CT town gets $2M state grant for project aiming to redevelop historic mill into housing  

The cleanup and redevelopment of a former Connecticut mill site has taken a step forward.

After an investigation and testing found need for additional funding and work, the town of Vernon has been awarded a $2 million grant for further cleanup and redevelopment of the former Daniel’s Mill at 98 East Main St. in Vernon, officials said.

The grant was sought at the behest of Mayor Dan Champagne, who has sought “to redevelop Rockville’s mills and repurpose them for Vernon’s future,” officials said. “The town is working with Camden Management Partners of Atlanta to redevelop three adjacent mills in downtown Vernon, including Daniel’s Mill, Amerbelle and Anocoil.”

The Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development Brownfield Remediation and Development Program awarded the grant as a result of the “efforts of Director of Development Services Shaun Gately and Project Coordinator Nichole Greco.”

“This is another important step forward in our vision to redevelop the greater Amerbelle complex and to get it back onto the tax rolls,” Champagne said in a statement. “This is a complicated project and we continue to seek additional funding to move it forward. When complete, the refurbished mills will provide needed housing and  be an attractive gateway to downtown.”

Officials said the Daniel’s Mill portion of the project has previously gained $2.56 million in funding from state and federal governments, and more funding is being sought.

“The grant is to further abate and remediate environmental conditions at Daniel’s Mill,” the statement said. “The DECD previously awarded $2 million for the cleanup of the site, but site investigation and testing identified the need for additional  funding and work.”

“We have a proud history of transforming our mills, which were once the economic backbone of our community, into housing,” Town Administrator Michael Purcaro said. “This project may be the most exciting one of all with its potential for restaurant, retail and event space.”

The redevelopment is expected to create about 35 residential units and “support the overall Rockville Mill Complex redevelopment that is expected to create 110,000 square feet of residential units and 20,000 square feet of commercial space consisting of a brewpub/restaurant and event space,” officials said.

“The Hockanum River flows through the historic mill complex, creating a pond and waterfall that make this property incredibly attractive and interesting,” Purcaro said. “This will be a transformational project for the Rockville section of Vernon.”