Newlin Grist Mill remains closed as flood damage is fixed

Back-to-back floods accomplished what the Route 322 Project and the COVID-19 pandemic could not – temporarily closing Newlin Grist Mill in Glen Mills.

“The expression of support and offers of assistance are encouraging to everyone working at the Mill,” Tony Shahan, director Newlin Grist Mill, wrote in a press release. “Your generous donations are very much appreciated and have allowed us to stabilize the buildings and will help fix damage throughout the property. We are also grateful for giving us the time to assess the damage throughout the property and prepare a plan for dealing with this setback.”

According to the release, the Visitor Center was hit the hardest with 7 inches of water running through the first floor. The Archive received masonry damage and destruction of its mechanical systems. Both dams, the diversion channel, and millrace were damaged. There were over 165 cubic yards of materials washed out of the trails. The initial estimate is over $175,000 worth of damage, but that figure will increase to incorporate stream stabilization and mitigation of future flooding into our assessment. Flood insurance will cover approximately one-third of these expenses.

The Newlin Grist Mill and its surrounding park will remain closed until the trails and parking lots can be made safe for our visitors. This includes fixing the washed-out trails, replacing paving, removing trees and hanging limbs, replacing bridges, and fixing holes around the property. Its plan is to get the trails open as soon as possible.

The floods combined with the pandemic mean all events and in-person programs will be canceled for the remainder of 2020. The Mill will continue to offer virtual programs and to develop more online content.

If you want to contribute to the recovery efforts, please consider a donation, spread the word among your own networks, and stay up to date on all that’s happening through our website (http://newlingristmill.org), Facebook (@newlingristmill), and Instagram (@newlingristmill1704).

PHOTO COURTESY OF NEWLIN GRIST MILL The parking lot at Newlin Grist Mill in Glen Mills.

PHOTO COURTESY OF NEWLIN GRIST MILL Flood insurance will cover approximately one-third of these expenses.

PHOTO COURTESY OF NEWLIN GRIST MILL Both dams, the diversion channel, and millrace were damaged.

PHOTO COURTESY OF NEWLIN GRIST MILL The initial estimate is over $175,000 worth of damage.

PHOTO COURTESY OF NEWLIN GRIST MILL The frog pond was flooded as well.