Members of the Boston City Council discussed a resolution by Councilor Ed Flynn that seeks to declare a public health and safety emergency in the Mass. and Cass area. This region is described as the epicenter of a humanitarian crisis involving homelessness, addiction, and associated public safety issues. Flynn criticized the city's long-term handling of the situation and called for a shift to a treatment-first model. In contrast, Councilor Sharon Durkan raised concerns about the authority of the council to declare an emergency, citing the need for action by the Public Health Commission instead.
"The conditions at not only massive chaos but also the surrounding neighborhoods in Roxbury, South Boston, Dorchester, the South End have significantly deteriorated."
"The city's plan has failed. What has taken place there over a decade is completely unacceptable."
"I don't believe this resolution represents the right step forward... the power lies with the Public Health Commission, which can issue emergency orders - bypassing the council's usual legislative process."
"We’ve had the same conversation exactly two years ago."
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