Boston can build White Stadium in Franklin Park, SJC rules
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White Stadium in Franklin Park. Photo: David L. Ryan/The Boston Globe via Getty Images
The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court ruled Boston can continue building White Stadium in Franklin Park.
Why it matters: It’s a major victory for Mayor Michelle Wu, who has pursued the public-private redevelopment project despite some residents' criticisms about potential traffic impacts and displacement of fall student athletes.
Catch up quick: Emerald Necklace Conservancy and the Franklin Park Defenders, a coalition of locals who oppose the stadium, filed the lawsuit in early 2024.
- The lawsuit revolves around the Wu administration's $325 million renovation for a stadium that will host Boston Legacy FC, with Boston Unity Soccer Partners and taxpayers splitting the cost.
State of play: The SJC sided with the city for two reasons.
- First, it said neither the conservancy nor the local coalition has a "cognizable individual interest" in the trust that built and owns the stadium. So they don’t have legal standing to challenge the project.
- Second, the court ruled that the land's use has evolved since 1883, when it was taken by eminent domain to be used as a public park. State laws from 1947 and 1950 effectively named the stadium a school department facility overseen by the school committee.
What they’re saying: "Today’s clear and unanimous decision from the state’s highest court confirms that Boston’s student-athletes, park lovers and community will fully benefit from this landmark investment in our future, without further delay,” Wu said in a statement.
The other side: Karen Mauney-Brodek, the conservancy’s president, disagreed with the ruling and urged the city to consider a "smaller, but fully public project" in Franklin Park.
- A fully public alternative would be more affordable, wouldn't displace Boston Public Schools football programs and others who use the playing field and "would be significantly more sustainable long term," Mauney-Brodek said.
Zoom in: Pamela Jones, a Mattapan resident and plaintiff, said the lawsuit, albeit unsuccessful, shone a light on opponents’ concerns about the project.
- For her, those include football teams' inability to practice during the professional soccer team's season, resident parking restrictions and potential traffic impacts.
The bottom line: Wu said the project’s renovations are well underway and will continue, despite the opposition.