Click here for updates on the demolition/cleanup project at the former Jones & Lamson (J & L) Plant 1 site!
This page is intended to provide answers to some of the Frequently Asked Questions about the J & L demolition/redevelopment project. We will continue to update this over time, as necessary. If you have any specific questions, please email bobf@springfielddevelopment.org
WHY IS THE FORMER J & L PLANT 1 BUILDING BEING TORN DOWN?/IS THERE CONTAMINATION ON THE PROPERTY? – Here is a very good primer on the project, with SRDC’s Bob Flint, Daniel Voisin/Stone Environmental and Jamie Duggan from the VT Division of Historic Preservation, from a presentation this past summer at the Vermont Environmental Consortium’s annual conference:
WHEN WILL THE DEMO/REMEDIATION PROJECT BE COMPLETED? – The primary building demolition was completed in late 2021, with remaining work (the demo/removal of the boiler house) occurring in 2022. After additional assessment work, and an evaluation of alternatives is completed, the site’s Corrective Action Plan (CAP) will be updated in the summer of 2023. Once the amended CAP is approved, we intend to move forward with the removal of the slab in late 2023/2024.
IS A PORTION OF THE BUILDING GOING TO BE SAVED? – We hope to save the north end of the building (the former front office area), which is roughly 18,000 square feet. The south end of the building (which locals remember was the last addition in the 1970’s) will remain. It is now the home of LBL Fabrications (formerly NBC Solid Surfaces/Artisan Surfaces) and that portion of the building is actually a separate parcel.
WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO PUT IN THE PART OF THE BUILDING THAT’S GOING TO BE SAVED (the North End)? – It is our intent to convert that area (the north end) into professional office space, for SRDC and other future tenants, as well as work with other partners to have a museum to honor the legacy of J & L and the machine tool industry in Springfield. We have been saving archival materials and artifacts from the property for several years in anticipation of this opportunity. Again, the south end will remain the location for LBL Fabrications.
WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO BUILD ON THE LAND AFTER THE BUILDING IS GONE? – It is the intent of SRDC to promote new construction on the suddenly open lot, for commercial/light industrial purposes. In 2009, SRDC worked with the Dep’t of Economic Development and Legislature to pass language about the J & L site and incentives for new development. Once the slab removal is in process, SRDC expects to ask the Springfield Selectboard to formally request that “Opportunity Zone” designation be activated, which will start a 7-year clock for incentives for new businesses that locate on that site (above and beyond other state programs). We will then begin actively marketing the property (which is also located in a Federal Opportunity Zone, as is the entire town of Springfield).
WHAT IS NOT GOING TO GO ON THE SITE? – This list will grow, but here are some rumors that are not accurate. The following will not be on the J & L site:
- Day Care
- Solar Field
- Dog Park
- Housing
- A big field
- Self-storage units
WHY DID THIS TAKE SO LONG? – Well…….let’s just say it is a very complicated site (the presentation above makes that clear) and there were a number of processes to work through with various agencies, coupled with litigation involving a nearby property. SRDC is grateful to Gov. Scott and the Legislature for this remarkable funding opportunity that is making this project possible as well as the ongoing strong partnership with the Mt. Ascutney Regional Commission, the Town of Springfield, the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation, the Vermont Agency of Commerce & Community Development and the EPA. A lot of folks have worked hard to help us through this journey.
WHERE DID THE DEMO MATERIAL GO? – Most of the contaminated building material went to a landfill in Ontario County, NY, with a small portion ending up in Wayne, MI. The clean steel went to Albany and other clean debris was being trucked to Enfield, CT (and the project is being credited for any value that retains).
WILL THE TOONERVILLE TRAIL GO BEHIND THE BUILDING? – SRDC has been working with the Town of Springfield and the Mt. Ascutney Regional Commission for several years on the proposed expansion of the Toonerville Trail bike/pedestrian path to run northward past the Jones Center, LBL Fabrications and ending at the former J & L property on Bridge Street. The specific path through the J & L property is included in the approved Corrective Action Plan for the site. It is hoped that construction of the path extension would coincide with the removal of the slab.
WHO OWNS THIS PROPERTY?/DO THEY PAY TAXES? – SRDC purchased the former J & L Plant 1 site after the bankruptcy of Goldman Industrial Group in 2002. We have continued to pay property taxes since that time.
WILL THE EDGAR MAY HEALTH & RECREATION CENTER LOSE THEIR PARKING? – It is SRDC’s intent to maintain the current lot in the north end as shared parking for EMHRC and the future users of the remaining north end portion of the building.
WHAT HAPPENED TO THE TREES? – The iconic Norway Maples in front of the site were removed in the spring of 2023 as part of the water line improvement project by the Town of Springfield. It was heartbreaking to see them go, but we also had been advised to remove them for several years, given the diseased condition of the trees. We hope to work with the RVTC Horticulture program to plant new trees (of an appropriate/hardier variety) once slab removal is completed and based upon the conceptual design of the redeveloped property.