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Poll results

When City of Worcester officials announced in 2018 they would build a Canal District baseball stadium to get the Triple A minor league affiliate of the Boston Red Sox to move from Pawtucket to Worcester, they said the $160-million ballpark would pay for itself, as housing and commercial developments in the special taxing district around the stadium would generate enough tax revenues to cover the twice-annual bond payments, along with other revenues, such as parking fees and taxes on stadium concessions. Former City Manager Edward Augustus repeatedly said this pay-for-itself provision was the City's North Star in making financial decisions on the stadium. If the special tax district revenue falls significantly behind the bond payment amount, the City would have to figure out alternatives to make its bond payments, including raising taxes, cutting services from other departments, increased borrowing, or refinancing the bonds.

How important is it to you that the Polar Park baseball stadium pays for itself?
Not at all. The WooSox bring tangible and intangible benefits to Worcester. (5%, 15 VOTES)
Somewhat. The City should keep its promise, but the stadium expense is still worth it regardless. (28%, 78 VOTES)
Extremely important. The stadium project was approved based on the promise it would pay for itself. (67%, 185 VOTES)
Poll Description

When City of Worcester officials announced in 2018 they would build a Canal District baseball stadium to get the Triple A minor league affiliate of the Boston Red Sox to move from Pawtucket to Worcester, they said the $160-million ballpark would pay for itself, as housing and commercial developments in the special taxing district around the stadium would generate enough tax revenues to cover the twice-annual bond payments, along with other revenues, such as parking fees and taxes on stadium concessions. Former City Manager Edward Augustus repeatedly said this pay-for-itself provision was the City's North Star in making financial decisions on the stadium. If the special tax district revenue falls significantly behind the bond payment amount, the City would have to figure out alternatives to make its bond payments, including raising taxes, cutting services from other departments, increased borrowing, or refinancing the bonds.

  • 278 Votes
  • 6 Comments
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6 Comments

  • November 14, 2022

    I think if most people were paying attention, they at the time should have had a clear understanding that no other minor league team in the US ever funded a project that paid for itself successfully. So, as much as I feel strongly that when leadership makes such a claim, they live up to it else they risk decreased support for future initiatives. Still, I'd pay a little extra in taxes to support the park but frankly, I'd rather go see a game and spend money there having fun rather than just giving it to the city in the form of taxes.