The Boston City Council won’t vote on the mayor’s anti-encampment ordinance for the Mass and Cass zone until next week, effectively putting off action until the final possible moment.
After chairing a seven-plus hour working session on the ordinance Monday, City Councilor Ricardo Arroyo, who is tasked with pulling the matter from committee and calling for a vote, texted his colleagues Tuesday evening to inform them that he tested positive for COVID-19.
“I will bring it out for a vote next week,” Arroyo told the Herald Tuesday.
The Wu administration had wanted the City Council to vote on the mayor’s anti-encampment ordinance Wednesday, Arroyo said at the working session.
The 60-day order, which would give police the authority to take down tents and tarps provided that individuals are offered shelter and transportation to services, was filed by Mayor Michelle Wu on Aug. 28.
It would automatically go into effect at the end of this month, if the City Council were to take no action. Next week’s meeting is the final chance for a vote.
A majority of councilors have cited concerns with the ordinance, placing the mayor’s plan for the troubled area in jeopardy. Arroyo is among the several who have stated that they would not be voting for the measure.
