Councilor Flynn Re-Files Four Hearing Orders 

Focused on Eviction & Housing Stability, Public Safety, Quality of Life

See Press Release Below:

BOSTON – At this week’s Boston City Council meeting, Councilor Flynn has re-filed four hearing orders on issues related to housing stability, public safety, and quality of life issues. The hearing orders include:

Hearing to discuss ways to support tenants facing eviction and displacement: following property transfers, many long time tenants are getting evicted with limited notice and it can be very difficult for them to find new homes in a short period of time. Councilor Flynn hopes to have a conversation on providing longer eviction notice periods for tenants, so that tenants who have lived in properties for five years or more should be provided one year’s notice to vacate following property transfers, along with information regarding resources available to assist with searching for new housing; while seniors, the disabled, and low-income residents should be afforded two years notice.

Hearing on issues related to stray voltage: for the last two years, following tragic incidents where pets were either harmed or passed away, Councilor Flynn convened working sessions with city officials, members of Boston’s Street Lighting Division & the Department of Public Works, Eversource, and MSPCA to discuss efforts to address the potential dangers of stray voltage to residents and pets. Councilor Flynn plans to continue building on the city’s progress last year regarding infrastructure improvements, coordination with stakeholders, and educational information.

Hearing to discuss safety of construction sites: most recently, a construction worker was struck and killed by equipment while setting up “First Night” celebrations in Boston late December. There was an incident where a woman was seriously injured by falling debris from a construction site in the North End in July of 2019. The hearing will discuss existing safety procedures and precautions at construction sites and ways that the city can ensure the protection and well-being of our workers and residents.

Hearing to discuss after hours construction and development issues: in the midst of a development boom, many neighbors have reported construction happening beyond permitted hours, which affects the quality of life for residents. The hearing aims to discuss the process for off hours construction and other relevant development issues, such as rodent control, as well as enforcement and accountability for violations.

“The hearing orders that I’m re-filing this week reflect the critical issues of housing stability, public safety, and the quality of life for our residents,” said Councilor Flynn. “From stray voltage to protections for our tenants, to making sure that construction companies abide by the rules and keeping construction sites safe, I believe that these are all important issues that warrant our attention. I look forward to these discussions at the Council in the months ahead.”

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