Wu Raises Concerns About Mass. And Cass Evictions Process, But Makes No Policy Promises

Boston Mayor-elect Michelle Wu acknowledged concerns Thursday about the city's process for evicting people from tents around Melnea Cass Boulevard and Massachusetts Avenue, saying “from what I can tell, there are changes and improvements that are needed in terms of how we could better connect every individual to services and housing.” But she said she is not ready to commit yet to any specific policy changes.

Wu met with a small group of reporters after she was briefed on the ongoing public health crisis of people with substance use disorders and people without homes living in encampments at Mass. and Cass. The meeting with officials from various city agencies was Wu's first policy briefing since being elected mayor Tuesday night.

The mayor-elect — still a sitting City Council member — said her office is seeking “more information” about the detention process for hearings being held at the Suffolk County jail.

Wu also rejected the idea of arresting people waiting in line for substance use treatment in the area. "That would be unacceptable," she said. “There's clear understanding from within the folks at the table today that that’s not something that should ever happen."

Read more: https://www.wgbh.org/news/local-news/2021/11/04/wu-raises-concerns-about-mass-and-cass-evictions-process-but-makes-no-policy-promises