Crime & Safety
Polar Park Construction Halted Due To Coronavirus
Construction at the new Worcester Red Sox park was stopped on Wednesday, and may not resume until May.
WORCESTER, MA — The coronavirus outbreak has shut down Worcester's biggest economic development project.
City Manager Edward Augustus Jr. said on Wednesday that the city issued a stop-work order at the Polar Park development. The order was made after Gov. Charlie Baker on Tuesday extended his advisory against non-essential activity in the state.
"We've been trying to make sure we do everything consistent with the Commonwealth around these issues," Augustus said.
The Polar Park construction site occupies a large swath of land north and south of Madison Street west of Kelley Square. The $100 million Worcester Red Sox stadium is set to open in April 2021, and recently marked a major milestone when construction crews raised the structure's steel supports.
Construction could resume by May 4, Augustus said, but he could not say if the delay would push back Polar Park's opening date.
The number of coronavirus cases in Worcester jumped to 165 on Wednesday, up from 115 on Tuesday — a 43 percent increase.
Officials also reported that two homeless people living at a temporary shelter at Ascension Church began exhibiting coronavirus symptoms. They are being tested for COVID-19. Once the results come back, they will be transferred to a shelter at Worcester Tech, where they will remain in quarantine.
Coronavirus has also hit Worcester public safety officials. One police officer has tested positive for COVID-19, forcing two other members of the department to go into quarantine. A total of five Worcester firefighters have now tested positive, plus one firefighter recruit. Those positive cases have resulted in 61 other firefighters, recruits, and training officers entering quarantine.
