The former paper mill in Jay could be sold to make way for new businesses.
State paperwork obtained by CBS13 shows that plans for the more than 1,000-acre site are in the works.
Jay paper mill stopped production in March, now some are excited to potentially regain what’s been lost.
“I think it’s good. The mill’s sitting down here idle,” Rex Dalton, who lives right by the mill, said.
Dalton got the notice in the mail.
JGT2 Redevelopment LLC is applying for environmental licenses to be transferred for the site.
“We’ve heard rumors. There was a guy here a couple of weeks ago who said he was one of the buyers,” Dalton said.
The application says JGT2 proposes buying the Androscoggin Mill from Pixelle, and an idled but operational natural gas cogeneration facility would produce power to sell to the grid.
As part of the plan, property from the former pulp and paper mill would be redeveloped. Some infrastructure would be demolished to prepare for new construction, though it is unclear what that may be.
CBS13 called and emailed the representatives listed on the application. They either didn’t respond or weren’t available for comment.
“I think it’s going to affect our taxes eventually if they don’t sell to someone else,” Riverside Kwik Stop Co-Owner Glenda DiPompo said.
The town has been grappling with that and the loss of jobs.
“The mill was very good customers. They had shifts and they came in, took what they needed and you know, paid for it,” DiPompo said.
Right now, there are just six employees left, according to the application. The plan does not specify how many workers the new company would need.
“I think it could be good for the community and individuals around here or surrounding towns. Hope the young ones get in there and do it,” Jay resident John Dube said.
Residents like Dube are hopeful.
“I think they’ll succeed and I think we’ll be better for it,” Dube said.
In a statement, Pixelle said it has been working with another company to find a buyer, and that’s ongoing. They declined further comment.
Heather Johnson, Commissioner of the Department of Economic and Community Development, said in a statement that JGT2 plans to take over the site and then redevelop it in stages.
“The administration is working with the redevelopment firm and a number of potential manufacturers that are looking to locate at the site of the former Jay mill. It is a great site that offers many opportunities to investors,” Johnson said. “We look forward to supporting them and the groups they work with to quickly and effectively repurpose this strong asset.”
