Photo: Jared Brosnan/WBZ NewsRadio
BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — For some longtime residents of Downtown Boston, they've seen big changes over the years, not all of them good.
Eileen's been living in a building on Tremont Street for 25 years. She says college students partying on the weekend can keep people up all night.
"And I mean into the morning, into the day, all day, all night," Eileen said. "The theft crime has gone up."
Earlier this year, the city launched the One Downtown Task Force in conjunction with the Downtown Boston Neighborhood Association to combat some of the growing problems. Billed as a cross-sector coalition of city and state officials, law enforcement, shelters and churches, institutional partners, business and trade associations, and civic organizations, the task force was created to enhance the quality of life for those in Downtown Boston and surrounding neighborhoods like Eileen, focusing on drug use, criminal activity, and homelessness.
Many still feel that there are plenty of problems, whether it's random crime, excessive loitering, or rowdy college students on the weekends. Residents like Sonya say they see some improvements from the force. She also feels that more community events on the common have become more family-oriented in recent years.
"Which is also a good thing. I think that's as a result of the increased police presence being around and residents feeling safer."
Residents will have the opportunity to address the force and voice their concerns on Thursday night at the Emerson Cutler Majestic Theater.
WBZ NewsRadio’s Jim MacKay (@JimMacKayOnAir) reports.