MILLBROOK – A significant phase in the development of the new Bennett Park in Millbrook is underway as asbestos abatement and demolition have begun at the old Bennett College campus and asbestos abatement has begun at the Thorne Memorial School Building.
The work under the aegis of the non-profit Millbrook Community Partnership is moving toward the vision of creating a 32-acre park on the derelict Bennett site as a green gateway to the village and transforming the Thorne Building into a community center.
Partnership spokesman Charles Pierce said raising the $20 million to complete the two projects is ambitious.
“It is one we think is doable and we certainly think it is very worthwhile, not only for the Village of Millbrook and the Town of Washington, but for all the area in central Dutchess County,” he said.
Each building on the Bennett Campus, except for the centerpiece Halcyon Hall and the old Hale House, will have asbestos removed and then be demolished.
It is anticipated that all demolition on the Bennett site will be completed by March and that construction of the park will begin next spring.
Asbestos removal at the 125-year-old Thorne Building is anticipated to be completed this December.
