Sanford Weighs Woolen Mill's Future After Safety Concerns

City leaders in Sanford are reviewing what to do with the old Woolen Mill after a series of health and safety problems sparked an emergency shutdown of the nearby Heritage Crossing area. The municipality announced it had blocked both cars and pedestrians from the road close to the mill complex because trash and waste were piling up, creating what officials called an "attractive nuisance and extraordinary public safety hazard." The decision to seal off the site followed a July vote that officially labeled the building as abandoned.

Since that declaration, the vacant structure has become a gathering spot for people experiencing homelessness, raising alarms among nearby residents and business owners. Concerns focus on discarded needles and the risk of fires spreading. Police Chief Eric Small posted on Facebook that while the closure might be inconvenient, keeping the public, local shops, and first responders safe must stay the top priority.

Officers carried out a sweep of the property early Tuesday, detaining three individuals for illegal entry, violations of release conditions, and outstanding warrants. Three more people received summonses for trespassing. A similar operation the previous week had already cut down the number of reported intruders. Major Mark Dyer explained that the department has been aware of the worries for some time and is trying to find a lasting solution. Because the town does not own the mill, cracking down has been tough, but the abandoned status and permission from the former owner now give police more authority to act.

Dyer stressed that the increased vigilance will not stop after the latest sweeps. The force plans to keep up with more drive‑bys, foot patrols, and officers simply parked in the neighborhood to watch the area. Meanwhile, the City Council is set to vote on whether to keep the emergency closure in place or lift it, deciding the mill's immediate fate.