Judge Rings Up Amerbelle on Town's Injunction Request

A judge has granted an injunction that paves the way for the town to take control of what Vernon officials have been characterizing as a dangerous situation at the former Amerbelle Textiles factory in Rockville. 

As Assistant Town Attorney Elizabeth Foran filed the papers in court on Friday morning, Mayor George Apel said town officials "reiterated their concern for public safety."

Judge Samuel Sferazzo then signed the inunction. The property sits at the corner of East Main and Grove streets and dates back to the Civil War era. It has sat vacant for months into this summer after the current owner, Greenwich-based Bridgepoint Funding Alliance LLC, took control of the property from a local non-profit holding entity. 

"Since 2012, we have pursued all avenues afforded to us, including legal measures, in order to ensure that the new owners are taking seriously the need to properly secure the structure and keep it in compliance with state and local requirements," Apel said. "We are intent on pursuing Bridgepoint until our concerns are remedied and we are satisfied that Bridgepoint is in full compliance."

The mayor, who at the Town Council meeting on Tuesday said he is taking the matter very seriously, added on Friday, "The town, through the fire marshal and building officials, are pursuing both administrative and civil remedies against Bridgepoint to ensure the safety of the public."

Among the grievances the town cited was the removal of fire prevention fixtures from the building. Earlier this month, town and state officials had to deal with a hazardous materials indecent involving PCBs at Amerbelle when wires removed from transformers caused a leak. Only a clogged catch basin prevented the situation from becoming more serious, town officials said. 

Court papers indicate Sferazza issued a seven-point order in granting the injunction: 

• Bridgepoint is ordered to refrain from continuing violations of Vernon's building and fire codes. 

• Bridgepoint is ordered to cease and desist from removing any more fixtures and structures from the property. 

• The defendant, Bridgepoint, its agents and employees are ordered to refrain from entering the property except upon prior notice to Fire marshal Ray Walker and Building Official Harry Boyko.

• The plaintiff, the town, is authorized to secure the property. 

• Town officials shall have access to the dam on the Hockanum River and its control mechanisms. 

• The town and its public safety officials, including but not limited to the police chief, fire marshal and building official, are authorized to enforce a "no trespassing order" preventing people from entering the property and police are further authorized to arrest trespassers.

• The town is allowed to conduct studies and evaluations of the property as its officials deem necessary, including, but not limited to, the dam, the structure and security. 

The Town Council has authorized $150,000 to address safety and security concerns at Amerbelle. 

Bridgepoint has been ordered to appear in court on Sept. 9. to show cause why the injunction should not be granted, according to court papers.