Charlestown Demands Clear Solutions for Everett Stadium

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Charlestown is demanding clear solutions regarding to the New England Revolution stadium project in EverettIn a meeting with Mayor Michelle Wu, residents expressed their concerns about transportation, traffic, and more.

Voices from Charlestown in the Debate

Kraft Group's plan to build a soccer stadium in Everett has placed Charlestown at the center of the conversation. Although the site is across the Mystic River, the impact on this Boston community is undeniable. a public meeting on Tuesday, more than 100 residents discussed with Wu how to mitigate the effects of this project.

Public Transport and Traffic at the Center of the Conversation

Charlestown residents made it clear that the public transport is your main concernWith only 75 parking spaces planned for the stadium, traffic to Sullivan Square and local routes could become clogged during events. “We need to use the stadium to improve the roads,” one resident said, according to the Boston Globe. Wu agreed that these voices should guide negotiations with the Kraft Group.

In addition to transportation, Charlestown is demanding more green space and solutions for residential parking. The mayor emphasized that her administration is seeking a mitigation agreement that includes investments in coastal resilience, open space, and benefits for local businesses, responding to community demands.

Agreements at Play

A November state law opened the door to a 25,000-seat stadium, but it requires mitigation agreements with Everett and Boston. While Everett has already signed a preliminary pact with the Kraft Group for $1.4T75 million, Wu considers it insufficient compared to the $68 million negotiated with the Encore casino nine years ago. Talks with Boston, however, are moving slowly, and Wu points to the lack of concrete details from the proponents.

The Role of the Community in Negotiations

The legislation stipulates that both parties must reach an agreement by May 1, or a mediator will intervene. If a resolution isn't reached by December 31, an arbitration panel will decide. Wu emphasized that he won't support the project unless it directly benefits Charlestown and Boston.

Wu insisted that Charlestown must be at the center of the process. “I’m not convinced about a stadium just for the sake of having one,” she said, emphasizing that she will only support it if transportation solutions and a binding agreement are guaranteed. So far, meetings with the Kraft Group have been limited, and the mayor is waiting for more specific proposals.

Is a Stadium Worth It?

Charlestown isn't opposed to the stadium, but it demands that the project not worsen its quality of life. With tight deadlines and ongoing negotiations, the outcome will depend on how much the Kraft Group listens to this community.

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Sources: The Boston Globe