Ferry Service Extended Through End of November

By Adam Swift

Winthrop Ferry service will continue through the end of November.

Town leaders have been pushing for an extension of the ferry service, which is now run by the MBTA, this year.

At Tuesday night’s Town Council meeting, Town Manager Tony Marino announced that all MBTA ferry services, with the exception of the Lynn Ferry, have been extended until the end of November. The Lynn Ferry will run through the end of October, he said.

Marino thanked the efforts of Precinct 5 Councilor Joseph Aiello, state Senator Lydia Edwards, and state Representative Jeff Turco in helping to get the service extension.

Aiello thanked Marino in his continued efforts to maximize the ferry service in Winthrop.

“Your ability to work with folks in East Boston, Quincy, and Lynn made a stronger delegation that got that extension,” said Aiello. “We have deep appreciation for what you did for this.”

In other business, Marino said the town is continuing to collect information as the council and town look to implement regulations on AirBnBs and other temporary rentals in Winthrop.

Initial estimates show that there are currently 126 short-term rental units in the town, Marino said.

Town Council President Jim Letterie said the town is continuing to look at crafting an ordinance governing the units, and Marino said there will be more information to come and work done about the status of AirBnBs in Winthrop.

Aiello also asked that Marino have information on the capital liabilities in Winthrop; including roads, bridges, water, sewer, and buildings; for the town forum scheduled for Tuesday, Oct. 17.

“I think it is important for the citizens of the town to understand that we have a big road ahead of us,” said Aiello, adding that there are limited resources in the town to tackle capital needs and expenditures. “We really need to talk about strategizing to gain access to other people’s money.

Prioritizing capital needs and where the town’s investments should go while finding money from outside the community so that it doesn’t impact taxpayers should be a top priority for the town, Aiello said.