Worcester, welcome to the big leagues

Wow!

Move over, Providence, there is a new power broker in town.

Wasn’t it just yesterday when we used to bemoan Providence’s ability to do what Worcester just couldn’t seem to manage — create and nurture myriad of robust economic and cultural projects?

But look whose economic development plans and progress are being talked about now. Look who is building hotels, luxury apartments and ice-skating rinks. Look whose restaurants and art scene are being praised. Look who is drawing million-dollar investors to town.

Yes, it is Worcester, not Providence. And if that was not clear, on Friday city leaders held a press conference to announce they had beaten Providence in the city's bid to lure the Pawtucket Red Sox - the Triple A affiliate of the Boston Red Sox — to Massachusetts.

According to a letter of intent signed with the team’s chairman, Larry Lucchino, the city of Worcester will spend some $240 million on overall development on and around the former Wyman-Gordon property near Kelley Square.

The development will include a ballpark at the cost of approximately $90 million, along with 250 apartments, a 150-room hotel, a second boutique hotel with rooms overlooking the ballpark, and retail and restaurant space.

There are defining moments in a city’s trajectory, and while this one has been brewing for a while, the city chasing the PawSox and now being in the driver’s seat to make it happen is a big deal. It reflects a changing mindset, a city changing from a state of timidity and self-deprecation to one of confidence and optimism.

The smiles and the giddiness registering in the faces of those at the press conference said it all Friday. They were all like the kid who hit a home run on his first at bat after being called up to the major league from Triple A ball, and affirming to himself that he belongs.

“It is a great day for Worcester,” City Councilor Mo Bergman said.

“We landed the big fish. We competed with Providence, which is a capital city. This is an affirmation of what a lot of us who live here know, that we do have a great city, and when somebody from the outside recognized that in a big way, which is what happened today, you can’t do anything else but swell with a sense of pride that we are being recognized for going in the right direction.”

Tim Murray, president of the Worcester Regional Chamber of Co,mmerce, couldn’t hide his joy.

“We all went into this thing with the confidence about the momentum that is underway here in the city and the ingredients of how we got here,” Mr. Murray, former lieutenant governor and Worcester mayor, said.

“It was teamwork. It's people checking their egos at the door working through problems, collaborating, that’s why we have seen a level of success and support at the state and federal level … so we went into it thinking if we are successful … cherry on top. If we are not, the momentum still continues. But we can’t be afraid to take the risk, and we can’t be afraid to fail, and here we are with an iconic international brand, the Red Sox, coming to Worcester.”

Vincent Pedone, executive officer of the Massachusetts state universities' Council of Presidents, and a former state representative, said the results of the last election were a telltale sign that the city is moving forward, when voters rejected much of the negativity that was being heaped on current city leaders.

“The municipal elections last year sent a message to the naysayers, the bomb tossers, and the bombastic badgerers that thoughtful, meaningful, hardworking commitment to progress, although difficult, is worth it," he said.

“Larry Lucchino’s closing words today couldn’t have summed it up any better - professionalism, tenacity and team work. That’s what the municipal election last year demonstrated, that is what the leadership of the mayor and the councilors on this council have demonstrated and that is what the city manager with his agenda have demonstrated."

Mayor Joe Petty agreed.

“The atmosphere has changed in the last several years,” he said.

“It is more positive outlook for people that live here and for people that live outside the city. There is a buzz around Massachusetts, New England and even the country, that this is a place we want to do business.

“It is about leadership. I think people believe in the leadership here in Worcester. It is about community engagement. It is about trust. We might get it wrong sometimes and make mistakes, but the city knows our hearts are in the right place.”

OK, I know, the idea of the Pawtucket Red Sox becoming the Worcester Red Sox is an elixir that can make people create and believe in all kinds of fairy tales.

And I know the year 2021, the date construction on the project is expected to be completed, is a long way off and anything can happen and that there is community input and approval from the City Council to be considered.

Yes, I know all that, but in this moment there is only one thing to say - Wow. Woosta is a playa.