Growth District business & property owners gather to discuss the future of the City

On April 3 rd , business and property owners in the City's Growth District came together to discuss Pawtucket's 20/20 Downtown Development vision with Mayor Grebien and the Pawtucket Foundation. Mayor Grebien spoke with business leaders about many of the projects underway in the downtown/riverfront area. He said the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity in the commuter rail station must be capitalized on and leveraged to spur further growth that will benefit all of Rhode Island. "The transit-oriented development potential that this will unlock in the immediate area of Pawtucket's downtown and neighboring Central Falls will truly enliven Rhode Island's urban center," said Mayor Grebien.  

The Mayor is encouraged that Pa wtucket's private businesses, like 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 and Join the Evolution because they see the value and potential. However, businesses and residents alike say that additional amenities, entertainment, and activity are needed to attract visitors and residents to the city and its downtown.

Attendees also heard from business owners about projects underway or in the pipeline including the Isle Brewers Guild, the potential for a downtown multi-use park, Division Street development, Tidewater property, Festival Pier, downtown parking garage renovation, the arts community, and National Park designation and implementation.

Business leaders in attendance expressed broad support to build a coalition to advocate for Pawtucket's 20/20 development vision, increase public awareness, and attract additional financial investments. The coalition will be co-chaired by City Councilor At-Large Sandra Cano and Mark House. Cano is Assistant Vice President of Business and Community Development at Navigant Credit Union. House is the Vice President of Environmental Strategies and Management and owner of the mill development at 65 Blackstone Street. 

"Pawtucket is experiencing a revitalization and a renewed sense of optimism. The commuter rail is on the horizon, new businesses are moving in, and our existing businesses are growing. Pawtucket is truly evolving," said Mayor Grebien. "Now is Pawtucket's time, and we want to align the efforts of the public and private sectors to capitalize on the momentum that these exciting projects are generating."
Doubling down on our efforts to make Pawtucket a cleaner, greener place

Beginning this month, the City is moving street cleaning to recycling pick-up days with the goal of improving street sweeping and eliminating the growing problem of cars parking in front of resident's' recycling carts. Aligning the two schedules will improve street sweeping, give the City easier access to clean the streets,  streamline recycling bin pick-up, and make it easier for residents to identify when a parking ban is in place. Cars will not be allowed on streets during recycling days between 7:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. Once your recycling has been picked-up and your street has been swept, please feel free to  return your car to the street. The first week of the new schedule  is the week of April 10th. 

Please visit our  website   for more information. Residents can also reference  the  City's 2017 calendar , which reflects this  change as well. Thank you for your help during this  transition.
Local Groups Receive Grants
Citizens Bank and LISC award $40,000 for neighborhood revitalization  

Citizens  Growing Communities   initiative, in partnership with Local Initiatives Support Corporation Rhode Island (LISC RI),  awarded eight neighborhood projects in Pawtucket and Central Falls totaling $40,000. The projects will support youth programming, provide job training and increase access to safe public spaces.
 
The event took place at the future home of Harvest Kitchen in downtown Pawtucket. The Kitchen, run by Farm Fresh, will offer nutrition education programs and provide job training opportunities for at-risk, low-income youth. 
Community Meetings
Mayor Grebien kicks-off regular meetings with residents around the city 

Officials from City Hall held the second in a series of community meetings for constituents and residents to be able to meet, engage and ask questions. Meetings have been held at Curtis Elementary School and  Nathanael Greene Elementary School. The next meeting will be on May 3 at 6:00 p.m. at Goff Junior High School. We hope to see you there. For the full schedule, visit our  website

Donald R. Grebien, Mayor
137 Roosevelt Avenue, Pawtucket, RI  
401.728.0500 ext. 281