Concerns over escalating costs and a lack of transparency surrounding the White Stadium renovation project took center stage at a press conference held Wednesday morning at Boston’s Iannella Chamber. City Councillor-at-Large Julia Mejia, joined by fellow councillors Ed Flynn and Erin Murphy, called for accountability from city leadership, particularly as Boston moves forward with a controversial public school consolidation plan and major redevelopment projects.

The press conference was convened in response to growing unease about the rising price tag of the White Stadium project, which has surged from an initial estimate of $50 million to a revised figure of $91 million. Mejia emphasized the urgency of receiving a final cost estimate before the current legislative cycle concludes, citing the importance of fiscal responsibility and transparency in public spending.

City records show that $12 million has already been spent on demolition work at the stadium, and approximately $76 million in subcontracts have been awarded. The project, which is part of a broader partnership with Boston Unity Sports Partners, aims to transform the stadium into a modern athletic facility. However, critics argue that the process has lacked clarity and sufficient community input.

Kate Phelps of the Franklin Park Defenders voiced frustration over what she described as a continued lack of transparency from both the city administration and City Council. She noted that key decisions about the stadium’s redevelopment and related school policies have been made behind closed doors, without meaningful engagement with residents.

Adding to the controversy is the city’s plan to consolidate several Boston Public Schools by 2027. Nylah Hicks, representing the Boston Student Advisory Council, spoke at the press conference to denounce the planned school closures, asserting that they would negatively impact students and families and have been advanced without adequate community consultation.

The demolition phase of the White Stadium project has already been completed, but with costs climbing and public scrutiny mounting, elected officials and community leaders are demanding clearer communication and more inclusive decision-making moving forward.

As the end of the legislative session approaches, Councillor Mejia and her colleagues continue to press for a full accounting of the project’s financials. Meanwhile, concerns over school closures and public engagement remain unresolved, with advocates calling for greater transparency and accountability from City Hall.