TURNERS FALLS, MA (FRANKLIN COUNTY NOW) — Planning for the ultimate demolition of the Strathmore Mill in Turners Falls continues. Montague Assistant Town Administrator Chris Nolan-Zeller says the first domino is the pedestrian walkway at Canal Street. First Light Power owns that bridge, but the town is responsible for the utility lines there.
“The town is ultimately going to need to assist First Light with the abatement of the asbestos,” said Nolan-Zeller. The town will also be required to cap those utilities once the bridge is demolished, according to Nolan-Zeller
As for the actual mill buildings on site, Nolan-Zeller says the town has hit a snag with Building 9, which is owned by Eagle Creek Hydro. The plan had been to demolish around Building 9.
“The engineering estimates unfortunately came back high than expected–substantially higher,” said Nolan-Zeller. “We are currently re-evaluating how we can move the project forward. We have been in active talks with Eagle Creek and their stakeholders regarding how we can come to a mutually beneficial solution.”