LEE, Mass. - Demolition is underway at the historic Eagle Mill site in Lee. The mill, which dates back to the early 1800s, will soon be redeveloped into affordable housing and other new spaces.
“This Eagle Mill is going to be all apartment buildings," resident Sandra Flynn said, observing the site. "It’s history happening. You know, and I think of my grandkids and great grandkids, how they would love it.”
What You Need To Know
- Demolition is underway at the row of houses on West Center Street in Lee, which are part of the Eagle Mill Redevelopment project
- The project will create 131 units - many designated for affordable housing, with the possibility of additional residential and retail spaces
- Planning for the project, which is estimated to cost more than $60-million, began about a decade ago
Flynn is a Lee resident who’s enjoyed a front row seat to the demolition of the houses Tuesday in front of the abandoned Eagle Mill on Route 20.
“My husband, John Flynn, died two and a half years ago of stage four advanced lung cancer," Flynn said. "But every time we would drive by, he would say, 'I hope, I hope they start this soon. I would like to see this project beginning'.”
“17,000 cars a day, 18,000 cars a day, at least go by this site coming off the Mass Pike,” said project developer Jeffrey Cohen.
Cohen said the project which will create 131 units – many designated for affordable housing, with the possibility of additional residential and retail spaces.
"It means providing housing for people who would love to live here," Flynn said.
“On many different levels, it enhances individuals’ lives," Cohen said. "It enhances the economy, and on top of it all, it looks fabulous. It's going to look absolutely great.”
Through 10 years of planning - which included securing state and federal funds, coming up with a design the town agreed with, and a pandemic - Cohen said there’s many to thank for making the project possible.
“When you put everybody together, the politicians, the local people, local governments, state government, federal government, all the subs that work on this, I mean, it takes a whole lot of people to work relatively constantly for many, many years," he said. "We've been at this ten years, and I guarantee you we don't waste our time.”
“The people in Lee are very, very happy that this is happening," Flynn said. "The reactions are very positive. You know, it's something to look forward to. And again, it’s history in the making. Yeah, new history.”
Cohen said people will be living in the new affordable housing units within 18 months. Phase 2 of the three-phase project involves the plans to add some street-level retail spaces.