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Census suggests need for redistricting

Census results for Massachusetts and Boston released last Thursday show significant changes in state and city demographics and suggest congressional redistricting may be in order for the coming year.

Numbers from the 2000 U.S. Census show Boston’s population has risen approximately 2.6 percent to nearly 600,000 residents. The greatest change in the city is the number of minorities, which means Boston is comprised almost 50 percent of minorities, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

“What the demographics say is that there is a greater need for sensitivity to minority groups in the city,” said City Councilor Mike Ross (Back Bay, Kenmore).

The Asian and Latino populations grew at extreme rates, rising 48 percent and 37 percent, respectively.

“I’m encouraged to see the Latino community as a real player in Boston,” Ross said.

In the 2000 Census, citizens were allowed for the first time to check off more than one race. Three percent of Boston residents said they were of more than one race.

Statewide, the Census showed the population is shifting to Eastern Massachusetts, with Cape Cod and the islands of Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard having the greatest population increases.

“Those areas have shown real significant changes,” said Steve Schwadron, a Rep. Bill Delahunt (D-Mass.) spokesman.

Western Massachusetts, however, saw a decrease in the population, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Springfield lost about 3 percent of its population, as did other western towns.

Although some changes may occur, the basic 10 Congressional district system should remain in tact.

Cape Cod and the islands are included in Congressional District 10, which is now approximately 30,000 people over the target number of 635,000 people in each district. However, Delahunt’s office feels the district will not experience any major changes.

“While the area has grown, when you chart it against statewide growth, it’s not as drastic,” Schwadron said. “The numbers suggest no crying need for major surgery.”

Sen. Steven Tolman (D-Middlesex) expects to see some changes in his district, which includes suburban Waltham, urban Cambridge and Allston-Brighton.

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