Continuing Mayor Donald R. Grebien’s efforts to create a more business-friendly City Hall and to revitalize its historic downtown, a Washington, D.C.-based professional development organization has provided assistance to Pawtucket. Under a grant from the U.S. Economic Development Administration for disaster recovery and economic resilience, the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) brought a volunteer team of experts to advise the City on downtown development strategies, real estate financing, and combating vacancy and blight. IEDC is a membership organization of over 4,600 economic development organizations and professionals.
Hosted by Mayor Grebien, the Department of Planning and Redevelopment and the Pawtucket Foundation, the IEDC team met in February of this year with local and state officials, business owners, the financial and arts communities and other downtown supporters to discuss and find ways to move the city forward.
“Strengthening Downtown,” the final technical assistance report, brings customized recommendations to the city and its partners for progress in reshaping and reinvigorating Pawtucket’s center. The report lays out steps for a clear development strategy, suggests ways to organize, engage and attract new market segments and insists upon strict( code compliance and safety. “Pawtucket is a gem,” said project manager Sarah Garcia of IEDC. “It’s tight urban layout along the river is perfectly suited as a gateway to the Blackstone River Valley National Park to the north and as a satellite neighborhood to Providence.”
“We are eager to put these strategies into action,” stated Mayor Donald Grebien. “Pawtucket has had great success with the renovation of its historic mills and its 307 acre Arts & Entertainment District. We look to connect and bring that energy into the City’s downtown.” Aaron Hertzberg, Executive Director of the Pawtucket Foundation, welcomed the release of the report. “We are step by step putting together the changes that open up and expand the downtown. Our partnership with the city is strong, and we look forward to increasing focus on this area and results.”
To receive a final copy of the report or to submit comments, please email Herb Weiss, Pawtucket’s Economic & Cultural Affairs Officer at hweiss@pawtucketri.com.
Download the full report below. (PDF Alert!)
Hosted by Mayor Grebien, the Department of Planning and Redevelopment and the Pawtucket Foundation, the IEDC team met in February of this year with local and state officials, business owners, the financial and arts communities and other downtown supporters to discuss and find ways to move the city forward.
“Strengthening Downtown,” the final technical assistance report, brings customized recommendations to the city and its partners for progress in reshaping and reinvigorating Pawtucket’s center. The report lays out steps for a clear development strategy, suggests ways to organize, engage and attract new market segments and insists upon strict( code compliance and safety. “Pawtucket is a gem,” said project manager Sarah Garcia of IEDC. “It’s tight urban layout along the river is perfectly suited as a gateway to the Blackstone River Valley National Park to the north and as a satellite neighborhood to Providence.”
“We are eager to put these strategies into action,” stated Mayor Donald Grebien. “Pawtucket has had great success with the renovation of its historic mills and its 307 acre Arts & Entertainment District. We look to connect and bring that energy into the City’s downtown.” Aaron Hertzberg, Executive Director of the Pawtucket Foundation, welcomed the release of the report. “We are step by step putting together the changes that open up and expand the downtown. Our partnership with the city is strong, and we look forward to increasing focus on this area and results.”
To receive a final copy of the report or to submit comments, please email Herb Weiss, Pawtucket’s Economic & Cultural Affairs Officer at hweiss@pawtucketri.com.
Download the full report below. (PDF Alert!)
| iedc_final_report.pdf |
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