Issue Position: Public Safety

Issue Position

Human Trafficking

With the safety of his community in mind, Sánchez co-sponsored legislation that ensured that anyone involved in the organization of forced labor and sexual servitude would face tough criminal penalties. The bill also established important protections for victims and children that help them access necessary services.

Youth Violence

As a long standing proponent for the development, health, and safety of young people across the Commonwealth, Sánchez has continuously advocated for youth violence and gang prevention grants, school to career connecting activities, and summer job programs for at-risk youth--programs that engage youth with opportunities in the community to avert criminal acts and behaviors and involvement with gangs.

Sánchez was able to prevent cuts to violence prevention grants during the 2011 fiscal year budget debate to provide youth with skills to foster their success as leaders in their communities.

Pedestrian Enhancements

Sánchez has been collaborating with the Emerald Necklace Conservancy (ENC), the Jamaica Plain community, and neighborhood park groups for many years to advocate for safer, improved access to Jamaica Pond in Jamaica Plain, particularly around the intersections of Eliot Street at Jamaicaway, Kelly Circle at Parkman Drive, and Parkman Drive at the Parkman Memorial. The three locations experience pedestrian crossing hazards, high speeds, and heavy traffic.

As part of the State Department of Conservation and Recreation's (DCR) matching grants program, every dollar raised by a partnering organization is doubled by DCR. Approximate project costs for these pedestrian enhancements is $445, 000 of which $225,000 is state funding included in DCR's 2010/2011 Capital Plan.

The parkway is a beautiful asset to our community and should be respected. Sánchez understands the issues that exist and is committed to continue working on improving pedestrian access and safety to the pond. He anticipates that the final plans will reinforce traffic calming and pedestrian crossing enhancements, improve pavement markings and signage, and increase green space around Jamaica Pond.

Elliot Street Crosswalk

Representative Sánchez responded to public concerns about safety by working with DCR to secure a new traffic light and crosswalk on Elliot Street in Jamaica.

William F. Kelley Circle in Jamaica Plain

Representative Sánchez collaborated with DCR secure improvements to the William F. Kelley circle to increase pedestrian and cyclist safety while reducing traffic for motorists. Improvements include increased connections for bicyclists and pedestrians from surrounding neighborhoods to Jamaica Pond, as well as installing new traffic signs and pavement markings.
"The improvements to Parkman Drive at Kelly Circle are a sign of the Commonwealth's
continued efforts to increase safety for the pedestrians and bicyclists who enjoy Jamaica Pond,"
said Rep. Jeffrey Sánchez. "I'm happy to stand with the Department of Conversation and
Recreation as they continue to make these necessary enhancements to our neighborhood and
am glad to be a part of these changes."

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