Human Services on September 24, 2026

The Boston City Council Committee on Human Services held a public hearing on September 24, 2026, focused on the prolonged closure and needed repairs of the Blackstone Community Center swimming pool, located in a predominantly low-income, communities-of-color area in the South End. Councilors and community leaders emphasized the pool's importance for public safety, youth development, and racial equity, noting that the pool has been closed for over a decade due to structural issues. The city's FY27-FY31 capital plan includes $500,000 for a study to determine renovation needs, but advocates called for an independent engineering study and increased budget allocations to expedite repairs and reopening. Multiple community members and organizations submitted letters urging the city to prioritize funding and repairs, highlighting the pool's role in providing swimming lessons, youth employment, and community gathering space. The committee committed to continuing hearings, including a future meeting in the community, and stressed the need for political will and budget planning to ensure the pool's reopening and ongoing operation.