Ed Flynn Advocates for Affordable Housing, Pedestrian Safety, and Gun Control in Boston City Council Race
In the race for a seat on the Boston City Council, Ed Flynn is making his priorities clear. Flynn is advocating for affordable housing, pedestrian safety, and gun control measures in his campaign. In a recent survey, Flynn shared his thoughts on these pressing issues and outlined his plans for addressing them.
Affordable housing is a critical need for Boston and its residents, according to Flynn. He has a strong track record of supporting housing stability and has consistently backed policies that enhance it. Flynn has supported measures to build more affordable housing for low-income and working families, including affordable housing projects and strengthening the Inclusionary Development Policy. He also advocates for increasing linkage fees on commercial developments. Flynn is committed to working with everyone to address the housing crisis.
Pedestrian and public safety is another top priority for Flynn. He has been advocating at City Hall for traffic-calming infrastructure, such as speed humps, raised crosswalks, and rapid flash beacons with pedestrian islands. Flynn believes in the importance of hiring more police officers to address overstretched resources, forced overtime, and looming retirements. He has also proposed an ordinance to study the flow of firearms and illegal firearms recovered in the city, aiming to better understand the impact of illegal gun trafficking and develop effective strategies for gun violence prevention.
Flynn is also focused on addressing the large encampments at Mass. and Cass and the urgent need to arrest individuals involved in acts of violence, including gun and drug traffickers and those exploiting women. He has proposed a plan for the reopening of the Long Island Recovery Campus, which provides valuable resources for addressing substance use disorders. Flynn emphasizes the need for more mental health services and decentralized resources for those experiencing homelessness and addiction.
In addition to his priorities, Flynn supports the expansion and strengthening of the Inclusionary Development Policy. He calls for a larger percentage of units to be designated as affordable beyond the current 13%. Flynn has previously held a hearing on this issue and enforcement of the policy to ensure developers fulfill their obligations. He also advocates for increased funding for affordable housing through higher linkage fees and fees on property transfers.
Flynn believes it is crucial to build more affordable, workforce, and income-restricted family housing units that accommodate working families, communities of color, and immigrant neighbors. He recognizes the importance of public housing and pledges to support residents in public housing developments while working with the city to preserve and improve those units.
The issue of gun violence is of great concern to Flynn. He highlights how gun trafficking and the illegal flow of firearms contribute to this problem. As a result, Flynn has proposed an ordinance that would require a comprehensive study and review of firearm flow into Boston. This data would inform strategies to reduce gun violence and aid law enforcement and policymakers in understanding the issue better.
Regarding traffic safety, Flynn calls for investments in traffic-calming infrastructure such as speed bumps, raised crosswalks, and rapid flash beacons throughout Boston’s high-traffic roads and corridors. He has recommended multiple plans for street safety and has advocated for a reduced speed limit to 20 mph. Flynn considers speeding cars a public health emergency and vows to continue advocating for measures to address this issue.
Flynn also recognizes the need for Boston to have a say in the decision-making process at the MBTA Board. He emphasizes the importance of repairing tracks quickly and sustaining investments for long-term maintenance. Flynn believes the state should invest in the public transit system, ensuring it has adequate funding for maintenance and hiring.
As City Council President, Flynn aims to create a professional working environment for all. He emphasizes the need for civility and respect within the council, promoting ethics and civility through trainings and proposing an Anti-Bullying Policy. Flynn believes that setting the standard for public interaction and treating each other with respect, despite differences, is essential.
In the Boston City Council race, Ed Flynn remains committed to his priorities of affordable housing, pedestrian safety, and gun control. With his track record and proposed measures, Flynn aims to address key issues impacting the city and its residents.
