Resolution to Pause White Stadium Demolition Fails
BOS Nation FC confirmed it is committed to paying more than half the renovation costs, which could put them over $100 million, but did not provide a specific number when asked.
The Boston City Council failed to get a majority vote Wednesday night on a resolution to pause White Stadium demolition.
The 6-6 tie vote personified the divided sentiments of Boston residents and those concerned about the stadium’s future. Out of the three councilors whose constituents abut Franklin Park, two (Councilors Tania Fernandes Anderson and Brian Worrell) voted to adopt the resolution, and one (Councilor Ben Weber) voted against it.
The resolution called for a pause on demolition until the city finalized and provided transportation, environmental, and alternative plan documents. Resolutions are not legally binding and mostly serve as a recommendation from the council as a whole. The vote occurred one week after the start of demolition and marathon city council hearings focusing on the project’s finances and community engagement process.
Councilor Julia Mejia, who proposed the resolution, made it clear that the purpose of the vote was not to take a stance on the project.
“This is about making sure that we as a city council are responsible stewards of our taxpayer dollars and making informed decisions with full transparency,” she said. “Without written commitments and clear plans, there is no way to hold the administration or this body accountable.”
City officials continue to receive criticism over the growing renovation costs after the original $50 million estimate inflated to nearly $91 million over the last few months. Boston’s fiscal year 2025 budget, which runs through June 30, only accounts for the outdated price tag.
“We're banking on another 50 million that will be allocated to this project without having yet reviewed, deliberated, or even voted on the 2026 budget,” Mejia said.
City officials and residents alike have been calling on the administration to provide a detailed cost analysis of what the renovation will entail. The city recently published a breakdown of its latest estimated budget after officials and advocates called on the administration. The cost includes $10 million for contingencies and cost overruns. Construction work on the structure itself, including the building, seating, and track and field, is estimated at $67 million.
BOS Nation FC confirmed it is committed to paying more than half the renovation costs, which could put them over $100 million, but does not yet have a final estimate.
Though the city has already broken ground on the site, supporters and opponents of the public-private partnership continue to voice their thoughts on the stadium plan. A Change.org petition in favor of the redevelopment was created last week and has amassed nearly 400 signatures as of Thursday morning. Councilors also said they have received numerous emails, letters, and calls in favor of the revitalization.
Those who disapprove have communicated their disapproval through public testimony in city meetings, and most notably, a lawsuit. The plaintiffs suing the city and Boston Unity Soccer Partners filed an expanded legal complaint last week, which explores new information found in the stadium lease.
Opponents will be gathering at White Stadium Thursday morning to protest the demolition and tree removal.
Now that the lease is signed, BOS Nation FC looks forward to spending more time in the community to gather more opinions. BNFC’s Senior Director of Communication Steph Yang believes those who have taken the time to continually advocate for the stadium should be commended.
“It's a kind of community participation that you want to see… people who are, over time, committed to their neighborhoods,” she said.
Resolution Votes
In favor:
Tania Fernandes Anderson
Ed Flynn
Ruthzee Louijeune
Julia Mejia
Erin Murphy
Brian Worrell
Against:
Gabriela Coletta Zapata
Sharon Durkan
John FitzGerald
Enrique Pepén
Henry Santana
Ben Weber
Absent:
Liz Breadon
Glad this didn’t go through.