The Kraft Group has reached agreements with Everett and Boston to develop a waterfront stadium and public park, including environmental cleanup, transportation improvements, and community benefits, aiming to transform a neglected industrial site into a vibrant neighborhood asset.
The Metropolitan Park casino project near Citi Field in Queens has received key approval from a community advisory committee, moving it closer to final licensing, with support citing economic benefits and job creation, despite some political opposition.
Residents of La Alma Lincoln Park are divided over the Denver Broncos' plan to build a new stadium at Burnham Yard, with some excited about potential economic and community benefits, while others worry about displacement and rising costs. The project includes plans for mixed-use development, and community engagement through a benefits agreement is emphasized to ensure local interests are considered.
The Oklahoma City Thunder's ownership group, led by Clay Bennett, is contributing only $50 million towards the construction of a new $900 million arena, while the rest will be funded through a 1 percent sales tax approved by Oklahoma City voters. Critics argue that Bennett, who previously relocated the Seattle Supersonics, could have contributed more given the team's value and player salaries. The decision to prioritize a sports building over community initiatives has sparked controversy, with concerns raised about income disparity and the use of public funds. The deal includes provisions for a workforce intermediary and a $15 per hour "living wage" for construction workers, but opponents argue that it is a bad deal and that fear-based tactics influenced the outcome of the vote.
The Oakland Athletics' plan to move to Las Vegas is facing opposition from skeptical Nevada legislators who have yet to vote on the bill. The Senate has adjourned until Monday, indicating that the A's do not have the votes to pass the bill. The legislators are reportedly considering amendments to the bill, including stronger community benefit agreement requirements. The A's have been criticized for their lack of community programs in Oakland, and their proposed stadium plan in Las Vegas is facing scrutiny over its potential cost to taxpayers.
Detroit City Council has approved a $616m tax capture for the proposed $1.5bn District Detroit project, which includes 10 new and rehabilitated buildings for 1.2 million square feet of office space, 695 apartments, retail spaces and two new hotels. The vote was seen as critical for the developers to secure financing in time for the first new building to break ground in July or August. The developers agreed to several new concessions for the community benefits agreement, including prioritising longtime Detroiters for the 20% of the development's apartments to be set aside at below-market rents for those with qualifying incomes or paying with Section 8 vouchers.