VERNON, CT (WFSB) -
Town officials in Vernon are considering demolishing the old Amerbelle Textile Mill in the Rockville section of town since a developer has not been found since it closed last month.
In August, production stopped at the mill.
"There's a lot of time and a lot of decisions," said Vernon Mayor George Apel. "But, I wanted to let the council know there is the potential for demolition and I may be coming forward with that recommendation."
Apel said the town of Vernon owns the mill and wants something done with the building.
"Our concern is getting it through the winter as safe as we can," he told Eyewitness News.
The council recently approved a $75,000 plan to drain the water and winterize the sprinkler system at the mill. The winterizing and securing the buildings are expected to completed by the end of October.
However, this plan does not solve the long-term problems of the mill.
Town officials and residents are worried about the potential of people going into the mill and setting fires. The mill complex has 14 buildings and is surrounded by a number of homes on East Main Street, which a heavily traveled road.
"That's what people are doing, starting fires in the mills that are shut down," said Anita Boucher of Vernon.
Apel said it could cost the town millions of dollars to demolish the mill, which would have to be approved by the voters. However, the money could be bonded.
A final decision has not been made on the mill and its future.
Boucher said it is sad to see the mill vacant because it is a "historical part of the town."
"Hopefully they'll find a buyer or someone will put something else in there," she said.
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