Paper mill buildings to be torn down

International Paper says it will demolish facilities at Hudson River Mill

CORINTH -- International Paper Co. will demolish the decaying manufacturing buildings at the long-shuttered Hudson River Mill, a not entirely welcome surprise for local officials.

Both village Mayor Brad Winslow and Dennis Brobston, president of Saratoga Economic Development Corp., which has tried to find a buyer for the 300-acre property, said the buildings probably aren't worth much. But Brobston said the decision was likely made to reduce IP's tax burden and does not help when it comes to marketing the site -- it will only delay the process.

Company spokeswoman Donna Wadsworth said the decision to demolish the buildings came after temporary ownership by Philmet Capital Group. The company bought the property in 2005 for $2.7 million and planned to build a plastics factory. The plans fell through, and IP resumed ownership in April 2009. During that time, Philmet gutted the buildings, hauling away scrap metal to sell. IP sued to stop the activity, but state Supreme Court Judge Frank Williams ruled in Philmet's favor.

Wadsworth said IP expects the demolition will make the site more attractive as "shovel-ready."

"We will actively market the property after demolition is done," she said.

General cleanup is under way, including asbestos removal, Wadsworth said. No other environmental clean up is necessary, she said. Demolition is scheduled to begin during the early months of 2011.

The site's wastewater treatment plant, landfill and rail line will be left untouched. For right now, the brick building that was IP's headquarters from 1905 through the 1920s will also avoid the wrecking ball. Mill workers stamped their time cards there until the last day of operation in 2002. The building is significant for the people of Corinth and there were plans to turn it into a papermaking museum. Wadsworth said a final decision has not been made about the future of the brick building.

Winslow said the assessment value of the property has been declining steadily over the years. Taking the buildings down is likely to further reduce company's tax bill, but Winslow said he is hoping for good news in the long run in the form of new investment on the land.