Revere City Council Demands Answers Over Safety Concerns at State-Run Shelters
- Meeting Overview:
The Revere City Council meeting on January 13th was marked by discussions regarding public safety, particularly in state-run shelters, following a recent incident at the Quality Inn involving the seizure of fentanyl and an assault weapon. Additionally, the council addressed school safety measures, budget hearing schedules, and traffic regulations.
A central topic of concern was a motion introduced to address safety issues at emergency assistance shelters, specifically following a significant incident on December 27th at the Quality Inn. A substantial amount of fentanyl and an assault weapon were seized, raising alarm about the vetting procedures for individuals entering the Emergency Assistance (EA) shelter system. A council member called for representatives from the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities to appear before the council to discuss these procedures. The motion was a direct response to public outrage over what was seen as inadequate safety measures in taxpayer-funded shelters.
The council member emphasized the urgency of the issue, pointing out that over a thousand serious incidents were reported at state shelters from January 2023 to August 2024. The member criticized the lack of background checks for shelter residents, revealing that the system, which has cost taxpayers over $1.1 billion in the past two fiscal years, failed to protect vulnerable citizens.
The debate extended to broader implications of the right to shelter law, with another council member reflecting on its original intent for citizens, not migrants. They argued that the law’s good intentions have led to unintended negative consequences, contributing to ongoing issues within the shelter system. The council member expressed hope for changes in public perception and policy, reiterating concerns over public safety and the potential for criminal activity arising from current shelter policies.
Further support for the motion came from a council member who underscored the need for thorough background checks, highlighting past incidents involving serious crimes at shelters. They acknowledged that while a recent order by Governor Healey mandating such checks is a step forward, it is insufficient to prevent harm. The member emphasized that residents are expected to undergo background checks for various roles and responsibilities, yet similar standards were lacking for shelter residents.
The council’s discussion also acknowledged the complexities surrounding individuals residing in shelters, noting that while the situation is dangerous, it involves nuanced personal circumstances. There was a call for unity and a collaborative approach, with a focus on supporting the mayor in future actions related to the ongoing issues. The motion received unanimous support from the council members present, with one councilor recused from the vote.
In addition to the shelter safety concerns, the council discussed measures to enhance school safety. Council members urged the mayor, police chief, and superintendent of schools to consider hiring a security company or increasing student resource officers at Rivier High School. This motion was proposed in response to ongoing safety concerns, with a request for a report on the feasibility of these measures within 30 to 60 days. Some councilors noted improvements in the school’s environment with additional campus supervisors and a behavioral health unit now present, but the consensus was to keep the motion in committee for further discussion.
Another school safety motion involved the potential installation of metal detectors at Rivier High School. Despite hesitance from some council members, the idea of using portable metal detectors was proposed as a viable safety measure.
The council also addressed a proposal to amend the scheduling of Ways and Means subcommittee budget hearings. The amendment aimed to exempt these meetings from public meeting time restrictions, allowing department heads to present budget reports during regular working hours. The proposal faced mixed reactions, with some councilors emphasizing the importance of department head attendance regardless of meeting times. The motion was ultimately kept in committee for further discussion.
Traffic regulations were another focus, with a motion requesting a plan to manage congestion during peak holiday shopping periods and another addressing the deteriorating condition of the seawall along Winter Parkway. The latter motion called for the Department of Conservation and Recreation to assess the seawall and undertake necessary repairs by the following summer.
In addressing hotel safety, a motion was presented to instruct the police chief to collaborate with hotel management to investigate suspicious activities in occupied rooms. The motion aimed to address recent incidents involving drugs and weapons, although concerns were raised about potential legal implications related to Fourth Amendment rights.
Patrick M. Keefe Jr.
City Council Officials:
Anthony Cogliandro, Ira Novoselsky, Anthony T. Zambuto, Marc Silvestri, Michelle Kelley, Juan Pablo Jaramillo, Robert J. Haas, Iii, Joanne McKenna, Paul Argenzio, Angela Guarino-Sawaya, Chris Giannino
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Meeting Type:
City Council
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Committee:
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Meeting Date:
01/13/2025
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Recording Published:
01/13/2025
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Duration:
71 Minutes
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Notability Score:
Routine
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State:
Massachusetts
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County:
Suffolk County
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Towns:
Revere
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