Boston City Council Approves $36 Million in Transportation and Infrastructure Grants

BOSTON -- September 18, 2024, Boston City Council approved seven transportation and infrastructure grants totaling more than $36 million, including a $25 million commitment for the Sullivan Square-Rutherford Avenue reconstruction in Charlestown and $1.8 million to study reconnecting the Chinatown neighborhood bisected by I-90. Councilor Sharon Durkan, chair of the Committee on Planning, Development and Transportation, reported out all seven dockets following a September 17 committee hearing, and the full council passed each unanimously. The council also passed 10 to zero an ordinance by Councilor Fernandez Anderson reducing the Boston Cultural Council from a body of 15 to 21 members to one of 7 to 11, after the larger structure repeatedly failed to reach a quorum. Councilor Brian Worrell introduced a hearing order on implementing 225 new state-authorized liquor licenses, noting that comparable licenses on the private market can cost $600,000. The council referred a hearing order by Councilors Worrell and Mejia to begin Boston Public Schools' fiscal year 2026 budget review as early as November, several months ahead of the superintendent's traditional February submission, the council reviewed a $1.6 billion BPS budget in the prior cycle.