As the coronavirus continues to impact the daily lives of Boston residents, thousands are left experiencing a complete loss or severe reduction of income. The City Council tackled this financial uncertainty during their weekly meeting by hosting a conversation about how the City can offer relief to those suffering during this unprecedented public health crisis. Read More…
This week’s Boston City Council hearing on adding 150 non-transferable liquor licenses for underserved neighborhoods became heated as the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic could put many existing alcohol licenses on the secondary market from many restaurants expected to go out of business. With all Massachusetts restaurants and bars ordered closed for on-site service as of March Read More…
The Boston City Council had a full agenda for their second-ever virtual council meeting. Much of the conversation focused on the impacts of COVID-19 on Boston residents and workers, as well as on housing and businesses. The Council spoke about resolutions that can be enacted now, and how the city can prepare for future recovery. Read More…
District One City Councilor Lydia Edwards, who is also the Chair of the Boston City Council Committee on Housing and Community Development, is proposing a reallocation of $2 million of Community Preservation Act revenue to an emergency rental voucher program to provide relief for residents economically impacted by COVID-19. The Community Preservation Act (CPA) typically provides Read More…
District One City Councilor Lydia Edwards, representing the North End, East Boston, and Charlestown, shared the latest COVID-19 guidance from the state, as well as resources related to unemployment, small business support, and emergency childcare centers measures in her latest newsletter. Friends, As we adapt to difficult times and grapple with new social norms, it’s Read More…
District One City Councilor Lydia Edwards’ office is compiling a list to help connect restaurants and seniors during the coronavirus pandemic. If you are a restaurant in the North End, East Boston, or Charlestown offering discounted delivery for seniors, please complete this form to have your information shared on Councilor Edwards’ social media pages and Read More…
District One City Councilor Lydia Edwards, representing the North End, East Boston and Charlestown, shares COVID-19 resources in her latest newsletter. Friends, COVID-19 is a global health emergency. We have some confirmed cases in Boston and need to so make sure we are doing everything to slow the spread. This virus will impact our most vulnerable Read More…
At-large City Councilor Julia Mejia introduced a proposal for income-adjusted fines for parking violations at a recent Boston City Council meeting. According to Mejia, parking tickets should be reflective of Boston residents’ financial situations. She believes that residents shouldn’t be placed in a position where they’re forced to choose between paying parking tickets or putting Read More…
City Councilor Lydia Edwards (District 1) and City Council President Kim Janey offered a hearing regarding biannual review of the Boston Employment Commission (BEC) and Boston Residents Job Policy (BRJP) at the City Council’s weekly meeting on Wednesday afternoon. In 2017, Mayor Marty Walsh revised the Boston Residents Jobs Policy Ordinance, originally enacted in 1983, Read More…
Mayor Walsh has signed an executive order to establish new, rigorous ethical standards for Boston’s Zoning Board of Appeal (ZBA). The goal of the order is to strengthen public confidence in the ZBA by increasing the level of transparency, accountability, and integrity, as well as improve functions and efficiencies. According to the City, the order Read More…
The Boston City Council will hold a public hearing on legislation filed by District 1 Councilor Lydia Edwards (North End, Charlestown, and East Boston) regarding the Zoning Board of Appeal (ZBA) on Tuesday, February 25 at 4 p.m. in the Ianella Chamber, 5th floor of Boston City Hall. Councilor Edwards spoke about her goals to Read More…
Councilors Lydia Edwards (District 1) and Michelle Wu (At-Large) requested a hearing regarding the adoption of transportation benefit ordinances in an attempt to promote public transportation usage in the City of Boston. “Transportation benefit ordinances are not new,” said Councilor Edwards. “There are many cities that already have them such as Seattle, Los Angeles, San Read More…