Owner Wants to Rebuild Grist Mill

The first step toward the reconstruction of the historic , which was destroyed in  Sunday, could take place next month at Seekonk Town Hall. Owner Greg Esmay will appear before the Zoning Board of Appeals to request setback variances that would allow him to rebuild the structure in the same footprint that it previously existed. 

"As I stand here now, my plan is to rebuild," Esmay told Seekonk Patch after he addressed the Board of Selectmen on Monday. "I will continue to plan that until somebody tells me I can't."

The structure, which has stood since the 18th century (with various modifications and one rebuild following ), could not be approved as a new project based on current town and state laws due to its proximity to the pond and road. Esmay said he believes the structure should be grandfathered and exempt from the setback rules of a town that did not exist when the structure was created.

Esmay said he wants to avoid litigation, but he also wants whoever is at fault for the fire to pay for the rebuild.

"I want to stay out of court," he said. "I want my insurance company to deal with it, and they can tell me who has to pay."

The fire started shortly before 6 a.m. after a banana-carrying truck turned over and struck a gas main and the electrical service.

Approximately 70 percent of the structure survived the fire, Esmay said. The remaining portion of the building would be included in the new structure.

The zoning meeting will take place July 16.

During the selectmen meeting, the board members had harsh words for the gas company about the length of time it took to shut off the gas to the building during the fire. Gas company officials are expected to appear at the next selectmen meeting on July 11.