Donald R. Grebien: Evolution of Pawtucket is underway – The Providence Journal

By Donald R. Grebien

Pawtucket is at a critical point in its history and the city is evolving. With a number of exciting public and private investments in itsdowntown either happening or in the pipeline, now is Pawtuckets time to align these efforts and set the stage for themto catalyze others.

The birthplace of the American Industrial Revolution, Pawtucket is poised to undergo a 21st century evolution into Rhode Islands premier arts and cultural destination, an ideal community to live, work, play, start a business and raise a family.

With the support of the city's state and federal delegations, public investments have been leveraged fora commuter rail station, a bike path, commerce, the arts and historic preservation. Additionally, thanks to the work of many, Pawtucket is now the gateway to the Blackstone River Valley National Historical Park, with Slater Mill as its crown jewel.

The once-in-a-lifetime opportunity we have in a planned commuter rail station must be capitalized on and leveraged to spur further growth that will benefit all of Rhode Island. This transformative project will connect the people of the Blackstone Valley to Boston via affordable and environmentally friendly transit, and will also provide accessfor tourists and visitors seeking to take advantage of all we have to offer, from Slater Mill to the PawSox to the breweries to our nations newest National Park.

The transit-oriented development potential that this will unlock in the immediate area of Pawtuckets downtown and neighboring Central Falls will truly enliven Rhode Islands urban center. Development of Pawtuckets downtown and riverfront will enhance the citys diverse array of recreational, housing, entertainment, cultural, tourism and business optionsand job options.

Pawtuckets private businesses, such as Collette Tours, Pet Food Experts, Sara Bella Jewelry, Narragansett Insurance, the Gamm Theatre, Isle Brewers Guild and others, have chosen to invest in our community because they see the value and potential. Our mills that once felt the sting of offshoring are now home to small businesses, manufacturers and residents of condos and apartments. Businesses and residents alike say that additional amenities, entertainment and activity are needed to attract visitors and residents to the city and the area we have dubbed its Growth Center.

Pawtuckets Growth Center encompasses more than the Main Street area. It extends from the site of the future commuter rail station through Main Street and City Hall to the east side of the riverfront. Smart investment in this area will drive the citys future growth.

The city and its downtown property owners and businesses can collaboratively shepherd development within the Growth Center to transform downtown into a dynamic, walkable city center that appeals to modern preferences andattracts new residents and businesses.

The City of Pawtucket is reinvesting in its critical infrastructure, such as roads, bike paths, parks, and schools setting the stage for future growth and tourism. Pawtuckets waterfront has tremendous potential for high-quality development and increased public access. Master plans have been developed for riverfront parcels on Division Street and the Tidewater site. The city and state have also upgraded Festival Pier, a one-of-a-kind riverfront park offSchool Street.

Conceptual aerial maps circulated last week display various projects underway and show concepts for the potential relocation of Pawtuckets AAA baseball stadium to the downtown, and how it could fit into the citys vision for the future and catalyze planned projects. The totality of these projects could be more than the sum of its parts, creating a multiplier effect, spurring additional economic development in the region.

I will continue to take a responsible approach, knowing that my duty is to the residents of Pawtucket and taxpayers of Rhode Island. The people's interests must come first. I understand that every dollar counts. This administration brought Pawtucket back from the brink of bankruptcy. We cannot afford to waste any opportunity to spur further growth and progress.

Pawtucket is an important part of Rhode Islands future, and as a gateway to Rhode Island on Route 95 and to our nations newest national park, our future economic development is crucial to Rhode Islands progress.

Donald R. Grebien, a Democrat, is mayor of Pawtucket.

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Donald R. Grebien: Evolution of Pawtucket is underway - The Providence Journal