Opening the meeting, JDA President Arthur Salisbury asked the members of the audience to introduce themselves. As the introductions went around the large conference table at the Brown Continuing Education Dept. building on Dyer Street, it became clear that a broad spectrum of interested people was on hand.
In his introductory remarks, Skeffington said that he was honored to be present and that he had "never done this before."
Besides concerned residents, visitors from the East Side and other interested parties, the media were on hand, as well. Kate Bramson provided an even-handed report of the proceedings in her Providence Journal account. You can read her article here.
At this moment, minutes from the meeting are in preparation and will be posted on this website as soon as they are complete.
One nugget we're pleased to share right now.
District resident Olin Thompson suggested that by putting the ball park into the vacant, shovel-ready Victory Plating site four blocks away, the city could have the best of both worlds: its splendid riverside park and walkway would extend from Waterplace past the new pedestrian bridge to the Point Street bridge AND we'd have a first class Triple A ball park within walking distance.
The ball park proposal isn't merely a Jewelry District issue. It's a matter of enormous concern, interest and importance to the city of Providence and the state of Rhode Island (not to mention Pawtucket). The issues are complex, details are vague, much remains to be seen. Public meetings of this sort will help focus the close scrutiny, due diligence and analysis that a proposal of this magnitude deserves.
The discussion continues. Upcoming public meetings on the PawSox stadium proposal:
Monday, May 18
6:00 p.m. at the Hope High School Cafeteria.
Hosted by City and State Elected Officials. Formal discussion will begin at 6:30 p.m.
Wednesday, May 20
6:30 p.m. at the Sheldon Street Church, 51 Sheldon Street
Hosted by the Fox Point Neighborhood Association. Program begins at 7:00 p.m.