BLM RI PAC calls on US Rep Amo to convene a Morley Field town hall in Pawtucket
“[Morley Field] is not just an academic exercise for me, having grown up in the Woodlawn neighborhood," said Rep Amo on the Bartholomewtown podcast.
From a BLM RI PAC press release:
On November 23, 2024, BLM RI PAC joined a successful community rally outside Pawtucket City Hall, drawing over 80 residents and organizations. The rally called on the City of Pawtucket and Mayor Donald Grebian to restore Morley Field. This federally recognized recreational park has long served as the only local park for an economically disadvantaged community. This effort opposes plans by billion-dollar developer JK Equities to convert most of the park into a parking lot.
In a December 5th interview on the podcast Bartholomewtown, hosted by Bill Bartholomew, Rhode Island Congressman Gabe Amo was asked about restoring Morley Field as a recreational space rather than paving it over for a parking lot. Congressman Amo emphasized the need for “truthful conversations about what the vision here is.” He reflected on his experiences, “[Morley Field] is not just an academic exercise for me, having grown up in the Woodlawn neighborhood.”
As a former Little League baseball player at Morley Field, Congressman Amo highlighted its importance, particularly for the Woodlawn neighborhood, where 82% of residents are minorities. He noted that paving over Morley Field would eliminate 60% of the community’s green space. Even with the remaining 2.1 acres, the field would no longer support youth sports, which have historically been vital for local children. Congressman Amo stressed the importance of achieving a “shared community vision” on this issue, adding, “[Morley Field] is something I have a very particular memory and connection to.”
On behalf of the Woodlawn community, BLM RI PAC calls on the City of Pawtucket to take the following steps:
Apply for Federal Brownfields Funding
Under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which includes a historic $1.5 billion investment in brownfields, the City of Pawtucket should apply for the EPA’s Brownfields Program. This program provides grants and technical assistance to assess, clean up, and sustainably reuse contaminated properties. Utilizing this program would help restore Morley Field while reducing the City’s financial burden.
Host a Community Town Hall
Mayor Donald Grebian, the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management, and Congressman Gabe Amo should convene a town hall with BLM RI PAC, community members, State Representatives Jennifer Stewart and Cherie Cruz, and Ward 5 City Council Member Clovis Gregor, who represents the Morley Field area. The town hall would allow a community-driven dialogue to determine a path forward.
The Black Lives Matter Rhode Island PAC (BLM RI PAC) is a political action committee created by young people of color in Rhode Island. They believe that representation is the best way for the government to serve the interests of its people. Right now, people of color are underrepresented across the state. BLM RI PAC seeks to change this by training, recruiting, supporting, and electing young people and people of color to offices up and down the ballot.
Thanks to BLM PAC for getting to the heart of the matter at Morley Field. Does the community get a voice in what happens or not. So far all of the government people and agencies have done nothing to make sure the community is consulted before a park is stolen. I have repeatedly asked Representative Amo for help setting up a meeting with the National Park Service and he has repeaterdly declined.
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