BOSTON – A Boston city council member is calling for more resources to be put into community space more and more reports of drug use and criminal activity.
Drug use and violence
It’s an area steeped in history, but even a guide dressed as a patriot who prefers not to be identified said he takes his tours through the Common quite quickly.
“I’m trying to leave the Common in ten minutes to not have to deal with that, unfortunately it’s the only thing I can do right now. Luckily there’s enough to talk about in Boston for a revolution,” he said.
It has not gone unnoticed by those traveling through the popular park.
“Certainly, the drug use is quite uncomfortable at times,” said Nicole Pedraca, who is visiting from Puerto Rico.
“You have to be vigilant where you are and watch your surroundings and use it wisely,” said Darlene Ballbach, who was visiting a friend from Cape Cod. “I would probably come here at certain times of the day.”
People avoid area
It’s the kind of response that City Councilman Ed Flynn says he’s constantly receiving as he plans a hearing on public safety issues. Boston police said they have increased patrols by at least 25% in recent months, but Flynn insists people, including tourists, are avoiding the area.
“There is drug dealing and drug use on Tremont Street, and a lot of people don’t even walk on Tremont Street because of the constant drug use,” Flynn said.
Kiosk employee Gerry Mayo sees it, but also thinks that the police have been effectively present, but can do more than just patrol.
“If they put a little police kiosk here, which is what they need, that would solve a lot of problems,” Mayo said.
Companies are hurting
Some say it has financial implications, like newsstand worker Bill Peruse.
“Instead of making over a thousand dollars, we’re barely making a hundred dollars a day,” Peruse said. He said not only are people wary of the area, but things like the lighting also make them nervous. “Many tourists do not come between the buildings at night because it is dark.”
Boston Mayor Michelle Wu said the city is committed to ensuring the safety of the area.
“Everywhere in the city there is the police chief [Michael] Cox and police are in close contact with community groups and are monitoring statistics of what is happening,” said Wu.
Bet Germano
