Politics & Government

Officials Hope to Save Old Mill Inn

Borough historian seeks support in having the former 18th century eatery preserved.

Is it possible to save something that’s not really yours? And, if so, how do you do it?

Those questions are on the lips of many in Hatboro who want to see the bygone grist mill, now known as the , preserved.

The flood-ravaged structure, which has been closed for some time, is The bank has been working with Jackson Cross Partners since July in

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In the roughly two and a half months since the 8,181-square-foot former eatery entered the real estate market, it has been By all accounts from local officials, the Old Mill, which sits adjacent to the temperamental Pennypack Creek on the corner of Horsham and York roads, sustained the most damage.

“I am worried as is everyone about the Old Mill,” Hatboro historian David Shannon wrote in an e-mail to Patch. “We all must take part if we are to preserve Hatboro's historic buildings.”

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Shannon has asked that others interested in seeing the former restaurant preserved contact him through borough hall so that borough council sees the “concerns of the people.”

The governing body, during its Sept. 12 meeting, expressed concerns that the structure would either deteriorate, or be demolished. Council members discussed implementing some type of regulation to ensure that a piece of Hatboro’s earliest history would be preserved.

Solicitor Michael Savona said that council could not force a property owner – in this case TD Bank – to restore and/or preserve the property.

“If the borough wants to preserve the property your duty is to buy it,” Savona said.

Because of the demolition expense, Borough Manager Stephen Plaugher said the bank does not intend to knock down the entire structure. Plaugher said the Old Mill’s two freezers have been removed and a permit has been obtained to remove the so-called duck room, a newer addition.

Patch was unsuccessful in reaching TD Bank representatives for comment.

Despite the damage, said he’s seen “more interest” in the building since the flooding as compared to the “scattered interest” seen before the two storms.

While no offers have been made, Barth said some prospective buyers who have toured the property have expressed interest in continuing it as a restaurant, while others are considering the property for apartments or commercial uses.

If and when the building is purchased and renovated, Barth said the most likely solution to stave future flooding would be to convert the first floor into a basement of sorts, or seal it off and move everything from the first floor to the second and third floors.

“It’s a challenging property,” Barth said. “It was wonderful to be where there was a lot of water. Putting a modern-day business there is a little bit difficult.”

Barth echoed the sentiment that he would like to see the building preserved, but said having it listed on the National Registry of Historic Places has to be initiated by the owner. , for instance, is on the registry, Barth said, adding that that designation provides “stringent guidelines for what you can and can’t do.”

“We don’t have any kind of vehicle to protect the building,” Barth said.


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