The former International Woolen Mill Photo: Emily Rand
By Sydney Fye and Gail Burnett
Sanford Police issued an emergency declaration Thursday afternoon closing a section of Heritage Crossing in front of the International Woolen Mill to cars and pedestrians because of mounting public safety concerns about the run-down building.
The closure – which does not affect access to the parking lot behind 61 Washington St. nearby – is aimed at preventing more trespassing into the building that could result in injuries or fires, according to the declaration. The short-term measure could be extended by the City Council after an emergency meeting at 6 pm on Tuesday. Public comment will be accepted at the meeting.
There was no single incident leading to the closure, according to Maj. Mark Dyer. “This has been accumulating,” he said Thursday. “Some things over the last couple of months have changed.” For one thing, police now have the owner’s permission to arrest anyone who enters the building. According to the declaration, colder weather also brings renewed concerns about fires in the area.
Problems with the building took up much of Tuesday’s council meeting.
Mayor Becky Brink, Councilor Maura Herlihy and City Manager Steve Buck gave updates on the city’s efforts to address the problems of a massive building that’s been essentially abandoned by its owner, Florida real estate holding company Regco Inc.
“The city does not own this building,” Brink noted. The council in July declared the building abandoned, which enables police to patrol it and kick people out. But there are many more steps to go before the problems can be solved, she said.
Buck said a meeting last week involving the state Land Bank, state and federal environmental departments and others began looking at possible solutions. Outside funding would be needed to rehabilitate or to demolish the building, a task that Brink estimated could cost more than $30 million.
Buck said that it’s a mistake to assume that unhoused people are the source of all the mill area’s problems. “City staff have documented substantial illegal dumping by other residents who apparently view the mill yard as an informal disposal area,” he said. “So look to your neighbors and discuss those actions with them as well.”
Resident Michael Perry added his comments about the state of the mill area during public participation. He talked about touring 61 Washington St., a former mill building that has been redeveloped and is home to a few businesses and apartments. He said residents and business tenants are disturbed by trash dumping, drug and alcohol use and other problems that make the area feel unsafe.
“Inside the building, I saw a 2013 award celebrating the redevelopment of the Sanford Mill. Thirteen years later, I saw barbed wire installed inside that same building. That contrast should bother us all,” said Perry, a candidate for City Council in next month’s election.
In her report to the council, Brink said Sanford has reduced its homeless population from several hundred five years ago to fewer than 50 today, thanks to the work of many agencies and a city task force. “That is better than any city around us,” she said.
Also at Tuesday’s meeting:
First responders: The council welcomed Fire Chief Scott Susi, as well as many members of his staff, to their Oct. 6 meeting to acknowledge the achievements of a few of the first responders. Susi introduced Car 8, a new team of EMS field support specialists led by Alex DeLorge, who was promoted this Tuesday from field support specialist to lieutenant.
Car 8 will consist of four new EMS field support specialists including Firefighter/Paramedics Ryan Gaudreau, Ed Moffitt, Brian Ackley, and Justin Barnaby.
Also awarded at the Tuesday night meeting was the Stork Award, presented to members of the Fire Department who took part in delivering a baby in the field. Firefighter/EMTs Kevin Lambert, Joseph Wilbur, and more were the recipients of this award for their help delivering a baby girl back in January.
“Delivering a baby in the field is a rare event in the career of an EMS provider. When it happens, it leaves a lasting impression, not only to the family involved, but to every member on the crew who shares that experience,” said Susi.
Sanford Water District: David Parent, superintendent of the Sanford Water District (SWD), presented his annual report on the public water supply. Parent acknowledged that the SWD has added fluoride to the municipal water supply since citizens approved it in 1972. He said the SWD can’t stop adding fluoride to the water, as some have proposed, unless the public votes to do so.
Housing Authority: Jennifer Ouellette, deputy director of the Sanford Housing Authority, also provided the agency’s annual presentation regarding the successes of the past few years. Ouellette shared that from February 2024 to August 2026, there have been 263 individuals officially housed. The Housing Authority has also successfully planned 30 units of permanent supportive housing on 7 Mousam St., as well as planning 19 units at the Springvale Courthouse.
Land Bank: Michelle Labree, assistant manager of the Sanford Land Bank Authority, concluded the presentations with information of her own. The Land Bank has successfully declared four dangerous properties from August 2024 to October 2026. These properties include 254 Sunset Road, 58 Pleasant St., 26 Gerrish Drive, and 26 Nason St, two of which have undergone demolition already.
Order requests: The council unanimously approved an order to adopt a policy as presented for use of the Boston Post Cane for honorary recognition of the eldest eligible resident, to be administered by the Sanford Springvale Historical Society.
An order to authorize a reciprocal easement agreement between the city and the Sanford Masonic Temple for use and maintenance of driveways and parking areas between the temple and Goodall Library was also approved unanimously.
An order to accept $747,272.28 in grant funds from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for paramedic training was approved.
The council agreed to declare Nov. 1, 2026, as “Extra Mile Day,” to recognize people and organizations who are creating positive change in the community through extraordinary efforts in volunteerism.
Finally, the council approved the purchase of a new asphalt repair pavement patcher unit for the Department of Public Works for $96,650.00 from Allied Equipment of Hartland, Maine.
The council’s next meeting will be held on Oct. 20 at 6 p.m. Tuesday’s full meeting is available on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9wU4W0-4OVU
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