The Boston City Council will hold a public hearing tonight at 6 p.m. regarding a proposed emergency declaration for the Mass and Cass area. The hearing takes place at Hampton Inn and Suites on Massachusetts Avenue.

Councilor Ed Flynn has proposed declaring a public health and safety emergency at the intersection of Massachusetts Avenue and Melnea Cass Boulevard and surrounding neighborhoods. The resolution addresses ongoing issues with open-air drug markets, homelessness, and public safety concerns affecting nearby communities including the South End.

Councilor Sharon Durkan previously blocked an immediate vote on Flynn's resolution, sending it to committee for further review. Durkan questioned whether an emergency declaration would provide additional resources to address the crisis.

The hearing is being conducted by Councilor John FitzGerald, who chairs the Public Health, Homelessness and Recovery Committee. FitzGerald initially faced pressure to delay the hearing until after the September 9 preliminary election, but resident advocacy led to tonight's scheduling.

Local residents, particularly from the South End, have expressed frustration with spillover effects from Mass and Cass, reporting safety concerns and quality of life issues in their neighborhoods.

Mayor Michelle Wu opposes the emergency declaration. Her administration maintains that the city is already utilizing available public health, safety, and works resources to address the situation and that an emergency declaration would not unlock additional authorities or funding.

The hearing represents ongoing debate about how Boston should address the complex issues of addiction, homelessness, and public safety at Mass and Cass.