Councilors Flynn Files Hearing Order on Crisis at Mass + Cass
BOSTON – Boston City Councilor Ed Flynn will be calling for a hearing at the Council meeting next Wednesday, August 7th, in an effort to address both the public safety and public health emergency at the area around Massachusetts Avenue and Melnea Cass Boulevard, known as “Mass & Cass,” as well as the critical need to enhance city response and services. The hearing seeks to bring in stakeholders from city departments, elected offices, and community organizations to discuss strategies to provide support and resources for those in the area of Mass & Cass, as well as for impacted residents and businesses in Roxbury, the South End, Dorchester, and South Boston.
Since the closure of the city’s Long Island recovery campus in the fall of 2014, the opioid crisis and homelessness have driven people to Mass & Cass, where those battling substance use disorder can seek nearby methadone treatment or a bed at city-run shelters. While the tents are gone, hundreds of people are gathering daily throughout the area, often engaging in open drug dealing, drug use, and other illegal activities throughout South End, Roxbury, Dorchester, and South Boston.
As violence and illegal activities still continue to impact these neighborhoods, the Boston Police, and the Coordinated Response Team are working with Suffolk County District Attorney’s office and other state agencies to address these issues. Mass and Cass continues to be a humanitarian crisis, and it is impacting the quality of life for residents and businesses, with piles of trash- including used needles and human feces- scattered throughout neighborhoods for miles out.
“I continue to advocate for Mass & Cass to be declared both a public safety and public health emergency as it requires resources at the city, state, and federal levels. We must immediately arrest individuals breaking the law, committing acts of violence, and showing no regard for human dignity,” said Councilor Flynn. “Back in 2017, I recommended a plan to operate a ferry service to the Long Island campus. We also need to expedite the rebuilding of the Long Island Bridge and continue to provide substance use and recovery services as these public safety and quality of life issues continue to impact neighbors and businesses near Andrew Square, Nubian Square, and Clifford Park on a daily basis.”
For more information, please contact Councilor Flynn’s office at 617-635-3203 and [email protected].
Maureen Dahill is the editor of Caught in Southie and a lifelong resident of South Boston sometimes mistaken for a yuppie. Co-host of Caught Up, storyteller, lover of red wine and binge watching TV series. Mrs. Peter G. Follow her @MaureenCaught.
I just read your article. I was born and raised in Southie & Dorchester, from Dst. projects & kindergarten at the Condon, to Saint Margaret’s school on Columbia Rd. I also went to the John W McCormick in Columbia Point. I was bussed in the 80’s, from Savin Hill to The Umana in Eastie for high school. Ray Flynn was our Mayor when I was growing up in Southie, & Dorchester. (when it was a good place to live, & grow up!) I now live in the Fenway area & the problems down on Mass & Cass are also outside my front door!! I’ve had to put 6 camera’s outside my windows, for safety. I’ve caught men having sex right outside my windows as well as other vulgar acts, & had more packages stolen off my street, as well as my neighbors, then I can even count. The addicts follow the Amazon trucks around, riding on the Blue Bikes, Boston has so kindly provided, then go stealing as many packages as they can. Then sell them down the Methadone clinic on Bradston St. aka (Methadone Mile)as well as Mass & Cass! I also caught a man with NO pants on breaking into my neighbors 1st floor apartment. I yelled through my camera & scared him off. I have caught hit & run accidents, property being stolen, prevented sexual assalts, ect. These problems have made their way to the Fenway area as well!! We need many more camera’s, as well as police presence all around these areas! The entire city really!! There are cops down at Mass .& Cass. but they don’t even get out of their cars!! People are shooting up and selling drugs right in front of all the cops,, & they do absolutely NOTHING at all!! I’ve watched these areas change my entire life, & it’s beyond unbearable, & disgusting!! Don’t forget the human trafficking, & rapes that are Occurring.daily!! A good start would be the cops actually doing their jobs, especially at Mass & Cass!! Run everyones names, & I bet most of these addicts have warrants. Then how about cameras!! Also stop letting the migrants in!! We have enough of our own problems already!! Please do whatever you have to do to reopen the Island & put all the addicts out there for treatment, & mental help, & get them off our streets!! We shouldn’t have to be afraid to walk out of our doors everyday!! I pay $3000.00 a month to live in Fenway, & I have men having sex right out front of my windows, & addicts stealing our packages & cars!! Enough is Enough!! Put them on the island for treatment & for our safety. please?! I’d like to add that Mayor Wu is a joke! The crime has gone off the charts, as well as the addiction issues, since she’s been in office, (if you wanna call it that!) I believe these problems can be solved, or atleast made better, if my suggestions were given a chance Thank you very much,
Sharon
Lifelong resident of Boston,(Southie & Dorchester.🍀)