Quincy City Council: June 1, 2026

The committee discussed Order 2026-085, which requests the administration to provide a two-year fiscal capital bonding plan and financial projections for major projects.

• Administration Response: Christopher Walker, representing the Mayor’s office, stated that a full five-year rolling capital plan would be provided in the fall. He noted that upcoming projects, such as the Della Chiesa Early Childhood Center and Squantum Harbor improvements, would be modest in nature and within the city's capacity.
• Council Inquiry: Councilor Ziqiang Yuan questioned why a two-year projection could not be provided immediately, given that the city is currently making major acquisition decisions. Councilor Anne Mahoney emphasized that the city needs to understand its borrowing limits before committing to new debt.

The committee reviewed Order 2026-076 (Land Acquisition) and Order 2026-077 (Appropriation of $22,500,000) for the purchase of the Eastern Nazarene College campus.

• Project Overview: Commissioner of Natural Resources David Murphy presented the $21 million purchase agreement. The total $22.5 million request includes $1.5 million for carry costs, subdivision planning, and surveying.
• Proposed Uses:
  • Preservation of the Babcock Arboretum and open space.
  • Relocation of the Wollaston branch of the library.
  • Creation of a performing arts center and gymnasium for public use.
  • Development of senior housing and a first-time homebuyer program using 14 existing dwellings.
• Financial Strategy: The administration plans to offset the purchase through:
  • Sale of five immediate dwellings (estimated $3.8 million).
  • Sale of downtown parcels, including the 'Messina Lot' (1565 Hancock St) and the Hancock parking lot (estimated $10 million+).
  • Utilization of the Affordable Housing Trust ($3 million) and Community Preservation Act funds.
• Council Concerns:
  • Debt and DIF: Councilor Mahoney noted the city's debt is approaching $1.8 billion and argued that proceeds from the Messina Lot must legally pay down existing DIF bonds before being used for ENC.
  • Affordable Housing: Councilor Maggie McKee advocated for actual affordable housing on-site rather than just first-time homebuyer programs.
  • Maintenance: Councilor McKee questioned the estimated $40,000 per month carrying costs and requested a full breakdown of utility and security expenses.

The Council honored Master Sergeant John DeLorenzo, United States Air Force (Retired), for his 25 years of service in education and 18 years leading the North Quincy High School Air Force JROTC program.

• Councilor Walter Hubley highlighted DeLorenzo's impact on thousands of students and the program's contribution of over 7,000 hours of community service this year alone.

Public testimony covered three primary areas:

1. Eastern Nazarene College: Proponents urged the city to 'buy now and plan later' to prevent high-density private development. Opponents and skeptics, such as Joanne Collins and Bill Zamzow, questioned the 'optimistic assumptions' of the financial plan and the lack of transparency regarding the property appraisal.
2. Early Intervention Services: Parents, including Eileen Nelson and Dallas Fights, protested the city's plan to move Early Intervention services from the Molly Hershberg Learning Center to a single room at 54 Miller Street. Speakers noted the current facility serves 90 children (with capacity for 200), while the new site lacks a gym, outdoor space, and adequate capacity.
3. Emergency Management: Residents Zachary Christopher and Mike Griffith criticized the proposed dissolution of the Emergency Management Department, citing the city's vulnerability to coastal flooding.

The Council debated Order 2026-092, an appropriation request for $35,000 for contracted services within the City Council budget.

• Purpose: Councilor McKee stated the funds would allow the Council to hire independent experts and legal counsel to review complex financial and real estate deals, ensuring a check on the executive branch.
• Opposition: Councilors Richard Ash and Noel DiBona expressed concerns about the timing of the request and the lack of established 'guardrails' for how the funds would be spent.
• Outcome: The motion to pass the order was withdrawn and replaced with a motion to refer the matter to the Finance Committee.
• Vote to Refer to Committee: Passed 8-0 (Councilors Ash, DiBona, Hubley, Jacobs, McKee, Riley, Ryan, and Yuan voting Yes; Councilor Ian Cain was absent).

A motion to extend the meeting past 11:00 PM pursuant to Rule 24 failed to receive unanimous consent. The meeting was adjourned at approximately 11:05 PM.