MA developer Steve Karp "has played an intimate but so-
far secret role in the proposal to replace [Fenway Park]
with a bigger version next door, and wants to develop and
remain a partner with the Red Sox in the project," according
to Jon Marcus of BOSTON MAGAZINE. Karp, whose personal
wealth was estimated at $100M even "before he developed some
of his biggest and most lucrative projects," said he has "a
lot of ideas" that would make a new Fenway "better than
anything that's been built," including Camden Yards. Karp
has been "quietly talking" with the Red Sox about a Fenway
replacement, although the team is "moving slowly." Karp, on
his ballpark vision: "It's entertainment. It's shopping.
It's all the type of challenges we take on and enjoy. But
it's not my decision. I have to be invited in [by the
team], and I haven't been" (BOSTON MAGAZINE, 6/98).
RED SOX FOCUS ON THE FIELD: Responding to the article,
Red Sox Exec VP/Administration John Buckley said that "any
ballpark proposal is months away," and added the team is "in
no rush." Buckley, on Karp's involvement: "We haven't had
any role with him yet. He is a respected developer, one of
many in the Greater Boston area. We haven't decided on a
partner. We haven't even decided on the need for a
development partner. If it's just a ballpark, I don't see
the need" (Joan Vennochi, BOSTON GLOBE, 5/27).
