Boston Mayor Michelle Wu has announced the 15 members of the White Stadium Neighborhood Advisory Council.
The group, which was created as part of the lease and governing agreements for the White Stadium renovation project, will act as a forum for information-sharing and feedback from the community as the development of the stadium progresses.
The group will be co-chaired by Luis Perez Demorizi, executive director of Franklin Park; and Matt Balk, head of facilities for Boston Legacy FC. The other 13 members include three city councilors, residents of neighborhoods like Roxbury, Dorchester, Jamaica Plain and Mattapan and with representatives from BPS athletics and other members of the community.
White Stadium, located in Franklin Park, is being redeveloped to serve as a hub for Boston Public Schools athletics and a home for Boston Legacy FC.
The project has spurred opposition from some in the community who feel that it essentially amounts to privatization of the land. The state’s Supreme Judicial Court is currently weighing a decision in a legal challenge to the development.
The Franklin Park Defenders, the group that has organized a significant amount of opposition to the project, did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
City Councilor Miniard Culpepper, who represents District 7, which includes Franklin Park, is an ex-officio member of the advisory group. He said one of the first points he made to club ownership was that they needed an advisory council of people from the community to make sure there was a direct connection to people and their concerns.
“This advisory council, even though it’s later than I would have liked to see it, it’s now appointed and now ready to get to work with that,” he said.
Culpepper pointed out that the council will also be focused on aspects of the stadium that go beyond just construction, like stadium operations and jobs.
He believes people are excited for the development.
“From my perspective, this is one of the most major developments and investments in my lifetime in Roxbury,” Culpepper said. “And so we need major investments in this community to sustain the businesses. And the hope is that the businesses in Grove Hall, the businesses in Egleston Square, down Washington Street, will benefit immensely from White Stadium and the soccer team. And that’s where I think the advisory council can have a significant role.”
Mayor Wu said the group “will be instrumental to making sure this project reflects the needs and priorities of our residents.”
“The White Stadium Neighborhood Advisory Council will help ensure that the community continues to steer investments in two of our most beautiful and treasured public spaces in Boston — White Stadium and Franklin Park,” Wu said in a statement.
Boston Legacy FC Chief External Affairs Officer Kim Miner said the group “formalizes what Boston Legacy FC believes is essential to this project’s success: an ongoing, meaningful partnership with the community.”
“It will play a critical role in building trust and accountability through transparency and ongoing engagement, providing a consistent forum for listening to and sharing neighborhood perspectives,” Miner said.
