PawSox respond to revised stadium legislation
PAWTUCKET – In a nine-paragraph statement the Pawtucket Red Sox released Monday, the club’s owners expressed “concern” with the revised legislation about the new $83-million ballpark that would be built on the Apex parcel downtown.
The PawSox didn’t get into specifics about which of the suggested revisions made by the Senate Finance Committee are giving them the most pause. Besides thanking the committee for its due diligence, the PawSox did point to the original agreement that the team, the state, and the city agreed upon prior to its unveiling last spring May.
Last Thursday, the Senate Finance Committee countered with revised legislation that featured 11 amendments based on information and testimony that was presented during the seven hearings that took place in September and October.
“When the state seeks to initiate further discussions with us, these new suggestions and revisions will receive our prompt attention, but at first blush, some of these suggestions give us concern,” the team statement said. “It will take some time to digest the proposed revisions they have introduced. It is our hope that all partners and stakeholders understand the delicate balance achieved in the original agreement.”
In addition, the PawSox expressed regret that due to the General Assembly still contemplating how to proceed, the original April 2020 target date to be in a new home is officially off the table. The team’s current lease runs through the end of the 2020 season.
“That was a stated, important, and collective objective,” the team statement said. “We have lost that year, but we have not lost our hope that the House and Senate will exhibit the necessary leadership to allow the construction of a beautiful ballpark and a public ‘park at the park’ to revitalize our Riverfront and serve as a catalyst of a resurgent Downtown Pawtucket for the Gateway City of the Ocean State.”
The PawSox ballpark process is likely to remain quiet through the end of
2016. The Senate Finance Committee has said that they will take a vote on the proposed ballpark legislation the first week of January when the General Assembly returns to session, which would move it to the full Senate. Currently, there’s no timeline for the House Finance Committee or the full House.
In the meantime, overtures from Worcester keep getting louder as PawSox officials continue to meet with city leaders.
“I am increasingly concerned about the City of Worcester. The State of Massachusetts understands the value of this franchise and the experienced development team that comes along with this. In fact, Governor Charlie Baker switched from his original position of ‘no’ to making a state commitment to steal the franchise,” said Pawtucket Mayor Donald in a letter that was released one day after the Senate Finance Committee released its findings. “Pawtucket is a city on the move and we need the state to do what’s right for the Blackstone Valley.”