By Patrick Adrian
EAGLE TIMES STAFF
CLAREMONT — The Claremont City Council will consider options before deciding whether to destroy or save the deteriorating Sullivan Smokestack, after listening to residents in support of preserving the structure.
In a 6-2 vote on Wednesday, the Claremont City Council decided to table a motion to demolish the Sullivan Smokestack, with councilors saying they wish to learn more about funding opportunities to preserve the 104 year-old chimney, or at least a portion of it.
In a newly published inspection report, engineers from the Connecticut-based Structural Repairs estimated a rough cost between $140,000 to $170,000 to completely demolish the 146-foot Sullivan chimney, which overlooks the Sugar River off North Street.
The chimney, originally built in 1918, has become a major safety concern in the city. A large section of the upper chimney wall has dislodged and many bricks are “dangerously suspended” and capable of falling at any time, according to the inspection report.
The inspector said the dislodging was most likely caused by a lightning strike.
While the report calls for the uppermost 16 feet of the chimney to be removed, the remaining chimney varies in condition from “poor,” “fair,” to “good” and could be restored to its original condition.
Structural engineers gave “a rough” cost estimate of $272,000 to restore the chimney. This work would include the demolition of the uppermost portion, repairing joints and deteriorating brink, installing a new chimney cap, waterproofing, and cleaning. This estimate does not calculate additional expenses such as taxes or disposal of materials.
Claremont City Councilor Jon Stone raised the original motion to proceed with a plan to fully demolish the stack.
“I just think kicking the can down the road is wasting everybody’s time,” Stone said. “We can’t save everything that’s crumbling around us.”
Stone said the city has bigger priorities before it, such as the roof of the historic Claremont Opera House, which is in major need of repair and upgrades. Stone also noted that the property containing the Sullivan Smokestack is a brownfield, which will eventually need to be addressed even if the chimney is restored.
Several residents asked the council not to rush into a decision to demolish without researching its options, saying that the chimney brings a historical and aesthetic character to the property, which is city-owned and seen by many as potentially valuable real estate.
“We are spending big money on Pleasant Street to revitalize our downtown and millions on Water Street to revitalize our infrastructure,” said resident Jeff Barrett. “To tear down something that is unlike anything that we build today would be a mistake.”
Derek Ferland, a city resident and Sullivan County manager, said there are numerous potential funding sources for such preservation projects, particularly when they pertain to economic revitalization.
This financial assistance “would reduce the taxpayer’s liability, turn it into an asset, and possibly a springboard for additional development that would really make the north side of the river come alive,” Ferland said.
Claremont Planning and Development Director Nancy Merrill said that the city could potentially proceed with demolition of the uppermost level and then focus on the search for grants.
Interim City Manager John MacLean told the council he would be able to present findings on grant programs in four weeks.
Mayor Dale Girard, Assistant Mayor Debora Matteau, and Councilors James Contois, Andrew O’Hearne, Matt Mooshian, and Lucas “Rocky” Belliveau voted in favor of tabling the motion to demolish.
Stone and Councilor Bill Limoges voted against tabling.
Councilor Nicholas Koloski was absent.
Stone asked for a copy of Structural Repairs’ report to be posted on the city website for the public to read prior to the council discussion.
Developing the riverfront has been a city goal for several years. The city currently owns all the riverfront parcels along the north bank of the Sugar River from Puksta Bridge to Union Bridge. The city has previously sought grant funding through the Department of Transportation for a river walk and that option is still a possibility, though the city plans to hold community meetings to gather public ideas for the future development of the property.
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