City officials outline environmental commitments for White Stadium redevelopment

Boston City Councilors and city environmental officials on June 6 heard a presentation on the environmental elements of the White Stadium redevelopment in Franklin Park, including stormwater controls, expanded public access, tree protections and a $3 million tree bank to fund 500 new trees.

The presentation from city staff framed the project as aligned with the Franklin Park Action Plan and argued the design reduces paving, preserves existing trees where possible, and includes infrastructure to mitigate flooding on the Playstead. "We are here to walk, through the environmental commitments and park improvements tied to the White Stadium Project," said Brian Sweatt, chief climate officer for the Environment, Energy, and Open Space Cabinet.

The plan presented by city staff said the project will: intercept and store stormwater on-site using underground chambers intended to reduce flooding on adjacent park lawn areas; preserve more than 100 trees and plant roughly 500 new trees over the next 10 years, including 60 to 70 large canopy trees inside the stadium perimeter; provide two park-facing restrooms whose maintenance is covered by the stadium lease; expand public access hours from 40 to 105 hours per week; and eliminate on-site spectator parking in favor of…