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In The News
Terry Cowgill, The Berkshire Edge July 16
Eagle Mill Redevelopment in Lee receives $16 million in tax credits for housing
LAWRENCE — The Eagle Mill redevelopment project in Lee received a big boost yesterday when the state announced it has awarded the developer millions in tax credits.
At an announcement yesterday in Lawrence, which was another major recipient of the state aid this week for the transformation of an old mill into housing, the administration of Gov. Charlie Baker announced that 28 projects in 21 communities across the state will receive direct subsidy funding and federal and state housing tax credits.
The former Eagle Mill awaits its 'transformation.' Photo: Terry Cowgill
Eagle Mill Redevelopment in Lee receives $16 million in tax credits for housing
When completed, the mixed-use project will include 122 apartments. The $16M in tax credits will finance phase one, with 56 affordable and market-rate apartments in two buildings.
by Terry Cowgill July 16, 2021
LAWRENCE — The Eagle Mill redevelopment project in Lee received a big boost yesterday when the state announced it has awarded the developer millions in tax credits.
At an announcement yesterday in Lawrence, which was another major recipient of the state aid this week for the transformation of an old mill into housing, the administration of Gov. Charlie Baker announced that 28 projects in 21 communities across the state will receive direct subsidy funding and federal and state housing tax credits.
The revitalization of Eagle Mill on Thursday received $16 million in state housing tax credits toward converting the Union and Eagle mills into 56 units of affordable and market-rate apartments. The overall mixed-use project could break ground by Jan. 1.
Eagle Mill lands $16M in state financing; project could begin by year's end
By Dick Lindsay, The Berkshire Eagle July 15, 2021
LEE — The Eagle Mill developer has landed an eight-figure sum in state financing that likely will jump-start the reuse of the former papermaking factory by year’s end.
The Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development has awarded Eagle Mill Redevelopment LLC $16 million in housing tax credits to finance the construction of 56 affordable and market-rate housing units in the historic Union Mill and Eagle Mill buildings…
Eagle Mill Redevelopment (counrtesy: MassDevelopment)
Former Eagle Mill in Lee to redevelop into housing and retail space
22 News WWLP.com May 17, 2021
LEE, Mass. (WWLP) – MassDevelopment announced that they have provided an $800,000 loan to Eagle Mill Redevelopment, LLC to redevelop the former Eagle Mill into a mixed-use complex featuring 128 residential housing units and 14,000 square feet of retail and office space.
Built-in 1808, Eagle Mill is located along the Housatonic River in Lee which was the national leader in papermaking and home to 25 paper mills. As operations dwindled, Eagle Mill closed in 2008 resulting in the loss of 165 factory jobs and has remained vacant since.
The project is expected to cost a total of approximately $55 million and will begin in the fourth quarter of 2021 with its first phase completed within 14 to 18 months.
A developer has resubmitted plans to redevelop the former Eagle Mill in Lee, removing much of the commercial component of the project and expanding the number of residential units.
EAGLE FILE PHOTO
Hotel, marketplace dropped from Eagle Mill project, but condos added
By Dick Lindsay, The Berkshire Eagle. Oct 20, 2020
LEE — A revised proposal to redevelop the former Eagle Mill will not include a multistory hotel or marketplace, but will include additional condominiums.
Citing a volatile economic climate amid the coronavirus pandemic, the project’s principal developer has scrapped plans for a Faneuil Hall-style shopping complex in the main Eagle Mill building, as well as the 100- to 120-room hotel.
Eagle Mill Receives Funding to Kickstart Development in Lee
Press Release August 21, 2019
Lee, MA – United States Congressman Richard E. Neal joined State Senator Adam Hinds, State Representative Smitty Pignatelli, town officials and representatives from Eagle Mill to announce $400,000 of historic rehabilitation tax credit funds in partnership with the Massachusetts Secretary of the Commonwealth William Galvin’s office. Today’s announcement of funding is the first step toward the redevelopment of the site.
“Today’s announcement is a big one for the town of Lee and all of Berkshire County,” said Congressman Neal. “The redevelopment of Eagle Mill will undoubtably jumpstart economic vitality in this region with the creation of jobs and an increase of tourism in this corner of the state. I am proud to have led the fight against the elimination of the Historic Tax Credits in the recent Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2018. These tax credits transform buildings like these and breathe new life into them for years to come. As Chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee, I remain committed to the preservation of tax credits like this one because they work. Congratulations to all those involved in this great endeavor.”
Developer Jeffrey Cohen. JOSH LANDES / WAMC
Eagle Mill Project In Lee, MA Nets $400K In State Tax Credits
By JOSH LANDES WAMC Northeast Public Radio
Published August 21, 2019 at 5:08 PM EDT
A mill rehabilitation project in Lee, Massachusetts has received a new infusion of state funding.
This week, a $60 million project intended to transform a centuries-old mill on the banks of the Housatonic River into a complex featuring housing, a hotel, and a market received $400,000 in historic rehabilitation tax credit funds from Massachusetts.
“This is really the big missing piece of the puzzle that complements and completes our project for Eagle Mill," said Leigh Davis.
Click “Read More” button to listen to audo of Josh Landes’ report
The dilapidated former Eagle Mill awaits its 'transformation.'
VIPs descend on Lee as Eagle Mill celebrates funding acquisition
By Terry Cowgill Wednesday, Aug 21, 2019
Lee — It was an official recognition of the progress made in the potentially transformative Eagle Mill project that attracted movers and shakers to the dilapidated site on the banks of the Housatonic River on a steamy August afternoon.
U.S. Rep. Richard E. Neal, D-Springfield, traveled to Lee Tuesday and joined state Sen. Adam Hinds, D-Pittsfield; state Rep. William “Smitty” Pignatelli, D-Lenox; town officials; and representatives from Eagle Mill to announce the awarding of $400,000 worth of historic rehabilitation tax credit funds in partnership with Secretary of the Commonwealth William Galvin’s office and the Massachusetts Historical Commission. Those credits are widely viewed as the most important funding step toward the redevelopment of the dormant site.
Leigh Davis, director of development for Eagle Mill Redevelopment, shows U.S. Rep. Richard Neal, D-Springfield, plans to turn the former paper mill complex in Lee into a housing, marketplace and commercial area with a nearby hotel, as they tour the site Tuesday. The proposed $60 million project steadily has received reinforcement with public money for the repurposing of three buildings. HEATHER BELLOW - THE BERKSHIRE EAGLE
Financial boost gives plans for Eagle Mill complex 'credibility and capability'
By Heather Bellow, The Berkshire Eagle Tuesday, August 20, 2019
LEE — Amid the scent of mold and decay, with each step inside is the crunch of debris from a decaying old mill building that, for more than a century, was the heart and soul of this town.
But doing the walking through the vast peeling, leaking spaces is a man in a navy blue suit who just helped make it possible for the historic Eagle Mill complex to get a makeover that will cherish its history and prepare the town for the future.
"I'm fully in on this," U.S. Rep. Richard Neal, D-Springfield, said at the mill Tuesday for an announcement of $400,000 in tax credits from the Massachusetts Historical Commission to the mill complex's developer, Eagle Mill Redevelopment LLC
The entrance to the Eagle Mill complex in Lee, Mass., showing the Eagle Marketplace, as envisioned by Jeffrey Cohen’s Eagle Mill Redevelopment LLC.
With state historical tax credits in hand, Eagle Mill eyes ‘last major piece of the puzzle’
By Terry Cowgill Saturday, Aug 17, 2019
Lee —The final major hurdle has been cleared for the Eagle Mill project that could transform downtown Lee.
A conceptual rendering offers a view of the proposed hotel on the south side of West Center Street in Lee. The illustration does not represent a final design.
IMAGE PROVIDED BY EAGLE MILL REDEVELOPMENT LLC
State commission awards $400,000 tax credit for developers of former Eagle Mill
By Dick Lindsay, The Berkshire Eagle Thursday, August 15, 2019
LEE — Developers of the former Eagle Mill have received a significant award from the state — a move that could unlock millions more in tax credits crucial to financing the $60 million project.
The proposed relocated hotel as envisioned for the Eagle Mill redevelopment project in downtown Lee.
Eagle Mill wants larger hotel across street; site plan could go back to drawing board
By Terry Cowgill Monday, Aug 12, 2019
Lee — The massive redevelopment of the Eagle Mill project is about to get a little larger.
The entrance to the Eagle Mill complex, showing the Eagle Marketplace, as envisioned by Jeffrey Cohen’s Eagle Mill Redevelopment LLC.
Eagle Mill receives crucial federal tax credits for mixed-use project in downtown Lee
By Terry Cowgill Sunday, May 19, 2019
Lee — Not long after a recent setback, the Eagle Mill redevelopment project received a shot in the arm this week as the project’s developer received approval from the National Park Service for millions in federal historic tax credits.
This image shows what the Eagle Mill could look like after renovations.
Eagle Mill project gets boost with $6M in federal tax credits
By Dick Lindsay, The Berkshire Eagle
LEE — Eagle Mill developers have secured millions in federal historic tax credits, a potential catalyst to landing the more elusive state historic tax credits for the estimated $60 million project.
EAGLE FILE. Developers of the former Eagle Mill in Lee are working to land tax credits and other funding for the $60 million revitalization of the historic buildings, and new construction, on the 6.4-acre site.
Pivotal steps ahead for planned Eagle Mill project in Lee
By Dick Lindsay, The Berkshire Eagle, Friday, January 4, 2019
LEE — With local approvals in hand, developers of the former Eagle Mill have moved into the critical state-funding phase of their $60 million project.
In the coming weeks, Mill Renaissance LLC and its partners look to convince the Massachusetts Historic Commission that revitalizing the former paper mill deserves historic tax credits.
A rendering of the hotel complex that is envisioned as part of the redevelopment of the abandoned Eagle Mill property in downtown Lee, Massachusetts.
Special permit in hand, Lee’s Eagle Mill developer is on a roll
By Terry Cowgill, The Berkshire Edge, Sunday, Nov 18, 2018
Lee —The redevelopment of what has been called a “transformative” project for downtown Lee has taken yet another step forward with the approval on Wednesday of a special permit to work in a flood plain. At its Nov. 14 meeting, the Lee Zoning Board of Appeals unanimously approved the special permit for Mill Renaissance LLC.
Plans to redevelop the former Eagle Mill have received the OK from the the Lee Zoning Board of Appeals to build in the floodplain. Next up, the project hopes to receive the blessing of the town's Planning Board and Conservation Commission, in that order.
With special permit from Lee ZBA, Eagle Mill project soars over another hurdle
By Dick Lindsay, The Berkshire Eagle, The Berkshire Eagle, Thursday, November 15, 2018
LEE — Eagle Mill developers are moving closer to breaking ground this time next year on their estimated $60 million project. By a 5-0 vote, the Lee Zoning Board of Appeals has unanimously granted a special permit to Mill Renaissance to work in the flood plain. The historic factory site dates back 200 years and runs along the Housatonic River on the north end of Main Street.
The Union Mill, center, and Eagle Mill buildings will be renovated as part of the Mill Renaissance plan to redevelop the former Eagle Mill in Lee. The smokestack, seen as a symbol of the town's once dominant paper industry, will be preserved.
Developer unveils final plans for former Eagle Mill in Lee
By Dick Lindsay, The Berkshire Eagle, Tuesday, July 24, 2018
LEE — After almost six years of multiple revisions, the principal developer of the former Eagle Mill has unveiled his refined plan for revitalizing a factory with a 200-year history. Jeffrey Cohen of Mill Renaissance still envisions converting the majority of the site into affordable and market-rate housing and commercial/retail space, all fronted by a hotel along West Center Street. Changes from the plan Cohen discussed with town officials in September include the number and percentage of affordable units, the size of the hotel and the layout of parking.
Our Opinion: Eagle Mill project has real potential
Berkshire Eagle Editorial, Friday, October 19, 2018
For at least a decade, the town of Lee has dreamed of redeveloping its Eagle Mill site. As is the case with so many historic towns with obsolescent infrastructures, the ambitious project that sought to convert a disused building into mixed-income housing ran aground on a relatively mundane but expensive-to-fix detail: adequate water supply.
Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito announces a $4.9 million MassWorks Infrastructure Program grant early Thursday at the Eagle Mill in Lee. Behind her, from left, are state Housing and Economic Development Secretary Jay Ash, state Rep. William "Smitty" Pignatelli, D-Lenox, state Sen. Adam Hinds, D-Pittsfield, and Lee-Lenox Chief Administrative Officer Chris Ketchen.
$4.9 million grant a boost for Lee, Eagle Mill project
By Dick Lindsay, The Berkshire Eagle, Thursday, October 18, 2018
LEE — Plans to redevelop the Eagle Mill just got a $4.9 million boost from the state.
A group of state and local officials gathered at the site early Thursday to announce the grant to help fund the replacement of nearly 2 miles of water lines running from the town's water treatment facility at the north end of Main Street to the mill site. The larger water mains also will improve fire protection in the downtown.
Eagle Mill Redevelopment, a private developer, has proposed an estimated $60 million to $70 million mixed-use development that would produce about 80 mixed-income units of rental housing, 40 percent of which would be market rate and 60 percent affordable units, and create over 200 full-time jobs. It would also include retail and office space. "This kind of seals the deal on that development," said Lee Select Board Chairwoman Patricia Carlino. "This will change Lee for the better."
Developer Jeffrey N. Cohen acknowledges receipt of a $4.9 million state grant to the town of Lee, clearing the way for his $60 million redevelopment of the Eagle Mill. Behind him are Housing and Economic Development Secretary Jay Ash; Rep. William 'Smitty' Pignatelli, D-Lenox; Lee chief administrative officer Chris Ketchen; Sen Adam Hinds, D-Pittsfield; and Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito.
Lee snags almost $5 million in state infrastructure funds, clearing the way for ‘transformative’ Eagle Mill project
By Terry Cowgill, The Berkshire Edge, Thursday, Oct 18
Mill Renaissance LLC must still obtain site plan approval, conservation commission approval, the allocation of historic tax credits and additional commercial. Developer Jeffrey Cohen hopes to start construction on the $60 million project in the fourth quarter of 2019.
Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito announces a $4.9 million MassWorks grant that will allow the Eagle Mills redevelopment to move forward.
Town of Lee Awarded $4.9M to Support Eagle Mills Redevelopment
11:45AM / Thursday, October 18, 2018
LEE, Mass. — A $4.9 million MassWorks grant was awarded to the town of Lee to develop infrastructure to served the planned renovation of the Eagle Mills.
State Rep. William "Smitty" Pignatelli and state Sen. Adam Hinds were joined by Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito, Secretary of Housing and Economic Development Jay Ash and municipal leaders to announce the award early Thursday morning at the project site. "MassWorks grants act as a lifeline for our small communities, and I believe this grant money will serve as a transformative development for the Fourth Berkshire District," said Pignatelli, a former Lenox selectman.
Baker-Polito Administration Announces $4.9 Million MassWorks Award for Lee
Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development. Office of Governor Charlie Baker and Lt. Governor Karyn Polito, 10/18/2018.
LEE — Today, Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito joined Chief Administrative Assistant Chris Ketchen and other local and state officials to announce a $4.9 million MassWorks Infrastructure Program grant to Lee to upgrade water lines and support residential and commercial development.
The Union Mill, center, and Eagle Mill buildings will be renovated as part of the Mill Renaissance plan to redevelop the former Eagle Mill in Lee. The smokestack, seen as a symbol of the town's once dominant paper industry, will be preserved.
Developer unveils final plans for former Eagle Mill in Lee
By Dick Lindsay, The Berkshire Eagle, Tuesday, July 24, 2018
LEE — After almost six years of multiple revisions, the principal developer of the former Eagle Mill has unveiled his refined plan for revitalizing a factory with a 200-year history.
Jeffrey Cohen of Mill Renaissance still envisions converting the majority of the site into affordable and market-rate housing and commercial/retail space, all fronted by a hotel along West Center Street.
The front of Sullivan Station restaurant facing Railroad Street in Lee, Massachusetts. The former New York New Haven and Hartford rail station and subsequently a restaurant has been acquired by Eagle Mill developer Jeffrey Cohen.
Eagle Mill developer buys historic Lee station, as mill proposal inches closer to reality.
By Terry Cowgill, The Berkshire Edge, Tuesday, Jul 24, 2018
Lee —Developer Jeffrey N. Cohen is at it again. The man at the center of the revival of the Eagle Mill complex has, with a group of other investors, acquired the former Lee train station at 109 Railroad Street.
The historic train station at the intersection of Elm and Railroad streets sold last week for $250,000. The seller was Marilyn A. Kelly and the buyer was Lee Choo Choo, a limited liability company Cohen set up with several investors, all but one of whom has strong ties to Lee.
Lee Town Hall
Lee special town meeting approval of bylaw provides boon to Eagle Mill
By Berkshire Record Staff on February 1, 2018
LEE — The path towards redeveloping the Eagle MIll site and thus renewing the downtown area is a little clearer following the results of last week’s special town meeting.
By a vote of 27-4, district representatives voted in favor of passing the 40R Smart Growth Overlay bylaw amendment proposed by the planning board. The bylaw will allow for the expansion of zoning permissions at the Eagle Mill site which currently only permits industrial development.
Housatonic River and Lee Mill
Lee moves nearer to breathing new life into vacant Eagle Mill
Posted Saturday, January 27, 2018.By Dick Lindsay, The Berkshire Eagle
LEE — Redevelopment of the vacant Eagle Mill has moved a step closer to reality. Special town meeting representatives Thursday were near unanimous in approving a Smart Growth Overlay District for the 6.2-acre industrial site and the nine properties fronting the shuttered paper-making factory.
Developer Purchases Lee Mill Complex For Affordable Housing
Downtown Lee. Lee Historical Society/Facebook: Lee Chamber of Commerce
Developer Purchases Lee Mill Complex For Affordable Housing
By JD ALLEN • JAN 5, 2018
A Lee, Massachusetts mill complex is one step closer to being redeveloped into affordable housing and retail space.
Developer Jeffery Cohen has purchased Eagle Mill for $700,000 after five years negotiating with an Albany-based developer and property owner, Eagle Mill Enterprises.
Eagle Mill, 2014. Berkshire Eagle photo
Progress for the Eagle Mill: Property secured, contractor on board
Monday, January 1, 2018. By Dick Lindsay, The Berkshire Eagle
LEE — The principal developer of the former Eagle Mill has secured the property and partnered with an established New England contractor — two significant steps toward fostering the $60 million to $70 million project.
The entrance to the Eagle Mill complex, showing the Eagle Marketplace, as envisioned by Jeffrey Cohen's Eagle Mill Redevelopment LLC.
With new partners Eagle Mill redevelopment envisions commercial, residential downtown complex in Lee
By Terry Cowgill Sunday, Dec 31, 2017
Lee — With the formal acquisition of the abandoned Eagle Mill, developer Jeffrey N. Cohen’s plan to revive and reuse the decaying property in downtown Lee has entered a new phase.
The dormant Eagle Mill on West Center Street in Lee is envisioned to become a commercial and residential complex if a $60 million adaptive reuse plan devised by Mill Renaissance LLC comes to fruition. Photo, Heather Bellow.
Revised Eagle Mill redevelopment plan includes larger hotel, ‘public market’ concept for downtown Lee
By Terry Cowgill Thursday, Aug 31, 2017
Lee — An old mill redevelopment plan that could have huge implications for downtown Lee has been changed to include a larger hotel in a different spot and a food marketplace, but there are still numerous hurdles that must be overcome to make it a reality.
Jeffrey Cohen of Mill Renaissance LLC is well into the second year of a due diligence process for his proposed purchase and redevelopment of the former Eagle Mill. His plans for conversion of the property into a mixed-use commercial and residential complex will be presented at public meeting in Lee on April 24.
Eagle Mill redevelopment plan proceeds in earnest
By Brad Johnson, BT&C, May 2014
The new plan taking shape for redevelopment of the Eagle Millcomplex in Lee can be characterized by its ABC’s – ambitious, bold and costly.
“We’re spending a lot of money looking at what to do with this,” said Jeffrey Cohen. The Great Barrington resident and recent arrival to the Berkshiresis the driving force behind efforts to bring new life to the formermill complex situated at the northern edge of downtown Lee along the Housatonic River.