Dam Relocated at Vernon's Amerbelle Complex as 2016 Remediation Work is About Done

VERNON, CT — Work crews have successfully relocated the dam at the former Amerbelle mill complex as they wrap up remediation work at the old factory before the dead of winter sets in.

The remediation work, paid for via two Brownfield grants adding up to $4 million, will lead to the town completely restoring the former textile mill and seeking a tenant, Economic Development Coordinator Shaun Gately said.

The dam did not have to be moved far — just about 30 yards upstream, Gately said. It was necessary to make the flue operate more efficiently, he said. The Hockanum River flows past the complex.

All major hazardous materials have been removed from the site, Gately said.

Land grading will likely commence in the spring, he said.

Amerbelle's first building was constructed in 1868. The newer part developed from just after World War II to the 1950s is gone as part of the remediation efforts.

Vernon Mayor Daniel Champagne has said he wants to eventually develop a gateway area that will open up the waterfront for public use from Amerbelle upstream to the old Rossevelt Mill complex, not Loom City Lofts.

Photo Credit: Town of Vernon