Ballpark at Slater Mill
Hearing scheduled in Pawtucket and around the state.
The Pawtucket Red Sox have stepped up to the plate and committed $45 million of private funds to build a new publically owned downtown stadium open year round. The new ballpark will also feature development around the stadium, such as shops, restaurants, a hotel, and more, spurring growth in our downtown for years to come.
We are thankful to the
Senate Finance Committee, under the leadership of Pawtucket Senator William Conley, for holding hearings on the ballpark proposal over the next month. The Pawtucket Red Sox belong in Pawtucket, and w
e cannot afford to miss
this once-in-a lifetime opportunity for a pubic park, development, and year-round entertainment at no additional cost to taxpayers.
We hope you will join us to show your support or to testify. The first hearing begins next week on Thursday, September 14th at 6:00 p.m at the State House. The second hearing is here in Pawtucket on Tuesday, September 26 at 6:00 p.m. at Tolman High School.
The full listing of hearings:
- Thursday, September 14, 2017 at 6 p.m. at the Rhode Island State House, Room 313: The committee will outline the hearing process, receive an overview of the proposal, and take public testimony.
- Tuesday, September 26, 2017 at 6 p.m. at William E. Tolman High School Auditorium, 150 Exchange St., Pawtucket: The committee will review potential ancillary development and Pawtucket's risk, and take public testimony.
- Tuesday, October 3, 2017 at 6 p.m. at the University of Rhode Island, Swan Hall Auditorium, 60 Upper College Road, Kingston: The committee will examine the economic model and review state level risk analysis, and take public testimony
- Wednesday, October 11, 2017 at 6 p.m. at the New England Institute of Technology, Media Presentation Theatre, 1 New England Tech Blvd., East Greenwich: The committee will conduct general inquiry into previous testimony and presentations, and take public testimony.
- Thursday, October 12, 2017 at 6 p.m. at Roger Williams University School of Law, Room 283, 10 Metacom Ave., Bristol: The committee will continue its inquiry and take public testimony.
- Thursday, October 19, 2017 at 6 p.m. at Bryant University, Bello Center Grand Hall, 1150 Douglas Pike, Smithfield: The committee will continue its inquiry and take public testimony.
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Reinvestment in our Schools
School kicks-off with many new upgrades
Pawtucket's students returned to school on August 29th. Our schools were bustling with excitement as students and families were greeted by teachers, principals, and Superintendent DiCenso. Potter Burns Elementary students returned to a renovated school this year that had almost $14 million in improvements and upgrades. Nathanael Greene Elementary will undergo similar renovations this year, while its students continue learning at the Annex building. All of Pawtucket's schools saw some updates over the summer including new desks, chairs, whiteboards, and safety improvements. The districts 1 to1 computer/tablet program expanded to grades 3, 11, and 12 and computer carts are being used in kindergarten, first, and second grade. The early childhood program has expanded and schools are focusing on science, technology, engineering, arts and math (STEAM). At the high schools' students have access to an expanding menu of Advanced Placement courses to earn college credits and are able to stay on track with course recovery options. We look forward to another successful school year.
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Pawtucket Arts Festival
19th Annual Arts Festival kicked-off with a bang this weekend
The Festival kicked off on Friday with
Curtain Up!, a fundraising event and arts party. Rhode Island design legend, Morris Nathanson was honored with a bridge lighting ceremony on the eve of his 90th birthday. The Mayor, police officers, city staff, and many others participated in the
Dragon Boat Races which was followed by the Taiwan Day Festival.
On Saturday and Sunday, visitors enjoyed the
Slater Park Fall Festival,
a free, two-day celebration of arts and culture in Pawtucket's historical Slater Park. Events included music and dance performances on three stages by local and regional acts, the Pawtucket Teachers' Alliance presentation of the RI Philharmonic Pops in the Park, fireworks, an 'open air' arts market of over 100 artisans and crafters, food trucks, public art by Pneuhaus and VSA Arts, and family fun activities
Additional upcoming events include: Jonathan Edwards Concert, Family Arts Day at JMW High School, the Out There Art Fair, Food Truck and Craft Beer Festival at McCoy, and many other performances. For a full calendar, please visit:
https://pawtucketartsfestival.org/2017-events/.
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Motor Vehicle Tax Phase Out
Taxpayers will receive their bills at the end of September
Residents will receive their motor vehicle tax bills at the end of the month reflecting the long overdue start of the phase out. The City of Pawtucket considered many options for payment of the 2017 First and Second Quarterly installments. To minimize the impact to you, taxpayers will have the ability to pay the 2017 First and Second quarterly installments, without interest penalty, through Wednesday November 30th, 2017. If you have any questions, please visit the
Tax Collector's website.
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Public Safety
New Public Safety Director to be sworn in this week
As part of Mayor Grebien's pledge to improve public safety, the Mayor is pleased to announce the appointment of Colonel James Vartanian as the City's next Public Safety Director to oversee emergency management, fire and police operations on a full-time basis. Colonel Vartanian's experience with the Army, National Guard, oversees operations, and cyber security will greatly benefit Pawtucket as we look to address our growing needs across the three departments working as a cohesive unit to increase efficiencies. Public Safety Director Vartanian will be sworn in on September 14th. When you see him out and about at various community events and meetings, be sure to introduce yourself.
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