As Polar Park costs rise, Worcester city manager stands by profit promise

WORCESTER, Mass. — If all goes as planned, this time next year, the Pawtucket Red Sox will be getting ready to make the move into the team’s brand new stadium in Worcester.

But there could be trouble ahead as the multi-million dollar project is costing a lot more than originally planned. It looks like projections were off by about thirty percent.

According to Worcester’s city manager, the cost of the project is about $30 million more than expected.

City Manager Edward Augustus told Boston 25 News he renegotiated with the builders and has a way to cover that shortfall without raising local taxes.

A virtual tour of Worcester’s Polar Park

Right now at Kelley Square, workers are still clearing the land for what will be Polar Park, the future home of the Worcester Red Sox, the Boston Red Sox minor league affiliate.

Construction costs have risen almost $9.5 million. But more than that, the cost of acquiring land and moving business is about $20 million more expensive than originally projected.

Augustus said he is standing by him promise that this new project will pay for itself.

The city is also looking into new grants from the state to cover some of these increased costs.

The city manager’s report will be presented to the Worcester City Council Tuesday night at City Hall.

Worcester’s Polar Park will have grab and go automatic checkout store

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