Group fights to save Dan River Inc. Long Mill complex

By REBECCA BLANTON
Danville Register & Bee
Published: June 6, 2007

Article original posted June 6, 2007

DANVILLE — Sarah Latham, a member of the Danville Preservation League, asked Danville City Council Tuesday night to delay issuance of a demolition permit for the destruction of the Long Mill buildings.

Latham told council that the destruction of the Long Mill buildings could result in the city being removed from the National Historic Register and make dozens of homeowners ineligible for federal preservation grants and funding.

Councilman Adam Tomer praised the request, as did Councilman Pete Castiglone.

City Manager Jerry Gwaltney said he wants to save the buildings, but added that the responsibility of the buildings is on his shoulders and they should be destroyed for safety reasons.

“I’m not going to jail for anyone,” Gwaltney said. “If anyone is hurt, I’ll be sued.”

The city manager said he’s not insensitive to the issue but wants the buildings to come down to avoid someone getting hurt or killed.

Gwaltney said the Danville Fire Department will not send firemen into the buildings if a significant fire breaks out there.

He spoke at length about the city’s liability in case anyone is hurt or if a fire breaks out and spreads to neighboring businesses.

“There’s already grafitti and other evidence of people in the buildings,” Gwaltney said. “We just can’t take the chance.”

He also took the opportunity to deny accusations that he and Ben Davenport are making money or will make money on the destruction of the Long Mill buildings, which may end up in Davenport’s landfill.

No decision was made on the Long Mill complex, but council members did decide to consult further with the city attorney about Latham’s comments.

Contact Rebecca Blanton at or at (434) 791-7984.