By Emmanuel Vincent

Two noteworthy meetings took place at City Hall on July 2, a veteran’s affairs meeting which was followed by a Public Utilities and Public Works Committee meeting. Ward 5 Alderman Courtney O’Keefe presided over both meetings.

In the veteran’s meeting there was a request that an empty chair be placed in City Hall in order to remind people of the sacrifices made by our service men and women, as well as their families. It was mentioned that the chair is in the process of being purchased. In addition, there are plans being made for an empty chair ceremony. It is expected that the chair will arrive within the next two weeks. “I thought that the meeting was a robust conversation on great ideas for our Veterans Public Servants that will be implemented in the coming months,” expressed Alderman O’Keefe. “I look forward to the empty chair ceremony, celebrating the brave men and women who lost their lives serving our country.”

The transition into the Public Utilities and Public Works Committee was then made, where one of the issues that was addressed was the noise at the Verizon facility.  It was mentioned that Verizon was waiting for a temporary generator. They also have plans to build an 8-foot fence that would serve as a noise barrier. “The residents around that area have not heard any noise,” said O’Keefe.

Another issue that was addressed was of the fence at the end of Nashua Street. It was clarified that the fence is not in the MBTA’s right of way. There were some issues that were not resolved, but instead will be dealt with another day. “I don’t see roadblocks as I will be bringing them up again and continue due diligence on them,” explained O’Keefe. “Nothing in my committee is disregarded or forgotten.”