Discussions over a proposed Pawtucket development project that includes a new USL stadium are moving along, as officials involved in the negotiations say that progress is being made.
A proposed $400 million downtown Pawtucket development project led by Brett Johnson of Fortuitous Partners was unveiled in December, with the concept including a new 7,500-seat soccer stadium at the site of a former manufactured gas plant along the Seekonk River. The stadium would be home to a USL Championship club, while anchoring planned development that includes apartments and retail across the river and additional development at the downtown Apex property.
Currently, Johnson is engaged in a due diligence period with local and state officials on the project, which is expected to call for $70-$90 million in public assistance via tax increment financing, primarily going toward infrastructure improvements. Johnson has also previously stated the goal of landing $300 million in private investment for the project, and had indicated in December that there was $100 million in verbal commitments.
While neither disclosed details on exactly where the private investment stands as of now, both Johnson and Pawtucket mayor Donald Grebien expressed confidence recently that the plans will come together. More from WPRI.com:
Grebien said he is confident Johnson can deliver.
“There’s a lot of the responsibility that is on the private side and it really comes to them showing that they can raise that money,” Grebien said. “And I believe they will.”
Johnson, just as confident.
“We are full steam ahead to make Tidewater Landing a reality,” Johnson said. “I am looking forward to reaching a point where details are final, or nearly so, and we can share them with the public.”
The two sides are working to have finalized deal in place by the end of April. The stadium included in the plan would be designed to host a variety of events beyond professional soccer matches, including sports such as football and lacrosse along with non-sporting events such as concerts, and could be completed in time for the 2022 USL Championship season.
RELATED STORIES: Johnson: Opportunity Zone Designation Should Help Pawtucket USL Stadium Project; Best of 2019, #10: Pawtucket USL Stadium Proposal Unveiled; Johnson Pitches Potential Impact of Pawtucket USL Stadium Project; Remediation Needed for Pawtucket USL Stadium Site; Proposed Downtown Pawtucket USL Stadium Moving Forward; USL Stadium Could be Part of New Downtown Pawtucket Development