A Worcester, MA official has confirmed that two consultants will assist the city as it explores the possibility of landing the Pawtucket Red Sox (Class AAA; International League).
In their ongoing effort to replace McCoy Stadium, the PawSox have pitched a new ballpark that would be constructed in downtown Pawtucket. However, there is still a good deal of uncertainty surrounding that proposal, and Worcester continues to consider its options for luring the team to the city.
Worecester has been identified as a possible landing spot, with club officials having previously visiting the city. As it continues to look into landing the team, Worcester has hired economist Andrew Zimbalist and former Massachusetts Secretary of Transportation Jeffrey Mullan to consult on the effort. Worcester city manager Edward M. Augustus Jr recently confirmed the hiring. More from The Telegram & Gazette:
“As previously reported, the Pawtucket Red Sox officials have been to Worcester to meet with city officials and there have been ongoing conversations since then. Andrew Zimbalist and Jeffrey Mullan are assisting with the preliminary work as we explore the possibility of bringing Triple A baseball to Worcester. I have taken these actions in response to the city council’s 8-1 vote asking that I do all that is reasonably within my power to facilitate bringing the ball club to Worcester.
“With respect to funding for their services, no specific appropriation is required because there is an existing appropriation for consultant services.”
Mullan is a Worcester native, a graduate of St. John’s High, and a partner with the Foley Hoag LLP law firm in Boston. When reached by phone at his office, Mullan referred questions about his role in the PawSox talks to Augustus.
His online biography at Foley Hoag says that he “represents clients on a wide range of matters related to real estate, transportation, construction, infrastructure development and redevelopment.”
Some details of a potential Worcester pitch remain unknown, but the city’s Canal District has been discussed as the possible location of a new ballpark. The PawSox’s current lease at McCoy Stadium expires after the 2020 season.
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