Mayor Martin J. Walsh’s private dreams could be a nightmare for others.
Hosting several Boston Grand Prix events during Labor Day weekend has already raised many questions and it appears that many area residents are not pleased that the city never held community or public meetings before allegedly signing a five-year agreement with Boston Grand Prix to host an Indy Car Race on Boston streets starting in September 2016.
If the city did conduct these meetings, the brakes would have been placed on his plans, however, a pit stop should have taken place no matter what the results would have been.
Just as he did when he took four prime residential parking spaces away from North End residents, there was no public or community meetings, possibly for the same reason, the neighborhood would have opposed it.
While it’s the City’s responsibility to attract major events to Boston, it is also their duty to advise the public before hand, not after alleged agreements have already been made.
It appears the Mayor has taken an “It’s my ball and bat” attitude and if you want to play, he’ll set the rules.
Boston Grand Prix CEO Mark Perrone apparently told NECN that there is “no possibility whatsoever” that taxpayers money will be spent on this race.
But reportedly, the terms of the agreements signed with the Mayor specifically provide for the City of Boston to pay for road upgrades, cleanup, security and other services.
However, the City will be able to seek reimbursement from Boston Grand Prix for a portion of costs but should Boston Grand Prix run out of money, the City will be stuck with the bill.
Sounds familiar…. The Summer Olympics terrific plan.
Since a contract has already been signed, sealed and delivered, there is not much that can be done but are asked the questions… Why does the Mayor sign deals like this in the first place and why did he deliberately avoid public input?