BPDA Board Votes to Clear Environmental Review for White Stadium Renovation Project

BOSTON — July 18, 2024 — Boston's BPDA Board unanimously waived further large-project environmental review for the White Stadium renovation, advancing the public-private partnership between the City of Boston and Boston Unity Soccer Partners. Board Chair Priscilla Rojas presided over the July 18 dual EDIC and BRA session, during which city staff including Chief of Operations Dion Irish and Planning Department Deputy Chief of Urban Design Diana Fernandez presented a redesigned plan that would increase stadium programmable hours from 250 to more than 900 per year, with the professional soccer team occupying the facility for no more than 20 game days annually. Legal counsel Sammy Nabolsi reported that a Superior Court judge in late March rejected a preliminary injunction from the Emerald Necklace Conservancy, finding plaintiffs unlikely to prevail, and that trial is now targeted for spring 2025. District 6 Councilor Kendra Lara Weber testified in support; At-Large Councilor Brian Murphy opposed, arguing the city should fund the renovation entirely as it had a $35 million Charlestown pool project. The board also approved a $600,000-plus settlement to terminate the lease of a shuttered East-West Manufacturing facility at 12 Channel Street, freeing approximately 45,000 square feet for re-leasing at market rate. Dr. Theodore Landsmark recused himself from the White Stadium vote.