We are now waiting the team owners' approval of the stadium deal passed by the R.I. House and Senate last night.
As a Pawtucket resident, this feels like the city now has a chance to revitalize a downtown that died 40 years ago.
Below is an email from the Mayor's office. Don Grebien worked his ass off to keep the PawSox in Pawtucket, and so did Larry Lucchino, Mike Tamburro, Dr. Charles Steinberg, and state Senator Bill Conley of East Providence -- to mention a few key names.
Rhode Island House and Senate Overwhelmingly Approve the Ballpark at Slater Mill
After 3 years of working with the PawSox and a year of legislative hearings, last night, Mayor Grebien was present at the State House for the hearing and debate on the Ballpark at Slater Mill. The House of Representatives and the Senate overwhelmingly approved the enabling legislation for the downtown ballpark.
"Since day one, this has been about the economic development of Pawtucket, the opportunity to revitalize our downtown, and keeping our iconic Pawtucket Red Sox here in Rhode Island," said Mayor Grebien. "I applaud the Senate and the House for holding numerous public hearings, allowing public input, expert testimony, and ultimately approving this project. We will make the residents of Pawtucket and the people of Rhode Island proud."
This project would not have been possible without the support of the Pawtucket community and the Blackstone Valley from the Council, to my fellow mayors, residents, businesses, the Pawtucket 2020, our youth, labor and organizations across the state.
The Senate's version, passed in January, was revised by the House and structured to repay borrowing for the construction of the ballpark with revenue from the team and tax collections generated from an area surrounding the stadium. The framework still keeps in place the team's commitment to $12 million toward the project upfront and $45 million overall.
Mayor Grebien added "Now that the City and the Team have the enabling legislation in-hand, we can continue our discussions regarding the proposal and get to work on the bonding structure, planning and development right away. The Team has been willing partners with us every step of the way. Their commitment to Pawtucket and their fans has kept them here for over 40 years and we look forward to keeping them here for the next generation."