Vail, Kissel Applaud Brownfield Remediation Grant

Rep. Kurt Vail and Sen. John A. Kissel applauded the Feb. 10 award of a $1.8 million state grant to abate, demolish and remediate the former Somersville Mill, which was substantially destroyed in a 2012 fire.

The structure once symbolized the role of family-based capitalism during the Industrial Revolution.

The mill, which was developed between 1835 and 1928, incorporated the full range of mill architecture, meaning it was completely built of wood and its single-ply wood floors were supported by wood columns. Additions were made to the mill complex throughout the Industrial Revolution, providing the mill with its metal skeleton.

The mill, which was one of the largest textile producers in the Northeast, ceased operations in 1969.

First Selectwoman Lisa Pellegrini had applied for the grant from the state’s Office of Brownfield Remediation and Development.
Sen. Kissel and Rep. Vail had written letters of support for the funding.

“This funding will help Somers preserve its natural beauty and historical heritage while restoring the property to productive use,” Rep. Vail said. “We are pleased that the state has recognized the value in improving this property.”

“This funding will allow the town to move forward with its plans for the site and lead to a greener future,” said Sen. Kissel. “It really is a tribute to Lisa Pellegrini’s advocacy and to Somers officials speaking with one clear, united voice.”

The site will now be remediated with the assistance of the grant funds.

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