City Councilor Sal LaMattina was sworn in to his fourth term as District 1 City Councilor last week at Boston College and said he looks forward to representing Charlestown, East Boston, and the North End for another two years.
With many issues still facing Charlestown and several large projects ready to transform the future of the neighborhood, LaMattina said he is ready to roll up his sleeves and get to work for the people.
“I’m so pleased to be reelected to another term,” said LaMattina. “We have a new Mayoral administration and a new Mayor that I have had several discussions with already and we are ready to move forward.
”With LaMattina’s longtime political ally Councilor Bill Linehan elected City Council President LaMattina said he hopes he can be appointed chair of the city’s economic development committee.“I want to work on development not only here in Charlestown but across the city,” said LaMattina. “There is huge potential to really make our harbor the crowning jewel of the city.”
LaMattina pointed to waterfront development and the future ferry that will shuttle residents from the neighborhood to points in Eastie and the South Boston’s Innovation District as huge game changers for the neighborhood.“I want to see good development on this side of the harbor,” said LaMattina. “I want to see good restaurants, shops and other amenities that will compliment the ferry service and draw people to our neighborhood.”
LaMattina also said he also looks forward to working with the new Boston Police Commissioner to address crime and quality of life issues here.
“I have also had discussions with the new Police Commissioner William Evans and he will be a good partner with the Charlestown community,” he said.
LaMattina said he will also be keeping a watchful eye on Wynn and Mohegan Sun’s plans to develop a casino in neighboring Everett and Revere.
“The Gaming Commission did not grant Mayor Marty Walsh an extension to digest all the information before entering into a surrounding community agreement,” said LaMattina. “I think he could file a lawsuit or if he doesn’t enter into a surrounding community agreement a state arbitrator will step in and work with Wynn and the Mayor.”
LaMattina said he is of the opinion that if Boston roads are still used as access roads to the casino, Boston should have a Host Community designation.