Kraft Family's $4B Soccer Stadium Plan Gains Momentum with Key Legislative Support
November 14, 2024Senator Sal DiDomenico has been a strong advocate for the project, highlighting its potential to create jobs, attract private investment, and remediate a hazardous site.
The bill also includes various reforms, such as improvements to public health infrastructure, educator workforce diversity, and a new $7 million annual tax credit for live theater productions.
After over three months of stalled negotiations, a conference committee reached an 'agreement in principle' on the bill, which has garnered significant bipartisan support.
The Massachusetts House and Senate are set to convene on November 14, 2024, to vote on this significant economic development bill, which requires approval before reaching Governor Maura Healey's desk.
The proposed stadium site is currently occupied by a polluting power plant, which the project aims to replace, thereby cleaning up the area and enhancing recreational access to the coastline.
Even if the bill passes, public hearings and agreements with the cities of Everett and Boston will be necessary before the stadium project can proceed.
The development is projected to stimulate the local economy by creating hundreds of jobs and generating tax revenue, which has been lost due to the power plant's closure.
While the bill prohibits public funding for the stadium's construction, it allows for public funds to be used for infrastructure improvements that are matched by private investments.
As part of the project agreement with environmental groups, the Kraft Group has committed to building a new community center and contributing $10 million to housing trust funds.
Senator Barry Finegold described the bill as 'transformational' for Massachusetts' economy, emphasizing the need for continued economic vigilance to attract new businesses.
The Kraft family is advancing plans for a new professional soccer stadium in Everett, Massachusetts, supported by a nearly $4 billion economic development bill currently moving through the legislature.
Key provisions in the bill will remove the stadium site's designation as a 'designated port area,' facilitating its development for non-industrial uses.
Summary based on 11 sources
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Sources
CBS Boston • Nov 13, 2024
Lawmakers take first step toward new soccer stadium for New England Revolution in MassachusettsAP News • Nov 13, 2024
Massachusetts lawmakers to consider a soccer stadium for the New England RevolutionThe Boston Globe • Nov 12, 2024
Mass. lawmakers reach deal on Revs stadium, econ development bill