BOSTON – This week, Boston City Councilor Ed Flynn re-filed legislation focused on public safety – including an order for a hearing to discuss public safety and quality of life concerns at Mass & Cass and surrounding neighborhoods with original co-sponsors Councilor John Fitzgerald and Councilor Miniard Culpepper, an order for a hearing to discuss resources for the Boston Police Crime Laboratory, and an order for a hearing order to rediscuss public safety and quality of life issues on Downtown & Boston Common.

On the Mass & Cass crisis, Councilor Flynn and Councilor FitzGerald held a hearing last September on a resolution to declare the area and impacted neighborhoods a public safety and public health emergency, and a humanitarian crisis. At that time, hundreds of residents shared public testimony. There remains an urgent need to continue to discuss the current and future strategies in addressing the public safety, quality of life, neighborhood services, and public health issues related to this crisis.

Councilor Flynn also filed an order for a hearing to discuss public safety and quality of life issues in Downtown Boston and the Boston Common. Downtown Boston and the Boston Common remain both critical economic engines, as well as home to some of the most important historic sites in our country. As a result of the 2024 hearing on this issue, as well as ongoing concerns from neighbors, the Downtown Boston Neighborhood Association hosted a meeting with Downtown elected officials, residents, business leaders, and non-profits to discuss the next steps in addressing public safety concerns in the Boston Common and Downtown Crossing area. Following the meeting, in March 2025, the “One Downtown Task Force” was formed.

Moreover, Councilor Flynn refiled an order for a hearing to discuss resources for the Boston Police Crime Laboratory in response to staffing shortages which have impacted the time in which the sexual assault kits are tested, as well as a lack of stability in leadership at the Crime Lab. During the FY 25 budget process, the Boston City Council voted to internally reallocate $1 million within the Boston Police Department to support the work of the Boston Police Crime Lab. At last year’s hearing, questions were raised regarding prior leaves of absence and vacancies in the Director position, and impacts on staff morale, training, and mentorship. The panel was also asked about the budget amendment in the amount of $1 million for the Crime Lab, including funding for Y-screening technology, and indicated that the funding was not approved.

“Throughout the City of Boston and every neighborhood of District 2, residents and community organizations continue to request additional public safety resources. Whether it be the Mass & Cass crisis, Downtown Boston and the Boston Common, or ensuring the Boston Police Crime Laboratory is able to meet state mandated requirements and obtain the best technology available- it’s critical that the Boston City Council continue to hold public hearings with residents so that we can advocate with the city administration on public safety, delivering basic city services, and addressing quality of life concerns,” said Councilor Flynn.

For more information, please contact Councilor Flynn’s office at 617-635-3203 or [email protected].