BOSTON – Boston City Councilor Ed Flynn will be calling for a hearing this week to address the public safety challenges in the area of Boston Common and Downtown, as well as the critical need to enhance city response and services. The hearing seeks to discuss strategies to provide support and resources for impacted residents and businesses in the Downtown area, as well as those who live and work in nearby neighborhoods, such as Beacon Hill and the Leather District.

In August, following a stabbing in Downtown Crossing, Councilor Flynn partnered with the Downtown BID for a public safety walkthrough with residents, businesses, Boston Police, and other important stakeholders in the community. Many expressed unease and concerns on personal safety due to instances of aggressive behavior, drug-dealing and consumption in public, and the increase in violent crime in the area. In September, the Boston Police Department held a Compstat meeting with the Downtown Boston Neighborhood Association, and reported that crime statistics in the area have increased.

Recent incidents of violence led some tour operators to either re-route or skip Boston Common altogether. Boston Historic Company reported that visitors got slapped in the face, and another employee got punched while on break in the area. In October, there was another stabbing near Brewer Fountain, with many parents reportedly witnessing the aftermath while taking their children to school. More recently, Councilor Flynn met with Park Street School administrators, parents, the Boston Police, and city officials regarding frustrations on the safety of their children and the unhealthy environment that they walk by in the Common.

“Downtown and the Boston Common are economic engines for our city, and home to some of the most important historic sites in our country. We cannot continue to allow violent crime, open drug dealing or drug use, and other activities to negatively impact the public safety, public health, and quality of life for our residents, businesses, and visitors to Boston,” said Councilor Flynn. “It is critical that we work together to ensure that those individuals with substance use disorders get treatment, but that those who are preying on vulnerable people or committing acts of violence be arrested and, if warranted, receive a state sentence.”

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