Another $2 Million Earmarked For Remediation Of Old Factory In Vernon

VERNON, CT — The Town of Vernon has been awarded an additional $2 million grant for the continued cleanup and redevelopment of the former Daniel’s Mill property.

The complex is located at 98 East Main St.

Gov. Ned Lamont last week announced that he has approved a series of state grants totaling $26.3 million that will be used to support the remediation and redevelopment of 130 acres of contaminated land throughout Connecticut, consisting of 22 properties located in 17 towns and cities. Daniel's Mill is one of the properties.

"The funds will support the communities with the costs of cleaning up these properties so they can be redeveloped and put back into productive use to support economic growth and housing needs," Lamont said.

Vernon Mayor Dan Champagne directed town staff to seek the grant as part of his continuing program to redevelop Rockville’s mills. The town is working with Camden Management Partners of Atlanta to redevelop three adjacent mills in downtown Vernon, including Daniel’s Mill, Amerbelle and Anocoil.

The grant was obtained from the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development’s Brownfield Remediation and Development Program through the efforts of Director of Development Services Shaun Gately and Project Coordinator Nichole Greco.

"This is another important step forward in our vision to redevelop the greater Amerbelle complex and to get it back onto the tax rolls," Mayor Champagne said. "This is a complicated project and we continue to seek additional funding to move it forward. When complete, the refurbished mills will provide needed housing and be an attractive gateway to downtown."

The state and federal governments have already provided $2.56 million in funding for the Daniel’s Mill portion of the project.

Additional funding is being sought, town officials said.

The grant is to further "abate and remediate environmental conditions at Daniel’s Mill. The state previously awarded $2 million for the cleanup of the site, but site investigation and testing identified the need for additional funding and work.

"We have a proud history of transforming our mills, which were once the economic backbone of our community, into housing," Town Administrator Michael Purcaro said. "This project may be the most exciting one of all with its potential for restaurant, retail and event space."

The ultimate hope is to create approximately 35 residential units and support the overall Rockville Mill Complex redevelopment that is expected to create 110,000 square feet of residential units and 20,000 square feet of commercial space consisting of a brewpub/restaurant and event space.

"The Hockanum River flows through the historic mill complex, creating a pond and waterfall that make this property incredibly attractive and interesting," Purcaro said. "This will be a transformational project for the Rockville section of Vernon."

"Nobody wants to have old, polluted, and blighted properties in their neighborhood that sit vacant for decades, especially when that land could be used to grow new businesses and create housing for people who need it," Lamont said. "This state program enables us to partner with municipalities and developers to bring these lifeless properties back."