$13.8bn Patriots owner building new waterfront arena amid team’s Gillette Stadium relocation
The good news keeps on coming for Robert Kraft.
Not only has MVP candidate Drake Maye become a Tom Brady clone to restore the New England Patriots‘ AFC East dominance, his soccer team have reached an agreement on a brand new home.
New England Revolution leaving Gillette Stadium for new waterfront arena
The New England Revolution are leaving Gillette Stadium for a waterfront arena having negotiated a compensation agreement with Boston lawmakers.
Unlike many cases where public money is poured into wealthy moguls’ pet projects, Massachusetts requires teams to pay for their own stadiums.
Kraft — the world’s 204th richest person with a $13.8 billion fortune, per Forbes — can certainly afford it.
The Kraft Group and Boston Mayor Michelle Wu announced an agreement on Wednesday with $48 million spent on infrastructure improvements and other projects in areas that will be impacted by the new arena.
In Everett, the Kraft family have agreed to fund a $20 million waterfront park along the Mystic River, as well as keeping up maintenance.
There will also be $17.5 million allocated for a new entrance at the Orange Line’s Assembly station in Somerville leading to a pedestrian bridge across the river.
A $2.25 fee for using the new walkway will go into the City’s coffers, with officials valuing the plan at $90 million-plus over a 20-year period, per the Boston Globe.
The project is yet to receive planning approvals but a major hurdle has now been overcome.
Mayor Wu released a statement insisting that she “fought for a fair deal for Boston and our residents, and that is what we have achieved through this agreement.”
Negotiations went right the the wire with a December 31 deadline to reach a decision over the site of a shuttered power plant.
The Revolution have shared a stadium with the Patriots since being launched in 1996.
The Krafts have spent years searching for a site to hold a 25,000-seater soccer venue, which will also host concerts.
“The language we passed into law made clear that the communities most affected by this project should have a voice in how this development moves forward,” Democratic Senator Sal DiDomenico said in a statement.
“I am happy to see the Revolution soccer stadium reach this critical step to making this transformational project a reality.”
“It’s huge for us,” he added. “It’s something I envisioned for a long, long time… I’m happy to have been able to get it done before my last days in office.”
Robert’s son Josh ran against Wu for mayor this year but lost heavily in the preliminary election.
NFL's Greatest......
Ranking the top 10......
Quarterbacks of all-time – Can anyone better Tom Brady?
Wide receivers of all-time – Does Randy Moss or Jerry Rice come out on top?
Running backs of all-time – Stacking Jim Brown, Barry Sanders, Walter Payton, Emmitt Smith and more
Tight ends of all-time – How does Travis Kelce compare?
The family’s expenditure could top $500 million and will regenerate an industrial area in need of an injection of cash.
“Under the agreements, we will undertake significant environmental remediation and demolition of the long‑vacant powerplant, invest in extensive traffic and transportation improvements, and deliver substantial community benefits, including millions of dollars towards infrastructure improvements,” the Krafts’ statement read.
“The project will open the waterfront with the creation of a new public park, strengthen pedestrian and bicycle connectivity, and enhance access to public transit.
“We will also support Everett Public Schools, expand local employment opportunities, and make the stadium and waterfront park available for community and school events.
“Our shared commitment to Everett and Boston residents includes prioritizing local hiring, youth soccer clinics, and community programming. This project is intended to be a true neighborhood asset.
“These agreements demonstrate the power of public‑private partnership to deliver transformational outcomes. We look forward to continued collaboration with Everett, Boston, and the community as the project advances through local and state review and as we take the many next steps necessary to bring this vision to life.”
Stay up to date with the latest from the NFL across all platforms – follow our dedicated talkSPORT USA Facebook page and subscribe to our talkSPORT USA YouTube channel for news, exclusive interviews and more.
What's Your Reaction?
Like
0
Dislike
0
Love
0
Funny
0
Angry
0
Sad
0
Wow
0
