Renderings provided by Kraft Group show one possible design for a professional soccer stadium in Everett if lawmakers greenlight a bill that would pave the way for construction. (Courtesy of Craft Group)
If Fenway Park were built today, it would likely not pass negotiations with Mayor Michelle Wu's administration.
Traffic is congested on game day, free parking is scarce, and the foot traffic in and around Kenmore Square can best be described as crowded. What is the impact on the neighborhood? Suffice it to say, Red Sox fans aren't silent spectators when their team plays at home.
These are some of the city's criticisms of Everett's plan to occupy 43 acres along the Mystic River and build a soccer stadium. As reported by the Herald, the proposal is supported by Robert Kraft. The idea is to bring Kraft's New England Revolution professional soccer team from Gillette Stadium in Foxboro to the Everett property.
Mayor Carlo DeMaria said this could be a big win for the city, which faces a $55 million decrease in tax revenue between fiscal years 2021 and 2026 “due to the loss in value of this parcel.” Ta. He said Everett has already lost $28 million since fiscal year 2020.
Boston knows about tax revenue shortfalls. The vacant office space is expected to reduce his tax revenue by $1.4 billion over the next five years. Mayor Wu hopes to recoup losses by raising taxes on commercial properties above state limits. DeMaria wants to revitalize the city by building a stadium. One of these mayors has the right idea.
Boston Planning Director Arthur Jemison said the plan does not include “extensive parking” at the stadium. It was intentional, DeMaria said. “There's no parking. I told them if they keep going, there won't be any parking there. They'll have to rely on public transportation. We're going to develop the transportation system.”
Wu and others have promoted public transit as a more climate-friendly option for Boston residents. The idea that Mr. DeMaria is factoring the MBTA into his plans for a soccer stadium should make sense to people who hate fossil fuels.
If you're worried about crowds making the short trek over the Alford Street Bridge from Sullivan Square Station, note that Everett's Encore Casino offers a free shuttle to and from Wellington Station for visitors. Such a service would be a winner for soccer stadiums.
T is the mode of choice for many people heading to Boston for sporting events or concerts. During Sox season, Green Line cars are packed to and from Kenmore Square and Fenway Station. The same goes for the Bruins-Celtics game at TD Garden.
The Craft Group funds and finances projects like this and will provide half the funding needed to get a project like this off the ground. There is much work to be done. The dilapidated power plant on the Alford Street site must be cleared first, and the Sullivan Square station must be able to accommodate larger expected crowds.
But at the end of the day, Greater Boston could get a soccer stadium, the jobs it would bring, and the opportunity for further growth with retailers and restaurants looking for a piece of the sports fan pie.
Attractions like this are part of what makes Boston a thriving metropolis, and we want, or want, people to visit, spend money, and have fun.
Why should Everett be different?
