Cleanup of Deferiet mill begins; foreclosure on hold

DEFERIET — Cleanup of the former Deferiet Paper Mill began this week. The action came after Jefferson County agreed to hold off on foreclosure proceedings against landowner Deferiet Development LLC until the work is completed.

"We want to leave the site as we intended, instead of having derelict structures standing around for the next 30 years," said Edward A. Palmer, co-owner of Deferiet Development LLC.

Mr. Palmer said he hired JWJ Industries, Mexico, to complete the asbestos abatement and demolition of the dilapidated buildings. The project is expected to be completed in the spring.

"Those structures were falling in on themselves when we purchased the property," Mr. Palmer said. "Once the site is demolished and there is nothing else anyone can get hurt on, I'll be happy."

After completion, he said, only three structures will remain intact; they can be used by whoever acquires the property next.

"We just want to focus on redeveloping the site," he said. "We're working with the county and the village to redevelop it, so at least they have a blank canvas to work with."

The company acquired the property in 2005 and had hoped to turn the complex into an environmentally friendly commerce park consisting of several light manufacturers.

County Attorney David J. Paulsen said the county was approached by Mr. Palmer earlier in the year requesting time to restore the site. The company owes $516,969 in back taxes.

Mr. Paulsen said that once the work is completed, the county might be interested in taking ownership of the six land parcels. In the past the county resisted foreclosure because it did not have a plan for the site. As of now, Mr. Paulsen said, that has not changed.

"The village residents have been very patient and I appreciate their patience," he said. "If they maintain their patience they'll see an improved parcel and hopefully between the county, state and village, some sort of development can be placed on the site. We're just trying to make it more marketable."

Deferiet Development LLC said after the buildings are down and the site is graded with topsoil, it has no interest in maintaining ownership.

"We are encouraged that he is taking a positive stand in cleaning up the area and providing us with a safer environment," JoAnn L. Zando, deputy mayor and trustee of the village of Deferiet, said at Wednesday night's board meeting.

"It's a shame to watch the buildings fall," Mayor Robert J. Foster said. "At one time they provided every village member with a job, but this is change that will lead us down a new road."