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Commission flags unsafe Old Mill on Hamlin Street and ongoing bridge closure
Summary
Commissioners reported the Old Mill on Hamlin Street is structurally unsafe but privately owned, limiting town action, and noted the Hamlin Street bridge remains out with community members observing little visible repair activity and an estimate that repairs could take up to two years.
During routine updates the Chair told commissioners that Alarm New England had repaired alarms in two municipal buildings but raised two local infrastructure concerns: a bridge closure and a deteriorating mill.
Bridge closure: The Chair reported the bridge on Hamlin Street remains closed and that residents see few crews on site. “It's still out,” the Chair said, and one meeting participant noted they had “heard it was going to be at least another two years.” The commission did not vote on or direct repair work; the Chair described the bridge as a State or higher-tier responsibility and indicated local options were limited.
Old Mill status: Commissioners discussed the Old Mill on Hamlin Street as a safety liability. The Chair said the structure is “falling in” and “they want to tear it down as it's a hazard,” but she also noted the commission does not own the property and therefore lacks direct authority to remove or stabilize the building. Members expressed concern about summertime trespassing and the risk to children, and the Chair relayed that some property owners prefer demolition given the liability.
Next steps: The commission recorded the safety concerns for the town record and urged property owners and relevant municipal officials to address immediate hazards. No formal action, funding decision or demolition order was taken at the meeting; the commission characterized the issue as a public-safety concern requiring coordination with property owners and municipal or state authorities.
