Early Friday morning brought raids that led to 56 indictments against MS-13 gang members. For the time being, these operations should curtail the crime and murders that have plagued Chelsea, East Boston, and Everett in recent months. Yet the arrests addressed only roughly one-third of this gang’s known membership. The removal of these individuals has opened a power vacuum that competing gangs may seek to exploit.
The commitment by law enforcement to remove these criminals from the streets deserves recognition. However, constructive alternative programs are urgently needed to prevent local youth from joining gangs and potentially redirect current members away from gang involvement.
Several years ago, Fr. Greg Boyle visited St. Cecilia’s Parish in the Back Bay to discuss his efforts with gang members in Los Angeles. He shared insights into confronting gang violence and transforming potential recruits and active members into productive, law-abiding citizens.
According to Fr. Boyle, gangs persist primarily because they offer members a sense of family. Many gang members, he explained, came from abusive or severely dysfunctional home environments that pushed them toward gang life. Interestingly, even hardened gang members with children often hoped their own kids would escape the gang lifestyle. This realization led Fr. Boyle to establish Homeboy Bakery, which employed gang members and provided workplace training. The bakery’s success sparked additional ventures offering training and employment to members of rival gangs working collaboratively. Nearly 30 years of operation has demonstrated consistently improving success rates.
As noted previously, these communities currently host programs designed to help members leave gangs. Funding remains a persistent challenge, with available resources typically falling short of actual needs.
We call on regional elected officials to commit greater resources—both personnel and funding—toward launching programs addressing this crisis. Whether anyone has consulted Fr. Boyle and his team about their methods remains unclear, but reaching out to Fr. Boyle could serve as an excellent starting point.
The civic and economic gains achieved in these neighboring communities risk being reversed if residents feel unsafe on streets or hesitant to send children to local schools.
While law enforcement has struck a significant blow against MS-13, lasting solutions require sustained positive intervention. Fr. Boyle’s nearly 30-year commitment demonstrates what is possible, yet we must implement constructive policies immediately.
The Wynn and City of Boston Deal
Last Thursday’s announcement of a mitigation agreement between Wynn Resorts and Mayor Walsh should not surprise observers. With Boston’s lawsuits dismissed the previous November, Mayor Walsh’s legal avenues had narrowed considerably. We commend Mayor Walsh for recognizing this situation and securing additional benefits for Boston residents. Mr. Wynn deserves credit for continuing negotiations and offering further concessions despite having limited obligation to do so.
Each party obtained something valuable, reflecting the mutual benefit characteristic of successful negotiations. Neither side emerged as a clear victor at the other’s expense.
Charlestown residents remain uncertain about the full implications. One million dollars held in escrow by the Massachusetts Gaming Commission awaits distribution among local organizations. We hope the community can reach consensus on the appropriate Charlestown entity to allocate these funds without excessive disagreement.
Most brownfield remediation at the Wynn Resort site is substantially complete. Attention should now shift toward quality-of-life concerns. Clean air and traffic congestion reduction—priorities for both the community and Steve Wynn’s resort—require focus.
Mr. Wynn has demonstrated responsible stewardship across his developments. We anticipate no change in his operational approach regarding the Everett proposal.
Wynn representatives have consistently engaged in dialogue, as evidenced by community meetings held last winter. However, the challenging climate discouraged substantive discussions. The moment has arrived to resume conversations.
Wynn should not be viewed as having unlimited financial capacity. He operates a business accountable to shareholders. Both Wynn and Charlestown must jointly address the expanded Assembly Square Mall, which will introduce significantly more vehicles onto already congested streets. Our requests and discussions must remain reasonable. After all, Wynn and Charlestown share identical objectives—reduced traffic congestion and improved environmental conditions.
Sal is the man
When Councilor Sal LaMattina was appointed vice chair of the Boston City Council Ways and Means Committee last month, we did not anticipate how timely this position might prove for Charlestown.
The waste transfer station requires zoning modifications to present to the City Council. These proposals must first receive consideration from Councilor LaMattina’s committee.
Councilor LaMattina will carefully review these proposals and examine their merits and drawbacks. Council President Michele Wu will play an important role in these deliberations. Like many requests that receive committee attention, some advance beyond committee while others remain there indefinitely.
We hope this request remains in committee. That represents our view on the matter.