Council debates $350,000 Red Sox arts and parks grant; asks for spending breakdown, leaves docket in committee

The Boston City Council on March 31 discussed a $350,000 grant from the Boston Red Sox Foundation to fund arts programming, community events and parks operations across the city (docket 0687). Councilors pressed the administration for an itemized breakdown of how the funds will be distributed and whether the historic Fenway neighborhood receives a disproportionate share.

Councilor Fernandez Anderson, chair of the Committee on Arts, Culture, Entertainment, Tourism and Special Events, asked the council to move the docket to a vote. Councilor Durkin said the grant is an annual gift frequently used for Fenway‑area mitigation and arts events, including the Fenway Porch Fest, and asked colleagues to support passage. Councilor Murphy and other at‑large members sought a clear breakdown from the mayor's Office of Arts and…