November Newsletter from Lydia Edwards, City Councilor for District One (North End, Charlestown and East Boston):
With early voting open through Friday, November 2nd and the general election Tuesday, November 6th, I want to start by urging Boston voters to make a plan to vote and get to the polls! This election and the questions on the ballot have serious consequences for the leadership of our state, for workers’ rights and the civil rights of transgender residents.
At the council, we’re looking into issues ranging from public safety, equitable economic development, sustainability and more. We recently held a hearing I co-filed to review local hiring and diversity in construction jobs as established by the Boston Residents Jobs Policy. The data shows that although we are doing better at creating jobs for Boston residents, people of color and women, we have more work to do to ensure all communities reap the economic benefits of the development boom. Due to a 2017 ordinance, the council will now be holding hearings twice a year to review progress.
Out in the district, I am – like so many of you – frustrated by ongoing traffic and transportation concerns. I will continue to be vocal about these concerns, and I want to thank partners in the state house for echoing these concerns to MassDOT. Additionally, I appreciate the Boston Transportation Department has spoken up in support of the Red-Blue connector, a project I believe will help reduce congestion and improve access to critical healthcare facilities downtown.
My office is also reviewing proposal for the redevelopment of Bunker Hill housing community in Charlestown and for massive new construction at Suffolk Downs. In the North End, I’m working with residents and city staff on issues of accessibility and public works – you can read a bit more below!
Topics in this month’s newsletter include:
- North End Public Works walk through to improve accessibility.
- Sons and Daughters of Italy North End Lodge.
- Review of the Boston Residents Job Policy in terms of diversity and economic opportunity.
- Councilor Edwards meets with immigrants whose temporary status has been put in jeopardy.
- Potential banning of alcohol and marijuana stores near addiction treatment centers.
- A new impact advisory group for the Bunker Hill Redevelopment (One Charlestown).
- Revisiting the need for a MBTA Blue Line – Red Line direct link.
- Celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month.
- Photos from the East Boston Columbus Day parade.
Read more about these topics and see upcoming community meetings in the full newsletter.
