Mill sale moving forward, repairs already underway

OXFORD — The sale of the Robinson Mill complex is moving forward and the new owner is already making repairs to the building, reported Town Manager Michael Chammings during the October 4 selectboard meeting.

In August, the board directed Chammings to begin negotiating the sale of the mill with Chuck Starbird, a developer who restored a disused mill in Mechanic Falls.

Chammings reported the town has signed a purchase and sale agreement with Starbird, but the contract had yet to be finalized.

Starbird could not be reached for comment before press time.

Responding to a question from a resident, Chammings reported the town's sale had "basically been a giveaway."

According to Chammings, issues over easements attached to the property have delayed finalizing the sale.

Chammings explained that multiple access, utility and water easements existed around the property.

Town attorneys recommended that all the easement issues should be squared away before the Oxford Economic Community Action Agency, the nonprofit group and town committee that owns the building, transfers it back to the town.

With the easements organized the town can more easily shift the building to Starbird, Chammings explained. He estimated the easement issue would be cleared up some time in November.

Although the deal hasn't been finalized, Starbird has been busy making improvements to the building "at his own peril," Chammings reported.

Work included sealing the roof of the building and preparing the structure for winter, Chammings said.

Additionally, Chammings reported the developer was installing garage doors in the building – he believed it might be for a limousine service.

While the developer was taking a risk making repairs to the building without the finalized agreement, Chammings said the town was glad to see sealing on the building's roof and windows. 

Chammings also reported that the town was nearly finished clearing up the defunct Robinson Mill sewage treatment plant.

He said the town had already pumped out nearly 1.3 million gallons of water and Starbird was paying to have the remaining 73,000 gallons of sludge removed from the tanks, which will then be sold for scrap.