesses by bringing more consistent activity to our Downtown.
On education, Councilor Murphy and I held a hearing on chronic school bus delays and special education transportation failures. Reports indicate BPS has only maintained a 90% on-time arrival rate in the morning, and merely 84% in the afternoon. It is unacceptable that for the last several years, BPS families and students with disabilities have had to endure the uncertainty as to whether their bus would arrive a half hour late, an hour late, or if it would arrive at all. We can’t continue to normalize the chronic disruption for our school community, disregard the safety of our children, or downplay the negative impacts on quality of life for so many BPS families.
As a reminder, street sweeping began on April 1st. Make sure to check the posted signs on your street and remember to sign up for No-Tow email reminders.
I have included upcoming meetings, deadlines, employment and affordable housing opportunities below. Please follow the links for more information, and continue to contact my office on any public safety, neighborhood, and quality of life issues at ed.flynn@boston.gov and 617-635-3203.
Thank you,
Ed
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All Girls Sports Festival - April 22 to 24
The All Girls Sports and Wellness Festival returns April 22-24 at BCYF Charlestown, 255 Medford Street. The free festival features archery, health and wellness workshops, and more for girls ages 7-14, running from 10 a.m to 3 p.m. each day. Pre-registration is required and space is limited. Register at boston.gov/parks-sports.
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Love Your Block
Every spring, people across Boston come together to show their pride in their neighborhoods and their dedication to the community. Taking part in Love Your Block offers a great opportunity to meet neighbors, spend time outside, and witness the real impact of working together. It’s a fulfilling experience that brings communities closer while helping keep Boston clean and vibrant!
See District 2 dates below:
April 24th: Downtown
April 25th: Back Bay, Chinatown/Leather District, South Boston, Beacon Hill
May 2nd: Bay Village, South End, Wharf District
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OSHA 10-Hour Construction Training
Learn basic health and safety practices and earn an OSHA 10 card. The City is offering free, monthly Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) 10 hour trainings in English, Spanish, Haitian Creole and Brazilian Portuguese. November-June, Multiple times learn more at boston.gov/construction-safety.
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Metrolist
Affordable housing remains one of the biggest issues we face in the City of Boston, and a top concern for many working families. Please follow this link to get updates from Metrolist, which provides the most recent affordable housing lotteries and listings.
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Lawrence Place Condominium
Affordable homeownership and income restricted unit at 125 B Street in South Boston. It is up to 100% AMI and wheelchair accessible. First come, first serve with applications due August 6th.
For questions, please contact:
Phone:617-837-3732
Email: mzaric@maloneyproperties.com
Apply here:
Lawrence Place Condominium
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Boston Homes Center (26 Court St)
Boston Homes Center is bringing back in-person drop-in counseling sessions starting Tuesday, April 21.
For questions, please contact:
Phone:617-635-4663
Email: homecenter@boston.gov
Apply here:
Boston Homes Center
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The Anne M. Lynch Homes at Old Colony (331 East 8 Street)
The Anne M. Lynch Homes at Old Colony (331 East 8 Street) are now being accepted at 50% AMI. 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 bedrooms for families and 1 and 2 bedrooms are available for seniors (62+). The final phase is estimated to be completed in January 2026.
For questions, please contact:
Phone: 617-268-2160
Email: OldColonyBC@BeaconCommunitiesLLC.com
Apply here:
Boston Housing
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Food Resources
Please visit boston.gov/SNAP for updates on local resources for you and your family. There are many ways to get help, including:
For a full list of local resources, visit boston.gov/SNAP.
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Boston Public Schools Resources
BPS Helpline
The Department of Transportation can assist you with transportation related questions or other support
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Youth Job Applications
The Mayor & The Office of Youth Employment and Opportunity's youth job applications are now open for the 2026-27 School Year and 2026 Summer. All Youth employment opportunities for ages 14-24 can be found and applied for online at: https://city-of-boston.wizehive.app/program/successlink-city-agency/info?cycleId=1CWtX1dNHonSLiKuYqex6u
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Energy Saver
The Boston Energy Saver program is a new City service which helps Boston renters, homeowners and small businesses upgrade their buildings and lower their energy bills. Residents can visit boston.gov/save or call 617-635-SAVE (7283) for a 1-on-1 consultation about available discounts and building upgrade options to save money on energy costs.
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Volunteer with Food Rescue US
Volunteer with Food Rescue Us through their app, volunteers pick up surplus food and deliver it to local agencies to serve to people in the community in need. Learn more at Food Rescue US.
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Friends of Blackstone School in the Season of Light
Donate to Friends of Blackstone School, a 501 nonprofit that supports Blackstone Elementary School, in the South End is one of Boston's largest elementary schools. Many of the students experience hardship outside of school such as, food insecurity, housing instability and limited access to support services. Support or learn more at Friends of Blackstone School.
| | Legislation Recently Filed | | |
Order for a Hearing to Discuss the Role, Responsibilities, and Staffing Levels of the Office of Neighborhood Services (ONS) in light of Boston's fiscal crisis.
Last week, I filed a hearing order on the role, responsibilities, and staffing levels of the Office of Neighborhood Services (ONS). During these challenging economic times, with reports that the City of Boston currently holds a budget shortfall over $100 million, it is critical to carefully review and discuss the role, responsibilities, and staffing levels of all offices - including the Office of Neighborhood Services - to ensure that taxpayer funds are being used efficiently and responsibly.
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Order for a Hearing to Discuss Boston Police Department Staffing Levels
I filed a hearing order on the staffing levels of the Boston Police Department. Having sufficient police staffing levels is critical to help make the streets of Boston safer for all neighbors, and to improve the health and quality of life of our dedicated police officers. The issues of understaffing, mandated overtime and overstretched resources will not be resolved without a commitment to hire hundreds of officers every year for an extended period of time.
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Order for a Hearing to Discuss City Services and Quality of Life Concerns in Copley Square
I filed a hearing order to discuss city services and quality of life concerns on Copley Square. In recent months, residents have raised concerns about the current state of Copley Square such as sanitation problems, the maintenance of public infrastructure and sidewalks, and inconsistent 311 response and enforcement. Ongoing construction, vacant storefronts, and the need for clean streets in the surrounding area has raised questions about investment, maintenance, and the overall condition of Copley Square.
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Resolution Against the Approval and Construction of Additional Roof Decks in Residential Areas of South Boston
I filed a resolution against the approval and construction of additional roof decks in residential areas of South Boston. In the last couple of decades, with a changing town and South Boston having become a destination for young people to visit each weekend, the proliferation of roof decks in residential areas of South Boston has raised significant concerns among residents - including our seniors, veterans, persons with disabilities, young families with children - related to noise at all hours of the night, public safety with grills located on decks, smoking, privacy, trash removal impacting our existing pest control crisis, and other quality of life issues. The construction of additional roof decks has no bearing on our affordable housing crisis. The quality of life for neighbors must be respected, and residents of a neighborhood deserve a say in what gets built in their community.
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Order for a Hearing to Discuss the Impact of the FIFA World Cup Fan Marches on Basic City Services
I filed a hearing order to specifically discuss the impact of FIFA World Cup fan marches on basic city services. With the FIFA World Cup fast-approaching, games scheduled from June 13th-July 9th, and fan festival activities planned for more than 16 days at Boston City Hall - outstanding issues remain as it relates to security, public safety, and transportation concerns. I do not support any plan that includes thousands of visitors marching from Medal of Honor Park in South Boston to the Menino Convention & Exhibition Center (MCEC). That would raise serious concerns about traffic and rideshare overcrowding, public safety, and the potential shutdown of Summer Street, which would disrupt Conley Terminal.
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Resolution in Support of a Temporary Rollback for the Building Emissions Reduction and Disclosure Ordinance (BERDO) and Stretch Energy Codes for Five Years
I filed a resolution in support of a temporary rollback for the Building Emissions Reduction and Disclosure Ordinance (BERDO) and Stretch Energy Codes for five years. With reports continuing to show that housing production has dropped significantly in Boston in recent years - from 9,800 units approved in 2020, to just 852 units in the first half of 2025 - all options should now be on the table to increase supply and meet demand. During this time of great economic uncertainty - a high interest rate environment for several years to stem post-pandemic inflation, increased construction costs, and tariffs - Boston must use all tools available to address the housing crisis and economic development.
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Order Regarding a Text Amendment to the Boston Zoning Code Relative to Requiring On-site Affordable Housing in PLAN: Downtown
I filed a text amendment to require onsite affordable housing in PLAN: Downtown. Despite years of community engagement and compromise with the PLAN: Downtown Advisory Group since 2018, the BPDA Board approved a PLAN with negative feedback from the community in September 2025, and the Boston Zoning Commission codified that PLAN last October. A key area residents highlighted last fall was that the plan failed to require on-site affordable housing, and a desire to avoid only building wealth storage units that do not address our affordable housing crisis. This text amendment would not only address some of the concerns on those wealth storage units that fail to address our housing crisis, it would provide access to the workforce, middle market and income-restricted units that working families so desperately need. During this time of great economic uncertainty, we must use all tools available to build more affordable housing in Boston, especially to generate more foot traffic in Downtown Boston.
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Order for a Hearing to Discuss the Status of Addressing Potholes in the City of Boston
I filed an order for a hearing to discuss the status of addressing potholes in the City of Boston. Potholes also create significant risks for persons with disabilities. Paving our roads and filling in potholes is a critical part of the nuts and bolts of city government, and our focus needs to remain on addressing local safety and quality of life issues.
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Order for a Hearing to Discuss Boston Groundwater Trust and Groundwater Infrastructure in the City of Boston
I filed an order for a hearing to discuss groundwater infrastructure in the City of Boston. Much of the land in areas of Boston is supported by wood pile foundations that rely on consistent groundwater levels to remain structurally sound. When groundwater levels drop and expose these wood pilings to air, they can begin to rot, potentially weakening building foundations and leading to costly structural damage. Recent reports indicate approximately 8,000 buildings supported on filled land and wood pilings are potentially at risk of structural failures if underground foundations rot due to declining groundwater levels and oxygen exposure. Repairs can cost upwards of $200,000, last 12-18 months, and are rarely covered by insurance policies.
| | The Latino Law Enforcement Group of Boston sponsored an exceptional charity bowling even for Women's History Month. It was great to support this organization. | | Thank you to the City of Boston Veterans' Services for sponsoring the Annual Women Veterans Roundtable in UMass Boston. This informative forum provided a welcoming and supportive space for women veterans to come together, connect with peers, share experiences, and be heard. | | Kristen and I enjoyed attending the South Boston Neighborhood House Benefit and Gala. Every day, SBNH strives to meet the needs of the community and offer programs for all. Thank you to this exceptional nonprofit leader for your commitment to social and economic justice! | | Honored to attend Castle Square Tenants Organization's 15th Annual Celebration of Lunar New Year and Black History Month. The lion dance and steel pan drums were certainly a highlight of the night! Thank you to this diverse and inclusive community for inviting me to celebrate your culture and heritage with you. | | It was a privilege to honor Cassandra Xavier in recognition of Women's History Month. Her steadfast advocacy for civil rights, women, and individuals with disabilities has made a lasting impact and serves as an example of dedicated public service. | | Honored to join members of LOCAL 718 and the men and women of the Boston Fire Department at a St. Patrick's Day gathering at Florian Hall. Thank you to the men and women of the department, as well as their families, for their unwavering service, dedication, and commitment to the residents of our city. | | I was proud to join my parents for the Mary Ann Brett Food Pantry Breakfast and Dorchester Hall of Fame celebration, hosted by Jim Brett. It is an exceptional Dorchester tradition supporting families in need while honoring leaders who make a difference in our community. | | It was wonderful to attend the Lunar New Year Banquet sponsored by the Wong Family Benevolent Association 黃氏宗親會. We celebrated Chinese culture, language and heritage and uplifted Chinatown restaurants & small businesses. Boston works best when we work together! | I was honored to join South Boston residents and local veterans in welcoming U.S. Navy sailors from the USS Harvey C. Barnum Jr. to Boston. Thank you to Thomas J. Fitzgerald VFW Post 561 and City of Boston Veterans' Services for hosting a neighborhood meet and greet with the ship's crew. | It was wonderful to join South End residents for a St. Patrick's Day Community Party hosted by the Friends of Ringgold Park. It was great to see residents enjoying the beautiful park and celebration. Proud to represent this compassionate and diverse neighborhood! | Residents of the BHA Foley Apartments called a special meeting last month to discuss escalating public safety concerns, drug use, and declining quality of life in the development. South Boston elected officials and Boston Housing Authority team listened to residents and discusses next steps. The status quo is unacceptable! | | It was an honor to welcome The Consul General of Japan to Boston City Hall. We recognized the tremendous contributions and sacrifices of the Japanese community to our city and nation. Let's continue to work together to foster our friendships and mutual respect! | | Thank you to the Condon Community Center for sponsoring a wonderful St. Patrick's Day lunch for seniors in South Boston. It was an honor to volunteer with South Boston neighbors and community partners. | | In memory of Francis "Pop" Lynch, a Local 7 Union Ironworker, World War II Veteran, and respected community leader, the South Boston Citizens' Association held their annual bowling competition at Southie Bowl. It was wonderful to see residents come together for a fun day of bowling and Pizza. | | Honored to join Boston residents and community partners for a Lunar New Year celebration sponsored by the Que Shing Chinese Opera Group. Music, the arts, and dance can often bring people together and it certainly did during this event in Chinatown! | | It was wonderful to join seniors for the Tom and Eddie Butler St. Patrick's Senior Salute at the Curley Recreation Center in South Boston. Thank you age Strong Boston and South Boston Citizens' Association for bringing seniors together for a delicious meal, friendship, and traditional Irish music. | | It was wonderful to attend a Lunar New Year celebration with teachers, staff, students, and families from the Eliot K-8 School. So many families enjoyed a fun evening with music, dancing, and dinner while celebrating Chinese culture and heritage! | | Honored to attend the Embracing the Legacy Gala sponsored by the RFK Community Alliance. Thank you for promoting sustained well-being for our youth and young adults facing educational and developmental challenges throughout Boston and Massachusetts with collaboration and compassion! | | I visited the Blackstone Community Center in the South End this month and talked with teens working on a mural project. It was wonderful to see this group of young adults talk with such pride and admiration about their South End neighborhood as they strive for justice. | | It was wonderful to attend the Legislative Briefing sponsored by the Boston Art Academy. Thank you to their Board of Trustees for the opportunity to talk with students and teachers at Boston's only full inclusion public high schools for the visual and performing arts. | |
I was honored to join my parents, South Boston neighbors, and volunteers from the South Boston Citizens' Association for the Annual Basketball Free-Throw Competition at the Tynan Community Center. Thank you SBCA and event sponsors for bringing us together for a fun night of competition! | Thank you to the Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association and the New England Chinese Cultural Studio for sponsoring a Lunar New Year Celebration in Chinatown. It was wonderful to celebrate Chinese culture and heritage! | |
If I can be of any assistance, please do not hesitate to contact my office at 617-635-3203 or ed.flynn@boston.gov.
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