Negotiation drama between Bob Kraft, owner of the New England Revs, and the City of Boston over a new soccer stadium being built in Everett has officially begun. In particular, the mitigation agreement.
Discussions are underway thanks to an economic development bill that Governor Maura Healey signed in November. Tucked inside that legislation is a provision clearing the way for a nearly 25,000-seat soccer stadium for the Krafts’ New England Revolution on the site of the old power plant in Everett—right next to Boston. But there’s a catch: before breaking ground, the Krafts need to hammer out mitigation agreements with both Everett and Boston. The clock is ticking, with a May 1 deadline before a mediator steps in, and if there’s still no deal by Dec. 31, the matter heads to arbitration.
Right now, the two sides seem miles apart, according to emails Boston city officials released this week to the Boston Globe. So far, the only concrete dollar figure on the table is $750,000 for upgrades to Charlestown’s athletic fields—a number the Wu administration isn’t exactly thrilled about. For context, back in 2015, Boston officials secured a $68 million deal tied to the Encore Boston Harbor casino just down the road in Everett. Compared to that, this latest offer isn’t making much of an impression. Yikes.
Politicians who represent Charlestown say $750,000 isn’t enough to address concerns about game-day traffic, especially in Sullivan Square and public safety of soccer fans walking through that area.
State Representative Dan Ryan told the Globe that the project should be a “once in a generation opportunity” to make badly needed roadway improvements. City Councilor Gigi Coletta Zapata suggested subsidies to increase Orange Line service on event days.
“It’s certainly an interesting opening offer,” said Coletta Zapata, who represents the neighborhood. “But I would say Charlestown deserves more.”
Everett Mayor Carlo DeMaria got a jump on negotiations, locking in a preliminary deal with the Krafts back in November 2023. Since then, Everett officials have been in steady talks with the Kraft Group, hashing out transportation and infrastructure details. But Boston wasn’t originally part of that conversation—something the new law aimed to fix after the Wu administration raised concerns about being left out. And with Charlestown sitting right across the Mystic from the proposed stadium site, it’s no surprise folks here want a say in what happens next.
What do you think? Let us know in the comments below.
You can read the full article via the Globe here.
Maureen Dahill is the editor of Caught in Southie and a lifelong resident of South Boston sometimes mistaken for a yuppie. Co-host of Caught Up, storyteller, lover of red wine and binge watching TV series. Mrs. Peter G. Follow her @MaureenCaught.
I am highly concerned this project will create additionally unacceptable levels of traffic that already exist in Sullivan Square. The stadium should not be allowed to open until the traffic patterns are figured out and in place. Otherwise, all exits from Charlestown will be under construction and essentially making it impossible to come or go from the neighborhood.