BOSTON (WHDH) - A judge ruled the City of Boston can proceed with the demolition of White Stadium.
In a ruling handed down on Wednesday, the judge determined that the stadium’s redevelopment does not violate state law for park land protections.
The city proposed a $200 million project — with taxpayers paying half — to renovate the existing stadium and transform it into a for-profit sports stadium and entertainment complex for a new professional women’s soccer team. Student athletes at Boston Public Schools (BPS) will also use the stadium.
The park project has created deep divisions within the community.
“I’m excited that something is happening, it was definitely in need of renovation,” said Colin Bell who lives nearby. “Little concerned about the implications and traffic, being in a pretty residential neighborhood.”
“I understand the argument that it was a way to get money into the stadium, and if you don’t do this, you might not get anything, but it doesn’t seem like it’s a good plan,” said Nate Hafer, who is against the project.
Advocates who oppose the plan say it will do harm by removing trees and taking away the public’s use of the park, that’s why the lawsuit was filed, accusing Boston Mayor Michelle Wu’s administration of trying to privatize it. The judge ultimately ruled in the city’s favor.
The lawsuit claimed the city violated part of the Massachusetts constitution which requires the state legislature to step in to change the use of public parks.
Boston Mayor Michelle Wu celebrated the decision, saying, “In a city of sports champions, this is a historic victory. A renovated White Stadium will be open and used by BPS students, coaches, and community 15 hours per day, more than 345 days per year.”
She said it is a necessary investment for both the community and the city.
“It is time for us to make these investments, it is time for us to be clear what Boston is capable of, and it is time to tell the truth about what this project is and who has shaped it. It is these young people, out coaches, our community members who have decided what the stadium will look like and who will get to use it,” Wu said.
Boston Civil Rights activist Jean McGuire also commented on the decision, saying, “This is our park; the public’s park. We pay for it with our taxes and we have forever. Our kids should not have to ask permission to play in a public park.”
“Our advocacy for Franklin Park and the community is about supporting our kids and the park with a truly public stadium,” the Franklin Park Defenders said in a response. “The communities around the park should be central to decision making for our parks, not asked their opinion after decisions are already made.”
Mayoral candidate Josh Kraft also commented on the decision.
“Regardless of how the legal process is played out, $100 million to a project that primarily benefits a private entity is just not good business sense,” Kraft said.
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