The abandoned Pillsbury Mills plant in Springfield is due for a renovation. Community members are mobilizing to redevelop the plant nearly 20 years after it closed.
Speaking on the 21st Show, Chris Richmond, a member of the Moving Pillsbury Forward initiative, said the plant in its current condition is dangerous because it’s deteriorating and easily accessible; and the community is ready for a change.
“They want to see something else come into its place that is once again productive for their area of town and for the entire community,” Richmond said.
Richmond and his group recommend the city purchase the lot, saying projects like these have to be publicly owned at the beginning to get federal and state funding. The owner would then have to seek private partnerships to further the development process.