This is the official petition to oppose the construction of the Blackstone Distribution Center at 1 Moshassuck Street in Pawtucket, formed by Bradly VanDerStad, candidate for Providence City Council in Ward 3. 

The development- planned for the former Microfibres site behind LA Fitness- bills itself as “ideally situated between Interstate 95 and Route 1, two major transportation corridors connecting Boston and New York City.” With 165,000 square feet and up to 41 loading docks planned to accommodate semi-trucks, this could mean a massive influx of truck traffic from I-95, and increased traffic and congestion on North Main Street. This, in addition to heightened rates of emissions, more noise, and a less inviting experience one of Ward 3’s most important thoroughfares.

“This takes North Main Street in the complete wrong direction,” said VanDerStad. “Right at this moment of heightened interested in North Main Street revitalization, it seems that monied interests from out of state are here to capitalize on what could become a thriving neighborhood boulevard.”

The North Main Street Corridor Revitalization Study is a key initiative for the City of Providence Planning Department, which as of its third community meeting announced several focus areas. These include investing in neighborhood centers, making the area more welcoming and hospitable, making North Main a place to spend time, improving accessibility and mobility, and prioritizing housing production. The Blackstone Distribution Center threatens to make all of these goals more difficult.

As the Vice President of the Summit Neighborhood Association, VanDerStad is well-positioned to lead the charge of bringing together stakeholders and raising the alarm about this deleterious project. He is planning to host a Rally for North Main Street event on July 28th. Details to follow.

“It is critical that neighborhood leaders unite in opposition to this project,” said VanDerStad. “A project of this size and scope could render North Main the dumping ground of undesirable businesses for the next two or three decades, instead of the thriving community asset we know it could be.”