The Boston City Council discussed a measure to cut down on safe injection sites in Boston during its meeting Wednesday at City Hall Plaza.
Councilor Ed Flynn proposed a resolution opposing Supervised Injection Facilities, or SIFs, legally sanctioned and medically supervised sites where people can use drugs.
Flynn said nearly 200 residents shared safety concerns connected to drug use at a public hearing at Hampton Inn Sept. 4.
“Many of you were there, and we saw neighbor after neighbor who were practically pleading with us,” said Flynn. “They said this situation has deteriorated significantly with public drug dealing, public drug use, human trafficking [and] needles throughout the city.”
Councilors John FitzGerald and Erin Murphy sponsored the resolution alongside Flynn.
“The overwhelming message was that Boston does not need safe injection sites,” Murphy said, referring to the Sept. 4 hearing.
Small businesses have faced break-ins and residents have found drug paraphernalia in yards, parks and playgrounds, she said.
“Residents are fearful and frustrated,” Murphy said. “They are calling on us for solutions.”
Flynn suggested ramping up recovery services as an alternative to SIFs.
“Let’s give them an opportunity to live a safe and healthy life, but more importantly, those suffering from substance use and alcoholism, let’s get them into detox,” Flynn said. “Recovery works.”
With eight votes against and three in favor, the resolution was not passed.
Councilor Benjamin J. Weber, who voted against the resolution, said studies show SIFs reduce drug paraphilia found and used in public spaces.
“If we’re really trying to help remove needles from the streets and get people to stop using drugs in public, [SIFs are] one tool in the toolbox,” Weber said.
Opioid overdose mortality rates fell by 38% in 2024 compared to 2023, continuing a nine-year downward trend, according to data from the Boston Public Health Commission.
Councilor Sharon Durkan, who opposed the resolution, said staff at SIFs screen substances for fentanyl and provide clean needles to curb rates of HIV transmission.
“I feel that the benefits outweigh any potential disadvantages of having an overdose prevention site,” Durkan said. “It’s something for those of us who have family members who have addictions … We always are dreading the day when we get a phone call to say that they’ve had an overdose.”