As the Chair of the Environmental Justice, Resiliency, and Parks Committee and the Committee on Housing and Community Development, I have had the pleasure of holding hearings in coordination with my Council colleagues to address concerns in the City of Boston. Below is an overview of the work I stewarded through my committees this term.
Anti-Displacement Zones - On December 13th, 2022, Council members and I held a hearing to discuss a text amendment to the Boston Zoning Code relative to Special Protection Zones. Special Protection Zones would be created as a new overlay district to establish protections against the displacement of neighbors and families, specifically people of color and low-income residents in Boston. This hearing was sponsored by myself and Councilor Coletta.
Housing Grants from the U.S Department of Housing and Urban Development - On September 23rd, 2022, I chaired a hearing to discuss how these funds would be used to support programs that provide services and housing to the unsheltered homeless; and to support programs that provide services and housing to persons experiencing homelessness. The Administration sponsored this matter.
State of Affordable Housing and Boston’s Inclusionary Development Policy - A hearing was held to discuss changing Inclusionary Development Policies to extend the IDP to 5-9 unit buildings and create affordable IDP rental units at 30-50% AMI. This hearing was sponsored by myself, Councilor Louijeune, and Breadon. A resolution was adopted on December 7th, urging the executive to take immediate action.
A rent-to-own pilot program - On August 23rd, I held a hearing to explore a rent-to-own pilot program that would provide an important analysis of how the City can provide residents with a path to homeownership. Councilor Fernandes Anderson sponsored this hearing order.
City-level Conservation Corps for Boston - On March 29th, 2022, I chaired a hearing with Councilor Bok to discuss the creation of a Boston Conservation Corps that would allow Boston to complete more environmentally focused capital projects and employ and train Boston residents for a workforce focused on the sustainability goals of Boston.
Stormwater Infrastructure - On the leadership of Councilor Bok, I held a hearing on November 29, 2022, to address the need for increasing Green Stormwater Infrastructure (GSi) at Boston Water and Sewer and in the City of Boston overall. GSI helps the City of Boston achieve climate resiliency by decreasing the demand on the municipal storm/sewer systems, reducing the urban heat island effect, sequestering carbon, and eliminating the need for salt and ice melts that harm our roads.
Malcolm X Park Renovations - On May 13, 2022, I chaired a hearing in collaboration with Councilor Fernandes Anderson to discuss the $8 million renovation of Malcolm X Park and receive community feedback on park construction before renovations moved forward.
Green New Deal for BPS - Mayor Wu launched the Green New Deal for BPS to create more climate-resilient schools and update facilities for the health and safety of students. However, the voices of community members, parents, and BPS teachers of six schools set to be merged into three have yet to be heard or integrated into the merger plan. On December 13, 2022, I held a hearing with Councilor Mejia to discuss the need for accountability, transparency, and oversight in BPS and City spending and specifically address the need for community decision-making for the merger of the six schools.