Hasbro Close to Deciding Boston or Rhode Island for Headquarters

Can an almost-free offer for a prime riverfront parcel in Providence’s long-touted, semi-developed I-195 District compete with the razzle-dazzle of new-money energy in Boston’s Seaport District?

That’s the choice facing Hasbro, the venerable Pawtucket-based toymaker-turned-entertainment company, as it narrows in on a future home.

Rhode Island’s effort to retain the headquarters of Hasbro is seen by some as a “jump ball” with Massachusetts.

The Boston Business Journal reported this week that Hasbro is getting closer to reaching a decision and that one location under consideration is in Boston’s Seaport District.

In November, the I-195 Redevelopment District Commission approved a binding resolution offering Hasbro an acre of riverfront land near downtown Providence for $1. It’s the same land once targeted for a controversial skyscraper by New York developer Jason Fane.

Marc Crisafulli, chairman of the commission, declined a request for comment Tuesday.

This story was reported by The Public’s Radio. You can read the entire story here.