The Latest On The Bill That Could Bring A Soccer Stadium To Everett

Bill SD.2908 still hasn't made its way to the committee on Economic Development and Emerging Technologies.

Photo Courtesy of J. Alexander Dolan

Bill SD.2908, which could pave the way for a soccer-specific stadium in Everett, MA still hasn’t made its way to the committee on Economic Development and Emerging Technologies despite being referred there by the Senate on Jan. 11.

Introduced by State Senator Sal N. DiDomenico on Dec. 26, the bill would re-designate a 43-acre industrial site that once housed a power plant. 

As it stands, the land is only for water-related use because it’s categorized as a “designated port area.” DiDomenico’s bill would change that "for the purpose of converting the parcel into a professional soccer stadium and a waterfront park."

The bill is presently in limbo because the House hasn’t referred it to the committee for Economic Development and Emerging Technology. Since this is a joint committee, any bill referred to there must be approved by both houses.

Typically a formality, it’s unclear why the House hasn’t taken action. Attempts to reach Massachusetts House Speaker Ronald Joseph Mariano were unsuccessful.

Once a bill is assigned, the committee has 30 days to approve, reject, or request a study.

Despite the current status of the bill, there is still optimism regarding the project.

“We have worked so hard on this issue because as an environmental justice community we deserve something better than a polluted power plant on our waterfront,” said State Senator Sal DiDomenico told The Blazing Musket.

“This is a transformational project that will be an environmental win and an economic catalyst for our area. I filed legislation to advance this project and I am hopeful that we can find a resolution in the very near future. This opportunity will bring upwards of $600 million in private investments to our community with open space for our residents to enjoy.”

This is the second recent major push to clear legislative hurdles out of the way to potentially bring a soccer-specific stadium to Everett. The Senate’s take on November’s budget bill would’ve advanced the project, but this verbiage wasn’t included in the final version.