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Town hears conceptual reuse options for former MedTech mill site, planners flag wetlands, dams and parking constraints
Summary
Town planner Ray Gough presented a conceptual site-reuse assessment for two parcels of the former MedTech (METEX) mill site, proposing recreation uses on the larger northern parcel and multifamily housing on the smaller southern parcel while noting wetlands, floodplain and three dams as constraints requiring further study.
Burrillville — Ray Gough, the town planner, presented a conceptual site-reuse assessment on Sept. 10 for the former MedTech (METEX) mill site in the Naperville village area, describing two adjoining parcels and offering options that include recreation and housing while noting environmental and infrastructure constraints.
Gough said the northern parcel is approximately 36 acres and the southern parcel roughly 12 acres. The conceptual plan presented to the council proposes a recreation-focused reuse on the northern site — ideas included a pump track for cycling/ skating, a regulation baseball field, pickleball courts, basketball courts, picnic areas, walking trails, a potential bridge to improve connectivity with an adjacent Little League field, and limited boat or paddle launches at a pond.
The southern parcel concept emphasized two multifamily buildings that could accommodate roughly 36 rental units, plus parking and a small playground. Gough cautioned that portions of the sites lie within wetlands buffers and floodplain, and that the presence of three dams on the combined properties raises flood-risk questions; he said a dam breach scenario would have to be addressed in any reuse plan.
Why it matters: The former mill site is a large, centrally located property with redevelopment potential that could add recreation amenities and housing, but environmental constraints and ownership interests require further study and coordination.
Discussion and next steps: Gough said the town benefited from a technical assessment done in coordination with Cornell and a student team (presented as part of the project materials) and that the conceptual plan is a first step toward identifying redevelopment options. Council members praised the level of detail in the visuals but noted some errors in the presentation—s text (for example, local references and population items) and asked for follow-up on ownership interest and timing.
Council members and staff discussed parking constraints for the Little League and surrounding areas and suggested exploring parking reconfiguration and possible property transfers or easements to reduce private-property encroachment on recreational fields. Gough said the town will continue discussions with the property owners and bring recommendations back to the council.
What—s next: Town staff will continue outreach with the property owners, refine conceptual plans addressing wetlands and dam safety, and report back to the council with options and potential funding or developer interest.
