Boston Council Committee Advances $5M Grant for North End Community Center Repairs

BOSTON — January 30, 2025 — Boston's City Council committee advances $5M federal grant for Nazaro Community Center repairs and $150K for senior programs. The Committee on Strong Women, Families, and Communities, chaired by At-Large Councilor Erin J. Murphy and joined by Councilor Edward M. Flynn, voted to forward both dockets to the full Council at the January 30 hearing. The $5 million — American Rescue Plan Act funds passed through the Massachusetts Executive Office of Economic Development — will cover building-systems repairs including HVAC, plumbing, drainage, and exterior work at the landmarked North End center, with construction targeted for September 2025. Property Management Commissioner Eamon Shelton acknowledged the facility's true capital needs exceed $5 million but said the grant covers the most critical items. A separate $150,000 Age Strong Universal Fund grant will pool small private donations for senior programming without requiring individual Council votes.