In a recent Boston City Council meeting focused on City Services and Innovation Technology, community members voiced their concerns and hopes for future projects, emphasizing the need for genuine engagement and affordable housing solutions. The meeting, held virtually on March 24, 2025, featured several public comments that highlighted the disconnect between city initiatives and community input.

Linda Kanovich, one of the speakers, passionately urged the council to prioritize community engagement, expressing frustration over the lack of input from residents in city projects. "We feel as though the community is not being engaged enough," she stated, calling for the council to take residents' wishes seriously. She also advocated for the inclusion of elderly housing and designated children's spaces in upcoming developments, reflecting a desire for projects that cater to the diverse needs of the community.

Another speaker, Linda Zablokey, echoed these sentiments, stressing the importance of affordable housing in a city where many residents struggle to keep up with rising costs. She proposed repurposing the soon-to-be-closed Selby High School into a library and affordable housing complex, emphasizing that the city must create living spaces that are accessible to those who work and live in Boston. "We need to make something affordable for the people who work here, who live here," she urged, highlighting the foundational role of community resources like libraries.

As the meeting progressed, the urgency for action was palpable. Speakers called for a shift from discussion to implementation, urging the council to move forward with plans that reflect the community's needs. "Let's move forward as fast as we can and get this done for the community, for the city, and for the future," Zablokey concluded, encapsulating the collective hope for a more inclusive and responsive city government.

The discussions at this meeting underscore a critical moment for Boston as it navigates the challenges of urban development and community engagement. With residents advocating for their voices to be heard, the city faces the task of transforming these calls for action into tangible outcomes that benefit all its citizens.