Boston Council Committee Advances $21.3 Million in School Window and Accessibility Upgrades

BOSTON — March 26, 2026 — Boston City Council Ways and Means Committee advances two loan orders totaling $21.3 million for window, door, and accessibility upgrades at four public schools. Committee Chair Benjamin J. Weber convened the March 26 virtual hearing on Docket 0570, a $20.2 million appropriation for Adams Elementary School in East Boston, and Docket 0571, a $1.1 million design appropriation for Margarita Muniz Academy, Mildred Avenue K-6 School, and Orchard Gardens School. Both orders, sponsored by Mayor Michelle Wu, were referred to committee on March 18. Carlton Jones, Executive Director of the Public Facilities Department, and Senior Project Manager Brian McLaughlin explained that the Adams project expanded beyond its original window-and-door scope after design estimates exceeded 30 percent of the building's assessed value, triggering ADA upgrades including a new elevator and accessible bathrooms — the first time MSBA will reimburse a city for such triggered accessibility costs, with more than $10.4 million in reimbursements expected. No votes were taken; both orders require at least two separate full council votes before taking effect.