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Off‑site hearing on Chinatown, Leather District water and sewer infrastructure stays in committee
Summary
Councilors held an off‑site hearing on aging water and sewer infrastructure in Chinatown and the Leather District; residents reported high water levels, hot water/steam and aging pipes, and the council will continue oversight with utility providers.
The Boston City Council’s Committee on Water, Energy and Cable held an off‑site hearing on Sept. 22 to examine water and sewer infrastructure problems affecting Chinatown and the Leather District and recommended continued oversight.
Councilor Enrique Pepin, who chaired the off‑site hearing, said residents raised concerns including high water levels, elevated water temperatures or steam, and aging pipes that residents and businesses say are causing neighborhood impacts. Representatives from the city's water and energy providers attended to answer community questions.
“The hearing felt very productive,” Councilor Pepin said, and he urged the matter remain in committee so the council can continue follow‑up with utility providers. Councilor Ed Flynn and Councilor Julia Mejia, who sponsored the docket, were thanked for filing the matter and for organizing the off‑site session. Melissa Lo from Councilor Flynn’s office provided Cantonese interpretation for residents.
No bill or funding decision was made; the docket (Order for a hearing to discuss water and sewer infrastructure in Chinatown and the Leather District) remains in committee for additional review and follow‑up with utilities and community members.
