Planning, Development and Transportation on April 22, 2026

The Boston City Council's Planning, Development, and Transportation Committee held a hearing on April 22, 2026, focusing on neighborhood street safety and the status of state and federal funding for transportation projects. Councilors and city officials discussed delays and pauses in key street safety and infrastructure projects, including the loss or reallocation of federal grants such as an $8 million Fenway project and concerns over the Blue Hill Avenue redesign. The administration outlined ongoing efforts like resurfacing, bike lane construction, and speed hump installations, but acknowledged the need for improved community engagement and clearer project timelines. Numerous public testimonies emphasized frustration over stalled projects, lack of transparency, and the urgent need for safer streets, especially for pedestrians, cyclists, and transit users. The hearing highlighted the risk of losing federal funds due to project delays and called for concrete plans, measurable benchmarks, and enhanced communication to advance critical transportation safety improvements across Boston neighborhoods.