Council refers request for detailed Craft stadium report after public comment and senator briefing

The Everett City Council on Wednesday referred a resolution asking the city administration to provide a detailed status report on the proposed Craft soccer stadium project back to the sponsor after public comment and a presentation by state Sen. Sal DiDomenico.

The resolution, introduced by Councilor Katie Rogers, asked for the city to report on approvals and permits, obstacles and delays, a projected timeline for next phases, and any agreements between the city and the Craft group. After a public comment period in which several residents urged a public vote and questioned the use of public funds, the council invited DiDomenico to brief members on recent transit and funding developments tied to the proposal.

DiDomenico told the council the MBTA has released a report assessing transit options for the area and that several state agencies are coordinating on related infrastructure. He said the pedestrian bridge funding is on the DOT side, not the MBTA; that the MBTA has given the green light in principle to a commuter rail stop in Everett subject to technical solutions; and that the civil (silver) line extension and water shuttle connections are planned components of a broader master plan. He repeated that much of the transit work is being coordinated at the state level and that a governor-appointed point person is overseeing agency efforts.

Multiple residents at public comment urged that the stadium proposal be placed on the November ballot, questioned whether public funds would be used for site cleanup and infrastructure, and raised traffic and job-quality concerns. Peggy Sereno said residents oppose the stadium and worried public money would flow to private developers. Paula Staridi and Jeff Perrons also asked for a ballot question and urged transparency on legal costs and use of public funds.

During council discussion, members noted the DPA (Designated Port Area) lifting and referenced the host agreement process and related state approvals. Councilors asked that further information be shared at upcoming community meetings, and Councilor Rogers moved to refer the resolution back to the sponsor to continue public engagement and collect updated material.

The council's action sends the request for a detailed report back to the sponsor for further work and awaits any presentations or materials promised for upcoming community meetings.