Boston Councilor Blocks Mayor Wu's Effort to Approve Ed Flynn's Emergency Declaration

Boston City Council Blocks Emergency Declaration for Mass and Cass

Boston City Councilor Sharon Durkan, a former ally of Mayor Michelle Wu, recently blocked a resolution proposed by critic Ed Flynn aimed at declaring an emergency for the open-air drug market at Mass and Cass. This decision has sparked significant debate among city officials and residents.

After the council meeting on Wednesday, Mayor Wu’s office issued a statement clarifying the city's stance against an emergency declaration for the area and its surrounding neighborhoods. The mayor's spokesperson, Emma Pettit, emphasized that the city is already utilizing public health, safety, and works resources in collaboration with the community and state entities to address the issue of substance use and related criminal activity.

“Declaring a local public health emergency does not unlock any additional authority or resources,” Pettit stated. “What is needed is a continued coordinated and compassionate response to eliminate public drug use and address barriers to treatment, shelter, and housing.”

Durkan echoed similar sentiments when she opposed the resolution earlier in the day. She acknowledged the complexity of the challenge but argued that the resolution did not represent the right steps forward. “While the city has taken steps to respond, it’s clear that continued and expanded efforts are needed,” she said. However, she questioned the practical benefits of an emergency declaration, stating it would only waive public process without providing additional funding.

The city’s Board of Health previously declined to act on a prior emergency declaration proposal from Councilors Flynn and Erin Murphy, along with then-Councilors Frank Baker and Michael Flaherty in September 2023. Despite this, the board expressed support for an ordinance pushed by Mayor Wu to clear the long-standing tent encampment at the intersection of Massachusetts Avenue and Melnea Cass Boulevard.

Since the tents were cleared on Atkinson Street in November 2023, some residents and elected officials have reported that open-air drug use, dealing, and related violence have worsened in surrounding neighborhoods. This has led to increased calls for more policing and even the deployment of the National Guard, particularly in the South End.

Mayor Wu has dismissed requests for a military response but has committed to deploying more public safety resources in the area. Flynn, who represents South Boston and part of the South End, emphasized the need for the Boston City Council to address the deteriorating conditions in the area. He highlighted two recent incidents involving a 4-year-old boy who stepped on a needle while playing outside in June and a homeless woman who squatted in a family’s home for days.

Flynn argued that the current situation at Mass and Cass and surrounding neighborhoods is unacceptable, citing open-air drug markets, public drug use, human trafficking, and serious violence. “If this is not a public safety and public health emergency and a humanitarian crisis, I don’t know what is,” he said.

With Durkan’s objection blocking further discussion, it remains unclear where many other councilors stand on Flynn’s call for an emergency declaration. Murphy, who supported the emergency declaration two years ago, still believes such action is necessary. She noted that the administration has not shown good faith in changing current policies and that an emergency declaration could lead to real change for affected residents.

Council President Ruthzee Louijeune referred the resolution to the Committee on Public Health, Homelessness and Recovery. While blocked resolutions sometimes die in committee, Councilor John FitzGerald, the public health chair, has pledged to hold a hearing on the matter. FitzGerald, who supports the emergency declaration, invited colleagues to tour the area and make their own decisions.