Dear Boston City Councilors:

I am writing to express my opposition to Boston University's plan to build a BSL4 bioterrorism laboratory in the South End/Roxbury neighborhood near Boston Medical Center. I urge the City Council to pass an ordinance that bans research in BSL4 labs in Boston.

The laboratory presents a real threat that dangerous pathogens may be released accidentally -- and as a repository of bioweapons agents, the lab will be a tempting target for terrorists.

Also, the lab will provide very few jobs for local residents and diverts public health funds to bioweapons research. The health and safety risks of the lab are too great, and its potential benefits too small, to justify its construction and operation in Boston.

The well-being of all Boston residents must be a top priority. We must stop locating dangerous and unwanted facilities in lower-income communities of color. We need to end environmental racism. It is time for our elected officials to say no to the lab.