Editor’s note: This article has been updated with corrected information. An earlier version contained several mistakes.
LYNN — The City Council voted, 10-1, Tuesday night to table an ordinance that would set guidelines for life-sciences companies to follow when using recombinant-DNA technology.
The council was expected to vote in favor of the ordinance, but after listening to concerns from five residents regarding the use of recombinant DNA (rDNA), or cloned DNA, councilors opted to table the vote until their next meeting.
Residents aired a variety of concerns, ranging from their belief that rDNA would cause genetic mutations, an unhappiness with the way the ordinance was proposed, and a dissatisfaction with the fine that businesses would incur if they were to violate the potential city ordinance.
Recombinant DNA (rDNA) is a technology that uses enzymes to cut and paste together DNA sequences of interest. This process is known as DNA cloning, with the resulting cloned DNA often referred to as rDNA, which can be used to help improve health conditions by developing new vaccines and pharmaceuticals, according to the National Human Genome Research Institute.
James Cowdell, executive director of the Economic Development & Industrial Corporation of Lynn (EDIC/Lynn), spoke in favor of the ordinance at Tuesday’s meeting. He said Lynn has the opportunity to become a hub for life-sciences businesses that are leaving Boston.
“Companies are looking to move out of Boston, and Lynn right now is prime due to the cost of real estate and property,” said Cowdell. “There would be a lot of economic growth and benefit for Lynn.”
However, a handful of residents were not convinced.
Resident Brian Hickey said he was concerned about the safety risks he believes would be presented with city recombinant DNA use requiring physical containment greater than the biosafety level 3.
Hickey also took issue with the city’s proposed $300 fine, which would be imposed on businesses that commit a significant violation of the potential ordinance. He suggested it should be $1 million, citing what he characterized as significant safety concerns.
“If you look up what a biosafety lab level 3 lab allows is some pretty dangerous stuff: West Nile virus, tuberculosis. I haven’t seen a comprehensive list, but also COVID-19,” he said. “What’s even more disconcerting is that just because the rDNA is genetically modified, is that it will permit genetically-modified strains of COVID-19 into the community. I think that, given current events over the past few years, should give pause to that.”
The ordinance says: “Recombinant DNA use requiring physical containment greater than the BL3 level (Biosafety Level 3) shall not be permitted in the City of Lynn. An institution shall provide the LBC (Lynn Biosafety Committee) with 30 days’ notice prior to recombinant DNA use requiring physical containment at the BL3 level.”
The language in the ordinance calls for the creation of the Lynn Biosafety Committee (LBC). This committee would be responsible for overseeing and creating the policies related to the use of rDNA in the city, approving and reviewing permits, overseeing and reviewing worker training and manuals, and developing procedures related to violations of the ordinance.
Resident Shannon Llewellyn said the city did not act in good faith when writing this proposed ordinance. She said she doesn’t care about the potential economic benefits the city could gain as a result of this investment into the life-sciences sector.
“Maybe we want to be underserved by biohazards,” said Llewellyn. “This whole thing reeks to high heaven and makes the hairs stand up on the back of my neck. I don’t care about the economic benefits. I care about the safety benefits.”
Ward 1 Councilor Wayne Lozzi, who proposed to table the motion, said he wanted to vote in favor of the ordinance, as it would help to bring more jobs and businesses to Lynn. However, he said he now wants to hold another public hearing with members of the Planning Department, to learn more about the proposal.
“It would be wonderful economically, but we heard a lot of valid concerns tonight at the public hearing,” Lozzi said. “We should be talking about more safeguards when it comes to using this technology.”
The proposed ordinance is another step the city is taking toward increasing its presence in the life-sciences industry, which Mayor Jared Nicholson has cited as a priority for his administration.
On Feb. 21, Nicholson announced that Lynn would be teaming up with the BioConnects New England coalition to create a biomanufacturing industry cluster in the city and New England region. The city also plans to partner with North Shore Community College, which has a campus in Lynn, to help interested students find jobs in the life-sciences field.
City Council President Jay Walsh was the only councilor to vote against tabling the proposed ordinance Tuesday night, saying that he felt the council should have approved the measure.
“I think what we saw was a lot of misinformation on display and we could have passed this ordinance tonight,” said Walsh. “One of the members claimed there would be labs with a biosafety level of three, when the ordinance clearly said only level-two labs would be allowed in the city.”
Walsh said he remains optimistic that the proposed ordinance will be passed at the next council meeting.
“We’re going to work it out in the end,” he said.
