So you'd think it's more likely that the Revs might run their own shuttle buses, rather than ask the MBTA to increase bus service on game days? On a side note: over in Japan, the train station in the vicinity of Kashima Soccer Stadium is primarily used for freight traffic; it does carry passengers, but only on days when the Antlers (or presumably the Japan men's or women's national teams) are hosting matches there.
I think that's what the Legislature would expect them to do. I went to the T's trip planner and there wasn't a bus directly from the Wellington T station to Encore Casino. They suggested either 2 or 3 buses to get there (or my favorite -- walk 1.9 miles for free). They would probably hire all the Encore buses and beef that up for gameday. If the T could see it as a profitable option, they might participate (but transfers to buses from the subway are generally free right now). Another option for a shuttle bus might be from Gateway Center in Everett. They could pay the mall for parking and transport folks to the games. It's close to the water, but I have no idea if a shuttle boat could be an option. TBH, I would expect the club to try to establish a boat ferry from Wellington or Assembly Row to the stadium. That would be a different approach and perhaps a quick fun trip for fans. There is a yacht club at Wellington, but nothing I saw at Assembly.
The MBTA has suggested running one of the Silver line routes from the above mentioned Chelsea Commuter rail stop to Sullivan Square Orange Line station. We recommend extending Silver Line 3 from its terminus in Chelsea to Sullivan Square station via Everett. Together with @MassDOT, Silver Line Extension Alternatives Analysis final report projects an increase of 15,000+ daily SL3 riders.https://t.co/VldKLOSAti#BuildingABetterT pic.twitter.com/qoDND1ZvkR— MBTA (@MBTA) March 8, 2024
There's also been talk of a footbridge from Draw Seven Park in Somerville (essentially adjacent to the Orange Line station at Assembly) across the Mystic to the Everett side. But fundamentally, that's a traffic-challenged part of the world. Sometimes even when the casino traffic is heavy, the roads are pretty much paralyzed. Much as I'm enthusiastic about a stadium there, I think we have to acknowledge that traffic is going to be a problem. Though not for me personally -- I'd be able to walk there from my house in 30 minutes.
All due respect to Twellman (and I don't disagree), but I doubt his expertise extends to the MA political process.
I doubt it, too, but I do think he’s sufficiently well connected that he knows people who know things, so I find it encouraging that he thinks this is going to happen. He gets these scoops right more often than not.
I think it's as simple as he's probably hearing from the Revs side that they're confident. But they can't control the MA government nor the NIMBYs.
Bill That Could Pave The Way For Everett Soccer Stadium Gets Hearing Date Bill SD.2908 will have a hearing on Tuesday, April 2. Seth Macomber Mar 28, 2024 theblazingmusket.com
The Krafts have released a rendering of a potential soccer stadium for the the New England Revolution right outside of downtown Boston
From WBUR this morning: The pitch against a new pitch: A bill that would rezone some waterfront property in Everett to allow for the construction of a professional soccer stadium is getting a hearing on Beacon Hill today. As WBUR's Walter Wuthmann reports, it's the latest move in a years-long effort by the Kraft Group to find a home for the New England Revolution in Greater Boston. The potential project would convert a blighted area around what's currently a defunct power plant into a 25,000-seat stadium with a waterfront park — and bring jobs and needed revenue to the city. So, why is it up against some powerful opponents? Here's a look at the main critics of the bill: The Conservation Law Foundation: Brad Campbell, the environmental group's president, says the bill circumvents the normal process for changing a designated port area and wants more public input — particularly around transportation. "Everett has really been the only municipality at the table, even though this is right at the intersection of Charlestown, Somerville and Everett," Campbell told Walt. "All of those communities would directly be affected by gridlock that this proposed stadium would make far worse on game days. And it's already pretty bad." While Campbell thinks a stadium shouldn't be off the table, he said there's "a right way and a wrong way to do planning." (It's worth noting Everett and the Krafts have proposed capping on-site parking at 75 spots to address car traffic concerns.) City of Boston: Mayor Michelle Wu's office also called out the lack of "any outreach or conversation" with Boston after the zoning change was originally proposed as part of a larger spending bill. Since many fans would presumably walk from Sullivan Square or Charlestown, a spokesperson for Wu said "the foot traffic and congestion impacts would fall most heavily on Boston.” TD Garden: Behind the scenes, the owners of the TD Garden have reportedly already pushed back against the Everett stadium, which would bring more competition for large concerts to the area. "TD Garden definitely had weighed in," state Rep. Aaron Michlewitz told reporters in November.
So, the hearing just happened. Only one testifying entity came to oppose it (the port people). Most else testifying were overwhelmingly for it, some even passionate. Also there were some definitely for it with some caveats, such as transportation studies, etc. Boston just asked for a seat at the table. People ranged from Everett citizens, Everett mayor, to business owners, urban planners and more. Overall it was very pro SSS in Everett.
I may have said it before, but bold of Wu to double down on the "lack of communication" considering how her own NWSL stadium project in Franklin Park has played out. Glad to hear the feedback was positive, I am rooting for Everett to pull this off. And I hope they aren't using Boston City hall for architectural inspiration on this...
FWIW, the Chairman of the Board of the Conservation Law Foundation is a woman named Sara Molyneaux. She's married to a man named Don Law. Don Law is President of a little company named Live Nation New England. Guess who isn't looking for more competition in the live concert space?
My favorite voice in opposition was the cranky lady from Everett. CLF's arguments are entirely about process and the belief that someday, somehow, something they prefer would be built there. Didn't someone point out that the area being talked about is just a small portion of the whole port area? Traffic is always the big argument made by people opposed to any development. The Krafts had better present a good argument for how they're going to address that, beyond "we think our supporters will take the train."
In that rendering I don't see any of the Patriot Place style development that I thought was going to be part of this. Didn't Kraft say they envision restaurants and other retail around the stadium?
The Committee has until May 30 to vote on it. Then the deadline for the legislature to vote is July 31.
Another SSS ahead of the Revs: It’s done, no more votes, no more approvals to wait on: The first soccer specific stadium in New York City, permanent home for #NYCFC, is coming to Willets Point, Queens.More on the vote, the approval process, and the long journey to today https://t.co/PQAf2joDfa— Hudson River Blue (@HudsonRiverBlue) April 11, 2024