BOSTON (
MyFoxBoston.com) -- A dramatic statement from the International Olympic Committee has Boston reportedly at the top of the list of potential host cities for the 2024 Summer Olympics.
One main reason is security, and specifically the city's response to the Boston Marathon bombing.
Boston is one of four American cities in the running to be considered for hosting the Olympics. In January, the US Olympic Committee will decide which city will compete with those around the world.
It's one step in a long process, but why hasn't the public been given a chance to weigh their opinions?
"We're really concerned about the taxpayer being left with the bill," said chris dempsey, who represents the group, N Boston Olympics.
He questions why Boston still hasn't held any public discussion on the matter.
"There's been a lot of decisions made behind closed doors and unfortunately we think we're very far along in the process, where the USOC is expected to name Boston as the sole bid for the 2024 Olympics," he said. "That's what we're hearing and if you listen to the boosters, they say that Boston has a 70 or 80 percent chance of being named. This is not a pipe dream. It's a reality and yet it's one the public hasn't had any input into."
It all comes on the heels of a report showing the International Olympic Committee was impressed with Boston's ability to shut down the city after the Marathon bombings, a controversial decision in itself.
The push to host the Olympics is led by Suffolk Construction's John Fish and a group private business leaders. We did reach out to him to but he hasn't responded.
Mayor Marty Walsh sent us a statement, which is below:
"The opportunity to host the summer Olympics in Boston in 2024 presents a unique moment for a conversation on Boston's future - looking at long term transportation needs, infrastructure improvements, and economic development. Certainly, security is vital to any city that hosts a large event, like the Olympic games, and the Boston police department has shown its ability to partner with regional and federal law enforcement to protect the public and get the job done. The Olympic bid process is ongoing. As this process moves forward there will be a full community review and ample opportunity for public input." The committee is expected to choose the host of the 2024 Olympic committee games in 2017.
