Donald R. Grebien | Mayor, Pawtucket
1. With the Pawtucket Red Sox leaving in 2021, do you feel the $400 million Tidewater Landing development makes up for the loss? The [project] will completely transform Pawtucket’s riverfront and downtown with new development. This exciting economic development will be anchored by a new United Soccer League Championship Division professional soccer stadium. While we all loved the PawSox and wanted them to stay here in Pawtucket, they have moved on and we are moving on as well. We now have a new opportunity on a much larger scale in partnership with [R.I. Commerce Corp.] and Fortuitous [Partners, the developer], who are investing more than $300 million in private money.
2. A 7,500-seat soccer stadium is the centerpiece of the project. Why do you think there’s enough local interest in pro soccer to sustain it? Professional soccer is a rapidly growing sport, and Rhode Island has been one of the top soccer markets in the country. Furthermore, the economic development coming to the city and state includes additional amenities to the USL soccer team. … There will be retail and ancillary space associated with the stadium, substantial mixed-use development, an indoor sports center, 200-room hotel, and commercial office space.
3. What are the timelines for the project and what are the obstacles to making it reality? The city, alongside Commerce RI and Fortuitous, are undergoing a due-diligence period during which we will gather more specifics on timelines and understand what our obstacles will be going forward, if any.
4. What is going to happen to McCoy Stadium, which isn’t part of the Tidewater Landing project? The state and city have ownership of the stadium and land and are performing an analysis … to see what are feasible options. We have a number of options, including baseball, public access and clearing the site for municipal use. … Ultimately, we want to see something that would continue to benefit the community while being financially viable.
5. Another big issue looming in Pawtucket is Hasbro Inc. What’s currently being done to persuade Hasbro to stay, and does the Tidewater project play into that? The city of Pawtucket has continued to express on many occasions that it is of utmost importance that Hasbro [Inc.] stay here in Pawtucket. Hasbro is Pawtucket’s largest employer, taxpayer and has been a significant partner in our community for decades. Hasbro has been communicating directly with Commerce RI, and we will continue to be supportive in any way possible.
Nancy Lavin is a PBN staff writer. Contact her at Lavin@PBN.com.
