72 replies to this topic

[Cotuit]

Herb Weiss: Arts districts boost R.I. economy [The Providence Journal]

[BigUglyCat]

Cotuit, on Apr 27 2008, 01:50 PM, said:

Herb Weiss: Arts districts boost R.I. economy [The Providence Journal]

Well, may Heaven bless the Bucket (it seems like that may already be under way)!

They brought me home from the hospital in 1951 to Fairlawn, near Nathanael Greene Grammar School, and I grew up there, living there until I deemed it time to shack up with my fiancee in Cumberland in 1978.  I have many fond memories, not including the neighborhood psycho bully.  I am happy for Pawtucket and for all Rhode Island for the many wonderful things that the passing of time is bringing them (despite the fact that Brick thinks I'm a nattering nabob of negativism).  Seriously.

[frymasterspeck]

Having worked in Whitinsville and played in a band in Worcester, I've been up and down just about the whole WOR-PVD length on 126, 123, 122, 146, backroads, etc. The canal Brick is on about goes from Valley Falls to the next falls at Albion. (Instead of going right over the bridge, go left and then right, following the path over another little bridge and up to the falls. The canal begins just above the falls.)

To my knowledge, that is the only maintained section of the canal remaining. Other portions of the canal in MA are long-since turned into rivers. There are stretches where portions of the canal still exist but are blocked downstream. At high, high water, these sections flood and then become stagnant when the river recedes. This, I think, accounts for the surprising amount of bugs in the area.

Yes, I've eaten my fair share. FWIW, last Thursday I rode in Westport, MA and ate hella bugs. On the bright side, you get plenty of protein to keep your strength up on those long rides.

[FjmArch]

Cotuit, on Apr 27 2008, 01:50 PM, said:

Herb Weiss: Arts districts boost R.I. economy [The Providence Journal]

It's a shame that the out of town developers get all of the press in this article. No mention of the creative community that has been established at "The Grant". Typical of the ProJo let's not see the forest thru the trees, only the deep pockets get the press.

[Herbs]

FjmArch, on Apr 28 2008, 03:57 PM, said:

It's a shame that the out of town developers get all of the press in this article. No mention of the creative community that has been established at "The Grant". Typical of the ProJo let's not see the forest thru the trees, only the deep pockets get the press.

The Op Ed was written to give a picture of economic development throughout the City including the arts district.  While the Grant was not specifically mentioned in this instance we have in lots of other ways promoted this successful Main Street development to the media.  The Planning Department has worked closely with the owners and some of their tenants to get them through the Building Permit Process.  We only had a limited number of words to try to tell our tale.   Herb Weiss, Economic and Cultural Affairs Officer, City of Pawtucket.

[frymasterspeck]

Big Art Hoo Ha 5/3

$5k in total prize money to be awarded. $4k for 1st prize.

Story on The Bucket Blog also sheds light on this event's 'angel,' Narragansett Bay Insurance Company.

[Frankie811]

Some new life for old mills in Downtown Pawtucket. Two forgotten mill buildings situated along the Blackstone River near Tolman High School are poised to become the latest additions to the city’s emerging arts community.

[bloodyrocker]

Herbs, on Apr 28 2008, 10:47 PM, said:

The Op Ed was written to give a picture of economic development throughout the City including the arts district.  While the Grant was not specifically mentioned in this instance we have in lots of other ways promoted this successful Main Street development to the media.  The Planning Department has worked closely with the owners and some of their tenants to get them through the Building Permit Process.  We only had a limited number of words to try to tell our tale.   Herb Weiss, Economic and Cultural Affairs Officer, City of Pawtucket.

I have to agree with FJM here,  the Grant and MWM are the ones that have really put it on the line and are drawing traffic downtown.. more so than almost everything listed in that article.  the Gamm, Stone Soup and Mixed Magic are all great additions to have in the city and I'm glad that they are here but in order for this place to change we need more Grant type development that will actually create foot traffic downtown you know?  Downtown Pawtucket is so RIPE for a comeback.. you can feel it as you walk around!  The buildings are amazing and there is so much history here.

[frymasterspeck]

But, Rocker, those nice theater people where collared shirts and go to barbers for haircuts. And they don't have those scary piercings and tattoos. What kind of a place would Pawtucket look like if they promoted all these artsy-fartsy young entrepreneurs in the Grant?  

Seriously, nothing in the last 20 years has had the positive impact as the Grant. For the love of Maude, Kafe Lila made it through the first year. Madhouse Cafe?

Attention, The City -- Give credit where it is due. Do you want to make us your adversaries?

[bloodyrocker]

maybe its just my perception but I've always thought that real change happens organically, the way that the Grant and MWM have injected Pawtucket with a healthy dose of cool people either coming in for shows, recording, work (at the grant), shopping or for food.. these peeps come in to the area and see the huge potential for community in a wide open historic setting and a few of them (myself included) even buy property or move over here hoping to participate in the change.

[Recchia]

I'll be moving back to the Bucket in the next few years.  It's easier biking distance to my work and I can get a much better deal on housing than in Providence.  Darlington was the perfect fit for me, and now they have a gym and Save a Lot on Armistice that I could walk to.

[bloodyrocker]

Providence Daily Dose discussing the "Pawtucket Rising" documentary.. Herb Weiss adds his comments too.

Is this a Zero Sum Game?

[Jenks]

I loved the Madhouse Cafe, but I wonder if it was just a tiny bit ahead of its time. I'd love to see someone else give that space a shot. And I'm not talking about another Dunkin' Donuts or CVS.