White StadiumPhoto: WBZ NewsRadio
BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — Parking and traffic concerns over the renovation and expansion of the new White Stadium in Franklin Park have reached an all-time high amongst residents.
At a public virtual meeting on Thursday, city officials shared potential transportation plans to alleviate congestion problems around the stadium including shuttle buses, bike valet services, and $100 parking tickets for those who park illegally in surrounding neighborhoods.
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Members of the Franklin Park Defenders group were skeptical that the city and members of the BOS Nation Football Club have any real answers to serious community concerns over the transportation impact to the surrounding neighborhood.
“It seems like all the plans I’ve heard are not totally realistic for what’s going to happen, and that they need to have a more thorough plan,” said Nate, who lives nearby.
Once the renovations are completed, the new White Stadium is expected to attract more than 11,000 spectators who would be navigating through the neighborhood multiple times a year.
“There’s simply no way to accommodate 11,000 game and concert attendees at a site in the middle of a park, with no parking, surrounded by residential neighborhoods, almost a mile from the nearest train station,” said Franklin Park Defenders member Carla-Lisa Caliga.
A recent analysis by the Emerald Necklace Conservancy suggests that games and concerts at the new complex will create “more than 4,000 new vehicle trips and create high levels of traffic gridlock and pollution in and around the area.”
Proponents argue that these plans closely compare to Fenway Park, which according to the city, is within a third of a mile from a T station and the commuter rail. Data however shows that barely 23% of Fenway attendees use public transportation, and two-thirds drive or use rideshare services such as Uber/Lyft.
WBZ NewsRadio’s James Rojas (@JamesRojasMMJ) reports.
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