House party complaints pile up in South Boston

BOSTON — Community leaders in South Boston are trying to put a stop to the parties they say have been going strong through the pandemic.

District 2 City Councilor Ed Flynn told Boston 25 News he’s been receiving dozens of complaints every week about house parties across Southie.

According to Flynn, many of the complaints are related to parties that last until the “wee hours of the morning” with as many as 40 to 50 attendees.

Flynn believes it’s time for stepped-up action from the city to address the issue.

“It’s having a devastating impact on the quality of life for so many residents,” said Flynn. “It might be necessary to have a steeper fine because a lot of younger people are not respecting this public health crisis.”

Flynn is suggesting raising the current fine for violators from $500 to $1000 which would apply citywide.

He’ll be calling for a hearing next Wednesday to discuss what else the city can do about it. “This is a desperate attempt to work with the residents,” said Flynn.

Boston 25 News spoke with several Southie residents who said the allure of the neighborhood for young professionals is the social aspect.

They said boredom during the pandemic with no end in sight has been tough for some to accept.

“I’ve chosen not to go to house parties,” said Natasha Berezian. “Southie is a bunch of 20-30s younger people who unfortunately do act more irresponsible.”

Flynn said he and other South Boston elected officials have regularly been meeting with C-6 police and ISD.

He worries some aren’t taking the regulations seriously and is encouraging people with party complaints to call 911 so police can respond.

“We still have a responsibility as a government to make sure we protect our residents,” added Flynn.

911 calls and 311 complaints are being tracked by the city of Boston. Homes that receive multiple party complaints are placed on a troubled property list that is maintained by Boston Inspectional Services.

Cox Media Group