What might have been. That is a phrase that Pawtucket could be repeating over and over in the coming years as it looks to replace the benefits of being the home of the Pawtucket Red Sox.
But the city (and state) should be gazing only forward, with a special emphasis on two locations in the city.
The first should be downtown Pawtucket, which would have received a major infusion of investment had the new stadium replaced the aging Apex department store complex. Public officials and developers should not back away from the recognition that the Apex complex’s time has come and gone, and it stands in the way of building something attractive and lasting.
The second spot is McCoy Stadium. There is no doubt that the team’s departure will have a negative impact on the neighborhood. So it is time to get serious about reimagining what might go in that location.
The bottom line is this: Given the right attitude and imagination, the PawSox departure actually may be a good thing for Pawtucket. But only if “what ifs” do not dominate the conversation.
