Time running out to pass PawSox bill as Worcester eyes team

By John Krinjak

Email: jkrinjak@abc6.com

Twitter: @johnkrinjakABC6

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — Representatives once again heard testimony on the house version of the PawSox stadium bill Tuesday night.

Notably absent from the hearing on the proposed ballpark on the old Apex site? Anyone from the team. 

"I don’t think it’s anything other than they’re busy at the game. They’re weighing, being careful to see what the proposal is," said Pawtucket Mayor Don Grebien. 

Three weeks ago, House Speaker Nick Mattiello introduced a revised plan, in which bonds to finance the $83 million park would be issued by the Pawtucket Redevelopment Agency, not guaranteed by the state.

Taxes–such as those from players’ income, ticket sales and new businesses around the park–would go into a special account to leverage against a potential default by the team.

"There was a time that I didn’t see a way forward//this way forward makes sense," said Mattiello. 

But little has happened in those three weeks, and it’s been five months since the Senate passed its PawSox bill.

"The speaker and the House have played this the wrong way, and I think everybody realizes that and we need to have something on the table," said Grebien. 

Grebien says the deal for the team in Worcester appears to be getting sweeter by the day.

"You’ve got Worcester where you see the state government, the local government and the chamber of commerce opening up their arms and wanting them there because they see the value," said Grebien. 

"They need to know whether they’re either going to be able to build a new stadium in Rhode Island or make alternative plans," said Senate Finance Chair William Conley. 

But Mattiello defended the approach, saying a bill could still get passed by the end of the week.

"I think we’ve gone at a very appropriate, very deliberative pace. our goal is to protect the taxpayers," said Mattiello. 

"I can tell you if we don’t have a bill they’re gone," said Grebien. 

Mayor Grebien did suggest some tweaks to the plan–including changing the rules to reduce the interest rate under this plan, which would be higher than the Senate plan.

The PawSox, after saying they would have a statement on the House bill, told us late Tuesday night in a statement: "We won’t have a comment until this process concludes."

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