It’s estimated that removal of the debris as the site of the former Webster Mill will cost $1 million.
At a Town Council meeting on Nov. 25, Assistant Town Manager Antonio Morabito outlined the four phases of the site’s redevelopment.
“Since we last spoke, I’ve learned a tremendous amount about this project…It’s really four phases,” he said. “The first phase we completed last February was the demolition of the building…I believe we are in the second phase now, and that would be debris removal. Third being decontamination and the fourth being development.”
The building was demolished after an inspection revealed that it was bowing inward and could potentially collapse. The 1.64-acre site and is zoned IC-30, which allows for commercial or industrial uses with a minimum 30,000 square foot lot size. The building was previously used as a jewelry-making factory.
Morabito noted that phase two would also involve assessing the property’s contamination level.
“We don’t own the property, so certain grants are available, certain ones are not…What the ultimate use of the property will be will open up certain grants as well,” he stated. “I’m still looking for funding, because my goal still is to do the debris removal.”
Morabito acknowledged that funding decisions would influence subsequent project phases.
“Every single decision that we make will affect the remaining three phases…” he said.
Town Manager Michael Borg assured the council, “I can tell you, without a doubt, the only decisions that I would ever bring forward to this council for consideration would be only decisions that would indemnify the town from any liability…”
Morabito concluded on a positive note, stating, “This is actually good news…nobody (referring to the Department of Environmental Protection) has said no yet, and everyone is very well aware of how important it is for the Town of North Attleborough to clean this area.”
