Kraft Group Files Suit Against Foxborough Stemming From Local Billboard Issue

The Kraft Group, owned by Patriots Owner Bob Kraft, has “filed a federal civil rights lawsuit against the town of Foxborough, alleging that Kraft’s representatives have been repeatedly denied the right to speak at open public meetings,” according to Mark Arsenault of the BOSTON GLOBE. The suit “seeks a declaration that the town has violated Kraft’s constitutional free speech rights.” The complaint, filed yesterday in U.S. District Court, stems from a dispute between Kraft and the town government “over two billboards on Kraft-owned land near Gillette Stadium.” The Kraft Group under a ‘07 agreement with Foxborough “has managed the marketing of the billboards and split the advertising revenue with the town.” Town leaders are now “seeking to put the management contract out to public bid.” Foxborough officials to settle the dispute over the billboards “will ask Town Meeting voters in May to approve taking the land by eminent domain” (BOSTON.com, 3/27).