Don’t Demolish!

Rehabilitate and re-use Thompson’s River Mill

The Town of Thompson’s Mill Sites Redevelopment Advisory Committee learned in mid—October, 2016, that the current owner of the River Mill (929 Riverside Drive) is negotiating with an out-of-state company to salvage brick, wood and other materials from the building, resulting in demolition of the oldest portion of the mill.

At the Board of Selectmen’s November 15, 2016 meeting, the Board adopted a resolution opposing any demolition of the property for the purpose of materials salvage. The loss of this structure will hurt longstanding efforts to bring new investment and new uses to the River Mill, improve our town’s tax base, and create local jobs. Demolition will undercut efforts to protect

This mill is an important part of the history of Thompson, specifically the North Grosvenordale section of town. It also has a potentially significant role to play in our town’s future economic viability. The North Grosvenordale National Register Historic District is named for the mill, and the mill’s demolition could result in the District’s de-listing from the Register, with the associated loss of federal and state incentives for owners of both commercial and residential historic property in the district.

We, the undersigned, are opposed to the unreasonable destruction of 929 Riverside Drive, and respectfully ask that the Connecticut State Historic Preservation Council and State Attorney General initiate proceedings to obtain an injunction to ensure demolition does not occur if it becomes evident that demolition is the path chosen.