Groups protests $90 million mixed-use development in Lynn

LYNN, Mass. — A first-of-its-kind coalition of labor unions and tenants rights groups gathered together in protest Wednesday to confront the developer of a $90 million mixed-use development in Lynn.

Procopio's project received a $2.5 million tax break from the city to build the development.

Lynn United for Change and IUE-CWA Local 201 demanded Mike Procopio of Procopio Industries address alleged workplace safety violations and lack of affordable housing in the Munroe Street project.

"The community is not going to stand for irresponsible development in the city," said Kathleen Santora.

Twenty workers were trapped in a construction collapse in May, leaving one man seriously injured.

"We demand safe working conditions for people. There's absolutely no reason people should be coming into our city, getting a massive tax break, while our residents are seeing their tax rates go up. Their water rates go up. Their trash fees go up and nothing come back to the community," said Santora.

Rent in the 261 Munroe lofts are expected to be market rate at more than $2,000 each. Lynn residents say that prices them out.

"We want development in Lynn. That's not been a big question. We always wanted it, but it's more for affordable housing," said Chandra Slattery, Lynn United for Change. "You know, having to commute because they're not, they live in Lynn and then they're outta Lynn. They're getting pushed out."

Boston 25 News reporter Crystal Haynes tried to ask Procopio his response to the protest.

"I have no comment," he said.

When Haynes asked if he was going to put affordable housing units, he replied off mic "I'm not."

Haynes also tried to ask Procopio about some of the alleged violations on the construction site. He would not answer her questions.

>> Emergency crews free trapped worker after construction collapse in Lynn

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