Working group recommends more police and new 'recovery' court for 'Mass. and Cass'

The recommendations aim to address drug use and homelessness in the Boston neighborhood, but some experts raise concerns about an increasingly punitive approach.

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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A coalition of city groups working to improve conditions around Boston's 'Mass. and Cass' area are calling for more access to addiction treatment and increased law enforcement presence. The group's recommendations include expanding long-term supportive housing, creating a specialty 'recovery' court for those arrested on drug charges, and increased collaboration between providers, police, and the judicial system. However, some medical professionals involved in the working group say the proposals do not represent an evidence-based approach and could violate patient privacy and civil rights.

Why it matters

The 'Mass. and Cass' area has long been the epicenter of Boston's opioid epidemic, and the city has struggled to address the complex issues of drug use and homelessness in the neighborhood. The working group's recommendations aim to take a more coordinated approach, but some experts are concerned the proposals signal an increasingly punitive shift away from a public health-centered strategy.

The details

The working group's recommendations include more case management for patients in addiction treatment, partnerships with 'preferred providers,' expanded long-term supportive housing and sober living, increased law enforcement presence, and a new 'recovery' court for those arrested on drug charges near 'Mass. and Cass.' Some medical professionals on the working group say they had little input and feel the proposals do not represent evidence-based addiction treatment. They argue requiring collaboration between providers, police, and the judiciary could violate patient privacy and civil rights. The city says the recommendations will strengthen its existing approach, which has placed over 480 people in treatment since September, but some advocates question whether there will be adequate resources to implement the changes and argue the focus should be on harm reduction, not criminalization.

  • In September 2025, Boston officials outlined a new strategy for 'Mass. and Cass' after nearby residents complained about drug use and public safety issues.
  • More than four years ago, the Suffolk County sheriff opened a makeshift courtroom in his jail for people arrested in the 'Mass. and Cass' area, but it closed after operating for only nine days due to 'low case volume.'

The players

Stephen Fox

A co-chair of the working group and leader of the neighborhood group South End Forum.

Dr. Miriam Komaromy

An addiction treatment provider and executive director of Boston Medical Center's Grayken Center for Addiction, who was a member of the city's working group.

Kellie Young

The director of Boston's Coordinated Response Team, which has placed more than 480 people in addiction treatment since September.

Mayor Michelle Wu

The mayor of Boston, who supports the new recommendations and is pleased by the group's endorsement of the Boston Police Department's work around 'Mass. and Cass.'

Cassie Hurd

The executive director of the Material Aid and Advocacy Program, a group that works with people who are unhoused and those who use drugs.

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What they’re saying

“We've found the magic sauce. The idea of being able to use public safety, public health and judicial initiatives together in an integrated fashion, coupled with a seamless case management architecture over it, this is really the secret sauce we have.”

— Stephen Fox, Co-chair of the working group and leader of the South End Forum (wbur.org)

“Requiring treatment providers to collaborate with police and the judiciary as part of the treatment of patients is likely a violation of patient privacy protections and even civil rights.”

— Dr. Miriam Komaromy, Addiction treatment provider and executive director of Boston Medical Center's Grayken Center for Addiction (wbur.org)

“The disappearing of unhoused people and poor people who use drugs from the street should not be how the city of Boston measures success. Actual experts, people who use drugs, public health professionals, providers should be leading this planning process.”

— Cassie Hurd, Executive director of the Material Aid and Advocacy Program (wbur.org)

“I was tired of letting people down and I realized these strangers cared more about me than I cared about myself. It was time to hold myself accountable, and they helped me every step of the way.”

— Oliver D'Agostino (wbur.org)

What’s next

The working group's recommendations have been forwarded to Boston Mayor Michelle Wu and to the state. Some initiatives are already being implemented as part of the city's strategy outlined in September 2025. The state Trial Court is still in the process of reviewing the new recommendations for a potential 'recovery' court.

The takeaway

The proposed approach for 'Mass. and Cass' highlights the ongoing debate over how to best address the complex issues of drug use and homelessness, with some experts arguing the recommendations signal an overly punitive shift away from public health-centered solutions. Ensuring adequate resources, input from diverse stakeholders, and an evidence-based strategy will be crucial as the city and state work to implement changes in the neighborhood.