Council orders hearing on White Stadium project as members and residents raise cost, transparency and tree‑cutting concerns

Councilors filed a hearing order Jan. 8 to review the White Stadium project in Franklin Park after public reports of rising costs and questions about community engagement. Councilor Erin Murphy, who filed the order, said recent developments including doubling of projected costs and a 30‑year agreement that places public land under private control warrant an immediate council hearing.

Murphy said the project’s total expected known cost to the city could be “close to $100,000,000” and emphasized the absence, to date, of a loan order before the council. Councilor Mihir Flynn, a cosponsor, urged the hearing to explore project labor agreements and other measures to protect workers. Councilor Clarissa Zapata and Councilor Mahia raised concerns about tree removal (approximately 140 trees cited by residents), transportation and parking impacts, and the adequacy of the project’s community process.

Councilors debated committee placement and scheduling; Councilor Murphy asked for an expedited briefing and committed to working with sponsor Councilor Henry Santana to obtain information from the administration. Councilor Kevin Mejia offered to host an expedited hearing in his committee on transparency if the chair places the item elsewhere and said he would post hearings quickly if it lands in his committee.

Ending: The matter was filed as a hearing order and placed in the Committee on Education for initial processing; sponsors said they will press for rapid briefings and public testimony to address cost, governance and neighborhood impacts.