Residents react to proposals for McCoy Stadium’s future

PAWTUCKET, R.I. (WLNE) — Brianna Sepulveda is a life–long Pawtucket resident whose first job was at McCoy Stadium.

“It’s a loss that we’re losing the PawSox,” said Sepulveda. “But that means there’s room for bigger and better things.”

But exactly what things is the question.

Currently there are six different proposals the city is considering for the McCoy stadium property.

Pawtucket Mayor Grebien says the two most significant ideas would be to keep baseball at McCoy, and bring in a single a minor league team or an independent league team to play at the stadium.

“They’re doing the evaluations on those two proposals, as well as working with the state to figure out what the need of investment is for that facility,” said Grebien, a Democrat.

Another life–long Pawtucket resident says it’s important that baseball keep a presence here.

“My heart is in the place,” said resident Ed Knight. “It’s a sports stadium. Sports belong here.”

Other proposals for the land include another athletic use — soccer.

And there are ideas for transforming the land into space for community use, or even a water park or amusement park.

“That would be the best idea,” said Steven Mitchell of Pawtucket, “to bring the kids closer, to bring families closer, and to spend more time together with their family.”

Grebien says, depending on the cost, the stadium could still be demolished.

But that’s definitely something some residents don’t want to see happen.

“No, it’s too nice!” said Sepulveda. “I love it. I love looking at it. That would probably break my heart.”

The mayor says city and state commerce teams are working together to evaluate all development options.

A decision is expected within a couple weeks.

(c) WLNE-TV / ABC6 2019