Future Gatherings in Jeopardy for Local Residents Amid Stadium Redevelopment
Jamaica Plain resident Melissa Hamel is concerned about hosting summer gatherings at her home due to the redevelopment of White Stadium in Franklin Park, set to host a new professional women’s soccer team, Boston Legacy FC. While local residents have been promised parking permits for game days, Hamel fears that the one guest pass per household will be insufficient to prevent friends from facing ticketing or towing issues during events.
The stadium is currently undergoing demolition, with plans for Legacy FC to play its inaugural season in 2026. Critics of the controversial project argue it unfairly burdens the community. The Emerald Necklace Conservancy and local activists attempted to stop the redevelopment, but their legal challenge was dismissed.
Transportation plans for game days remain uncertain. A preliminary draft suggests spectators park at satellite lots and take free shuttles to the venue, with no on-site parking. Fans will be required to choose their transportation method when purchasing tickets. However, residents express skepticism about the city’s projections regarding transportation usage, citing a lack of thorough analysis.
Critics like Bill Lyons, founder of Fort Hill Companies, argue the plan overlooks critical logistical issues, particularly concerning shuttle space and compliance with parking restrictions. Additionally, concerns about pedestrian safety and traffic congestion near the stadium have been raised.
Calls for a comprehensive traffic study and better communication with local stakeholders continue, as state officials and community members seek assurances that transportation for major events will not disrupt public transit or neighborhood safety.
Despite these concerns, neither Boston Legacy FC nor Mayor Michelle Wu’s office has publicly addressed the issues raised by residents. As game days approach, local residents are left questioning the city’s commitment to addressing their needs during this significant transformation.
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