Now is the time to invest in the city of Pawtucket - by Donald Grebian

Donald Grebien, Mayor of
Pawtucket

Now is the time to invest in Pawtucket as funding has been pledged to make the Pawtucket Central Falls Commuter Rail Station a reality. With this transformative project taking shape, I encourage you to take a look at the great opportunities awaiting potential residents, businesses, developers and real estate investors in our vibrant, historic, diverse, walkable communities.

The Pawtucket and Central Falls teams have been working with the Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) for a decade now to fully vet and strategically plan for this game-changing station. The recent news that we have been awarded a $13.1 million federal Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) grant brings this project from the concept to the execution phase. Coupled with a recent commitment from the State of Rhode Island in its ten year plan, the project is almost ready to go.

The Pawtucket Central Falls Commuter Rail Station is a truly unique opportunity that will link a dense urban population to job centers, educational opportunities, in addition to retail and recreational assets. It will improve access to our historic downtown that is already growing with the likes of Isle Brewers and Narragansett Beer, as well as Pet Food Experts, the nation’s third largest pet food distributor, already choosing to invest.

Now is the time for this transformative project. The location we have selected is uniquely-positioned for economic revitalization through the type of transit-oriented development that accompanies commuter rail stations in urban communities. Historic mills stand ready for redevelopment and investment, while our downtown and riverfront offer premium access to river views and access, bike paths and a walkable city center just off I-95. The train station is an opportunity for residents, visitors, customers and employees alike to access all our community has to offer and generate activity. Pawtucket is truly a burgeoning destination with the new Blackstone River Valley National Park, Slater Mill, a booming craft brew industry and our Pawtucket Red Sox. The train will attract even more activity from outside the area to Pawtucket’s historic mills and investment opportunities for both commercial and residential property.

Now is the time for you and your clients to invest. Pawtucket is reinvesting in our public infrastructure, such as our schools and roads. We are improving our riverfront and parks for everyone to enjoy. Our artistic and creative sector is second to none. Here in Pawtucket, we are building a bright future and there are a number of opportunities ahead. In addition to the private and public investments that have already been made or are currently in process, Pawtucket and our downtown has the capacity for future growth through both residential and commercial density.

The train station will not only benefit downtown, but it will also connect our wonderful neighborhoods to multi-modal transit options and allow residents to commute without needing to own a car. Bike paths and newly-paved streets and sidewalks connect our beautiful neighborhoods, such as Oak Hill, Darlington, Fairlawn, Quality Hill, Pinecrest, Woodlawn, Pleasant View, Bishop’s Bend and Countryside, to train and bus transit options. With more and more Millennials and Baby Boomers seeking communities with transit options and walkable neighborhoods, Pawtucket is well-positioned to meet this demand.

I look forward to keeping you updated on the progress of this tremendous project, along with other developments here in the great city of Pawtucket, as more and more people and businesses join the evolution here in Pawtucket.

Donald Grebien is mayor, city of Pawtucket.