Boston City Council Urged to Ban Kratom Amid Emotional Testimonies

Overview: The Boston City Council met on March 9, 2026, to discuss the regulation of kratom, a substance gaining attention for its potential health risks. The meeting, chaired by Councilor John Fitzgerald, focused on testimonies from health experts, advocates, and families affected by kratom-related incidents, highlighting the urgent call for a ban on kratom sales in Boston.

Revere City Council Faces Public Outcry Over Traffic Changes and School Construction Delays

Overview: The Revere City Council meeting on March 9, 2026, focused heavily on significant public concerns regarding recent traffic changes at the Winthrop Avenue and Harris Street intersection, as well as the ongoing high school construction project. The council addressed these issues amidst vocal criticisms from residents and updates on construction delays.

Boston Building Emissions Review Board Grants Solar Exemption to Boston Housing Authority

Overview: In a recent virtual meeting, the Boston Building Emissions Review Board approved a request from the Boston Housing Authority (BHA) for a solar exemption, a decision that underscores the city’s commitment to renewable energy while navigating regulatory challenges. The exemption allows BHA to benefit from solar energy production without retaining Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs), an important element under the Building Emissions Reduction and Disclosure Ordinance (BERDO).

Boston Celebrates Record Graduation Rates and Expansion of Educational Programs

Overview: Boston’s Planning and Development Board meeting spotlighted the achievements in the Boston Public Schools (BPS), celebrating a record-high graduation rate and the expansion of college and career programs. Mayor Michelle Wu announced that BPS had reached its highest graduation rate of 81.3%. This milestone coincides with a corresponding drop in the dropout rate, excluding the remote learning period of the pandemic.

Revere City Council Moves to Assume Control Over Special Permits, Approves Restaurant and Apartment Projects

Overview: In a move, the Revere City Council’s zoning subcommittee voted to amend zoning ordinances, thereby shifting control of special permits from the Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) to the city council itself. Additionally, the council approved a special permit for a new restaurant on Broadway and a larger residential project on Stanton Avenue, despite some concerns about the latter’s impact on neighborhood density.