PawSox Owners Poised for Another Ask for Public Subsidies - This Time in Pawtucket
Thursday, January 19, 2017
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In December, on ABC6’s “In the Arena” the panel discussed the potential that the billionaire ownership group of the Pawtucket Red Sox would be coming back for another ask for public subsidies. That discussion was prophetic, as this time they want their new stadium Pawtucket.
In 2015, the ownership group said they did not want to remain in Pawtucket, but after the collapse of the effort to relocate in Providence and a lack of interest of other New England cities, the team has few options.
During the December taping, former Rhode Island Attorney General Arlene Violet ridiculed the idea of taxpayer subsidies for the PawSox owners.
In 2015, the ten owners asked Rhode Islanders to pony up taxpayer funded subsidies in excess of $120 million. The ownership group is comprised of a number of New England wealthiest and many of them - like CVS’ Tom Ryan and Fleet Bank’s Terry Murray - now reside in Florida.
On Wednesday, Apex Development Company issued a statement, “As part of Apex Development Company’s vision to redevelop its Pawtucket properties, we are engaged in ongoing conversations with a number of interested parties including the Pawtucket Red Sox and other potential retail, office and restaurant tenants.”
GoLocal has learned that there has been extensive talks between the Administration of Gina Raimondo, Commerce RI, Mayor Don Grebien and the Pawtucket Red Sox ownership group.
The discussions are more mature than has previously been disclosed and the ask by the PawSox ownership group will exceed $50 million in subsidies, land acquisition, and tax abatements.
Related Slideshow: PawSox Stadium Aftermath: Winners and Losers
The Providence baseball stadium looked like a sure thing. Powerful owners pushing the project. Top politicians coupled with influential lobbyists and PR consultants all on board. Then, everything changed.
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