Main Street Block Party Welcomes All to Downtown
Pawtucket – The City of Pawtucket welcomed residents and businesses to the Main Street Block Party celebrating the renovation of the City’s Downtown garage and showcasing the many neighboring businesses.
“The Block Party served its purpose in showcasing our extremely talented businesses here in our downtown. Our downtown continues to improve, and the investment to the garage will provide a more welcoming place to park for those visiting the businesses in the area.,” said Mayor Donald R. Grebien.
“With much more coming in the future, including the incoming commuter rail station, we hope to attract more residents and outside patrons to our downtown. I would like to thank all of our partners, especially Governor Gina Raimondo, CommerceRI, and the General Assembly, for their continued commitment to Pawtucket and our residents”
The funding for the $425,000 upgrades to the garage came via CommerceRI’s Main Street Rhode Island Streetscape Improvement Fund ($245,000), the Pawtucket Redevelopment Agency ($105,000), and City bonds ($75,000).
“The Main Street Improvement Fund is designed to increase economic activity in important corridors of commerce in our state’s cities and towns,” said Rhode Island Commerce Secretary Stefan Pryor.
“This catalytic investment will help drive commerce and visitation, making it even easier and more attractive to enjoy downtown Pawtucket. Under the Governor’s leadership and with the support of the General Assembly, we’re glad to support small businesses in our state through initiatives such as our Small Business Assistance Program, innovation vouchers, and these improvements to our Main Streets.”
In October 2016, the City of Pawtucket was awarded $245,000 from the Main Street Program to replace derelict storefronts on the ground level of the Pawtucket’s main municipal parking garage with landscaping, install a way finding station outside of the garage and implement a two-way traffic pattern on Main Street.
Also as part of the grant, lighting inside the garage has also been upgraded to promote visibility and safety.
The Main Street Rhode Island Streetscape Improvement Fund awards grants or loans on a competitive basis for improvements to commercial districts.
Funding can be used for projects that improve the streetscape, such as enhanced sidewalks, new street furniture, new way finding signage, upgraded building facades or improved street lighting.
Applicants must have matching funds of at least 30 percent of the total project cost, though matching funds can take multiple forms.
Other upgrades included asbestos abatement, power washing and painting of walls and ceilings, and new pavement and striping for new parking spaces. The renovation incorporated upgrades to improve safety and make it more welcoming by discouraging undesirable activities that occurred before. LED lights with adjustable brightness will address safety in an energy efficient manner.
Anti-graffiti paint will keep graffiti from bonding to the surfaces making it easier to keep the property pleasant and attractive. The garage will also have surveillance cameras and an alarm system.
Aside from the City of Pawtucket and CommerceRI, the Pawtucket Redevelopment Agency, the Pawtucket Foundation, Progreso Latino, and Level Exchange all partnered on the event.
Amongst the restaurants and businesses participating were Plouffe’s Diner & Pub, Bake My Day, China Inn, Still on Main, and Village Restaurant. Briana White and Buck’s Band provided music via a collaboration with Pawtucket-based Level Exchange.