Patriots Owner Robert Kraft tried unsuccessfully
yesterday to persuade South Boston politicians to drop their
opposition to plans for a new stadium in the area, according
to David Halbfinger of the BOSTON GLOBE. Kraft met with
three politicians, promoting a new way to keep game-day
traffic off residential streets, as well as introducing
financing and marketing strategies that would save taxpayers
tens of millions of dollars compared to other cities. State
Sen. Stephen Lynch: "Its chances are no better than when the
project was proposed as part of a megaplex." Kraft will
make a "last-ditch appeal" to leaders of South Boston
community groups. Kraft: "You can't build it if they won't
let you come." Although the stadium would be privately
funded, $65M in public money would be needed for street and
transit improvements. Kraft's plan includes construction
company Lehrer McGovern Bovis Inc. guaranteeing a fixed
price and finish date, absorption of any cost overruns and
an agreement to pay debt service if the stadium doesn't open
on time (BOSTON GLOBE, 12/11).
