City Councillor-at-Large Julia Mejia held a press conference outside Boston’s Iannella Chamber last Wednesday morning, calling on Mayor Michelle Wu’s administration to release updated cost estimates for the ongoing redevelopment of White Stadium. The event spotlighted growing concerns over rising expenses and a perceived lack of transparency surrounding both the stadium project and the city’s broader school consolidation plan.

The White Stadium redevelopment, located in Franklin Park, has already seen significant public investment. According to city officials, $12 million has been spent to date on demolition and early-stage construction work, although the construction site remains largely inactive. Additionally, $76 million in subcontracts have been awarded, bringing the total financial commitment to $88 million.

Originally, the city projected the cost of the stadium overhaul at $50 million. That estimate has since ballooned to $91 million, a change that has prompted questions from city councillors and community advocates alike.

Councillor Mejia voiced frustration over the absence of updated financial figures and requested greater clarity from the Mayor’s Office. She also criticized the Boston Public Schools’ consolidation plan, which has proposed closing or merging certain schools. Mejia suggested the plan lacks sufficient community input and could disproportionately affect students and families.

Echoing Mejia’s concerns, Nylah Hicks, Vice-President of the Boston Student Advisory Council, spoke out against the school closures, emphasizing the need for broader community engagement in decision-making. “We are the ones being impacted,” Hicks said, underscoring the importance of student voices in the process.

Kate Phelps of the Franklin Park Defenders also attended the press conference and criticized both the mayor and the city council for what she described as a failure to keep the public informed. She pointed to the quiet construction site at White Stadium as symbolic of deeper transparency issues within the administration.

In response to the criticism, a city spokesperson outlined the current financial breakdown of the stadium project, including the $12 million already spent and the $76 million in subcontracts. However, no new estimates or timelines were provided during the press conference.

City Councillors Ed Flynn and Erin Murphy were also present, though they did not speak publicly at the event.

As of now, the White Stadium site remains in a lull following the completion of demolition work. With no visible construction activity and costs continuing to rise, community members and elected officials are pressing for more detailed updates and accountability. No timeline has been announced for when further financial disclosures or construction progress will be shared.