January 26, 2008
Boston City Council Districts
The Boston City Council is divided into 9 districts. Each of the seats within these 9 districts is elected by the residents who live in that district. This is done through plurality voting, which means that each voter votes for only 1 candidate, and whomever gets the most votes wins. Of course, there are also 4 at-large seats. These seats are meant to represent an entire group of voters.
Understanding The 9 Districts
As was previously mentioned, there are 9 districts within the Boston council. While these are simply named as District 1, District 2, etc. all the way through District 9, each of these districts is responsible for a specific area or areas within Boston.
How The 9 Districts Are Divided Up
District 1 - Charlestown, East Boston, North End, City Hall
District 2 – Chinatown, Dorchester South Boston, South End
District 3 – Columbia Savin Hill, Meeting House Hill, Jones Hill, Fields Corner, Neponset, Port Norfolk, Cedar Grove, Lower Mills, Clam Point, Harbor Point
District 4 – Franklin Field, Codman Square, Mattapan
District 5 – Roslindale, Hyde Park, Mattapan
District 6 – Jamaica Plain, West Roxbury
District 7 – Fenway, Roxbury, South End
District 8 – Beacon Hill, Back Bay, Fenway, Mission Hill, West End
District 9 - Allston/Brighton
Some Important Information About Restructuring
Each of the districts were changed some when there was a restructuring done in 2002. This re-structuring was done due to the results of the census. It is the hope that this re-structuring would make the districts somewhat even in population so that one district did not have any unfair advantages over any other district.
District 1 use to include the West End precinct. In 2002 this precinct was moved to District 8 when everything was re-structured.
District 2 also underwent some minor changes due to the fact that is was somewhat above the permissible population range. As such, 2 of the precincts that were located into the South End were moved into District 7, which already had several of the South End precincts.
District 3 underwent several small changes because it was also slightly above the permissible population range. However, the changes that occurred here created some more continuity.
District 4 had 3 new precincts moved to it from District 3. As such, this district becomes the district with the highest population of colored people (95.7%). The changes here were done in such a way as to allow for the least possible disruption.
District 5 now has a greater opportunity to elect a person of color as it is now a majority-minority district of voting age. Their colored population moved from 21.2% to 48.3%. As such, this is the District that has undergone the most changes. Now 50.5% of colored people are of voting age. On the other hand, Roslindale remains united so that the residents will have a person to go to on the local level.
District 6 was actually below the permissible population range. So, in order to unite Mission Hill, and unite the Roxbury Precincts the aforementioned changes were made.
District 7 actually had the lowest population range before this configuration took place. This is one of the reasons why this restructuring had to take place.
District 8 now includes Mission Hill whose strong desire was to become united within this district. Now the West End precinct would also be added to this District.
District 9 only had 1 precinct added to it but yet more of Boston University was united by doing so.
District 2: The Most Diverse District
As was mentioned above, District 2 is very diverse because it includes Bay Village, Chinatown, the Leather District, South Boston, the South End and parts of Downtown Boston and Northern Dorchester. Each of these areas must be understood in order to truly understand just how diverse this district really is. Here is what you really should know about the areas that are now included within this District:
1.
Bay Village is Boston’s smallest neighborhood with less than 1000 residents. However, there are many artists and creative personalities living there. It has a central location, historic architecture and close community feel to it.
2.
Chinatown is the fifth largest Chinatown in the United States. This is a thriving community with a unique mix of residential and commercial properties. A lot of these are family-owned businesses. The population is about 90% Chinese, most of whom have arrived in Boston within the past 5 years. As such, there are many traditional customs here, which helps to make this area a major tourist attraction.
3.
The Leather District is emerging as one of the most desirable living areas in Boston. The area consists of 19th century brick and cast iron column warehouses that were originally designed for manufacturing. More businesses are now desiring to move there and residents like the many amenities that these businesses have to offer.
4.
North Dorchester was founded in 1630 and it is now Boston’s oldest neighborhood. Within these boundaries are a lot of different communities. There are a lot of triple decker three-family houses available here. It also encompasses the University of Massachusetts Boston campus, the JFK Library and the Franklin Park Zoo. Originally this was an area filled with Irish immigrants, but now many people from Vietnam, Haiti and Cape Verde live there.
5.
The downtown area is the city’s commercial heart. The area that is located within District 2 reaches from Chinatown to Winter/Summers Streets and Dorchester Avenue. There is some great shopping here. The Combat Zone is also located here.
6.
South Boston is considered the heart of Irish Boston. Many young professionals now live here along the beaches. There is a strong sense of community pride here that makes it a great place to be.
7.
The South End no longer is an affordable alternative place to live. This is because residents favor its tree-lined streets, Victorian architecture, trendy restaurants and welcoming attitude. Its most appealing aspect is its diverse mix of families, young and older professionals, as well as a thriving gay and lesbian community.
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