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.