Everett council to host community meeting on proposed Craft soccer stadium after state deadlines set

The Everett City Council voted to host a community meeting, to be scheduled before May 1, to hear from the Craft group, state and local officials and the public about a proposed professional soccer stadium and associated development on waterfront land that spans Everett and part of Boston.

Why it matters: Councilors said residents have seen weekly media coverage but limited direct town-hall–style briefings in Everett. The council’s community meeting aims to present the project timeline, explain required state approvals and solicit public input ahead of two near-term deadlines embedded in state legislation.

What council heard: Matt Lattanzi, director of planning and development, told the council that the economic development legislation passed by the legislature and signed last November set two key deadlines: if both Everett and Boston have not finalized separate host/community benefits agreements with the Craft group by May 1, 2025, the parties will enter mediation; if no agreement exists by Dec. 31, 2025, the statute provides for binding arbitration on the community benefits agreements. Lattanzi said the parcel remains in a designated port area while final CBAs are not in place; the DPA designation limits uses until agreements are signed.

Proposed benefits and concerns: Lattanzi recited elements in the November memorandum of agreement — a 4-acre public park, a $5 million one-time contribution toward a four-season community center plus at least $1 million annually or another agreed fee structure, a $10 million payment to a housing stabilization fund, ticket allocations and local workforce provisions among other items. Councilors and residents raised concerns about traffic, parking, lost tax revenue from waterfront property and the need for robust community involvement in negotiations.

Council action: The council amended and passed a motion to host a community meeting in Everett that will be an open forum with opportunity for resident comment. The council asked the administration to help coordinate participants including the Craft group and the city’s state delegation and to pick a date before May 1.

Next steps: The council will set the date in coordination with the mayor’s office and invited parties. The administration and planning staff were asked to provide the council with copies of the existing MOA and other relevant documents in advance so the public can review them before the meeting.