Boston City officials gathered on June 12, 2025, to address the pressing housing crisis exacerbated by the influx of students and the rising rental market. The meeting highlighted the urgent need for effective policies and accurate data to manage the impact of student housing on local communities.

Patricia Flaherty, a resident of Calumet Square, voiced her concerns about the unaffordability of housing in neighborhoods like Mission Hill, where rents have skyrocketed to $6,000 for a triple-decker flat. She emphasized that the current rental prices are pushing out working families and long-term residents, making it increasingly difficult for them to compete in the housing market.

Richard Giordano from the Fenway Community Development Corporation echoed these sentiments, stressing the importance of timely data to inform housing policies. He pointed out that the student rental market is driving up rents and displacing long-term residents across several neighborhoods, including East Boston, Mission Hill, and Fenway. Giordano proposed speeding up the institutional master plan process for dormitory construction, suggesting that universities should maintain a minimum percentage of students living on campus to alleviate pressure on the local housing market.

The discussions revealed a pattern of absentee ownership and the conversion of traditional family homes into student housing, which has led to significant changes in neighborhood demographics. Giordano cited a case where a block of apartments was transformed into student housing, resulting in the displacement of long-term residents and a doubling of rental prices.

Both speakers called for a collaborative approach to address these challenges, advocating for policies that balance the needs of students and the local community. They emphasized the necessity of using data from the university accountability report to develop effective housing strategies.

As Boston continues to grapple with its housing crisis, the insights shared during this meeting underscore the critical need for actionable policies that protect both residents and the integrity of neighborhoods. The city is urged to take immediate steps to ensure that housing remains accessible for all, particularly as it navigates the complexities of a growing student population.