Southbridge Board of Health braces for Hamilton Mill demolition health fallout

Board of Health · Meeting of February 12, 2026

Southbridge Board of Health weighs Hamilton Mill demolition risks and opioid fund accountability. The board heard at length from its health agent, identified only as Dan, about preparations for the pending emergency demolition of the century-old Hamilton Mill at Mill Street, including plans to manage an expected surge of rodents up to 500 yards from the site and the presence of asbestos, PCBs, and an underground oil tank; property owners within that radius have already received letters from the Health Department and Building Department. The board approved two separate trash-billing abatements totaling $2,620 and agreed to begin tracking repeat curbside-compliance offenders with three or more properties in town, with an eye toward inviting major landlords to a future meeting.

Board member Alika reported a January 29 meeting with the town manager about joining the opioid overdose task force, and members raised sharp questions about spending transparency, with Dan stating that "the clarity of how we've been using opioid funds is non-existent." No demolition date for the mill has been set.

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Source: the Board of Health meeting of February 12, 2026, reported from the official video recording and transcript.