Councilor Louijeune called Docket # 0321, Petition for a Special Law re: Securing Environmental Justice in the City of Boston, from the Committee on Government Operation. No objection being heard, the matter was before the body. Councilor Edwards motioned to amend language. Second Councilor Breadon. On motion of Councilor Louijeune, the Petition was passed as amended.
Duncan Number 0321 petition for a special law regarding securing environmental justice in the city of Boston. Thank you. The chair recognizes Councilor Arroyo, chair of the Committee on Government Operations Counsel. Royal. You have the floor. Q Mr. Chair, the Committee on Government Operations had the working session on Monday, April 4th, on Docket 0321 petition for a special law regarding securing environmental justice in the city of Boston, which was sponsored by Councilor Liddy Edwards. I'd like to thank my council colleagues for attending. Councilor Flynn, Councilor Lara, Councilman here. Councilor Murphy, Councilor Flower City Councilor, BLOCK and Councilor. We're out. This home rule petition would declare that a state of emergency exists in the city of Boston with regards to environmental injustice and climate change. If passed, this legislation would amend the EPA's Enabling Act and remove public services corporations ability to seek an exemption to all Boston zoning laws by petitioning the State Department of Public Utilities. Instead, this legislation will give the Building Commissioner the authority to enforce environmental justice standards. If the Commissioner determines that a use or proposed use of a building structure or land in the city would negatively impact environmental rights afforded to residents by state law. The Building Commissioner would have the authority to issue a stop work order or suspend any issued permits, licenses or authorizations associated with the use or proposed use. At the working session, the committee heard from several environmental justice advocates about the urgency of securing environmental justice in Boston and protecting local communities. The utility company representatives stated that they believe that existing state regulations provided sufficient environmental justice protections. The sponsor clarified that the legislation would grant extra authority to the Building Commissioner and that more specific building standards can be crafted by the Zoning Commission and the Building Commissioner if the state passes this. There was a suggestion that language be added, specifying that the process of deciding those building standards shall be guided by the needs of a community through a civic engagement process. So while we wait to receive specific language amendments that were discussed at the working session, we're recommending that this remains in committee. Thank you. As Council Royal. When any of our colleagues like to speak on this matter. To Ireland 0321 will remain in committee. Mr. Clerk, please read docket. 029520295 Order for rehearing to explore municipal bonds and other fiscal options to increase affordable housing and community investments. The chair recognizes Councilor Fernandez Anderson, Chair of the Committee and Ways and Means Counsel. Fernandez Anderson. You have the floor. Can we. Can we refer back? So I left my. Yes. Thank you. Mr. Carr, can we go on to docket 0313 and we'll return to Dawkins. 0295.0313 message in order for an appropriation or in the amount of $27,205,854 from fiscal year 2022. Community Preservation Fund Revenues for Community Preservation Projects at the Recommendation of the City of Boston Community Preservation Committee.