Wu Responds To National Guard Deployment Suggestion For Mass And Cass

Photo: WBZ NewsRadio

BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — Some residents in South Boston are calling for more police resources over concerns about criminal activity near the intersection of Melnea Cass Boulevard and Massachusetts Avenue. 

During a recent Worcester Square Area Neighborhood Association (WSANA) meeting, members of the community shared examples of the criminal activity in the neighborhood with Andrew Brand, co-president of the association.

"Apparently someone was away for a while, and a homeless person or someone was trying to squat — you know, break into their apartment and squat in it," said Brand.

Mass and Cass has long been inundated with people struggling with housing and addiction issues. Known as a containment zone, the area is also home to the Access, Harm Reduction, Overdose Prevention and Education (AHOPE). The program is a harm reduction and needle exchange site that provides several services to active injection users including free clean needles and risk reduction supplies aimed at preventing hepatitis and HIV transmission.

Read More: Center Offers Free Recovery Coaching For Those Struggling With Addiction

Mayor Michelle Wu said Monday the residents' concerns are on her radar. 

"I have weekly conversations with the police commissioner, daily basically at this point. My eyes are on Mass and Cass every single day. We are committed to and we have talked about all various ways that we're meeting with residents in this area," said Wu.

They mayor also pushed back against WSANA's suggestion that the National Guard be deployed since Boston police resources are limited.

"I don't believe we need or should have a military deployment in our city," she said. 

City officials say they are currently looking at several solutions to the problems in the area including a new partnership with the Gavin Foundation to expand access to recovery and treatment services.

Wu announced that the city will use a $200,000 grant from the Cummings Foundation to help the City's Coordinated Response Team work with professionals from the Gavin Foundation to provide treatment navigation and transportation for individuals in the Mass and Cass area as they enter into recovery programs. The Gavin Foundation is a nonprofit organization that provides substance abuse education, prevent and treatment.

WBZ NewsRadio’s James Rojas (@JamesRojasMMJ) reports.

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