EVT EVE ER T Vol. 34, No.33 -FREET www.advocatenews.net Your Local News & Sports Online! Scan & Subscribe! ADDOCCO TEAT Free Every Friday City Council approves request for nonbinding ballot question on soccer stadium By Neil Zolot T he City Council is asking for a nonbinding ballot question on whether a soccer stadium should be built at 173 Alford Street/1 Dexter Street by entering into a Community Impact Agreement with The Kraft Group, owners of the New England Patriots football team and New England Revolution soccer team. The Council approved the resolution as introduced by Ward 5 Councillor Robert Van Campen at their meeting on Monday, August 11, but it will be up to Mayor Carlo DeMaria as to whether it happens. The measure was approved 6-4 with Van Campen, Councillors-at-Large Guerline Alcy Jabouin and Michael Marchese, Ward 1 Councillor Wayne Matewsky, Ward 2 Councillor Stephanie Martins and Ward 4 Councillor Holly Garcia voting in favor; and Councillors-at-Large John Hanlon, Katy Rogers and Stephanie Smith and Ward 3 Councillor Anthony DiPierro in dissent. Ward 6 Councillor Peter Pietrantonio was absent. “My request is not to destroy or undermine the project,” Van Campen said. “It’s to give the people of Everett a greater voice in what’s happening. I recognize how transformative this can be, but it’s just a concept right now and people have strong views about whether to build a stadium. There’s been a complete disconnect from the current administration on this on community engagement. Give our people a voice in this conversation. If I was Mayor I’d want to hear from them.” Van Campen, who is running for mayor, introduced the question at the April 14 meeting after a public forum on March 31. Another forum was held on April 30. Rogers said she voted no because “a non-binding resolution gives people a false sense of control. We can vote no, and the state can still come in.” She also suggested that any agreement with the Krafts includes provisions for preferences for Everett residents for jobs and businesses for contracts, a traffi c plan, an internal shuttle service for Everett residents attending events, funds for fi re and police services in the area, use of the stadium by City entities and an eco-friendly environment without plastic bottles. REQUEST | SEE PAGE 7 F. J. LaRovere Insurance Agency, Inc. 492 Broadway Everett, MA 02149 617-387-9700 phone 617-387-9702 fax INSURANCE FOR AUTO, HOME, AND BUSINESS We offer very competitive rates, and by representing many different companies we can shop for the best price for our customers. Call us today! Open Monday – Friday 9am-5pm and Saturdays 9am-12pm Messinger Insurance Agency 475 Broadway Everett, MA 02149 617-387-2700 phone 617-387-7753 fax 617-387-2200 Friday, August 15, 2025 ~ Election 2025 ~ Van Campen for mayor rally kicks off headquarters grand opening Mayoral candidate Robert Van Campen, shown with his wife, Lisa, points in the direction of supporters during his rally on Saturday in Everett Square. (Advocate photo by Tara Vocino) By Neil Zolot W ard 5 Councillor Robert Van Campen and dozens of supporters kicked off his mayoral campaign on Broadway and the intersection of Chelsea and Norwood Streets on Saturday morning, August 9. “There’s an appetite for change in the City,” he said in brief remarks over a loudspeaker. “Change means bringing accountability, transparency, responsibility and ethics to City Hall. We’ve been going door-to-door, and the response has been overwhelming. Eighteen years is a long time, even if you’re doing a good job” — a reference to the tenure of incumbent candidate Mayor Carlo DeMaria. “He’s been out there knocking on doors talking to people and has had a great reception,” Van Campen’s paid political consultant Peter Panos confi rmed. “People are looking for change and feel he’s the right guy for the job.” “He’s full of energy, which the city needs,” Van Campen’s campaign manager and longtime friend Chris Connolly added. “He’s educated and has exVAN CAMPEN | SEE PAGE 8
2 Publizr Home