Pawtucket – Today, Pawtucket Mayor Donald R. Grebien issued an executive order establishing a joint planning commission for the development of a new train station. The Commission is comprised of the Pawtucket Planning Commission and the Central Falls Planning Commission.

“As we move forward with the development of the Pawtucket/Central Falls train station, it is critical that we implement a coherent plan to promote and sustain this valuable asset,” said Mayor Grebien. “The train station will drive our economy, employment, retail, and recreation. I am pleased to be forming this commission with Central Falls to cut red-tape and make strategic decisions that will benefit our communities for decades to come.”

 “I really want to thank Mayor Grebien for allowing Central Falls to be part of this process. I truly think it is extremely powerful when two communities come together for one cause, and that is the train station,” said Central Falls Mayor James A. Diossa. “We will ensure that this process creates the best opportunities around the train station and enhances attraction to the Blackstone Valley corridor for commuters and more importantly our respective residents.”

The Commission is responsible for planning the revitalization of the Pawtucket/Central Falls Station District to ensure that it stimulates the economic vitality of the area, strengthens access to multi-modal transportation, and supports public and private infrastructure investments. The Pawtucket Planning Commission will hold a joint meeting with the Central Falls Planning Commission to review the draft ordinance creating the Joint Planning Commission and make a final recommendation on the ordinance to the City Councils of both cities. Additionally, the Commission will:

• Oversee the review of development plans and stakeholder input.
• Develop an implementation strategy for the vision plan and boundary recommendations for the station district.
• Adopt, modify, and amend regulations and rules governing land development.
• Review all zoning and variance applications for the district.
• Recommend a five year budgetary plan for capital projects.

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January 20, 2017

Contact: Lauren Greene 

401-728-0500 ext. 358