Security tight in Boston as several demonstrations planned

BOSTON — Security is tight in Boston on Wednesday as several demonstrations are planned following the election.

Crews boarded up storefronts and businesses in several parts of the city, which were vandalized when protests turned violent earlier this year.

One board-up crew said they've slept three hours in the past two days. Some workers said business owners who didn't want protection a few days ago are now calling for service.

Many have decided to keep the wood boards on hand to save money.

“A lot of the clients now, if they have the space to store it, they are storing on site, so when we take it down and label it for them, so it is just (the cost) of labor to put it back it and save them some money. The cost of material has tripled in last two months,” said Lou Falzarano, of Boston Board Up.

State police have been gathering near the convention center in the Seaport.

Gov. Charlie Baker has ordered 1,000 National Guard members to be on standby.

Kevin Paquette, a barista at Revival Café & Kitchen, said he was expecting demonstrations Tuesday. He said not having a clear election result pushed everything back.

“I don’t see anyone targeting us,” he said. “Who knows what will happen if people just start throwing things at windows.”

Some residents said they hope the protest or celebrations remain peaceful regardless of who wins the White House.

“I wanted a firm resolution, which is clearly not happening this morning,” resident Mark Pfeifer said. “We’ll see what comes out of it. One way or another I want the country to move forward.”