Supporters of Everett soccer stadium renew push on Beacon Hill

Boosters of a new professional soccer stadium in Everett are renewing their efforts on Beacon Hill.

State Sen. Sal DiDomenico recently filed a bill that would re-designate a 43-acre industrial site along the Mystic River to allow for stadium construction.

"This is a transformational project that will be an environmental win and an economic catalyst for our area," DiDomenico said in a statement.

Local lawmakers previously had tried to get the language included in the governor's $3.1 billion supplemental budget. The text was ultimately stripped from the final version after Boston officials and environmental groups criticized the "backroom" process.

The site — an old power plant across from the Encore Boston Harbor Casino — is currently labeled as a "designated port area," meaning it can only be used for water-related use.

The bill would remove that designation only "for the purpose of converting the parcel into a professional soccer stadium and a waterfront park."

Everett Mayor Carlo DeMaria, who has long supported the project, praised the new bill Tuesday.

"The passage of this legislation would create the opportunity and incentive for a comprehensive project proposal to be put before the city of Everett and initiate the opportunity for residents to have something to actually consider,” he said.

The Kraft Group has long expressed interest in moving its major league soccer team, the New England Revolution, from Gillette Stadium in Foxborough to a location closer to Boston.

The Krafts have inked a memorandum of agreement with the city of Everett, promising a public park, $10 million for an affordable housing fund, free tickets and other inducements in exchange for a site for a 25,000-seat stadium.

A spokesperson for the Kraft Group did not immediately return a request for comment. The Krafts also own the New England Patriots NFL team.

Correction: A previous version of this story misstated when DiDomenico's bill was filed; it was filed on Dec. 21, 2023. We regret the error.