Boston Expands Mass. and Cass Plan. City Boosts Recovery Services, Public Safety Amid Drug Crisis

On Wednesday, Feb. 18, Boston's South End community leaders have rolled out an expanded plan for Mass. and Cass. The plan emphasizes improved substance abuse recovery services and public safety around the Massachusetts Avenue and Melnea Cass Boulevard junction.

The plan involves adding to the city's Neighborhood Engagement and Safety Team and Coordinated Response Team. Officials also aim to create a specialty court to tailor interventions and connect more people with treatment and support services.

"We will see, hopefully, more response, more people getting on the path to recovery, and less impact on the quality of life of South End residents," said Boston City Councilor John FitzGerald in a statement shared with CBS Boston.

Officials say approximately 480 people have entered treatment since mid-September 2025 as part of the ongoing crisis response.

CBS Boston spoke with South End resident Xavier Benavides, who is moving to Quincy after living in the Mass. and Cass neighborhood for three months.

"Mainly open drug use has been concerning," Benavides said. "We've walked around several needles, and we walk with our dog. I have to carry a flashlight because, I kid you not, every week I count like 15 to 20 needles on the sidewalks."

Officials said they support continuing progress toward reducing drug activity and enhancing public safety with the expansion of their initiatives.