MAYBVM

182 183 International Paving Corporation www.internationalpaving.net 401-312-6565 We are a Rhode Island certified MBE/DBE Company specializing in asphalt paving, concrete, sidewalk reconstruction and curbing installation. We have over 25 years of experience and know just what it takes to deliver exceptional paving services. n Residential, commercial and industrial paving n Parking lots and driveways n Removing and replacing curbing n Repair and replacement of asphalt and concrete sidewalks OUR SERVICES INCLUDE: tucket Red Sox changed, and there was talk of them relocating from Pawtucket to Providence,”Grebien recounts.“But we convinced them to stay.They have a lease till 2020 at theMcCoy site.And as part of our economicdevelopment,we have nowidentified the site of the oldApexDepartment Store,right off the highway in downtown Pawtucket,as the opportunity for the relocation of the ballpark next to Slater Mill.” Plans for the new $83 million Ballpark at Slater Mill,which will be the home of the AAA Pawtuck- et Red Sox Baseball Club through 2050, include a 9,0000–10,000 seat stadiumwith the same field dimensions as historic Fenway Park in Boston.“The governor has bought into the initiative, the Senate has bought in, the city and residents have,”Grebien states.“We’re still trying to get through the House, because there is going to be some public funding involved, though it will be self-sustaining with the profits going back into it. So,we’re dealing with the political issues. But,we see it as a great economic development opportunity to reinvigorate our down- town,which has been struggling for many years.” Pawtucket’s waterfront also has tremendous potential for quality development and increased public access.The city has recently partnered with a local developer to redevelop an 11-acre riverfront property at Division Street to likely include a mix of market-rate residential apartments, commercial and retail space, and a restaurant.The Tidewater site is a former manufactured gas plant and electric genera- tion facility that is now largely vacant.The National Grid has offered 13 acres of land for development along with an abutting 7-acre city-owned parcel. Plans for that site include recreation, development, residential, and commercial uses. A fewyears ago, the city finished renovating its Festival Pier to the tune of $2 million.“It’s a tremen- dous asset to the city and a place to enjoy one of the most scenic locations in Pawtucket,” says Boyle. “It’s used by boaters and fishermen.One of the most interesting uses that it’s put to every year is our Dragon Boat races that are part of our Arts Festival. It’s quite a colorful event. Racers come from all over the region.And now that it’s renovated,we’re just starting to explore other opportunities for its use.” Finally, Pawtucket is at the beginning stages of creating a local and regional network of bike paths. Boyle explains,“Pawtucket is located on the Black- stone River as well as the Ten Mile River. So,we have the opportunity to knit together the whole city with a series of bicycle paths, some of which have already been constructed, others of which have por- tions scheduled for construction this coming year. We have a real commitment to making Pawtucket a walkable, bikeable community. So,we’re making sure we have pedestrian access and bikeable access from our commuter rail to our riverfront, and we’re also committed to making sure our TOD has bicycle connections, as well.And we’re working with the State of Rhode Island to do a bicycle plan for the city so that we have those connections to the entire Blackstone Valley and the City of Providence.” “We have great community assets,”Grebien ex- claims.“We have a strong community.We have good infrastructure, and nowwe’re trying to make sure that we maintain it and bring new life into the city.” “The people here have deep ties to this community and deep affection and a desire to move it forward,” adds Boyle.“This isn’t a top-down vision; it’s a vision that’s come from the people of the city, building on the past, building on the assets, and not being afraid to reinvent themselves.There’s a love of the Pawtucket of the past, but not a fear of making the changes that are necessary to move it forward.” “We’re moving Pawtucket forward and we’re not trying to steamroll our past,”Greene echoes, em- phatically.“It’s verymuch alive and well here. It’s just the 2.0 version of Pawtucket.” PAWTUCKET, RHODE ISLAND PREFERRED VENDORS n Colliers Project Management www.colliers.com/PMNE Colliers Project Management is part of Colliers Interna- tional, an industry leading global real estate service company with 15,000 professionals operating in 68 countries. Colliers Project Management guides clients through planning, design, construction, development and commissioning projects. Our multi-disciplinary team of experts works as an extension of client’s staff, providing strategic guidance and hands-on man- agement support throughout the life of capital projects. n International Paving Corp. www.internationalpaving.net