THE REVERE ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2021 Page 13 From left to right: Ward 2 Councillor Ira Novoselsky, State Rep. Jessica Giannino, Ward 1 Councillor Joanne McKenna, Council President Anthony Zambuto, Ward 4 Councillor Patrick Keefe, State Rep. Jeff Turco, Council Vice President Gerry Visconti, Ward 3 Councillor candidate Al Terminiello Jr., School Committee member Carol Tye and School Committee member/State Senate candidate Anthony D’Ambrosio with Abrams family members in front. (Advocate photos by Tara Vocino) Corey Abrams died by an unexpected suicide. A community garden was dedicated in his memory on Monday. (Photo Courtesy of Kristin Abrams) HOMELESS | FROM Page 1 the message’s announcement that the Quality Inn would begin operating imminently as a homeless transitional center with over 150 beds,” Arrigo stated in the letter. “At this point, I do even know how many beds BPHC is contemplating using at the Quality Inn. Over the last three weeks we have been told diff erent numbers by diff erent members of this collaboration. “I have heard 156, 30, 60 and 160 but I still have not received anything in writing,” Arrigo continued. “Simply put, the level of disorganization from BPHC regarding this eff ort is appalling.” Beyond logistical and communication challenges, Arrigo said the BPHC has set the stage for a fi erce reaction against almost any homelessness initiatives in the city, undermining necessary public health improvements because of the poor, unprofessional management of the current situation. “My profound disappointment comes from genuine concern over our unhoused neighState Rep. Jeff Turco encouraged those struggling to seek help. bors, and we will continue to support them through both established partnerships and innovative practices,” Arrigo stated. “Unfortunately, the BPHC has yet to demonstrate the capacity to meet the moment and have instead endangered the progress we all hope to see for our community.” Later in the week, Arrigo released a statement reiterating his support for homelessness and substance abuse initiatives in Revere and the region. Arrigo said he spoke with Janey about the issue on Wednesday; however, he added that Revere was never involved in any planning that involved the Quality Inn. I am not sure which planning conversations Acting Mayor Janey referred to in her statement because simply put, they did not happen,” said Arrigo. “The fi rst time we spoke was today, and in that conversation, she was unable to identify a single additional regional partner they are working with to help address this problem.” Councillor-At-Large and State Representative Jessica Project Planner Elle Baker said it’s astounding how the community comes together for support. Ann Giannino also responded to the plan. Regional partnerships to combat such major issues like homelessness and the opioid crisis require dialogue and people working together, and that’s clearly not happening here,” Giannino said. “I hope Mayors Arrigo and [Boston Mayor Kim] Janey can get on the same page soon and reach an equitable agreement that doesn’t just shift Boston’s problems into Revere.” Ward 6 Councillor Richard Serino, whose North Revere ward includes the Quality Inn, said he stands with Arrigo in strongly opposing any plan from the City of Boston that would convert the Quality Inn into a transitional homeless center to alleviate issues on Massachusetts Avenue and Melnea Cass Boulevard. “There has been little to no communication from the City of Boston or its partners with the City of Revere, and certainly absolutely now communication with the North Revere neighborhood,” said Serino. “The location of the Quality Inn and its very setup do not lend itself to being equipped for such a use. By Ward 1 Councillor Joanne McKenna thanked all the units who made this happen. proposing this fl y-by-night plan without a transparent, public process, the City of Boston is actually doing a disservice to not only the people of North Revere, but also to the homeless people they are seeking to shelter. “The Quality Inn is a hotel, not a hospital or medical facility,” Serino continued. “The City of Boston should be planning better, and choosing a location that is more set up to handle the needs of this population, including addiction services and medical staff .” Serino said he intends on working closely with Arrigo, as well as the City Solicitor’s offi ce and his fellow councillors to explore options and stand in opposition to the Quality Inn plan. He said homelessness is a regional problem that requires a regional solution and has much empathy for people in need, but that a more collaborative plan is needed. As the week advanced, several other City Councillors expressed their dismay for the BPHC plan for the Morris Street hotel and said they stood behind Arrigo. “As a Registered Nurse and public offi cial in Revere, this is a horrifi c miscarriage of equity in health care for our most needy,” said Councillor-At-Large George Rotondo. “Dumping Boston’s sick and vulnerable, unscreened for COVID, into Revere hotels instead of treatment programs is an atrocity. We should be getting vast amounts of State assistance to treat these poor people abandoned and dropped in our hotels by the State and City of Boston.” Ward 4 Councillor Patrick Keefe sent a letter to Janey, as well as Boston mayoral candidates and City Councilors Michelle Wu and Annissa Essaibi George emphatically expressing his opposition to the transitional homeless housing plan in Revere. “If Boston is to have a new mayor in just a few months, I am calling upon both candidates to step up now with a real solution,” stated Keefe. “We are all here to work together but don’t try to pass the problem off . These people deserve better, they need shelter, they need medical treatment, they need mental health support and they need to want this help.”
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