Friends,
We started 2020 and a new legislative term with renewed energy and proposed solutions for some of Boston's most challenging issues. I've outlined just some of my priorities below including calling for a review of the City Charter, introducing an ordinance revisiting the PILOT - or Payment in Lieu of Taxes - conversation with Councilor-At-Large Annissa Essaibi-George, and keeping an eye on Suffolk Downs with my East Boston state delegation as BPDA review comes to a close.
I have also called a hearing on the Eversource substation in East Boston, after attending a (frankly terrible) community meeting with Eversource and after learning Massport is also upgrading electrical distribution. I will be working to bring both Eversource and Massport to the table and get answers. Find the full text to my hearing order here as well as my speech on the Council floor.
In more council news, I've been assigned by Council President Janey to Chair the Committee on Government Operations and resume the same position for the Committee on Housing and Community Development. Overseeing Government Operations is an opportunity to review all ordinances, home rule petitions, and the efficiency of city government. I'm grateful to assume this role and continue the important work of the Housing and Community Development during Boston's development boom..
There will be more updates from the administration in February for the Zoning Board of Appeals and a City Council hearing sponsored by office. Stay tuned for more information as the month progress. In the meantime, I've outlined below a wish list of reforms for the ZBA, and I'll be working to change law, policy and practice to ensure the ZBA serves Bostonians well.
The City of Boston will see big, structural changes during the 2020 - 2021 term and I encourage you to jump in and get involved to ensure our City is working for everyone. The more diversity we have in the voices and perspectives at the table the better the conversations and outcomes.
As always, I will continue to focus on the day-to-day priorities of city government for constituents and attend district civic associations or events. This month I'll be stopping by Harborview Neighborhood Association in East Boston on Monday, 2/3 and the Charlestown Neighborhood Council on Tuesday, 2/4. Look forward to seeing you!
Onwards and Upwards,
Lydia Edwards
Boston City Councilor
District One
Save the date - we're celebrating Women's History Month on March 11th at Democracy Brewing. Stay tuned for more details
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For more information, read Jon Chesto's piece in the Boston Globe highlghting PILOT efforts in the Boston City Council
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Watch the full report from NBC Channel 10 news here and Boston 25 or read all about it in the Boston Globe.
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We are in a housing crisis that demands an "all hands on deck" approach from city and state officials. Read more here from the Bay State Banner., Boston Herald, or a Globe Editorial mentioning Boston's home rule.
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Join the #CharterChatter across the City. Read the Dorchester Reporters editorial supporting our efforts to review the framework of our City government.
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Find the East Boston delegation letter to the BPDA here. I'm also proud to have played a role in securing a historic Project Labor Agreement with the developers and local union members. This project labor agreement ensures that the hands building Suffolk Downs will be paid a living wage and will be from surrounding neighborhoods.
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What's your wish for the ZBA? Let us know!
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New bill would ban hair discrimination at work or at school
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From: Boston 25
No one should be punished, threatened or stigmatized because of their hair. Very proud of Mya and Deanna Cook from State Rep. Steve Ultrino's district who came to share their story! Thank you to Council President Kim Janey who joined me in providing testimony to the Joint Committee on the Judiciary, to all 13 City Councilors who signed on to our letter in support of Rep. Ultrino's bill, and to State Rep. Liz Miranda who has been a wonderful supporter also!
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Historic Boston City Council Inauguration
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On January 6th I was honored to be sworn in as district one's City Councilor for a second time. It was a historic day as the 2020-2021 term is the first time the Council will have a majority of women, a majority of people of color, the first Latina councilor, and the first openly gay woman. I’m excited to get to work with my colleagues in a Council that brings the perspectives and lived-experiences that represents all of Boston.
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40th Annual Homeless Census
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Team Edwards canvassed the North End for the City of Boston's 40th Annual Homeless Census. Everyone deserves dignity, respect, and a warm place to stay. The census provides crucial info needed to combat chronic homelessness and resources for those in need. Thank you to Mayor Martin J. Walsh, City official, volunteers, and all affiliates who organized.
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Mangia! Come! Eat!
Taste of Eastie
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Surrounded by great food and community, the Taste of Eastie was a blast! It was great to see everyone and celebrate our local businesses. Congratulations to everyone at East Boston Main Streets for putting together such a wonderful event.
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Community Update to the North End Waterfront Neighborhood Council
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Thank you to the North End / Waterfront Neighborhood Council (NEWNC) for the opportunity to highlight some accomplishments from the past year and share some top priorities moving forward at the January meeting.
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Talking "Rants" and Impeachment on WGBH
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I enjoyed chatting state and national politics this week with Bina Venkataraman, Scot Lehigh and Jim Braude on WGBH News' Greater Boston.
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Celebrating the Life and Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King at Twelveth Baptist Church in Roxbury
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I had the amazing honor to speak at the historic Twelfth Baptist Church at the same pulpit Martin Luther King Jr spoke at to honor an amazing man and his legacy. It was humbling to reflect and the power of love.
After a few brief remarks, I was asked to read Micah 4:1-5, one of King's favorite passages from the Bible. If you have time study about not studying war anymore. Congratulations to Sheriff Steve Tompkins and Council President Kim Janey on your visionary awards.
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Receiving Honors from the United Auto Workers
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Thank you to the United Auto Workers Region 9A for the recognition at their Civil & Human Rights Awards Dinner. I will continue to fight for workers' rights and provide a voice in solidarity to union members.
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Be Ready for Winter in Boston.
Click Here to see more about guidelines, alerts, safety tips, & more
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February Community Meetings in District One
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East Boston:
- Harbor View Neighborhood Association - First Monday of every month 6:30 p.m.at the Edward Brooke Charter School, 145 Byron St.
- Jeffries Point Neighborhood Association - Second Monday of every month. 6:30 p.m. at the Jeffries Point Yacht Club, 565 Sumner St.
- Orient Heights Neighborhood Association - Third Monday of every month. 6:30 p.m. at Ashley Street YMCA, 54 Ashley St.
- Maverick Central Civic Association - Third Wednesday of every month 6:30 p.m. at Paris Street Community Center, 112 Paris St.
- Friends of the East Boston Greenway - Fourth Thursday of every month. 6:30 p.m. at the Anna DeFronzo Center, 395 Maverick St
- Gove Street Citizens Association - Fourth Monday of every month 6:30 p.m. at the Noddle Island Community Room, Logan Rental Car Center
- Eagle Hill Civic Association - Last Wednesday of the Month, 7. p.m. at East Boston High School
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Charlestown:
- Public Safety Meeting - Last Wednesday of Every Month, 6:00pm, Boston Police, 2nd floor mtg room, 20 Vine St. 02129
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North End:
- NEWRA Monthly Meeting - Second Thursday of Every Month @ 7:00PM, Nazzaro Community Center, 30 N. Bennet Street
- NEWNC Monthly Meeting - Second Monday of Every Month @ 7:00PM, Nazzaro Community Center, 30 N. Bennet Street
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Photo from bostonplans.org
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