Clean up begins at site of mill that was destroyed by fire in 2022
Demolition crews are clearing debris from 114 Brooklyn Street, the site of an approximately 130-year-old mill that was destroyed by fire on Dec. 12, 2022.
The investigation into the fire’s cause concluded last year. Investigators were not able to pinpoint a cause. Vernon land use officials notified the property owner, JFC3 Investments LLC of Meriden, that the debris had to be cleared and the adjoining sidewalk reopened.
“It is a property owner’s responsibility to ensure compliance with town ordinances and codes,” Mayor Dan Champagne said. “I am glad to finally see progress at 114 Brooklyn Street.”
A citation was issued in December formally notifying the property owner that the structure was unsafe and the property needed to be cleared and that daily fines would be assessed.
A contractor hired by the property owner arrived on the site last week and is now at work clearing the site of debris. Because of the building’s proximity to the Hockanum River, some of the cleanup work will have to be done by hand.
Town officials have received complaints about the site and the lengthy closure of the adjoining sidewalk. Town land use officials notified the owner of the need to clean up the property. In October 2023 the town began to issue notices of violation and in November a cease and desist order was issued. The citation and fines followed in December.
The building at 114 Brooklyn Street is the Rockville Historic District and has had several owners over the years. The mill was constructed about 1890 and was initially occupied by the James J. Regan Co., which manufactured textiles.
It was subsequently occupied by the National Printing Co., which produced greeting cards.
About 1955 the Tober Baseball Manufacturing Co. relocated to the building from Manchester. Tober closed in the early 1970s.
In 1971 the building was sold to Ladd & Hall Co., a furniture retailer in Rockville, and used as a warehouse. Ladd & Hall closed in 2020.
In September 2021 the building was sold to 124 and 126 Broadway LLC. In December 2022 sold to JFC3 Investments LLC.