Development News for Quincy, Massachusetts

Fundraiser Underway for Families Displaced by Quinsey Point House Fire

A fundraiser has been launched to assist seven individuals displaced by a three-alarm house fire at 21 Harrison Street in Quinsey Point. City Councilor Richard Ash initiated an online fundraiser, which had garnered nearly 200 donations totaling over $18,000 as of the morning of the report. The fire, which broke out shortly after 5:30 a.m. the previous day, heavily damaged the multifamily home. Firefighters encountered heavy smoke and flames on the second floor, but all occupants escaped safely. One firefighter was hospitalized for heat exhaustion, and unfortunately, a dog and two cats perished in the blaze. The state fire marshal is assisting in the investigation into the fire's cause. The home is owned by Ronald Bonvy.

Quinsey Clerk Seeks Clarification on Ballot Petition for Mayor and Council Salaries

The Quinsey City Clerk's office is seeking clarification from a judge regarding a ballot petition initiative concerning the salaries of the mayor and city councilors. The judge ruled that the clerk's office should have considered printed names on the petition instead of rejecting them. The clerk is asking if signatures should be certified based on voter status at the time of submission last September. If so, there are enough signatures to move forward with the petition, which would set the mayor's salary at $183,000 and allow for 2% annual raises for both the mayor and councilors. The judge has given the city until June 18th at 5:00 p.m. to complete the signature review.

Hull Police Increase Staffing for Anticipated Nantasket Beach Gathering Amidst Beach Incident Concerns

The Hull Police Department will increase staffing on Friday in anticipation of a large potential gathering at Nantasket Beach. Police Chief John Dunn cited social media posts about the gathering as the reason for the increased presence. The department will have zero tolerance for criminal activity, alcohol consumption on the beach, disorderly behavior, or violations of parking and traffic regulations. Patrols will be conducted throughout the beach and surrounding neighborhoods, and the department has coordinated with other law enforcement agencies. This comes in response to recent incidents at other New England beaches, including disturbances at two Rhode Island beaches resulting in arrests and hospitalizations, a large event at Hampton Beach, NH, with multiple fights, and disturbances at Carson Beach in South Boston that led to a closure.

Push for Self-Driving Cars in Massachusetts Faces Opposition from Labor Unions

Advocates have collected 40,000 signatures to urge lawmakers to pass legislation that would permit self-driving cars in Massachusetts. Supporters, like those from Waymo (a Google parent company subsidiary), believe autonomous vehicles will enhance street safety and accessibility. However, the state's labor unions oppose the measure, citing concerns that self-driving cars would jeopardize jobs. The 'Labor United against Waymo' coalition has rallied against autonomous vehicles, advocating for the state to 'pump the brakes.' Critics and unions point to traffic crashes in other cities and Boston's complex traffic grid as significant safety concerns. Waymo has been testing its vehicles in Boston over the past year.