Advertisement
Boston's Morning Newsletter
Where did the people living at Mass. and Cass go? Here's what we know
Editor's Note: This is an excerpt from WBUR's daily morning newsletter, WBUR Today. If you like what you read and want it in your inbox, sign up here.
It’s a big day for groundbreakings across Massachusetts, but let’s start with news of what’s coming down:
The Mass. and Cass tent encampment is, again, no more: WBUR’s Deborah Becker reports that Boston outreach workers and police finished clearing out the remaining tents from the intersection yesterday. This comes after days of work to help find new homes for those living at what’s been described as the epicenter of New England’s opioid, mental health and homelessness crises.
It’s hardly the first time officials have cleared people out of the area — though it is the first time they’ve done it under a new ordinance empowering police to remove tents if they return. So, what’s next for the people who were living around Massachusetts Avenue and Melnea Cass Boulevard? Here’s what we know as of now:
- 85: That’s roughly the number of people who were living in tents at Mass. and Cass as of last week, according to city officials.
- 80: The number of people who the city helped move into shelters and other transitional housing facilities by the end of the day. Becker reports most had already made the move prior to Wednesday, after outreach workers began alerting people about the deadline. But another two dozen accepted relocation offers and packed up on Wednesday.
- 9: The number of people who decided to move back in with friends and family members, according to the city.
- Go deeper: The numbers above only provide a snapshot of what’s next for those who were living in the area. As Becker has reported, some don’t like living in shelters or feel unsafe at home. One person told Becker on Wednesday that they expect to keep sleeping on the streets at times, maybe even at Mass. and Cass. However, some local leaders are calling for a “zero tolerance policy” on any new tent encampments due to safety concerns. For a more complete picture, read Becker’s full story here.
Construction on Harvard’s big expansion into Allston has officially begun. Local leaders held a ceremonial groundbreaking celebration yesterday for the first phase of Harvard’s so-called Enterprise Research Campus (yes, even though they actually broke ground in June). Located south of Harvard’s Business School in Lower Allston, the new 14-acre development is slated to include 345 housing units, labs, restaurants, green space and a hotel.
- Boston officials negotiated an agreement with Harvard requiring that 25% of the housing units be designated as affordable. The project is expected to open by late 2025 or early 2026.
More paths: Pedestrians and cyclists will soon have a new riverside shortcut to get around Medford. Crews are breaking ground today on the “Clippership Connector Path,” a half-mile, off-road path that will run between Medford Square and Riverbend Park along the Mystic River. Importantly, it will also provide a link between about 10 miles of near-contiguous greenways, from Somerville’s Assembly Square to the Mystic Lakes paths and Alewife Greenway. See the map here.
- What’s next: The exact opening date is still TBD. In an interview with WBUR’s Stevee Chapman, Medford Mayor Breanna Lungo-Koehn estimated the project will take just over a year.
Meanwhile in Fitchburg: City officials are set to break ground on a project to redevelop three historic buildings into housing for artists. WBUR’s Andrea Shea says it’s part of a larger effort to reposition the old mill town as a regional arts hub.
- Zoom in: In addition to one, two and three-bedroom apartments, the housing project will include studio, gallery, rehearsal and performance spaces. Check out the design renderings and what the buildings look like right now in Shea’s full story.
One week later: In the week since the devastating shooting in Lewiston, Maine that killed 18 people and injured 13, local journalists have uncovered a lot of information about the gunman, Robert Card, and his possible motives. Listen here as WBUR’s Rupa Shenoy talks with Portland Press Herald reporter Rachel Ohm about what has come to light in the aftermath.
- Here’s a timeline of Card’s concerning behavior and interactions with police in the months leading up to the shooting.
- Heads up: President Joe Biden is expected to visit Lewiston tomorrow to pay his respects to the victims and their families.
P.S.— The Boston Public Library’s spice bank is back. Donate your garlic powder, paprika, thyme and any other unopened spices or dried herbs to any of the BPL’s branches. They’ll be distributed to local families in need for the holidays and beyond. (And how’s this for a dash of good news? All donations to the main library in Copley Square will be matched.)
