THURSDAY OCTOBER 24, 2024
SOUTH BOSTON ONLINE
VOLUME XIX- ISSUE 74
Mass/Cass Returns by Rick Winterson
E
d Flynn, our District 2 City Councilor, called a hearing on Tuesday morning. He did that to publicize what he believes is not only a growing problem, but also an old problem that has come back. The problem is illegal hard drugs being sold and used. It is rapidly coming back to the South End in the “Mass/Cass” area, which is centered on Atkinson Street. Mass/Cass extends from Topeka and Atkinson Streets, along Southampton Street, and ends at Massachusetts Avenue. Councilor Flynn’s hearing began at 10:00 a.m. and was beginning to become argumentative until a City Hall fire alarm interrupted it at 11:30. The Mass/Cass hearing opened with comments from City Council members that included references to the lack of access to Long Island’s treatment facilities
and increased drug use in Back Bay. Then, Councilor Flynn spoke at length about the effects of drugs at Mass/Cass on overall public safety, as well as eloquently expressing his concerns for the people who buy and use hard drugs there. Answers were given by several City of Boston employees at the hearing, who provide treatment and counseling as part of Boston’s strategy to reduce and eliminate illegal drug use. The City Councilors at the hearing, including City Council President Ruthzee Louijeune, politely (but firmly) stated their criticisms of Boston’s current drug prevention efforts. In the replies to these criticisms, it was insisted that such efforts are effective but need more time, funding, and personnel to succeed completely. A police officer described changes to make police presence more effective,
Carving Out Memories
The creativity was off the charts at the Pumpkin Carving event at the Broadway Wednesday night! The 45 carvers at the sold-out event created masterpieces that ranged from spooky to silly to cute. All the talented carvers -- age 21+ -- brought their A-games and enjoyed pumpkin beverages! Great job, South Boston! More Photos Page 8
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