Bemis Mill construction faces challenges

JACKSON, Tenn — What use to be the pride of a town now sits in pieces behind a rusted chain-linked fence.

“The condition right now is deplorable, ” said Bemis Historical Society member,  Joel Jackson

The Bemis Mill was scheduled to be demolished this summer with work on a memorial park to begin in the fall but progress has stalled.

“They were slow,” Jackson said. “Even when they were making progress they were very slow.”

Mayor Jerry Gist said a contractor who was hired by the owner of the mill is the cause of the eyesore.

“Well they had some equipment to go down,” Mayor Jerry Gist said. “They had to order a part and we were very patient for awhile but I think we enjoyed about all we can enjoy.”

Neighbors have had enough.

“Well it really saddens us to see the destruction the way it’s been left,” Jackson said.

Mayor Gist said changes are on the way.

“If we have to go to court the we will go to court to get it done,” Gist said.

He hopes that ultimatum will light a fire under their bricks.

“I authorized the city attorney to file a nuisance litigation against that company in order to get them moving and if they won’t then we will meet them in court,” said Mayor Gist.

Something he said he will personally hold them to.