South End Residents Demand Action Amid Rising Drug Crisis

The South End neighborhood in Boston is facing a serious problem. Drug use, dealing, and crime are on the rise. This is making life difficult for residents. Many are thinking about moving out because they don't feel safe anymore. Last Thursday, dozens of South End residents gathered at Cathedral High School. They shared their experiences and asked city and state officials to take action. They want stricter enforcement against public drug use and related violence. One father asked a tough question to Boston Public Health Commissioner Bisola Ojikutu. He wanted to know what matters more: his children's safety or the rights of drug users. Ojikutu didn't have an answer. Residents described the situation as out of control. They talked about calling 911 almost daily. One man said the area near Boston Medical Center has become a public drug market. He said the city has failed to maintain law and order. The problem has been getting worse over the past few years. It started at the intersection of Massachusetts Avenue and Melnea Cass Boulevard, known as Mass and Cass. Now, it's spreading to nearby neighborhoods like the South End. Mayor Michelle Wu tried to clean up Mass and Cass last November. But the drug use and crime have just moved to other areas. The South End has seen a big increase in arrests this summer. From May 1 to August 24, arrests were up 163% compared to last year. Residents love their neighborhood, but many are considering moving because of the current conditions. Women shared their fears about walking alone after a certain time. They worry about taking their kids to the park because of health and safety risks. One woman cried as she recalled a man shouting a violent threat at her and her baby. Another man said he had to use Narcan to save his dog from a drug overdose. A father told a story about his sons witnessing a violent scene. They saw a man bleeding from a knife wound. The man had tried to protect a woman from an attacker. Residents feel that compassion for drug users should not come at the expense of public safety. Another man shared that his wife saw a half-naked man masturbating in public. He said this behavior should not be tolerated. Residents are disappointed that the standards for public behavior have dropped so low.