Petition signatures opposing the Pawtucket Red Sox moving to Providence have totaled over 10,000 signatures to date, with two petitions -- one to keep the Pawtucket Red Sox at McCoy Stadium and one to call for no financial aid from Providence -- slated to be delivered to leadership this week.
"We are now close to hitting 1600 on the digital petition and I estimate that we have another 2000 signatures from our paper petition," said David Norton with Organizing for Pawtucket, who plans to deliver his petition to keep the PawSox in Pawtucket to General Assembly leadership on Tuesday. "I began this effort only 6 weeks ago. I have never seen an issue that so motivates people on every political point on the spectrum!"
In Providence, a group of organizers including real estate broker Sharon Steel plan to present to the City Council over 1,000 signatures of Providence residents -- collected in person -- against any public money, directly or indirectly, being used to provide financial benefit to any new stadium.
"In all the years I've been doing advocacy, I've never encountered the level of rate that I have with respect to the first proposal that had been put on the table," said Steele of the petition to establish rules for new stadiums. "If they want to go to Victory, or the scrap heap, knock yourself out..but not a dime of public assistance."
John Pernorio, who created a MoveOn petition to "Keep the PawSox at McCoy Stadium" following the initial reports that the new PawSox owners were looking at taking the AAA ball club out of Pawtucket, said that he had already delivered his petition to state leaders, but the list has continued to grow.
"I believe there were 7000 signatures the last time I checked," said Pernorio on Sunday. The petition had over 7,400 signatures.
"They want tax breaks and to use 8 acres of land that was designated for open space," wrote Petit. "The owners claim it will bring in $12 million of revenue a year. I ask how? We already have the stadium in the state of Rhode Island. If they can bring in $12 million revenue in Providence, why can't they do it in Pawtucket? It won't create jobs because these jobs are already in our state, at the present stadium."
Next Steps
Norton, who said he expects to have over 30 supporters with him on Tuesday to deliver the petition, spoke to his group's effort to work along side the Providence organizers who would be turning out this week as well.
"Together with the Providence group and a whole different petition, we have begun the difficult task of collecting and certifying 1000 signatures," said Norton. "We are very close to reaching our goal and pursuant to section 209 of the Providence Home Rule Charter, we intend to petition the city council to enact an ordinance that will prevent use of that land, ensure that any new stadium built elsewhere in Providence shall pay property tax at the full commercial rate and no public money will be used to subsidize any new stadium."
The Coalition Radio's Pat Ford, who has been a vocal opponent of a taxpayer subsidized Providence stadium for the PawSox, said he was continuing to "keep tabs" on any next steps taken.
"We talked to the Providence [organizers], and Mr. Norton was on our show yesterday," said Ford. "We're doing whatever we can on our website and show to promote the petitions, we're urging people to call to make their views known, until we know what the next steps look like."
"Astonishingly enough, there's been no new plan put forth at this point," continued Ford. "But we're ready at a moment's notice to mobilize opponents. We continue to be concerned by a whole host of issues at the moment. If it comes up for debate at the General Assembly, we'll be there."
Related Slideshow: Leaders React to PawSox Owners’ Providence Stadium Proposal
The new owners of the Pawtucket Red Sox presented their vision for a new $85 million stadium in Providence -- including a lease agreement from the state that would require the owners be paid $4 million a year for the thirty year duration.
Now, elected officials and business leaders are weighing in on the initial proposal by the ownership group -- see below.
Former Rhode Island Director of Administration, Executive Director of the Rhode Island Public Expenditure Council, and Founding Director of the Hassenfeld Institute for Public Leadership at Bryant University
"A minor league ballpark may not be an economic game changer. Thus it's cost and benefits must evaluate environmental, cultural, social and economic factors. The key point is any stadium should be consistent with the overall strategic development of Providence. This story has not been told yet."
University of Rhode Island Distinguished Professor of Business
"I would like to see the PawSox stay in Rhode Island. I do not think Rhode Islanders should pay for a new stadium for the next several decades or see Providence not collect taxes that could make it to a better city.....with better schools, lower property taxes and a lower automobile tax. To support the current proposal, there has to be tax payments to Providence, a financial deal with Pawtucket by the owners or the state to deal with the empty stadium and the owners paying for the new stadium with little in the way of state government assistance.
If there is state government financing assistance, there must be a guarantee that the team would not leave the state for the length of time of the financing. It would be interesting if the owners would consider selling "seat licenses" as a way of raising funds to build the stadium. This would be a real market test as to whether or not there is a need for a new stadium."
"The Paw Sox owners have asked the City of Providence for a waiver of property taxes. But the last thing that Providence needs is to remove yet another property from tax rolls. City Council President Luis Aponte's request that state taxpayers make up lost property taxes is understandable but out of the question, especially in light of the state's own very serious budget deficits.
Governor Raimondo has correctly pointed out that the state has very limited resources to invest in economic growth. These limited resources cannot go to develop prime public land into a very seasonal use that will have minimal impact on the economy at a substantial cost to local and state taxpayers. Our state leaders must say no to this project and return to the vitally important work of helping ALL businesses, not just one, by improving the state's tax and regulatory climate. We as a state can consider whether to participate in the luxury of a sports stadium as soon as our economy is healthy again."
"If Skeffington and his very wealthy partners want the PawSox in Providence then they should put an offer on the table that covers all of the costs to make it happen. They must provide revenue to the state for the land that they want to develop, and property tax revenue on its full value to the capitol city."
If the team is seeking taxpayer dollars, then taxpayers should get something in return, whether a share of equity or a slice of team revenues. For example, the federal government received equity for its investment in GM, while the Green Bay Packers are owned by citizen shareholders. It's not beyond possibility; let's find a way to make it happen."
Senior Deputy Majority Leader, Providence City Council
"I believe the stadium is beneficial to Providence and the state. The parking capacity must be resolved in favor of the stadiums' fans that is fair and reasonable. What events and other uses are not being presented which I find troublesome. A stadium is a great venue for families, colleagues and generally, baseball fans to enjoy. A $120 million commitment from state taxpayers is a large role asked of them wherein the return on the participation is not convincing to date."
Rhode Island State Representative, (D-Dist 4, Providence)
"For me to support a deal, that $120 million figure needs to come down dramatically, and a strong community benefits agreement needs to be reached. I also think it would be reasonable - if the state is making a significant public investment in the project - to see the state receive a portion of the profits from the stadium."
"It is still in the early innings. The chamber was briefed on the proposal on Friday and we expect that it is subject to change. Conceptually, it is very exciting. Awaiting further details."
"The PawSox are an important institution in Rhode Island and our goal is to keep them in the state," said Raimondo. "The idea of a stadium in downtown Providence that can be used for multiple purposes is exciting. That said, my top priority is getting Rhode Islanders back to work, and we have very limited resources to invest in economic growth - especially in the face of a large structural deficit. I am committed to working with Mayor Elorza, the Speaker, and the Senate President to evaluate whether this project is in the best interest of Rhode Island, and whether we can afford it."
"We hope and aim to keep this treasured team in Rhode Island. The project has the potential to enhance the vitality of a key district within our capital city. At the same time, this proposal involves a significant request for public resources. In collaboration with the City of Providence and the General Assembly, we will review this proposal in order to determine whether it makes financial sense and whether it will help catalyze the I-195 corridor."
Rhode Island Speaker of the House of Representatives
"We have not received a written legislative proposal yet, but when we do, it will be thoroughly analyzed. I will be talking to my House colleagues and I will gauge public opinion before making any assessment on the direction the state should move in."
"The proposal that has been presented by the new owners of the Paw Sox to build a professional ballpark in Providence potentially represents a significant investment in Rhode Island. The proposal will be fully analyzed by the full Senate in a thorough and transparent process.”
“The prospect of keeping the Red Sox’ Triple A team in Rhode Island represents a significant and exciting development opportunity for our city and state. We have coordinated to develop guidelines that ensure a thorough analysis of the stadium proposal. As Mayor, I am committed to continue working in close coordination with Governor Raimondo, Council President Aponte, our leaders in the General Assembly and the I-195 Commission as we move forward to make Providence and Rhode Island a better place to work, live and do business in the long term."
“The stadium has the potential to be catalytic and transformative in the way residents and visitors experience Downtown Providence. With the promise of drawing hundreds of thousands of spectators annually to the city, the stadium could help spur development of the nearby I-195 parcels, and generate additional revenue for the city and the state. We are committed to working with the Governor, the General Assembly, and the developers to ensure the project aligns with our goals and vision for the city, and that it is a good investment of our resources.”
"Perhaps the state should consider buying the franchise and reinvest in Pawtucket. It would be more cost effective and the state would have ownership at the end of the deal," said Grebien Communications Officer Rico Vota. "The Mayor has received many calls, emails and postings from fans throughout the state that do not support this current proposal. He is very careful to make sure that his decision is not solely based on the fact that he represents Pawtucket who would loose this valuable, historic ballpark. As someone who comes from the private sector, this deal only makes sense for the new business group and not the state of Rhode Island in its current structure."
