Media
WGBH - How Affordable Should Suffolk Downs 2.0 Be?
Right now, the old Suffolk Downs race track exudes that particular type of melancholy that’s unique to places that are about to disappear.Regulars still place simulcast bets inside the clubhouse, leaving a smattering of cars in the parking lot. But the huge grandstand sits empty, and the track itself more»
NECN - Airport Workers Call for Increased Wages, End of Sexual Harassment
Members of 32BJ SEUI held a rally at Logan Airport Friday to mark International Women’s Day and make demands largely directed at Flight Services and Systems (FSS) and Massport, to end what many describe as unfair practices, including wage theft.Workers accuse FSS of unlawful pay practices and demand they address more»
North End Waterfront - Community Update from City Councilor Lydia Edwards
City Councilor Lydia Edwards gave a community update on February 14th to the North End / Waterfront Residents’ Association (NEWRA).Updates Included:Community Preservation ActClean Streets InitiativeBudget InitiativesReal Estate 6% Transfer FeeMercantile Wharf Building more»
North End Waterfront - City Commission Votes to Study Nazzaro Center as Boston Landmark
The Nazzaro Center building took a big step toward becoming a Boston Landmark, protecting its exterior from future change. After a stirring hearing, the Boston Landmarks Commission (BLC) voted unanimously on Tuesday night to take up a study that will likely recommend guidelines for the building be protected as more»
WBUR - Boston City Councilors Propose Taxes to Alleviate Housing Crisis (Radio Interview)
It's no secret that housing is expensive in Boston — such that some residents are being driven out of their neighborhoods.That's why Boston City Councilor Lydia Edwards — along with Councilor Kim Janey — has proposed a plan to generate funding for more affordable housing in the city and curb more»
Boston 25 News - Boston City Councilors Gather to Watch Ayanna Pressley's Swearing-in Ceremony
It was a watch party to remember, as Ayanna Pressley's so-called Boston squad gathered to witness their sister in service's swearing-in ceremony, all from the comfort of her new office. The six female Boston City Councilors that made history themselves went to Washington, D.C. for the swearing-in of the congresswoman. more»
The North End Waterfront - Councilor Edwards Proposes Clean Streets Non-Profit
City Councilor Lydia Edwards spoke to the North End / Waterfront Residents’ Association (NEWRA) about a new non-profit structure to augment city services aimed at tackling the neighborhood’s persistent trash issues. Edwards said that in her North End constituent updates, trash cleanup was the #1 cited problem. At issue, more»
NBC10 Boston - Boston Considers Forgiving Some Unpaid Property Taxes
Millions in unpaid property taxes in the city of Boston has led to a proposal that city leaders hope helps them collect the money.Councilor Lydia Edwards has been working to craft a proposal that would give residents and commercial businesses who have fallen behind on their taxes up to five more»
WGBH - Are Boston's Luxury Apartments Serving as Cash Cows?
Watch the councilor's interview with Jim Braude, and Institute of Policy Studies and co-author of the report, Chuck Collins, to discuss whether or not Boston's luxury housing units are serving as cash cows for Boston's super-wealthy. more»
Press
NorthEndWaterfront.com - Councilor Edwards, Among Others, Speaks Out Against Boston Calling Convictions
Several Boston City Councilors are speaking out against the conviction of Boston’s head of tourism Ken Brissette for extortion and conspiracy, and Boston’s head of intergovernmental affairs Tim Sullivan for conspiracy in the 2014 Boston Calling music festival.The two have been declared guilty of pressuring festival organizers to hire union more»
WBUR News - In Public Letter, 10 Boston City Councilors Decry 'Chilling Effect' Of Boston Calling Decision
Ten Boston city councilors say nonprofits and unions have been hesitant to work with their offices since two former mayoral aides were found guilty of federal extortion charges.Earlier this month, a jury convicted Kenneth Brissette and Timothy Sullivan for pressuring Boston Calling organizers into hiring union labor.In a public letter more»
East Boston Times-Free Press - Eastie Farms’ Thiruvengadam Named ‘Volunteer of the Year’
At last Tuesday’s Mayor on Main Streets event outside Sammy Carlo’s Deli, Eastie Farms founder and director Kannan Thiruvengadam was honored as the Boston Main Streets Volunteer of the Year.“As I’ve mentioned before what is really important to the Main Streets program are the volunteers,” said Mayor Martin Walsh. “These more»
East Boston Times-Free Press - Sammy Carlo’s Catering Honored by Walsh and Boston Main Streets
Where the Salesians Boys & Girls Club parking lot is today on Bennington Street once stood Sammy Carlo’s corner store. It was there, in the 1950s that a family business started that would, after seven decades and two locations, become a staple of many diets in East Boston.Now, one block more»
Charlestown Patriot-Bridge - Edwards Supports Master Plan Process : With a Call to Involve All Facets
City Councilor Lydia Edwards and organizers of the 02129 Neighborhood Alliance are calling for initial support this week to the City’s announcement of a comprehensive, neighborhood-driven Master Plan – going along with the stated support of Rep. Dan Ryan last week.The Alliance leaders, Amanda Zettel and Julie Hall, conducted a more»
Charlestown Patriot-Bridge - Community Celebrates Master Plan Victory, BPDA Still Focusing on Rutherford
The call for a Master Plan in Charlestown has been consistent and growing over the last several months, and this week, after a meeting with Mayor Martin Walsh and senior staff in the Boston Planning and Development Agency (BPDA), local organizers are claiming victory.Amanda Zettel of the Charlestown Preservation Society more»
NorthEndWaterfront.com - City Council Wants More From Uber And Lyft
The Boston City Council wants to look into Transportation Network Companies (TNCs) like Uber and Lyft and their impact on the city. Councilor Ed Flynn recently requested a public hearing on TNCs in Boston and how to better regulate them. Boston City Council will soon hold a hearing regarding Uber more»
Dorchester Reporter - Council ballots set for preliminary vote
The ballots are set for the five city council races that merit a preliminary election in September, with 15 candidates competing for at-large and even more hopefuls across three busy district council races as the summer campaign season gets into full swing.Preliminary elections will take place on Sept. 24 for more»
Charlestown Patriot-Bridge - Residents, Officials Upset Over Late-Night ‘Revolution’ Rally
A late-night flash mob rally by about 20 members of a separatist group often associated with white supremacy movements staged an elaborate event last Saturday, July 6, at the Bunker Hill Monument that has residents and elected officials upset – and federal and local law enforcement investigating.It was around 11:30 more»
NorthEndWaterfront.com - Council Looks Into Creating Election Day Holiday
The Boston City Council is pondering turning Election Day into a holiday in the city.Councilor Matt O’Malley requested a hearing about the possible change saying having the day be a holiday will help increase voter turnout.“Voting during a work day limits the participation of those who can’t afford to take more»
The Bay State Banner - Councilors approve budget, with objections
The Boston City Council passed Mayor Martin Walsh’s $3.49 billion budget last week, with 10 members voting in favor of the $1.1 billion Boston Public Schools portion of the budget and councilors Andrea Campbell, Lydia Edwards and Michelle Wu voting against it.The BPS budget includes measures for which the Boston more»
Dorchester Reporter - $3.49b city budget gets council okay; 3 members critique BPS spending plan
The mayor’s full $3.49 billion city budget made it through the city council last week despite sharp critiques on the public schools spending plan from three councillors who voted against adopting the BPS budget.Andrea Campbell, Lydia Edwards, and Michelle Wu cited issues of equity, school cuts, and stability in the more»
The Heights - Boston City Council Holds Hearing on Graduate Student Unionization
The Boston City Council Committee on Jobs, Wages, and Workforce Development questioned graduate students from Boston College, Northeastern University, Boston University, and Harvard University about working conditions and efforts to unionize at a hearing Thursday.The Council passed a resolution in April in support of the BC Graduate Employees Union (BCGEU-UAW), more»
NorthEndWaterfront.com - Boston City Council Passes FY2020 Budget; Edwards Blasts School Funding Cuts
During the regular city council meeting, the city council passed Mayor Marty Walsh’s $3.49 billion budget for the 2020 fiscal year.The budget is more than a $176 million increase from last year. The budget includes funding for more than 2,200 new police officers, as well as developing a new unsolved more»
Charlestown Patriot-Bridge - Councilor Edwards to Vote ‘No’ on Boston Public Schools Budget
With the City Budget now before the City Council, Councilor Lydia Edwards said she intended to vote against the Boston Public Schools budget on Wednesday afternoon due to the inequitable cuts to her district.“It’s not fair and there is no reason we should be cutting the school budgets in my more»
The Harvard Crimson - Harvard, Boston Area Graduate Students Testify at Boston City Council Hearing on Student-Worker Labor
Boston City Council hosted a hearing Thursday night for members of local graduate student workers — including members of Harvard’s graduate student union — to discuss their efforts to gain recognition and negotiate contracts at their respective schools.The public hearing drew a crowd of more than 150 students and unaffiliated more»
The Boston Globe - City Council hearing will address student workers’ rights
Graduate students from several colleges will address the Boston City Council on Thursday to petition for better working conditions, saying they are subjected to low wages, inadequate health care, and a lack of protection from harassment and discrimination.Councilor Lydia Edwards, a workers’ rights attorney, said she called the hearing to more»
East Boston Times-Free Press - Councilor Lydia Edwards to Kick off Scholarship Fund Assisting Local Parents
Boston City Councilor Lydia Edwards plans to kick off her newly established non-profit, the Edwards Empowerment Fund, with a party on Cunard Tavern’s roof deck this Thursday, June 20 at 6:00 p.m. All proceeds collected will go to the Maverick Street Mothers Scholarship, a scholarship aimed to benefit local parents more»
East Boston Times-Free Press - Edwards Calls on BPDA To Re-envision Suffolk Project
After the Boston Planning and Development Agency’s (BPDA) public comment period for the proposed redevelopment of Suffolk Downs closed at the end of last month, City Councilor Lydia Edwards submitted her comments calling for the BPDA to re-envision the project.In her comment letter, Edwards called on the BPDA to re-envision more»
Charlestown Patriot-Bridge - Councilor Edwards Questions Costs of Busing Students to Charlestown
Busing students to the Edwards Middle School in Charlestown from Eastieis costing the school district more than $400,000 per year, and Councilor Lydia Edwards is leading a charge to reconsider that practice sooner rather than later – a move that could free up valuable space in the Town for Charlestown more»
Boston's Curtis Guild School Earns HRC Foundation's Welcoming Schools Seal of Excellence
Post submitted by Kimmie Fink, Welcoming Schools Consultant“Everyone is welcome here. I am welcome here. You are welcome here.”On Wednesday morning, the students at Curtis Guild Elementary School in Boston, wearing the colors of the rainbow, greeted their guests -- including Boston Mayor Marty Walsh and other elected officials -- more»
Dorchester Reporter - Pot shop proposals popping up across Dot, Mattapan
City councillors are moving forward with discussions around marijuana equity in Boston as local proposals for prospective pot shops move forward in fits and starts in Dorchester and Mattapan.Councillors Michael Flaherty and Kim Janey reported back to their peers at last week’s council meeting on a well-attended working session regarding more»
The Bay State Banner - New East Boston homes out of reach for residents
Walking through the Jeffries Point section of East Boston recently, City Councilor Lydia Edwards pointed to different housing developments to underscore the growing inequality in her neighborhood. On one side of Summer Street, Maverick Landing, a 396-unit, $120 million mixed-income Boston Housing Authority development is an example of what Edwards more»
The Bay State Banner - Council reviews Inclusionary Development
City Councilors and other city officials are considering updates to Boston’s Inclusionary Development Policy in order to make affordable housing more accessible throughout the city and avoid displacement of low-income residents.At a hearing in City Hall Monday evening, residents and housing advocates spoke to councilors about the importance of the more»
BostonHerald.com - Residents seek stronger affordable-housing rules in Boston
Boston officials say they’re looking to toughen up affordable-housing rules as advocates and residents pushed the city in a hearing Monday to make changes to help lower-income residents keep up with the rising cost of housing.Residents and advocates spoke about the rising cost of putting a roof over their heads more»
Charlestown Patriot-Bridge - In Dramatic Shift, Harvard-Kent To Get Sixth Grade Added in 2020
Last fall, Interim Supt. Laura Perille and her team came to Charlestown High School to talk about BuildBPS and new changes to education in the Town – but she was met with some very disappointed parents at the Harvard-Kent Elementary School who wanted a quick sixth grade expansion and were more»
Boston Globe - City candidates line up for fall elections
At least three Boston city councilors – including two who are serving their first terms – can breathe a little easier: They officially have no challengers in the fall election, and can coast their way to another two years in office.Tuesday was the last day for candidates for the nine more»
Charlestown Patriot-Bridge - Councilor Lydia Edwards to Celebrate Working Families
Boston City Councilor Lydia Edwards, serving Charlestown, East Boston, and the North End, is hosting a community brunch in honor of International Workers’ Day and the Fight for $15. The brunch will be held at The Tavern at the End of the World, 108 Cambridge St. in Charlestown, from 11 more»
Charlestown Patriot-Bridge - Master Plan Group Hosts ‘Robust’ Meeting, Continues Momentum
The conglomeration of neighborhood groups calling for a complete Master Plan of the Town continues to grow in strength, with a number of groups, individuals and elected officials meeting on Saturday to discuss the idea.Organizers Amanda Zettel, of Charlestown Preservation Society, and Julie Hall, of the Charlestown Historical Society, said more»
East Boston Times-Free Press - Best for Eastie: Councilor Lydia Edwards Gives Legislative Update at JPNA Meeting
City Councilor Lydia Edwards stopped by the Jeffries Point Neighborhood Association (JPNA) May meeting on Monday night to give her legislative updates to residents.Edwards started off briefing residents on projects already in the pipeline that should be wrapping up soon and other projects that are in the works.She pointed to more»
Charlestown Patriot-Bridge - Councilor Edwards Questions Costs of Busing Students to Charlestown
using students to the Edwards Middle School in Charlestown from Eastieis costing the school district more than $400,000 per year, and Councilor Lydia Edwards is leading a charge to reconsider that practice sooner rather than later – a move that could free up valuable space in the Town for Charlestown more»
BostonHerald.com - Late night drinking proposal at Encore worries Boston-area advocates
Boston City Councilor Lydia Edwards, who represents nearby Charlestown and East Boston, said “I would prefer right now, considering they were just fined and they have some trust-building to do, that they work in the confines of a 2 a.m. license. That’s not to say that six months or a more»
NorthEndWaterfront.com - Council Wants to Look Into Parking Reform for the Whole City
The Boston City Council was back to talking about parking remedies during this week’s regular city council meeting. The council wants to have a more in depth conversation about parking than just charging for resident only permits.Councilors Lydia Edwards, Annissa Essaibi-George and Andrea Campbell called for a future hearing regarding more»
NorthEndWaterfront.com - From the Councilor: Community Impact of Development Projects, Luxury Housing Transfer Free, Bunker Hill Redevelopment and More
April Newsletter from Lydia Edwards, City Councilor for District One (North End, Charlestown and East Boston):I’m thrilled to share great news from the Boston Housing Authority and the Bunker Hill housing in Charlestown. The city is proposing a $30m investment in the redevelopment of Bunker Hill, something I’ve advocated for more»
Beacon Hill Times - Beacon Hill Civic Association Community Corner
Councilor Lydia Edwards visits BHCA Streets & Sidewalks MeetingCouncilor Lydia Edwards of District 1 was the invited guest at last week’s BHCA Streets & Sidewalks Committee meeting. The Councilor has proposed a nonprofit structure to help deal with the North End’s trash problems. The Streets & Sidewalks Committee wanted more»
Boston Herald - Anti-Arab video at East Boston school draws ire from Lydia Edwards
A video of a woman entering the Excel Academy charter school in East Boston to complain about a school display celebrating Arab American Heritage month is lighting up Facebook and has drawn ire from City Councilor Lydia Edwards, who called the woman’s comments “racist” and said the video hurt kids more»
Boston.com - Boston City Council to Take "Holistic" Look at Parking Reform
The City Council may not entirely be ready to start charging for resident parking permits, but councilors are ready to talk over Boston’s parking woes.A week after a proposed ordinance to put a fee on the free permits received a mixed reception in the council chamber, Councilor Lydia Edwards said more»
The Heights (Independent BC Student Paper) - Boston City Council Voices Support for Graduate Student Workers
Boston City Council unanimously passed a resolution on Wednesday in support of the Boston College Graduate Employees Union (BCGEU-UAW): “A Resolution Affirming the Rights of Graduate Student Workers to Organize For Fair Working Conditions.” Sponsored by City Councilwoman Lydia Edwards, it calls on the University to enter into bargaining with more»
The Bay State Banner - City Council Takes up Fair Housing Laws, Proposal to Bring Back Rent Control
City councilor Lydia Edwards has proposed a change in Boston’s zoning code which would require the city to analyze future developments based on the 1968 Fair Housing Act, and look at how potential building would affect displacement in the city.“One of the functions of government that most deeply impacts what more»
With Growing Demand for Affordable Housing, Boston Council Mulls Controversial Luxury Transfer Fee
The Eddy, a brand new residential tower along East Boston’s waterfront, is in many ways typical of the kind of development projects popping up all around Boston.The building is 16 stories high, a mix of studio and one- and two-bedroom apartments; its website, “EddyLiving.com,” boasts “uninterrupted views of the Boston more»
North End Waterfront - Boston City Council Supports Green New Deal
During this week’s City Council meeting, the Boston City Council showed support for the federal Green New Deal in a resolution. “The climate crisis is here now. We see it in Boston every single year,” said City Councilor Michelle Wu. “We are working on it as much as we can more»
North End Waterfront - Council Considers Toughening the Trust Act
The Boston City Council recently held a hearing about strengthening the Trust Act .The Trust Act is a citywide ordinance that prevents Boston Police from detaining immigrants on the request of U.S Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).This week’s hearing comes after an incident in 2017 where Boston Police and ICE more»
Boston 25 News - City Council: Developers Should Have to Study Community Impact Before Building
Developers may soon have another hurdle to jump over before getting the green light to build in Boston.The City of Boston is in a building boom, with roughly 20,000 apartment units under construction in the metro area. CBRE, the largest full-service real estate services company in New England predicts nearly more»
WBUR - Boston City Council Considers Strengthening 'Trust Act' After Collaboration Between ICE And BPD
After tensions arose surrounding the immigration arrest of a worker injured on the job, the Boston City Council is considering whether to strengthen an act that prohibits the city's police from detaining someone solely based on a request from federal immigration officials.Immigrants and advocates filled the council chamber Tuesday alongside more»
North End Waterfront - Celebrating Boston’s Affordable Housing Funding Grants at North End’s Knights of Columbus Event
It was a good day for affordable housing efforts in the City of Boston as hundreds of new units were funded throughout the city at a celebratory event held in the North End. Mayor Walsh and local officials gathered at the Knights of Columbus building at 41 N. Margin Street, more»
Lydia Edwards District 1 Newsletter (April 2019)
Friends, Before I update you on what our office has been up to these past few weeks, I want to acknowledge the passing of a titan for social justice. Mary Ellen Welch's impact can be felt in the open spaces she fought to maintain, the affordable housing units she advocated more»
The Boston Globe - Mary Ellen Welch, teacher and leading activist in East Boston, dies at 77
Mary Ellen Welch had what she called “the best job in the whole wide world.” For more than 45 years, she taught second-graders at the O’Donnell Elementary School reading, writing, and activism — how to be good citizens of East Boston, and of the world beyond their neighborhood.On the first more»
CommonWealth Magazine - As Women’s Month ends, let’s stop wage theft at Logan Airport
Marlisa Thompson was happy when FSS — an airline contractor that does work for JetBlue, Lufthansa, and British Airways — hired her in 2014 as a security guard at Logan Airport. “I was just so excited, because, wow, if you get in at the airport, that’s a plus,” she said. more»
The Bay State Banner - Parents hold mock meeting as School Committee votes on budget
Boston Public Schools parents and students marched from the Blackstone School in the South End to the School Committee chamber in the Bruce Bolling Municipal Building, where they occupied the seats and tables reserved for the body and the district’s interim superintendent.For about a half hour, the parents held a more»
North End Waterfront - Councilor Edwards Calls for Updates on Two Affordable Housing Programs
Councilors Lydia Edwards, Chair of Boston’s Housing and Community Development Committee has released a policy brief calling for updates on two key housing programs.The first focuses on Inclusionary Development, which requires certain developers to produce deed-restricted units (for rental units, at up to 70% of the Area Median Income) or more»
Universal Hub - Confusion, anger in East Boston and City Hall as mayor's office approves two pot shops closer to each other than allowed by law
A decision by the mayor's office to approve two marijuana shops less than a half mile apart - in potential violation of a city ordinance - sparked an unusually volatile Zoning Board of Appeal meeting today, during which the board chairman slammed his gavel to the table to restore order more»
North End Waterfront - Councilor Edwards Wants to Tax Real Estate Transfers to Pay for Affordable Housing
Boston City Councilor Lydia Edwards introduced a proposal that would allow for Boston to tax six percent on real estate transactions over $2 million earlier this week. Primary owner-occupied residences would be exempt from the tax.The councilor believes money generated from this tax could go into creating more affordable housing more»
The Bay State Banner - Edwards keeps eye on Suffolk Downs
Suffolk Downs, a vast tract of vacant land in East Boston, could soon become Boston’s newest neighborhood, with 10,000 units of housing planned — nearly four times the number of units in the South Boston Waterfront.While the Seaport District has been widely criticized for its expensive micro-units and lack of more»
WBUR - Boston Councilors Eye Real Estate Transfer Tax To Boost Affordable Housing
Boston city councilors have introduced a new transfer tax on property sales — a funding source they say would raise hundreds of millions each year to boost the construction of affordable housing.The proposal from East Boston City Councilor Lydia Edwards would allow the city to place a tax of up more»
The Boston Globe - Tax on High-End Real Estate Sales Could Generate Hundreds of Millions for Boston
A tax on sales of high-dollar real estate in Boston would generate an enormous amount of money for affordable housing, but could dampen the city’s real estate market and faces a long road to approval.That’s what emerged from a City Council hearing Tuesday on a proposal that would levy a more»
Next City - Boston City Councilors Eye Pension Fund Divestment, Reinvestment
A group of Boston city councilors is pushing to change the way the city invests a municipal pension fund, to better serve residents and reflect the city’s goals on racial equity, climate change resilience and more.Following the lead of cities such as New York, which has divested from direct holdings more»
Lydia Edwards District 1 Newsletter (March 2019)
Friends of District One, The snow’s coming down this week, but spring is around the corner, and with it comes ample opportunity to get out and engaged in your community. Now, a little about what I’ve been up to: School transportation is an issue I’ve heard about from residents more»
North End Waterfront - Council Wants Fair Share from PILOT Organizations
During the regular city council meeting, the Boston city councilors discussed institutions and organizations that do not pay property taxes and how to get a fair share of financial contributions from them.Councilors Annissa Essaibi George and Lydia Edwards sponsored the motion, requesting a working session on the topic. Boston has more»
East Boston Tims - Former JPNA Co-Chair Renee Scalfani Honored
At Monday night’s Jeffries Point Neighborhood Association (JPNA) meeting, former longtime JPNA Co-Chair Renee Scalfani was honored by Mayor Martin Walsh, City Councilor Lydia Edwards, Rep. Adrian Madaro and the JPNA board.Walsh, along with JPNA Chair Mary Cole, presented Scalfani, one of the longest continuously serving members of any East more»
East Boston Times - Community Participation Urged in Suffolk Downs Public Comment Period
Last week the owners of the Suffolk Downs site, HYM Investment Group, LLC, released its Planned Development Area Master Plan (PDA). This started that a 90-day public comment period that City Councilor Lydia Edwards is urging East Boston residents to submit their comments.In its filing, HYM proposes approximately 10.5 million more»
"City of Boston Day" at Boston University
Boston Univeristy is offering City of Boston residents free admission to any one of their athletic events this Saturdaay (Febuary 16th). These are the following events:12 p.m. Men’s Lacrosse vs. Dartmouth at Nickerson Field // Home Opener2 p.m. Women’s Basketball vs. Holy Cross at Case Gymnasium // Pride Day & more»
Boston.com - Boston Councilors Consider Whether Marijuana, Liquor Stores Should Be Banned Near Addiction Treatment Centers
City Councilor Kim Janey has unveiled a proposal aimed at ensuring that Boston’s expected to be lucrative marijuana industry is equitable and fair for minority owners, in part by issuing business licenses only to qualifying equity applicants for a two-year period.The ordinance, which includes the formation of a “Boston Cannabis more»
East Boston Times Free Press - Adult Use Marijuana Dispensary Pitched for Maverick Square
If you are looking for equity in the state’s emerging adult use marijuana business look no further than the proposal put forth by a group of East Bostonians at Monday night’s Jeffries Point Neighborhood Association meeting.When drafting how the state would roll out adult use marijuana facilities across the state more»
Boston Herald - Boston City Council Shows Early Support for Tax on High-End Developers
A proposal to allow the City of Boston to tax high-end real estate developers up to 6 percent through a transfer fee has early support from City Councilors, meaning its passage will likely depend on a signature from Mayor Martin J. Walsh, who has been noncommittal so far.“We need to more»
North End Waterfront - City Councilors File Petition for 6% Real Estate Transfer Tax to Combat Housing Speculation
Councilors Lydia Edwards and Kim Janey have proposed a Home Rule Petition to combat housing speculation and establish an investor and commercial property transfer fee.The proposed bill would enhance the city’s housing toolkit by generating millions of dollars for affordable housing and by discouraging the inflation of housing prices through more»
WGBH - Walsh Highlights Need for Affordable Housing, Education in Address
In his annual State of the City address, Mayor Marty Walsh tapped into Boston's deeply Democratic DNA and offered a vigorous urban vision that embraced diversity, economic equality, and social mobility, highlighting the upgrade of the school district's physical assets and the continuing struggle for affordable housing.President Donald Trump was more»
Fire Department report slammed by female firefighters, city councilors
By Meghan E. Irons GLOBE STAFF JANUARY 09, 2019Female firefighters and local officials on Tuesday blasted a city-commissioned report that found a “male-dominated” culture resistant to change in the Boston Fire Department, saying the review recycled old recommendations and did not go far enough to address systemic issues.“This is ridiculous,’’ more»
Cannabis entrepreneurs should come from Boston’s neighborhoods
THE BOSTON CITY COUNCIL recently called several hearings to explore the city’s licensing and regulation of the cannabis industry. Whether would-be retailers want to admit it or not, we have a messaging problem and real hesitancy on the part of many communities, include those who voted for legalization, to open more»
East Boston Times - Councilor Lydia Edwards Highlights Her Accomplishments in Her First Year
This week City Councilor Lydia Edwards, who was sworn in as District One’s new city councilor last January, released her one-year report highlighting the issues, accomplishments for 2018, as well as her goals for the next year.“I am extremely grateful to have represented our communities the past year in City more»
Boston.com - Boston Councilors Consider Whether Marijuana, Liquor Stores Should Be Banned Near Addiction Treatment Centers
“When we’re dealing with an emerging industry, zoning is very key to health, and that’s where we have the most influence — looking at how we zone, how we space, how we regulate any industry,” lead hearing sponsor and District 1 Councilor Lydia Edwards said.City zoning already places "buffer zone" more»
Lydia's Birthday Bash
You are invited to join us in celebrating Lydia's Birthday Bash(See invitation for more details) more»
Charlestown Patriot-Bridge - Edwards May Appeal Zoning Commission Decision on Height at Hood Park Project
After a 7-1 vote by the Zoning Commission last Wednesday, Nov. 7, to approve a text amendment allowing taller buildings on a portion of Hood Park, this week City Councilor Lydia Edwards said she might appeal the decision. more»
North End Waterfront - City Council Working to Limit Housing Speculation; Talks Flipping Tax
The Boston City Council held a working session on housing speculation Thursday afternoon.Housing speculation is when investors buy up properties, apartments and condos for a low price to then turn it around at a quick rate to make a bigger profit. This creates unaffordable rents, causing residents to be displaced more»
Sampan - Boston City Council Passes Edwards-Flynn Ordinance to Help Low-Income Elders Repay Back Taxes
On Wednesday, November 7th, the Boston City Council voted unanimously to support a tax repayment ordinance filed by Lydia Edwards (District 1) and Ed Flynn (District 2). The ordinance helps elders who have fallen behind on property taxes by extending the length of time for repayment from one year to more»
Charlestown Patriot-Bridge - Edwards May Appeal Zoning Commission Decision on Height at Hood Park Project
City Councilor Lydia Edwards said this week that she is calling for united action from parents in District 1 regarding the Charlestown bus that goes to Boston Latin Academy (BLA) – that in the wake of an incident recently where Boston Public Schools (BPS) staff forcibly removed high school students more»
The Bay State Banner - Council Probes Boston Jobs Policy
The City Council Committee on Jobs, Wages and Workforce Development, chaired by Councilor Frank Baker, representatives from the Boston Employment Commission (BEC) and other city officials met last week at City Hall to discuss the lack of diversity and economic opportunity for workers of color during the bi-annual review of more»
Charlestown Patriot-Bridge - Edwards Calls for New, Expanded IAG
City Councilor Lydia Edwards is calling to revamp and expand the Impact Advisory Group (IAG) that was put in place a few years ago during the first run of the Bunker Hill Redevelopment, also known as One Charlestown.The announcement comes on the heels of Edwards’s Council Hearing on the renewed more»
The Boston Globe - Should Alcohol and Marijuana Stores be Banned From Opening Near Addiction Treatment Centers?
Boston should consider banning marijuana and liquor stores from opening near addiction treatment centers, City Councilor Lydia Edwards said, prompting objections from industry groups that believe such “buffer zones” could be illegal.Edwards has called for a hearing on whether the city should impose buffer zones around treatment centers that would more»
The Boston Herald - Boston Wants Links of Red and Blue Lines Back on Track
City officials are urging the MBTA to get a move on with the long-discussed Red Line-Blue Line connector, which may cost significantly less than originally believed.“I want it yesterday,” City Councilor Lydia Edwards, whose district includes much of the area along the Blue Line, told the Herald. “There’s no confusion more»
The Bay State Banner - Immigrants Seek City's Support in Securing Status
City Councilor Lydia Edwards met last Friday at City Hall with immigrants whose temporary status and livelihood has been put in jeopardy by both the state and federal government.About 50 people from across the country whose lives in the U.S. have been placed in uncertainty by President Trump’s recent decision more»
East Boston Times-Free Press - Edwards, Wu Holds Master Plan Meeting
Last Thursday at the Ashley Street YMCA City Councilors Lydia Edwards and Michelle Wu held a second in a series of meetings regarding the Eastie Master Plan process.The well-attended meeting was a first step in creating a neighborhood-wide Master Plan that will provide a cohesive vision for the neighborhood.Creating a more»
Mass Live - Is Boston offering more construction opportunities to Boston residents, people of color and women? City councilors call for more oversight
Three Boston City Councilors will call for an oversight hearing at Wednesday's meeting to check in on the progress an ordinance promising more women, people of color, and Boston residents opportunities to work on construction projects financed by the city.Boston City Councilors Lydia Edwards, Kim Janey, and Ayanna Pressley said more»
The Boston Globe - Boston's New Luxury Towers appear to House Few Bostonians
Boston City Councilor Lydia Edwards held a hearing in April to consider taxes on speculative or vacant high-end housing and is planning more discussions on the topic this fall. She said it’s clear the flood of high-end housing isn’t helping the many residents who can’t afford rents, which can easily more»
The Charlestown Patriot-Bridge - Councilors Edwards, Wu File Chain Store Zoning Legislation
Recently, Edwards said she was alerted to the issue of chain stores locating in small business districts when Starbucks attempted to open a second location in the North End. Similar issues have arisen in Charlestown as chains have located on Main Street in the last year as well.“It’s going to more»
WGBH - Exempt From Local Tax, Universities' Voluntary Contributions Get Cold Shoulder in Boston Council
It's become an annual ritual: Every summer, the city of Boston releases its latest report on its Payment In Lieu Of Taxes, or PILOT program — in which Boston asks its biggest and wealthiest nonprofits to make voluntary contributions to the city according to the value of property they own.And more»
East Boston Times - Free Press: First Step: Councilor Edwards Holds Hearing On Possible New Master Plan
Monday night’s well-attended City Council hearing at the Mario Umana Academy hosted by City Councilor Lydia Edwards and chaired by Councilor Michelle Wu was the first step in creating a neighborhood-wide Master Plan that will provide a cohesive vision for the neighborhood. more»
MassLive: In Boston, caregivers denounce separation of migrant families
More than a dozen activists and caregivers came together in Boston Thursday morning to denounce the separation of families who arrived at the United States-Mexico border. more»
The Bay State Banner: City Councilors Weigh in on East Boston Planning
The Boston City Council’s Committee on Planning, Development and Transportation held a public hearing on a neighborhood zoning initiative and master plan Monday night in East Boston. more»
North End Waterfront.com: City Councilors Introduce Legislation to Limit Zoning for Chain Stores
City Councilors Michelle Wu, Kim Janey and Lydia Edwards filed legislation to remove as-of-right designations for chain stores in Boston’s neighborhood business districts. The proposal, entered at today’s Council meeting, would amend the City of Boston’s Zoning Code to regulate formula retail uses, also known as chain stores, and require more»
The Boston Globe: Questions Raised about City Hall ties of outside counsel investigating Fire Department
An outside counsel hired by the city to independently review the Boston Fire Department’s handling of harassment and misconduct allegations has a long history of representing City Hall in employment disputes — including a current racial harassment case involving a black male firefighter. more»
East Boston Times - Free Press: City Launches Planning Initiative in East Boston
Last week Mayor Martin Walsh announced East Boston was chosen as one of five neighborhoods that will be part of the Boston Planning and Development Agency (BPDA) planning initiative. more»
Charlestown Patriot - Bridge: Edwards says Now Is the Time to Push MassPort for Mitigation
Even though MassPort occupies a significant amount of land on Charlestown's waterfront, Councilor Lydia Edwards said the Authority isn't giving Charlestown its fair share of mitigation - and many times it isn't even inviting the Town to the mitigation table. more»
Charlestown Bridge: Seek Higher and Better Use Of Leased Land on Mystic River
Details from a sublease between MassPort and its Charlestown tenant, Boston AutoPort, show that the Authority earned approximately $562,151 in rent on waterfront, City-owned land in Charlestown over a period of six years. more»
Wall Street Journal: Boston Wants Amazon, but Is There Room?
BOSTON—The possible arrival of Amazon’s second headquarters here is triggering both hopes and apprehension in a neighborhood already dealing with fallout from surging costs in a growing city. more»
East Boston Times: Lydia Edwards to Introduce an Order for New East Boston Master Plan
In response to the development boom in the neighborhood, District 1 City Councilor Lydia Edwards plans to introduce an order at the City Council calling for a hearing regarding an East Boston Master Plan. more»
NBC Boston: An order regarding PILOT Payments in the City of Boston
"Under a program called PILOT, which stands for payment in lieu of taxes, the schools would pay 25 percent of what would be their property tax." more»
Metro Boston: City Councilor wants to help residents repay back taxes
Boston City Councilor Lydia Edwards has called for a hearing to help residents repay back thier taxes. more»
Charlestown Bridge: Edwards asks BPDA for Action on Little Mystic Land
City Councilor Lydia Edwards has called for the Boston Planning and Development Agency (BPDA) to begin a community process to discuss the reuse of the Little Mystic parcel of land it owns and current leases to MassPort. more»
Boston Globe: Airbnb has targeted Michelle Wu. She and her supporters are not having it.
"In the brewing fight over short-term rental regulations in Boston, Airbnb just took a big shot at City Councilor Michelle Wu. And now her supporters are firing back." more»
Charlestown Bridge: Zoning Commission denies hurried amendment allowing conversation on taller buildings at Hood
"In a show of force by the Charlestown community at City Hall, neighbors stood in formation with City Councilor Lydia Edwards on Wednesday morning to toss a zoning amendment" in regards to the height on the 100 Hood Park Parcel. more»
Charlestown Patriot Bridge: Bunker Hill Housing Residents Sound Off at Council Hearing
When Councilor Lydia Edwards started off the hearing on One Charlestown at the Knights of Columbus Father Mahoney Hall last Thursday, March 15, she made one thing crystal clear. more»
Northendwaterfront.com: Boston City Council Letter to Massachusetts House on Short-Term Rentals Proposal
The Boston City Council sent a letter regarding short-term rentals to the Massachusetts House last week, asking the House to preserve local control as the council continues to debate legislation. more»
Commonwealth Magazine: Wu seeks to limit short-term rentals Amendment to Walsh plan would ban commercial units from Airbnb
Boston City Councilor Michelle Wu filed an amendment Monday to the mayor’s proposed ordinance on short-term rentals that would bar investors from purchasing properties and renting them out on platforms such as Airbnb. more»
East Boston Times: Councilor Edwards to Honor Maverick Street Mothers Through Annual Scholarship Fund
Boston City Councilor Lydia Edwards kicked off March as “Women’s History Month” by announcing an annual scholarship paying tribute to the Maverick Street Mothers awarded to local parents attending Boston-area colleges. more»
The Bay State Banner: Logan airport workers strike ends after outpouring of support
Contract workers employed by JetBlue subcontractors FSS and ReadyJet at Boston Logan Airport ended thier strike for union representation, better wages and benefits after two days. more»
East Boston Times Free Press: Anthony “Tony the Kid” Barrasso Honored on his 100th Birthday
"I'm blessed to be here to honor an extraordinary veteran named Mr. Anthony Barrasso who turned 100 years old today," said Councilor Edwards. more»
Charlestown Patriot Bridge: Edwards Calls for Hearing on One Charlestown
"I felt it was necessary for the community to be at the table," she (Councilor Edwards) said. more»
The Bay State Banner: Edwards gives maiden speech; calls for Boston to lead the fight for affordable units
Newly-elected City Councilor Lydia Edwards last week called for a hearing to investigate ways the city can tame its speculative housing market, delivering a blistering critique of the city's free-market approach to solving its housing crisis. more»
Commonwealth Magazine: Councilors raise concerns about Walsh’s Airbnb regs
First-term Councilor Lydia Edwards, who represents the North End, which has been particularly hard hit by the booming trend, said the proposal is a good step in adressing the affordable housing problems created by short-term rentals. more»
NorthEndWaterfront.com: Edwards Appointed to Boston’s Neighborhood Housing Trust
Boston City Councilor Lydia Edwards was sworn in by city clerk Maureen Feeney on Wednesday to serve on the Boston's Neighborhood Housing Trust (NHT). more»
FORGET THE MAYOR'S RACE, WOMEN OF COLOR ARE REMAKING BOSTON POLITICS
Lydia Edwards is the newest rising star in Boston politics, after a surprisingly strong second-place showing in Tuesday’s preliminary election put her in likely position to win a district city council seat in November.Edwards, an African-American attorney, should be able to ride momentum and a more favorable general-election turnout to more»
Press Releases
Lydia Edwards Re-Election Campaign Kick-Off
Join Councilor Edwards at La Hacienda in East Boston from 6:00-8:00 PM on April 17th, 2019 for the Lydia Edwards Re-Election Campaign Kick-Off! more»
Councilors Edwards, Flynn File Legislation to Help Bostonians Repay Back Taxes
Councilors Edwards, Flynn File Legislation to Help Bostonians Repay Back TaxesProposal is a Win-Win for Property Owners and City Budget (Boston--July 11) Today, Councilors Lydia Edwards and Ed Flynn filed legislation to help residents and commercial property owners who are struggling with paying back taxes. The B.A.C.K Tax Act would more»
Councilors Edwards, Wu to hold East Boston Master Plan hearing on July 16th
Councilors Edwards, Wu to hold East Boston Master Plan hearing on July 16thCommunity invited to weigh in on future of neighborhood City Councilors Lydia Edwards and Michelle Wu will hold a public hearing on planning for East Boston at 6pm on July 16th, in the Mario Umana Academy, 312 Border more»
STATEMENT FROM CITY COUNCILOR LYDIA EDWARDS ON REGULATION OF SHORT-TERM RENTALS IN BOSTON
STATEMENT FROM CITY COUNCILOR LYDIA EDWARDS ON REGULATION OF SHORT-TERM RENTALS IN BOSTON On Wednesday, June 13th, the Boston City Council voted 11-2 to enact legislation regulating short-term rental platforms such as AirBNB. Councilor Edwards joined the council in voting to pass the legislation. The legislation: Allows owner-occupants to list more»
Following Joint Call for Master Plan, Councilor Edwards Applauds Mayor Walsh’s Announcement of PLAN: East Boston
Following Joint Call for Master Plan, Councilor Edwards Applauds Mayor Walsh’s Announcement of PLAN: East Boston City Council to Hold Public Hearing This Summer City Councilor Lydia Edwards, State Senator Joe Boncore and State Representative Adrian Madaro today issued a statement applauding the Walsh’s administration decision to move forward with more»
Councilor Edwards Pushes Tax Relief for Bostonians
Councilor Edwards Pushes Tax Relief for Bostonians City can forgive interest and extend payment plans for seniors & low-income homeowners BOSTON, MA (Thursday, May 31st, 2018) - Today, the Boston City Council held a hearing on a petition sponsored by Councilor Lydia Edwards to ease financial burden on residents who more»
Councilor Edwards Calls for East Boston Master Plan, Zoning Review
Councilor Edwards Calls for East Boston Master Plan, Zoning Review East Boston delegation pushes for comprehensive review of housing, transportation, zoning & resiliency City Councilor Lydia Edwards is calling for an East Boston Master Plan - a comprehensive framework to guide neighborhood development and growth while accounting for transportation needs more»
Councilors Edwards, Wu Announce Support for Revised Short-Term Rental Regulation
Councilors Edwards, Wu Announce Support for Revised Short-Term Rental Regulation Balanced proposal will enable homeowners to earn supplemental income while ending de-facto corporate hotels City Councilors Lydia Edwards and Michelle Wu are backing a revised ordinance filed by the Walsh administration to regulate the short-term rental industry. “I fully support more»
On World Asthma Day, Over 75 Municipal Officials Urge State Leaders to Enact Environmental Justice Legislation
On World Asthma Day, Over 75 Municipal Officials Urge State Leaders to Enact Environmental Justice Legislation Boston Councilors Edwards and O’Malley lead statewide call to protect vulnerable communities from pollution Local officials from across the state are calling on the Massachusetts legislature to enact environmental justice protections. Today, Boston City more»
Councilor Edwards Calls Hearing to Help Bostonians Repay Back Taxes
Councilor Edwards Calls Hearing to Help Bostonians Repay Back TaxesBoston can increase flexibility around property taxes to benefit seniors & other low-income homeowners Councilor Lydia Edwards this week called a hearing to ensure the City of Boston uses every tool at its disposal to ensure taxpayers can stay in their more»
Councilor Edwards to Explore Community Reuse of Little Mystic Parcel, Height Restrictions in Charlestown
Councilor Edwards to Explore Community Reuse of Little Mystic Parcel, Height Restrictions in Charlestown Little Mystic StatusCouncilor Lydia Edwards today announced her intent to work with the Charlestown community and Boston Planning and Development Agency on potential reuse of a parcel of land on the Little Mystic. The land, located more»
STATEMENT FROM CITY COUNCILORS LYDIA EDWARDS AND MICHELLE WU ON REGULATION OF SHORT-TERM RENTALS IN BOSTON
STATEMENT FROM CITY COUNCILORS LYDIA EDWARDS AND MICHELLE WU ON REGULATION OF SHORT-TERM RENTALS IN BOSTON On Wednesday, March 21st, Mayor Walsh withdrew his proposed ordinance as his administration and the Boston City Council jointly concurred to defer a vote and to continue development of policy on short-term rentals. more»
COUNCILOR EDWARDS TO CHAIR CITY COUNCIL HEARING ON REDEVELOPMENT OF BUNKER HILL HOUSING
COUNCILOR EDWARDS TO CHAIR CITY COUNCIL HEARING ON REDEVELOPMENT OF BUNKER HILL HOUSING BOSTON (7 March 2018) - On Thursday March 15, 2017, at 6:00pm City Councilor Lydia Edwards, Chair of the Housing and Community Development Committee, will hold an City Council hearing in Charlestown on the redevelopment of the more»
COUNCILOR EDWARDS TO HONOR MAVERICK STREET MOTHERS THROUGH ANNUAL SCHOLARSHIP FUND
COUNCILOR EDWARDS TO HONOR MAVERICK STREET MOTHERSTHROUGH ANNUAL SCHOLARSHIP FUND BOSTON (6 March 2018) - Boston City Councilor Lydia Edwards kicked off March as “Women’s History Month” by announcing an annual scholarship paying tribute to the Maverick Street Mothers awarded to local parents attending Boston-area colleges. “In honor of Women’s more»
COUNCILOR EDWARDS TO HOLD HEARING ON ONE CHARLESTOWN MARCH 15, DISCUSS REDEVELOPMENT OF BUNKER HILL HOUSING
COUNCILOR EDWARDS TO HOLD HEARING ON ONE CHARLESTOWN MARCH 15, DISCUSS REDEVELOPMENT OF BUNKER HILL HOUSING BOSTON (5 March 2018) - Boston City Councilor Edwards, Chair of the Housing and Community Development Committee, will hold a hearing on the redevelopment of the Bunker Hill Development in an effort to bring more»
COUNCILOR EDWARDS CALLS FOR ACTION ON GUN REGULATION, FILES RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF “MARCH FOR OUR LIVES”
COUNCILOR EDWARDS CALLS FOR ACTION ON GUN REGULATION, FILES RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF “MARCH FOR OUR LIVES” BOSTON (28 February 2018) - Today, Boston City Councilor Lydia Edwards filed a resolution in support of young leaders in Boston calling for action on gun violence. As students across the nation plan more»
COUNCILOR EDWARDS LAUNCHES LOCAL ART CONTEST FOR DISPLAY AT CITY HALL
COUNCILOR EDWARDS LAUNCHES LOCAL ART CONTESTFOR DISPLAY AT CITY HALL (BOSTON) 26 February 2018 - Boston City Councilor Lydia Edwards is calling for local artwork submissions from the community as part of a contest to find defining district one displays for her office at Boston City Hall. “I’m searching for more»
Councilor Edwards Hires East Boston Community Liaison
Councilor Edwards Hires East Boston Community Liaison Boston, MA Feb 22, 2018 Councilor Lydia Edwards, newly inaugurated Boston City Councilor representing Charlestown, East Boston and the North End, announced the hire of Ricardo Patrón to the East Boston Community Liaison position. Patrón will join Edwards Chief of Staff starting March more»
COUNCILOR EDWARDS FILES ORDER FOR A HEARING ON REDEVELOPMENT OF ONE CHARLESTOWN PROJECT
COUNCILOR EDWARDS FILES ORDER FOR A HEARING ONREDEVELOPMENT OF ONE CHARLESTOWN PROJECT BOSTON (13 February 2018) - During Wednesday’s city council meeting, Councilor Lydia Edwards, Chair of the Housing and Community Development Committee, filed an order calling for a public hearing on the redevelopment of the One Charlestown project in more»
CONCEJAL EDWARDS PRESENTA RESOLUCIÓN APOYANDO HUELGA DE TRABAJADORES DEL AEROPUERTO
CONCEJAL EDWARDS PRESENTA RESOLUCIÓN APOYANDOHUELGA DE TRABAJADORES DEL AEROPUERTOBOSTON (7 de febrero de 2018) - La Concejal Lydia Edwards presentó una resolución esta semana en apoyo de la huelga de trabajadores del aeropuerto de Boston Logan contra los subcontratistas de la aerolínea JetBlue, FSS y ReadyJet, por intimidación y amenazas."Estos more»
COUNCILOR EDWARDS FILES RESOLUTION SUPPORTING AIRPORT WORKERS STRIKE
COUNCILOR EDWARDS FILES RESOLUTIONSUPPORTING AIRPORT WORKERS STRIKE BOSTON (7 February 2018) - City Councilor Lydia Edwards filed a resolution this week supporting a Boston Logan Airport workers strike against JetBlue subcontractors FSS and ReadyJet for intimidation and threats. “These workers are the backbone of what keeps our airport moving yet more»
A HOME FOR ALL BOSTONIANS
A HOME FOR ALL BOSTONIANS The City of Boston is at a watershed moment as we find ourselves with the exciting opportunity to define our neighborhoods future for generations to come. While I am incredibly hopeful for the future of this city, I am keenly aware of the challenges that more»
ATTORNEY GENERAL MAURA HEALEY ENDORSES LYDIA EDWARDS
Maura Healey, the State’s Attorney General and Charlestown resident, is throwing her support behind Lydia Edwards in the City Council election on November 7th.“I’ve seen first-hand that Lydia can and has made a significant difference in people’s lives, standing up for workers, for women and for the most vulnerable people more»