Tuesday, July 1, 2025 at 6 PM

Agenda 6 items

1. 1.
   25-0950 Committee Minutes Accepted

   Approval of the Minutes of the Legislative Matters Committee Meeting of May 13, 2025.

   Roll call: 4 aye · 1 absent

   • Lance L. DavisAye
   • Jefferson Thomas (J.T.) ScottAye
   • Ben Ewen-CampenAye
   • Wilfred N. MbahAbsent
   • Kristen StrezoAye

   • 📎 Minutes - Leg Matters - 5-13-25 Full
2. 2.
   25-1044 Mayor's Request Recommended to be approved

   Requesting ordainment of an amendment to Sections 7-64 and 7-65 of the Code of Ordinances to reduce displacement of tenants and update relocation payments.

   {\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0\deflang1033{\fonttbl{\f0\fnil\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}} {\colortbl ;\red0\green0\blue0;} \viewkind4\uc1\pard\cf1\f0\fs24 The Condo Conversion Ordinance was introduced to address the issue of displacement when properties are sold. Morena Zelaya, Housing Policy Coordinator, reviewed the attachment titled Leg Matters July 1 Presentation. Councilor Ewen-Campen asked her to explain how the proposal would prevent tenants from being evicted before a condo conversion. Coordinator Zelaya responded that the ordinance would not directly stop evictions, but it would change the financial math by imposing a waiting period before a conversion permit could be issued. Director of Housing Stability, Ellen Shachter, added that if a property owner evicts a tenant, they must wait two years before converting the unit to a condominium. This delay shifts the financial incentives for developers and may encourage property owners to keep units occupied. While the ordinance cannot prevent condominium sales, it can influence decisions made before the Condo Review Board by altering the economic calculations that often drive those decisions.\par \par Councilor Strezo expressed appreciation for the Office of Housing Stability\rquote s efforts to prevent displacement and asked whether there had been any discussions about incentivizing new buyers to include affordable units or accept Section 8 tenants. Coordinator Zelaya explained that the Anti-Displacement Task Force did not explore expanding Section 8 stock as part of this ordinance. Joseph Theall, Housing Counsel, confirmed there were no legal issues with the proposed changes. Neha Singh, Director of Intergovernmental Affairs, suggested keeping the item in committee to allow additional time for community feedback.\par \par However, Councilor Scott and Chair Davis noted that the item had been filed 2.5 weeks ago and believed the proposal was straightforward and unlikely to generate much additional public input. Chair Davis reviewed the attachment titled 25-1044-CCO 2025 Proposed Changes and stated that only minimal changes were made. Councilor Ewen-Campen expressed strong support for the ordinance, saying it was something they had been working toward for many years. With an effective date planned for October, he said that as long as staff understand the ordinance is expected to pass, public feedback would not change his position. Councilor Scott, who participated in the working group, said he does not object to including an effective date if that\rquote s what staff believe is needed and emphasized that he does not want to delay the ordinance\rquote s passage. Brendan Salisbury, Legislative and Policy Analyst, explained that when only minor changes are made and no new sections are added, it can be difficult to include an effective date in an amendment. Chair Davis concluded by saying he would be open to considering the addition of an effective date at the next City Council meeting.\par }

   Roll call: 4 aye · 1 absent

   • Lance L. DavisAye
   • Jefferson Thomas (J.T.) ScottAye
   • Ben Ewen-CampenAye
   • Wilfred N. MbahAbsent
   • Kristen StrezoAye

   • 📎 CCO 2025 Proposed Changes
3. 3.
   24-1740 Order Recommended to be marked work completed

   That the Director of Housing assist this Council in drafting changes to the Condominium Conversion Ordinance to enable the Condominium Review Board to fulfill its intended function and prevent circumvention of tenant's rights.

4. 4.
   25-0256 Order Kept in committee

   That the City Solicitor discuss with this Council whether elements of Boston's proposed Ordinance for Road Safety and Accountability for Delivery Providers could be used to disincentivize mopeds on the community path.

   {\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0\deflang1033{\fonttbl{\f0\fnil\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}} {\colortbl ;\red0\green0\blue0;} \viewkind4\uc1\pard\cf1\f0\fs24 Brendan Salisbury, Legislative and Policy Analyst, clarified that Boston\rquote s ordinance does not disincentivize the use of mopeds but does require them to carry insurance. In response to a question from Councilor Strezo, Analyst Salisbury confirmed that the ordinance was passed in Boston on April 2.\par \par City Attorney Cindy Amara noted that the path in question is owned by the MBTA, which limits what actions the City can take. However, she added that the City\rquote s lease for the path already prohibits motorized vehicles, and signage reflecting this restriction is currently in place. Chair Davis asked whether the signage could be updated to better clarify what constitutes a motorized vehicle. Attorney Amara responded that any changes to the signage would depend on the terms of the lease agreement with the MBTA. Councilor Strezo then asked whether the City could place a removable sandwich board to provide that clarification. Councilor Scott requested that Attorney Amara provide a legal citation defining motorized vehicles and also asked to review the lease.\par }

   • 📎 Road Safety and Accountability for Delivery Providers Ordinance
5. 5.
   25-0077 Public Communication Recommended to be marked work completed

   Chris Dwan submitting comments re: Urban Forestry Committee recommendations.

   • 📎 Dwan - UFC Recommendations
6. 6.
   25-0154 Order Recommended to be marked work completed

   That the Director of Economic Development present to this Council a plan to ensure compliance with Section 8-18 of the Code of Ordinances.