City Council voted unanimously on Monday to amend ordinances related to a proposed life sciences center at the Suffolk Downs site being redeveloped by HYM Investment Group.

The vote to lower the Life Science Center’s Biosafety Level (BSL) from BSL-3 to BSL-2 and place restrictions on testing certain types of animals is seen as a major victory by many concerned residents. increase. For research and laboratory tests that may be performed at the facility.

Council Chairman Gary Visconti, who proposed the amendments along with District 1 Councilor Joanne McKenna, outlined the proposed amendments at the beginning of the discussion.

“The way the ordinance is currently read, the city allows BS Level 3 life sciences buildings,” says Visconti. “What Rep. McKenna and I have proposed is her Bs Level 2 reduction.”

Visconti and McKenna also proposed an amendment that would ban testing on the following species if “animal testing takes place in SDOD areas (Special Development Overlay Areas): cats, dogs, rabbits, monkeys, chimpanzees, and animals.” Other related primates.”

Visconti also said that HYM’s managing director, Thomas O’Brien, intended to [at the life science center]. he [O’Brien] I agree to the changes regarding animal testing. “

Other life sciences buildings outside of the SDOD must obtain special permits that “not only prohibit animal testing.”

Visconti called the proposed amendment a “substantial change” to the city’s ordinance.

Patrick Keef, chairman of the zoning subcommittee that presided over the discussion, said after the vote approving the amendment, “Libya is a rapidly growing community, with good access to Boston and more industry wants to be part of our city.”

Keefe added: Massachusetts leads the country in life sciences, and Libya should be part of that amazing growth, Thomas O’Brien and his HYM showcase what we already knew : Revere is a special place. “