What's going on in Pawtucket
New Parking Ordinance Proposed for Tidewater Landing Stadium: Residents to Require Permits
PAWTUCKET, R.I. (March 19, 2025)
Pawtucket is set to introduce a new "neighborhood parking permits" ordinance surrounding the upcoming Stadium at Tidewater Landing, mirroring regulations previously in place around the now-closed Memorial Hospital. District 4 City Councilor Neicy Coderre will present the ordinance, which requires residents to obtain parking permits to park in designated areas near the stadium starting in May. The proposal aims to manage parking effectively as the stadium opens for games, similar to the old hospital zone restrictions.
The existing hospital ordinance, last amended in 2010, specifies that only vehicles owned by residents with valid permits can park in the area, with exceptions for commercial and emergency vehicles. Special guest permits and temporary parking passes for new residents were also part of the hospital regulations.
Rhode Island FC recently unveiled its parking plan, which includes several lots that require a short walk to the stadium. City officials have committed to enforcing resident-only parking to prevent issues for local residents. A meeting with neighborhood residents is scheduled for March 20 to discuss the ordinance's specifics, including whether it will apply solely to game days or other events as well.
Construction at Tidewater Landing
RIFC Parking Plans announced for 2025 Season
PAWTUCKET, R.I. (March 12, 2025) – Rhode Island FC announced a comprehensive parking plan in collaboration with the City of Pawtucket and The Stadium at Tidewater Landing for the upcoming 2025 USL Championship season. With over 3,600 parking spaces available, fans can easily find convenient parking options just a 10–15-minute walk from the stadium.
Key Highlights of the Parking Plan:
- 3,600 Parking Spaces: Identified within a 0.75-mile radius of the stadium.
- Free Parking Available: One dedicated lot offering free parking, located just one mile away.
- Convenient Locations: 18 lots within a 15-minute walk from the stadium, all managed by The Stadium at Tidewater Landing.
- ADA Accessible Parking: Accessible parking options are available for fans with disabilities.
- Public Transportation: Fans are encouraged to utilize rideshare services, RIPTA, and MBTA for additional transportation options.
- Dedicated Rideshare Zone: A specific drop-off and pickup zone for rideshare services will be available.
- Bike & Scooter Parking: Facilities for cyclists and scooter users to securely park their vehicles.
- Mileage and Walk Times: Each lot will have clear indications of mileage and approximate walking times to the stadium.
- Designated Pedestrian Pathway: Join us for the March to the Match as fans walk together to the stadium! 🥁🚶♂️🎺
- FAQ Page: For more details, check the Rhode Island FC FAQ page for additional information.
Single-Game Prepaid Parking Reservations Open April 3!
Don’t miss out on your chance to secure your parking in advance.
For a complete overview of parking options and to plan your visit, click here to visit the Rhode Island FC Parking & Transportation Page.
Get ready for an incredible season as we cheer on our team! See you at the stadium!
Pawtucket Firefighters’ Union Reaches Agreement on Deputy Chief Vacancies
2/7/2025 Pawtucket, RI – In a significant development for the Pawtucket Fire Department, the firefighters’ union announced on Friday that it has successfully negotiated a new protocol regarding the filling of deputy chief vacancies. This agreement, reached with city officials, stipulates that any future vacancies within the deputy chief positions will be filled by a battalion chief in an acting capacity.
The decision comes in the wake of controversy surrounding the appointment of a 22-year-old rookie firefighter to the role of acting deputy chief of Emergency Medical Services (EMS) late last year. This appointment, which positioned the rookie in the third-highest role within the department, raised concerns among union members who argued that such a critical position should be occupied by someone with more experience and a higher rank. The union’s push for change highlighted the need for a more structured approach to leadership roles within the department.
In response to the concerns voiced by the union, the new agreement establishes a clear pathway for filling deputy chief vacancies, ensuring that a battalion chief will step into the role temporarily until a permanent appointment can be made. This change is expected to enhance the leadership structure within the fire department and promote a more experienced oversight for the department’s operations.
In a statement regarding the agreement, Pawtucket Firefighters Local No. 1261 expressed gratitude to Mayor Donald Grebien for his commitment to supporting the fire department’s needs. “Mayor Grebien’s dedication to providing the members of the Pawtucket Fire Department with the resources we need to carry out our mission was a priority throughout this whole process, and we thank him for that,” the union stated.
This agreement marks a positive step forward for the Pawtucket Fire Department, as it seeks to bolster its leadership framework and ensure that experienced personnel are at the helm during critical times. As the fire department continues to serve the community, this new protocol will likely foster greater confidence among union members and the public alike.