Photo: James Rojas/WBZ NewsRadio
BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — A Superior Court judge ruled Tuesday that a group opposed to the construction of a new soccer stadium in Boston’s Franklin Park can have more time to build its case against the project.
The Franklin Park Defenders are suing the city of Boston and the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL)’s BOS Nation Football Club, alleging the plan to demolish White Stadium and build a private sports and concert complex in its place violates the state's constitution by transferring public trust land to private use.
BOS Nation FC aims to play home games at the newly built stadium, with a capacity of 11,000, by March 2026, depending on the outcome of the lawsuit and construction schedule.
The cost of the project is estimated to be $200 million.
"Just this week we learned that the cost of the project has ballooned, with taxpayers on the hook for $91 million," Melissa Hamel, a Jamaica Plain resident and member of the Franklin Park Defenders, said in the statement. "And the city revealed plans to cut down 145 trees in Franklin Park to build the pro soccer stadium."
Hamel said the ruling from Justice Julie Green is a victory for those who oppose the project.
BOS Nation FC sent WBZ NewRadio the following statement:
“The judge’s ruling to firmly uphold the March trial date is a significant win against the Emerald Necklace Conservancy’s efforts to derail the revitalization of White Stadium. We remain confident that there is no legal foundation for this case, and it is clear that the plaintiff's sole intent is to employ delay tactics. We look forward to resolving this frivolous lawsuit in March.”
WBZ NewsRadio's James Rojas (@JamesRojasMMJ) reports.