Foundry

property

ready for

next step

By Linda Lemmon

Town Crier Editor

PUTNAM ---  The town is looking forward to beginning the marketing process on the former Putnam Foundry.

Demolition of the eight buildings involved in the arson fire in the summer of 2007 was recently completed, paving the way for a productive use for the property.

Town Administrator Douglas M. Cutler said if the property is deemed "clean" the town can begin the marketing process. The town works cooperatively with the owner. The 9.4 acres are zoned industrial and the railroad line next to it can easily be restarted, as an enticement to a potential industry.

The demolition was a long time coming  because the building and property had to be evaluated for environmental problems. 

Using a state grant, the town had a phase 2 and a phase 3 environmental assessments done and following that, the demolition was done.

The assessments and the demolition cost a little more than the $500,000 grant, he said.  

CME of Woodstock did some of the evaluations in 2008. 

First on the list of recommendations is the cleanup of the property. Hazardous materials including asbestos and lead and more are on the property and must be removed by a qualified company. 

The Aug. 31, 2007, fire was arson and three juveniles were charged with the crime.