Update: Webster Mill demolition underway Monday

NORTH ATTLEBOROUGH, Mass. (WLNE) — The demolition of the Webster mill is underway in north Attleboro Monday, as crews take down part of the mill that had been deemed unsafe after a recent inspection by town officials. 

“We saw that the roof had collapsed on the top and started putting pressure on the outside walls, that’s what really drove us to the decision today to make it safe,” said Michael Borg, town manager. 

The town says they contacted the owners of the building last week informing them of the safety risks with the mill, fearing parts of the building could fall into the main road on Broadway at any moment.  

The owners were given 24 hours to come up with a plan to fix the building or the town would move forward with tearing it down. 

At 9 a.m. Monday, the first of the excavators started the demolition. 

“I’m surprised it hasn’t fallen down a long time ago,” said Dan Bouliot of North Attleboro 

A few dozen community members lined the streets to watch the 126-year-old mill be torn down. 

Once a beauty spot on Broadway, the Webster Mill turned to an eyesore after the old jewelry mill closed down and was left unattended. 

“The kids were in there, it was dangerous. Kids would break in and everybody was afraid they would be getting hurt or falling down, catching on fire,” said Lorie Forbes of North Attleboro 

Throughout the demolition process crews also poured water on the building and debris to protect from any contamination from pests or asbestos in the building. 

Those contamination concerns were raised by some in tow, but town manager Michael Borg says the plan they have in place to keep it from spreading allowed them to move forward. 

“I think it’s been a very positive response from the community because the town has been waiting a very long time for this to happen. We were finally at a point where we were able to take action to preserve public safety,” said Borg. 

Right now, the detour route has been extended from Richards Avenue to Roosevelt Avenue and detour signs have been placed at Eddy Street, allowing residents to go downtown or take Roosevelt Avenue to continue onto Broadway. 

Only residential traffic will be allowed on Broadway between Roosevelt Avenue and the corner of Bank Street, and Bank Street will also be closed to through traffic with a detour at Ralph Street. 

The extended detour will be in place until five in the evening Monday, and begin again Tuesday morning at seven as the town continues demolition. 

It is estimated the cost of the demolition covered by town will be $40,000. 

Once it’s knocked down and cleaned up, they will meet to start thinking of next steps.