Ex-Publicker Distillery Cleanup Underway

LIMERICK, PA —Crews are cleaning up the overgrowth of trees and removing trash from the abandoned Publicker distillery at the Linfield Industrial Park along the Schuylkill River.

“The only ongoing activity is the clearing of brush and overgrowth on the property along with the removal of trash and debris,” Dan Kerr, township manager, said Friday.

Limerick Town Center LLC, the property owner, plans to demolish the buildings, but a timetable has not yet been established.

Kerr said the developer has expressed an interest in building warehouses at the site, but the township has not received formal plans

The 192-acre property that was once a whiskey distillery contains massive concrete buildings and many smaller buildings.

Police patrol the area to prevent trespassers from hanging out in the dilapidated buildings, Kerr said.

Kerr said township officials meet with the owner to discuss safety and demolition procedures that they will need to follow for all demolition activities. Kerr said the smaller building will be demolished before the large warehouse.

“Once a demolition schedule is received, the township will provide an update to those who live near the Publicker site and to the entire Limerick community as well, Kerr said.

Kerr said the township staff continues to work with the owner on zoning amendments that may be required to permit their proposed warehouse uses. The area is zoned as industrial.