Neighbors want old mill torn down

Stonington, Conn. (WTNH) - The old Thread Mill in Stonington's Pawcatuck section could be torn down thanks to the town's distressed building ordinance. A tool used to clean up so-called blight.

"I hope the town does start to enforce it and at least push them in the right direction, because I think just having an old building here sitting rotting away is the worst use for this space," said resident Tracey DeCastro.

DeCastro lives across the street from what she says is an eyesore. The first selectman tells News 8 the town will examine the abandoned buildings next week and will cite owners for any deficiencies.

POKO Partners got the go ahead to develop the mill into apartments and commercial space six years ago, but the plans stalled along with the economy.

DeCastro says during tropical storm Irene, the building became downright dangerous. Wood and glass blow onto her yard, almost hitting her house.

"If it went away it wouldn't bother me, or if they fixed it up, that would be good too," she said.

"It makes me sad to see it in this condition because I think it's a neat old building," Twichell said. "Studios for artists, maybe a combination of all. Retail sure. I think it has a lot of potential."

There are some tenants on the southern end of the mill, but most of the building remains empty.