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Council seeks direction for remediation strategy at former Compton Mill site on Pulaski Street
Summary
Councilors discussed a near-complete DEM Phase I/II study for the former Compton Mill parcels and asked for nonbinding guidance on future use — recreation/open space versus commercial sale — so state remediation recommendations can be tailored to intended reuse.
The West Warwick Town Council on Feb. 4 discussed next steps for the former Compton Mill property on Pulaski Street after town and state environmental reviews reached the Phase II stage.
Officials said Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) is completing a Phase I and Phase II investigation and needs the town to identify preferred future uses so the agency can tailor remediation recommendations accordingly. Different reuse options — conversion to recreational open space or redevelopment for commercial use — would require different cleanup standards and approaches.
Why it matters: The site is two lots that previously held mill structures and a chimney that the town removed. Earlier demolition and remediation work has cost the town money; councilors noted the expense of taking down the chimney and asked whether selling the land, reserving it for recreation, or pursuing redevelopment would best serve the town’s interests and finances.
What councilors said: Several councilors favored keeping the parcels as open space or passive recreation; others suggested the town appraise the property and consider inviting bids if sale and redevelopment would return tax revenue. Officials noted one nearby property owner had expressed interest in acquiring part of the parcel for access and additional parking. Council members discussed floodplain and river-front constraints, the site’s odd shape and whether maintenance costs would make town ownership impractical.
Outcome: No binding vote was taken. Councilors directed staff to finalize the DEM report and provide remedial options aligned with possible future uses; council members said that if the town wished to sell the property it would require an appraisal and formal sale procedures, and a referendum would be necessary for some dispositions.
