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Wu blasts Kraft Group over "limited to no" details about soccer stadium impact

Wu blasts Kraft Group over "limited to no" details about soccer stadium impact

Axios04-08-2025
Mayor Michelle Wu called for the Kraft Group to "be real" and commit millions in mitigation funds for the proposed soccer stadium in Everett and Boston.
Why it matters: The proposed New England Revolution stadium falls on a sliver of Boston property over the Alford Street Bridge, but as Wu and the Kraft Group head to mediation, local Democrats say the bulk of the traffic impact will fall on residents near Sullivan Square.
The big picture: Sullivan Square residents say they want the stadium only if the Kraft Group makes necessary infrastructure improvements so the neighborhood can safely withstand the anticipated traffic impact.
Catch up quick: The Kraft Group hasn't updated its original offer of $750,000 in mitigation funds for Boston — a number City Councilor Gabriela Coletta Zapata called "an insult."
Wu said the the city hasn't received detailed studies on the stadium's impact on traffic, noise, the environment and other areas that could affect Charlestown residents over the six meetings she's had with the developer.
What they're saying: "We've even sent them templates, the examples from previous projects, to help say this is what they're looking for, to help make it possible for them to respond," Wu told reporters, near the Alford Street Bridge in Charlestown.
"But we've received limited to no answers."
The Kraft Group said it plans to address Wu's comments it in its own press conference this afternoon, but declined to elaborate beforehand.
Between the lines: Wu didn't hesitate to make references to her rival, mayoral candidate Josh Kraft, during her remarks.
She said the $750,000 the Kraft Group offered for mitigation funds is a fraction of what he would get in "allowance," calling Josh Kraft a "pre-approved owner in waiting."
Kraft has previously said he's not involved in the Kraft Group's efforts to build the stadium and would recuse himself from negotiations if he were elected mayor. The campaign declined to comment when reached by email.
Friction point: Wu declined to suggest a counteroffer, but she and other elected officials noted that Wynn Resorts paid $68 million in mitigation funds to build the Encore Boston Harbor casino.
What we're watching: The parties have until the end of the year to reach a deal with help from mediators.
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