Reclaiming Our Streets: Fixing Potholes and Repairing Infrastructure in District 7
In District 7, a pothole is never just a pothole.
It’s a daily reminder of how neglected our communities have been for decades. It’s the unseen cost of underfunded city services, inequitable infrastructure investments, and federal divestments that have hit neighborhoods like Roxbury, Dorchester, Fenway, and the South End the hardest.
Across Boston, wealthier neighborhoods enjoy smoother streets, newer sidewalks, and faster repairs — but in District 7, potholes grow wider, deeper, and more dangerous, while repair crews are often slow to respond. A cracked street may seem small to some, but here, it represents the larger issue: We deserve the same quality of life, the same investment, and the same dignity as every other neighborhood in this city.
Now, with new federal policies that prioritize cuts to urban infrastructure and redirect resources elsewhere, we face even greater challenges. If we don’t act with urgency, the gap between the conditions in District 7 and the rest of Boston will only grow wider.
The Bigger Picture: Federal Rollbacks and Infrastructure Inequality
Under current federal initiatives, urban repair programs that once helped cities like Boston receive targeted funding for underserved areas are being dismantled or deprioritized. Infrastructure bills once aimed at equity-focused repairs are being redirected toward projects in suburban or politically favored areas.
That means District 7 can’t rely on trickle-down promises. We must fight to directly secure city resources and demand equitable infrastructure investment for our neighborhoods.
We are pleased to be able to support the local industry by growing our team to provide analytical testing services. – Mark Johnson
The True Cost of Neglect
When potholes are left to expand:
Car repairs skyrocket for working-class families who can’t afford frequent maintenance.
Public safety declines, as bicyclists, pedestrians, and drivers face greater risks.
Businesses suffer, especially local mom-and-pop shops whose customers avoid dangerous, damaged streets.
Public transportation becomes less accessible, as buses and transit vehicles navigate deteriorating roads, leading to slower service.
This is not just about inconvenience — it’s about equity, economic stability, and safety.
What District 7 Must Do
District 7 cannot afford to wait for favors from Beacon Hill or Washington D.C. Here’s what we must demand and pursue:
1. Dedicated Infrastructure Audits
Conduct neighborhood-by-neighborhood audits of street and sidewalk conditions.
Create a public, transparent database so residents can see where investments are (and are not) happening.
2. Equity-First Street Repair Prioritization
Demand that Boston’s Public Works Department and City Transportation prioritize pothole and road repairs based on community need, not political influence.
Focus first on streets with the highest foot traffic, public transit use, and small business density.
3. Participatory Budgeting for Infrastructure
Allocate a set percentage of the city’s capital budget for pothole repairs and street improvements — and let District 7 residents vote on where those funds should go.
4. Leveraging State and Private Partnerships
Push for Massachusetts transportation bonds and grants specifically earmarked for urban neighborhoods.
Explore public-private partnerships where local businesses contribute to street repairs, with city-matched funding.
5. Job Creation Through Infrastructure Repair
Tie pothole and street repair initiatives to local hiring, offering good-paying public works jobs to District 7 residents.
How Your City Councilor Will Lead
If elected, I will make infrastructure equity a top priority for District 7, fighting to ensure our streets, sidewalks, and public spaces reflect the pride we have in our community.
Specifically, I will:
Introduce legislation that requires infrastructure investment reporting to track which Boston neighborhoods are receiving resources — and which are not.
Hold Public Works accountable through quarterly hearings focused on pothole repair and street maintenance in historically underserved neighborhoods.
Secure emergency funding to fix the most dangerous potholes and cracked sidewalks immediately.
Create a “District 7 Infrastructure Watchdog Team” — a community-led group that monitors repair timelines, reports issues, and works directly with my office for rapid response.
Champion participatory budgeting so District 7 residents have a direct say in infrastructure spending priorities.
Beyond Potholes: A Vision for Infrastructure Equity
Fixing potholes is just the beginning. A fully invested District 7 means:
Smooth, safe streets for drivers and bikers.
Clean, accessible sidewalks for seniors, parents, and people with disabilities.
Well-lit neighborhoods where streetlights aren’t broken or missing.
Safe bus stops, reliable public transit, and pedestrian-first road design.
We must move beyond patchwork repairs and push for a transformational vision of infrastructure justice.
Because when streets are repaired, businesses thrive. When sidewalks are safe, children play freely. When roads are smooth, we all move forward together.
Reclaiming What We Deserve
In District 7, we have fought for every inch of progress we’ve made — from housing justice to education equity to business opportunities. Fixing our streets is another battle for respect, dignity, and equality.
We deserve streets that reflect the strength, pride, and resilience of our community.
With your trust and your vote, I will work every day to make sure District 7’s streets are no longer left behind — because our neighborhoods matter, and our voices will be heard.
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