Boston city councilors heard testimony today from a member of the International Olympic Committee and from the group that’s pushing Boston’s bid for the 2024 games. And if you think the plan to bring the games to Beantown is a done deal -- think again.
IOC member Angela Ruggiero has won four Olympic medals as a member of the U.S. women’s hockey team. She was asked to compare Boston’s bid for the summer games with her own path to the podium.
“You’re on the national team, because you won America’s bid,” said Ruggiero, “But you’re not quite that gold medalist yet.”
She said there’s a lot of work still to do, a veiled reference to the reality that the U.S. Olympic Committee has the power to change its mind and recommend another city as a possible host.
“This city has to come together, if you’re going to be successful.”
And before that happens, there are some obstacles that Boston 2024 needs to overcome. There were several questions about financial guarantees for the games.
Councilman Tito Jackson -- citing the 1996 games -- said the Atlanta Olympics displaced thousands of low-income people.
“This issue of acceleration of displacement is a huge issue for the people I represent and I think the city as a whole,” Jackson said.
Boston 2024 CEO Richard Davey responded that his group will work with the city to craft a plan that prevents displacement and creates affordable housing. He said he doesn’t want to be part of an effort that burdens Boston.
“It can only benefit it and if it doesn’t, we remain committed that we won’t bid, and the mayor wouldn’t sign such a bid,” said Davey, a former top aide to Boston Mayor Marty Walsh.
Davey said the group will release an updated plan in June with more details about potential Olympic venues.
