City Weighing Options After Shelter Evacuation

Boston Mayor Martin Walsh says the city is exploring options for a 450-bed homeless shelter and other programs that were evacuated when the city closed a structurally deficient bridge leading to Long Island.

The mayor's office updated ongoing efforts to maintain the services that were affected by the Oct. 8 shutdown of the 53-year-old bridge. A replacement span could take up to three years to build.

Walsh says the displaced homeless residents are being taken care of at other city-run and independent facilities, with the hope that more beds can be found to meet winter demand.

He says the city is also working to find space for other city-run and private programs on the island, including detox and recovery services and a transitional housing program for people living with AIDS.