Sanford Orders Extended Road Closure After Trash Accumulation and Homeless Encampment

Sanford, Maine — A growing safety concern at the site of the former Woolen Mill has prompted local authorities to extend an emergency road closure that began last week, citing mounting trash accumulation and the presence of homeless residents within the area.

The Sanford City Council voted Tuesday night to prolong the temporary shutdown of Heritage Crossing, the road running alongside the old mill complex, until public safety officials determine the area is safe for reopening. The extension follows a Thursday announcement that the city would close the road to both vehicles and pedestrians due to ongoing sanitation problems and hazardous conditions.

City officials stated that the mill complex has become a focal point for various issues, including the buildup of refuse and the frequent presence of individuals experiencing homelessness. These factors have created what authorities describe as an "attractive nuisance and extraordinary public safety hazard," prompting immediate action to protect nearby residents, businesses, and emergency responders.

During a recent sweep of the area, police officers arrested three individuals on charges of criminal trespass, violations of release conditions, and outstanding warrants. Additional summons were issued for criminal trespass offenses. Police Chief Eric Small emphasized that his department operates independently of media coverage, stating, "I don't police on media reports. I police on facts and to keep the public safe."

The decision to maintain the closure reflects months of coordinated efforts between city staff, law enforcement, and local agencies. In July, the council formally declared the mill complex officially abandoned—a designation that grants municipal authorities greater flexibility in addressing longstanding problems. Since then, police have intensified patrols and conducted multiple sweeps of the site, reducing the number of reported trespassers over time.

"We recognize that this closure may cause some inconvenience," Chief Small acknowledged during Tuesday's council meeting. "However, protecting the public, neighboring businesses, and emergency personnel must remain our priority."

The current operation represents a significant effort involving eighteen law enforcement officers, including members of the Maine State Police, the York County Sheriff's Office, and the Old Orchard Beach Police Department, along with assistance from the fire department. City officials indicated that while the ideal response would involve twenty-five officers on scene, external support is limited and may diminish over time.

Police Maj. Mark Dyer explained that the lack of ownership by the municipality has historically complicated enforcement efforts. With the mill's previous owner having relinquished control, police gained more authority to conduct sweeps and remove occupants. Nevertheless, Dyer cautioned that sustained operations face practical constraints.

"The department has been aware of the concerns for a while and has been working to determine how to tackle the issue," Dyer said. "We're not gonna just do this operation and be done. We have been stepping up our drive-bys, our footbeats, officers just parked in the area—this will continue."

Chief Small addressed criticism regarding the presence of homeless individuals at the mill, noting that many of those encountered are longtime residents of the area. He urged empathy and understanding, stating, "They live here; they have their whole lives, just like you. They just encountered different circumstances than all of us sitting in this room that made them turn a corner in a different way. We've got to remember that."

The extended closure underscores a broader challenge facing Sanford: balancing public safety with compassionate approaches to housing instability. As the council continues its work to resolve the mill complex, residents and business owners alike remain concerned about the ongoing risk posed by accumulated waste and unsupervised encampments.

The road near the mill will stay closed until further notice, with officials committed to finding a sustainable solution that addresses both safety and human needs.