The hearing focused heavily on the allocation of the grant funds, particularly the $539,500 earmarked for the Boston Police Department. This funding is intended to span three years, starting October 1, 2024, and will support various law enforcement initiatives aimed at mitigating crime in areas adjacent to the casino properties. A significant portion of the discussion centered around the appointment of a full-time safety coordinator who will manage units such as the Human Trafficking Unit and the Drug Control Unit. This role will also oversee future grants from the Massachusetts Gaming Commission.

Sergeant Detective Mark Sullivan provided detailed accounts of past police operations, highlighting the proactive measures taken during large events that increase demands for commercial sex and drug-related crimes. Sullivan noted that 30 individuals were charged in recent operations, including nine for severe offenses like the attempted rape of a child. The testimony also addressed the rise in traffic incidents since the casino’s opening in June 2019, including two fatal pedestrian incidents on Alfred Street, exacerbated by increased traffic from the casino and its route from Logan Airport.

Deputy Superintendent Joseph Gillespie further elaborated on the challenges faced in Districts A1 and A15, citing increases in vehicle thefts and larcenies associated with the casino. He proposed using grant funds to enhance visibility patrols during peak hours and weekends, and to purchase surveillance cameras, portable lights, and traffic enforcement equipment. Gillespie also advocated for community meetings to educate residents on crime prevention.

Deputy Superintendent Keith Webb discussed the Youth Violence Strike Force’s need for overtime funding to coordinate joint operations with local law enforcement and casino security. Webb emphasized the troubling trend of violence originating from altercations at casinos, often spilling back into Boston and leading to shootings and stabbings.

Director U.S. Wang from the Human Services Cabinet introduced a smaller grant of approximately $177,000 aimed at studying the impacts of casino gambling on youth in Charlestown. This participatory action research project seeks to engage local youth and organizations in co-designing the research process and assisting in data collection. The project aims to address gaps in existing research, particularly concerning vulnerable populations, by focusing on youth exposure to gambling and perceptions of the Encore Boston casino.

The council also examined a broader allocation of $2.3 million in funding from the Gaming Commission, aimed at distributing resources across various city departments to mitigate the negative impacts of the gaming industry on local communities. Questions were raised about whether areas like Chinatown were included in the traffic mitigation plans, with clarifications indicating that “downtown” encompasses all relevant zones affected by traffic and bus activity.

There was a notable debate on how the Gaming Commission’s funds should be distributed. A meeting involving multiple city agencies was convened to discuss the Request for Proposal (RFP) and align their strategies with the specific mandates of the grants. Each agency presented their funding needs, leading to a fair distribution of resources rather than a pre-determined allocation.

Other topics included the acquisition of a new traffic enforcement pickup truck for downtown operations, including Chinatown, to enhance the department’s ability to gather evidence and manage traffic signs. The timeline for implementing these improvements was discussed, with indications that many projects would complement existing capital budget line items, expediting the process.

Councilors expressed a need for comprehensive data on crime statistics related to the casino’s impact on local crime rates. Ongoing investigations into human trafficking linked to the casino were affirmed. The conversation also touched on the youth research study, with concerns about exposing young people to gambling-related topics without adequate educational context. Council members emphasized the importance of incorporating preventative education into the research to inform youth about the risks associated with gambling.