Discovery of leptospirosis in the City of Boston
Councilor Flynn Calls for Hearing on Pest Control and the Discovery of Leptospirosis in Boston
At the Boston City Council this week, Councilor Flynn called for a hearing on pest control and the discovery of leptospirosis in the City of Boston. In April, Tufts University released a study stating that rats in Boston are spreading leptospirosis, a potentially deadly disease typically associated with tropical climates. The six year long study found that most rats that live in the city carry the bacteria and different neighborhoods carry different strains that can move between colonies. Scientists warn that leptospirosis can infect humans and animals, causing symptoms that range from mild,
flu-like illness and in rare cases, more serious complications such as multiple organ failure and death.
Following the one-year anniversary of the release of the Boston Rodent Action Plan (BRAP) in June, Boston City Councilor Ed Flynn maintains the plan continues to fall short as it disregarded the recommendation of both he and the study’s author, renowned rodent urbanologist Dr. Bobby Corrigan - that the city looks to formally create a dedicated position solely focused on this issue, or “rat czar”, like New York City previously implemented. Moreover, after talking with residents and businesses across the city for years, Councilor Flynn continues to take issue with the analysis of the Boston Public Health Commission (BPHC) - that our current pest
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Gavin Foundation to Receive $200,000 Grant
With $200,000 grant from Cummings Foundation, City’s Coordinated Response Team will draw on Gavin Foundation recovery professionals for treatment navigation and transportation
Mayor Michelle Wu today announced that the City of Boston has secured a $200,000 grant from the Cummings Foundation to expand its partnership with the
Gavin Foundation, a nationallyrecognized substance use treatment and recovery organization with more than a dozen programs operating throughout the City of Boston. The new funding will allow for an expanded partnership with the City’s Coordinated Response Team (CRT), which leads crossdepartmental efforts to address safety, health, and quality of life for residents, with a goal to end outdoor
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Peter Barbuto, President/CEO and Mayor Michelle Wu.
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control crisis does not pose a high public health threat to the residents of Boston and their families.
Councilor Flynn has long advocated for the city to focus on the growing problem of pest control and rodent mitigation issues, which were exacerbated during the pandemic - when restaurants closed and rats began showing up in more residential areas searching for another food source. Flynn has called for annual hearings on pest control going back to the start of the pandemic in 2020. In May of 2023, he subsequently met with New York City’s Director of Rodent Mitigation, or “Rat Czar”, Kathleen Corradi, to discuss both the logistics of working with a number of different city departments to tackle this quality of life issue, as well as specific strategies to deal with the growing rodent population in municipalities across the country.
In fact, after calling for a hearing on the creation of an Office of Pest Control in January
of 2023, Councilor Flynn introduced an ordinance at the Boston City Council in January of 2024 and held a hearing to formally establish one in the City of Boston. He also met with relevant city departments and Dr. Corrigan to discuss their work in formulating this report and offered recommendations. With these new findings and reports of increased rodent activity in neighborhoods across the city, it is critical that Boston revisits designating a city official, or “rat czar”, solely focused on this public health and quality of life issue.
“This new Tufts University report showing that rats in our city carry leptospirosis reinforces the urgent need for the City of Boston to make pest control a top priority. I continue to advocate, as was recommended by Dr. Corrigan, that we finally dedicate a point person solely focused on addressing our pest control crisis. Moreover, although the Boston Public Health Commission previously indicated that rats do not currently pose a high public health threat to the residents of Boston - I adamantly disagree,” said Councilor Flynn. “When
I hear about a rat in a child’s crib, or rats carrying diseases like leptospirosis, it’s evident that this is a public health emergency. We should not be downplaying the impacts that this significant quality of life issue is having on neighbors across Boston. Public awareness campaigns and language access in every neighborhood is critical to ensure all of our residents are invested in making sure their trash is disposed of properly.” Contact Councilor Flynn’s office at 617-635-3203 or Ed.Flynn@Boston.gov.
Linda Doran Retires from the Health Center
Aparty was thrown for Linda Doran at the South Boston Community Health Center. Linda is retiring after 25 years at the Health Center, where she was in charge of their highly successful Youth Ambassadors Program. This
is a program for teen-agers, who devote themselves and their spare time to activities that support the community and prepare them for their future careers.
Linda’s dedication was recognized by awards from the Commonwealth’s Senate, its House of Representatives, and the Mayor of Boston’s office. Bill Halpin, the Center’s CEO, praised her efforts, Rep. David Biele added his compliments. A delicious good-bye cake was then shared.
Linda will be missed by everyone at the Center. Now that she has retired, she will be moving to Rockport. But she has promised to stay in touch.
Farewell and Godspeed, Linda.
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substance use in neighborhoods of Boston and the criminal activity that supports it. The funds will allow CRT to draw on Gavin Foundation professionals to provide treatment navigation and transportation for individuals identified in the Mass & Cass area and throughout the city as they enter into substance use treatment and recovery programs. The City and the Cummings Foundation recently announced a $1 million investment in a range of summer and year-round safety initiatives in Boston, of which the Gavin Foundation is the latest.
“For decades, the people of Boston have trusted the Gavin Foundation to help neighbors and loved ones through the toughest of challenges,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “As we work to strengthen pathways to recovery and support communities impacted by the opioid epidemic, this partnership will provide an invaluable direct connection to recovery that can help us transform our outreach work. We thank the Cummings Foundation for their generous support and the Gavin Foundation for their expertise and resources supporting the City and individuals on their treatment journeys.”
“We thank Mayor Wu and the Cummings Foundation for investing in the work that the Gavin Foundation does every day to serve Boston residents,”
said Peter Barbuto, President and CEO of the Gavin Foundation.
“For more than sixty years, Gavin has had the privilege of assisting individuals in their journey of recovery from substance use disorder, many of whom call Boston their home. We look forward to working more closely with the City of Boston and continuing on our Mission, ‘The Restoration of Dignity and Hope through compassionate comprehensive care for individuals and their families impacted by addiction’.”
“The Coordinated Response Team is thrilled to strengthen our partnership with the Gavin Foundation to rapidly connect individuals with the treatment and recovery services they urgently need,” said Kellie Young, Director
of Coordinated Response Team.
“With Gavin as an operational partner for treatment navigation and transportation, we can streamline pathways into recovery and address quality of life and safety objectives across the City.”
“With this new funding, we can dedicate more resources to tackling this complex, long-standing issue in the Mass and Cass area and beyond. I am deeply grateful to the Cummings Foundation, the Gavin Foundation, and the CRT for their continued investment and commitment to recovery and public safety,” said State Representative John Moran (D-South End).
“The Gavin Foundation is an incredible partner for our City and I am pleased to support this additional funding to strengthen
our work together,” said District 3 Boston City Councilor John Fitzgerald. “Building stronger pathways into recovery is critical to saving lives and improving quality of life in our neighborhoods.” Although significant challenges remain, over the past three and a half years, the City has succeeded in building clear pathways to recovery and stable housing, coordinating public safety and public health responses, and ending permanent encampments in Boston. To address persistent outdoor substance use and quality of life challenges, the Boston Police Department has committed to increased presence and enforcement in impacted areas, focused on diverting individuals in treatment and recovery programs. Consistent with the City’s work in past years, CRT, the Boston Public Health Commission (BPHC), and the Mayor’s Office of Housing are working with trusted health partners on an updated by-name list to develop a treatment and recovery plan with every individual regularly observed in the area. The City continues to work alongside residents and advocates to urge partnership for a regional public health recovery campus and decentralized treatment sites that will meet the scale of the challenge. More details about the City’s coordinated response plan can be found in the City’s update sent to the City Council sent earlier this year.
The Condon Community Center’s Swimming Pool Opens
The Condon Community Center’s swimming pool on D Street has been under repair for nearly two years. Repair money became scarce last fall but was found this year, so the pool was finished and reopened on Tuesday, the 8th. It was a beautifully successful job Many of our local officials came to the opening. The ceremony featured remarks by Mayor Wu, who brought her young daughter Mira to the event. The mayor counted down from 10 to “GO!” and many Condon Center members then plunged into the new pool.
Excel High School in South Boston held their graduation at UMass/Boston. Head of School Nachelle Gordon is shown with salutatorian Anh Ha and valedictorian Rayan Nur. The Franklin Medal was awarded to Saikou Bah. Diplomas were presented to 88 graduates.
Summer
Eats Program Provides Free Meals for Youth City Wide
Mayor Michelle Wu today announced the official launch of the 2025 Boston Summer Eats program, a citywide initiative providing free, nutritious meals to all youth ages 18 and under throughout summer. More than 30 sites will be open across the city through the end of August, ensuring that Boston’s children and teens have continued access to healthy meals when school is out.
Boston Summer Eats is a collaboration between the Mayor’s Office of Food Justice (OFJ), Boston Public Schools Food and Nutrition Services, Boston Centers for Youth & Families (BCYF), the YMCA of Greater Boston, and Project Bread. Together, these partners work to close the summer food gap by expanding access to healthy food through non-traditional and communitycentered sites like libraries, farmers markets, parks, housing complexes, and youth-serving organizations.
The 2025 Boston Summer Eats program will launch with a special kickoff event on Friday, July 11, 2025, at the Paris Street Playground in East Boston, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., celebrating the neighborhood’s vibrant community and its central role in supporting child nutrition and wellness. This event will raise awareness about the availability of free meals for youth across Boston and spotlight the collective efforts
behind the program. Attendees will enjoy music, entertainment by Puppet Showplace Theater, games, resources from community organizations, give aways, and more. With 33 locations operating this summer, the kickoff will help spread the word about where and how families can access free, nutritious meals for youth throughout the season.
“At the Y, our mission is to ensure every young person has what they need to thrive,” said David Shapiro, CEO of Y of Greater Boston.
“Summer Eats is more than a meal and nutrition program — it’s a gateway to belonging, a warm welcome into a caring community, and a chance for every child to feel supported, connected, and valued no matter the time of year. That benefits all of us.
“This program builds on our commitment to ensuring that students have access to local, healthy, and fresh meals year round,” said Boston Public Schools Superintendent Mary Skipper. “I’m grateful to our BPS Food and Nutrition Services team and to our city and community partners, who work tirelessly to ensure that every Boston student receives nutritious, free meals even when school is not in session.”
“The Summer Eats program is a vital investment in our children’s futures, making sure they have access to nutritious, delicious food at no cost to their families, even when schools are out,” said Erin McAleer, President & CEO of
Project Bread, Massachusetts’ leading statewide food security organization.
“Boston Summer Eats supports the community, helps ease families’ budgets, and brings fun summer programming together with healthy, accessible meals each day, an essential service to move the needle on ending hunger in the Commonwealth.”
“The Summer Eats program is an essential part of ensuring that every child has access to healthy meals in the same community spaces where they play, learn, and grow,” said Marta E. Rivera, Commissioner of Boston Centers for Youth & Families. “We’re proud to be part of this citywide effort to fight food insecurity and support Boston families.”
Residents who wish to access free meals for youth aged 18 and under can find meal sites at boston. gov/summer-eats or find additional locations across Massachusetts by calling Project Bread’s FoodSource Hotline at 1-800-645-8333.
Hours of operation at summer meal sites vary depending on the site, and most meal sites will offer breakfast and lunch. No registration or identification is required. Alongside free meals provided through Boston Summer Eats, eligible families may also receive SUN Bucks, a new summer grocery benefit from the Massachusetts Department of Transitional Assistance. SUN Bucks provides $120 per school-aged child to help families buy groceries while school is out. Most eligible families are automatically enrolled and will have received a card by mail. To check eligibility, apply, or learn more, visit mass.gov/sunbucks. Together, Boston Summer Eats and SUN Bucks help ensure that children and teens across Boston have access to the food they need to stay healthy and nourished throughout the summer. For additional local food resources, visit boston.gov/food-resources.
Archbishop Henning made his first visit to Gate of Heaven Church. The visit was a final stop for the Archbishop as he led a weekend Corpus Christi procession by boat that began in the North Shore and ended in South Boston with a Mass.
Annual Mayor’s Cup Baseball Tournament
- Mayor Michelle Wu and the Boston Parks and Recreation Department are excited to announce the start of the 2025 Mayor’s Cup Baseball Tournament
The annual tournament brings together young athletes from neighborhoods across Boston to compete for the title of “Boston’s Best” in two age divisions. Games will be held at Moakley Park at 1005 Columbia Road, South Boston and McConnell Park at 30 Denny Street, Dorchester.
Ages 9-10: July10–13 at Moakley Park and McConnell Park Ages 11-12: July 16–20 at Moakley Park and McConnell Park
Tournament games will take place Wednesday through Saturday, with championship games taking place on Saturday afternoon and early evening. For more information about the Mayor’s Cup Baseball Tournament, email charles.conners@boston.gov or visit boston.gov/ parks-sports.
To stay up to date with news, events, and improvements in Boston parks visit boston.gov/parks, call (617) 635-4505, join our email list, and follow our social channels @bostonparksdept on X, Facebook, Instagram, and @parks.boston.gov on Bluesky.
Free Arts & Crafts Workshops
The Boston Parks and Recreation Department’s annual ParkARTS program is pleased to announce the return of free Arts & Crafts Workshops for children. From West Roxbury to East Boston, kids ages three to ten can enjoy a wide variety of arts and crafts activities led by local artists at the workshops held from 10 a.m. to 12 noon.
Participation is free and all materials are provided. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Groups of eight or more must pre-register by emailing parks@boston.gov or by calling the Parks Department at (617) 961-3082.
Thursdays, July 31
August 7, & 14
Medal of Honor Park, South Boston
For more information, visit boston.gov/parkarts. To stay up to date with news, events, and improvements in Boston parks visit boston. gov/parks, call (617) 635-4505, join our email list, and follow our social channels @bostonparksdept on X, Facebook, Instagram, and @parks.boston.gov on Bluesky.
City Councilor Murphy Tours Food Pantry
Iwas Grateful to join Fr. Tom Conway and Maryann Ponti for a tour of St. Anthony Shrine, where they shared the powerful work being done through their women’s healthcare clinic, food pantry, and monthly veterans luncheon. It was a privilege
to serve alongside Medal of Honor recipient Capt. Tom Kelley, Veterans Secretary Jon Santiago, members of the Boston Police, Councilor Flynn, and fellow volunteers as we honored and cared for those who’ve served. A beautiful example of compassion and community in action.
ZONING BOARD OF APPEAL / LICENSING HEARINGS
To participate in ZBA hearings, below are instructions on joining a public meeting. Please note that the ZBA board will call on members of the public to testify for each proposal; you can share your thoughts in that forum.
245 to 249 E ST South Boston 02127
Appeal Type Zoning
Hearing Date 7/29/2025
Project Description: Change occupancy from store restaurant amp 5 apartments to 6 Install new bath kitchen interior frame 2 bedrooms
62 L ST South Boston 02127
Appeal Type Zoning
Hearing Date 8/12/2025
Project Description: Replace existing exterior stairs construct new roof deck
202 W First ST South Boston 02210
Appeal Type Zoning
Hearing Date 8/12/2025
Project Description: Change of occupancy to brewery/distillery/winery, bar and restaurant with live entertainment and take-out, local retail, and outdoor patio. The proposed project entails a renovation of existing structures and the combination of buildings and lots.
6 Gifford PL South Boston 02127
Appeal Type Zoning
Hearing Date 8/12/2025
Project Description: Combine lots located 6 Gifford Place 8, erect an addition, occupancy from 3 family to 5 residential units as per plans
598R E Seventh ST South Boston 02127
Appeal Type Zoning
Hearing Date 8/12/2025
40 W Third St / Hugo & Co
Proposal: All alcohol CV application / Hugo & Co
Time: Jul 10, 2025 06:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada) Join Zoom Meeting: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81750209879
Meeting ID: 817 5020 9879
1812 Columbia Rd
Proposal: Proposed new 3 family residence with 6 parking spaces, as per plans.Demolish existing house on lot.
Time: Jul 15, 2025 06:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada) Join Zoom Meeting: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/87544568516
Meeting ID: 875 4456 8516
Virtual Public Meeting
21 GILLETTE REDEVELOPMENT
Register: bosplans.org/ GillettePublicMtgJuly21 Toll Free: (833) 568 - 8864 Meeting ID: 160 592 1712
PROJECT PROPONENT: The Procter & Gamble Company
DESCRIPTION: The Planning Department is hosting a Virtual Public Meeting for the proposed Gillette Redevelopment Planned Development Area Master Plan located in the South Boston neighborhood. The meeting will include a topic-specific presentation focused on the waterfront, open space, and existing neighborhood context.
Mail to: Phone: Email:
617.918.4282 sarah.peck@boston.gov
Date of Death: 03/01/2010
To
Close of Public Comment Period: 7/31/2025
Website: bosplans.org/gillette-redevelopment
WITNESS, Hon. Brian J. Dunn, First Justice of this Court.
Date: June 30, 2025 --------'----
