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Council orders hearings on permitting modernization, Mattapan Square revitalization and Nubian Square public-safety concerns
Summary
Councilors filed hearing orders to modernize permitting and curbside management, review Mattapan Square task force work, and examine public-safety and infrastructure issues in Nubian Square; separate dockets address groundwater risks and pothole repair performance.
Councilors used the March 17 meeting to push for system changes and neighborhood-focused reviews across several agenda items.
Councilor Durkin (Planning, Development & Transportation) introduced a hearing order on modernizing permitting systems to improve accessibility for transportation, curbside management, construction and development. Durkin described a goal of creating an outward-facing, real-time platform where residents can see permitted work in their neighborhoods and urged interdepartmental coordination; he said the mayor's technology modernization executive order offers a starting point for broader reform and asked for timely committee action.
Councilor Pepin filed a hearing to review the Mattapan Square task force’s achievements and identify needs for transportation, commercial support and services. Pepin and Councilor Worrell highlighted collaboration among city departments, community groups and the police to support neighborhood businesses and public safety.
Councilor Culpepper filed a hearing order on Nubian Square, reporting resident and merchant concerns about increased drug use and illegal activity. He emphasized the need for a coordinated response that balances public safety, public health, sanitation and economic development. Councilor Louis Jain and Councilor Worrell supported a sustained service-oriented approach.
Other neighborhood and infrastructure items: Councilor Flynn filed a hearing on the Boston Groundwater Trust and groundwater infrastructure following testimony that thousands of buildings on fill could be at risk if groundwater levels fall; Flynn cited repair cost estimates that could reach about $200,000 per property in extreme cases. Councilor Flynn also filed a pothole-status hearing noting the city reported filling around 4,000 potholes in 2025 (down from 7,000 in 2023).
What happens next: Dockets on permitting, Mattapan Square, Nubian Square, groundwater, and potholes were all referred to their committees for scheduled hearings and follow-up.
Context: Councilors framed these filings as resident-driven priorities for the spring construction season and neighborhood revitalization.
