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First, it is impossible to predict what is going to happen in the next 30 years. Recessions, wars and catastrophic weather events would make all of Mr. Skeffington’s assumptions invalid. A hurricane might destroy the new stadium which will be built at the edge of the Providence River. Irene and Sandy have shown the power of hurricane storm surges.

McCoy Stadium has a proven record of success. Over the last 10 years, McCoy Stadium has averaged over 8,400 fans per game. Hundreds of neighborhood homes are within walking distance of McCoy Stadium. If a bike path was built connecting McCoy Stadium to the East Bay Bike Path in East Providence along the unused P&W rail right of way, East Bay residents, Fox Point residents and East Side residents could ride their bikes on this new 5 mile bike path to see a game at McCoy Stadium. When the new Blackstone River Valley National Park is fully funded, McCoy Stadium could be leased to the National Park and used for pageants, historical dramas and band concerts. A steady stream of year round revenue would flow into McCoy Stadium. Thousands of tourists would be near or at McCoy Stadium. Soon, hotels, bed & breakfast establishments and mixed use shopping areas would be built in the McCoy Stadium area. Thousands of fans and tourists could walk or ride a bike to see a game at McCoy Stadium. Because the new National Park is coming to the Blackstone Valley, a 4 million dollar yearly investment by the State of Rhode Island would generate 36 million dollars of federal matching funds to improve the amenities and infrastructure in the Blackstone River Valley. This activity should make McCoy Stadium acceptable to the new owners of the PawSox. Pawtucket and McCoy Stadium have a lot of potential. Mr. Skeffington and the state of Rhode Island should realize this and keep the PawSox in Pawtucket.