City officials in Boston have announced plans to put parking protections around White Stadium to a community vote, seeking input from residents in neighborhoods surrounding Franklin Park ahead of the National Women’s Soccer League team Boston Legacy FC’s game days.
The proposal, presented during a meeting Tuesday evening at the Bruce C. Bolling Municipal Building in Roxbury, would implement a “resident parking protection zone” extending roughly three-quarters of a mile from the stadium entrance on game days. This zone would restrict general parking for five hours, including two hours before kickoff and an hour after games end. The city intends to survey residents on whether they support establishing these protections, along with additional parking measures inside Franklin Park itself, aimed at preserving spaces for golfers and zoo visitors.
Mayor Michelle Wu emphasized the city’s commitment to community input, stating that the final decision will rest with neighborhood residents. The survey, open through Oct. 24, will be shared with neighborhood associations representing Roxbury, Dorchester, Jamaica Plain, and Mattapan. These groups will then vote on whether to adopt the proposed parking restrictions.
Beyond parking regulations, city officials outlined plans to encourage public transit use among game attendees. Boston Legacy FC will fund operations and enforcement of the transportation strategy. The city will provide free shuttle service connecting MBTA stations and designated satellite parking lots outside Boston to White Stadium. Additionally, a parking area on Seaver Street will serve as a designated pickup and drop-off location for ride-sharing services. Infrastructure upgrades are also underway to improve bike and pedestrian access routes to the stadium.
The White Stadium renovation project, a $325 million initiative, has faced opposition from some local residents and environmental advocates. Critics argue that Boston Legacy FC’s involvement as a for-profit team raises concerns about limiting public access to the parkland and improperly commercializing public property. However, the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court rejected a lawsuit in August that sought to halt the project, ruling the redevelopment does not violate state laws protecting public parkland. This decision ended a prolonged legal challenge brought by the Emerald Necklace Conservancy and local residents.
The renovated stadium is expected to remain publicly owned and primarily serve Boston Public Schools athletics, while hosting Boston Legacy FC for up to 20 home games and an equal number of practices annually under the current lease agreement.
Despite assurances, residents voiced concerns about the potential impacts of game day activities on the community. Louis Elisa, a longtime Seaver Street resident and Franklin Park Coalition cofounder, highlighted challenges faced by locals, including the risk of towing for visitors unaware of parking restrictions. Elisa argued that such measures could infringe on the freedoms of community members who have long cared for the park and neighborhood.
Neighbor Tony Brewer urged a cooperative approach to address parking issues before the stadium reopens. “We don’t have to fight about it. We just need to come up with ways of resolving it in a peaceful manner,” he said.
The city plans three additional meetings with stakeholders in the area to further discuss the transportation plan and gather feedback in the coming weeks.