The proposed ordinance seeks to expand coverage to smaller two- and three-unit properties, prevalent in Boston’s lower-income neighborhoods. Sheila Dillon, Chief of Housing for the City of Boston, and her colleague Karina Oliver Milkman outlined the ordinance’s history and its role as a key anti-displacement tool. They noted that the ordinance, originally adopted in 1999 and last amended in 2021, currently applies to residential properties with four or more units built before 1983. The ordinance requires property owners intending to convert rental units to provide specific rights and benefits to tenants, including notice of intent to convert, lease extensions, and relocation benefits.

The councilors expressed consensus on the need to strengthen tenant protections, with several suggesting various amendments and enhancements to the ordinance. A critical aspect of the conversation was the potential inclusion of veterans as a protected class. Another point of discussion was the look-back period for tenants displaced before the filing of a conversion application. Some council members debated whether the existing 12-month look-back period was sufficient, considering the timing of property owners filing for conversion permits and the potential for tenants to be displaced before city intervention.

The meeting also delved into the challenges faced by property owners due to the proposed ordinance expansion to include smaller buildings. It was clarified that while the ordinance would extend protections, it would maintain exemptions for owner-occupied properties with four or fewer units, addressing concerns about the financial burden on smaller landlords. Financial relocation assistance for displaced tenants was highlighted, with the burden of costs falling on property owners rather than the city.

Parallel to the condo conversion discussion, the Council Committee on Public Safety and Criminal Justice addressed the integrity of Boston’s 911 system following a significant statewide outage in June 2024. Councilor Erin Murphy underscored the importance of having reliable emergency systems, citing a recent incident where police radio communication was down for nearly 30 minutes. The councilors discussed contingency plans and emphasized the necessity of redundant systems to ensure operational emergency services during outages.

A panel of experts, including representatives from Boston’s emergency services, detailed the measures taken during the outage, such as maintaining operational dispatch procedures and advising units on the road to be visibly present in their districts. The panelists discussed efforts to establish a backup center for 911 calls in another state and implement a more resilient call-taking system. The councilors recognized the need for continued investment in technology to enhance the system’s reliability and ensure that emergency services can respond effectively to future incidents.

Moreover, the meeting highlighted the collaborative effort between emergency services to address the city’s communication challenges, particularly during the 911 outage. The Boston Police and Fire Departments partnered to inform residents of alternative emergency contact methods, such as using fire alarm boxes and a ten-digit number for district stations. Deputy Superintendent Christopher Walsh emphasized the installation of an alternative telephone call handling system in emergency operations centers as a resilience measure.

In addressing these issues, the councilors underscored the importance of public education regarding emergency communication protocols, particularly for vulnerable populations. The discussions revealed a commitment to ensuring preparedness and responsiveness in the face of potential system failures, emphasizing the need for a unified approach to public safety and tenant protections in Boston.