BOSTON – Boston City Councilman Ed Flynn, in his fourth term representing the South District, which includes Chinatown, Back Bay and Downtown, said he believes communities of color have legitimate concerns about the government addressing their needs.
While the Melnea Cass Recreation Center has been converted to a temporary shelter for migrants and the local Walgreen’s has closed in Roxbury , the Boston City Council approved a $13 million Homeland Security grant after it had been rejected in December because of fears it would negatively impact minority communities.
However, Flynn said, the grand was about public safety. He said half of the money would go to cities and towns to respond to disasters and terrorist threats, although some expressed the fear that police are spying on the community.
Also, many people in communities of color feel that they are doing their share and resent the loss of their recreation center.
“Others have to step up. And when much is expected, it’s important for us to step up, but we can’t be the only group that supports people in need,” Flynn said.