Infrastructure investments unlocking full potential of Tidewater Landing - by Donald Grebien

Just a few years ago, the land along the Seekonk River was a vacant, former brownfield that many had written off. Today, when I stand at Centreville Bank Stadium and look out over the water, I see a vision for Pawtucket that is fast becoming a reality. The stadium, which opened in May 2025 as the home of Rhode Island FC, has been a tremendous success, attracting an average of 8,000 fans per game and sparking new energy throughout our city. But as I have said since the beginning, the stadium was only the first phase of a much larger, transformative Tidewater Landing plan.

We are now taking the next critical steps forward to realize that larger vision. The City of Pawtucket is moving ahead with a $30 million infrastructure investment designed to unlock the full housing and economic development potential of Tidewater Landing. Financed through low-cost loans from the Rhode Island Infrastructure Bank, these improvements are the essential “bones” of a district that will soon be a premier mixed-use destination for all Rhode Islanders.

The centerpiece of this development phase is a signature new pedestrian bridge. This structure will do more than just span the Seekonk River; it will physically and symbolically connect the eastern and western sides of the Tidewater Landing project, linking new housing, retail, and restaurants into a cohesive, vibrant neighborhood. This bridge will be complemented by new sections of public riverwalk, expanded recreation spaces, professional landscaping, and modern lighting.

We are also investing in the unseen infrastructure that makes growth possible. Critical stormwater upgrades are being implemented to support the density and scale of the developments planned in the area.

We are already seeing the results of this commitment drive development. There are currently 600 new residential units in the pipeline for the Tidewater district. This includes Wood Partners’ 325-unit riverfront multifamily development, which recently received approval from the Pawtucket City Planning Commission. As the developers themselves have noted, the city’s commitment to high-quality public amenities like the pedestrian bridge and riverwalk is the catalyst that allows them to bring high-quality housing to Pawtucket.

This progress is the result of a tireless partnership between my administration, governor Dan McKee, the Pawtucket City Council, and our private-sector partners like Fortuitous Partners.

With these infrastructure investments, we are not just building structures; we are building a new neighborhood where people can live, work, and play. This is what strategic economic development looks like, and we are making it happen right here in Pawtucket.

Donald Grebien is mayor of the city of Pawtucket, R.I.