Bennett College site to graduate to village park

After years of uncertainly, the former bennett College site now has a future, and that future looks bright. That’s thanks to the Millbrook Tribute Garden and Thorndale Farm LLC (representing the Thorne family), which announced on Tuesday, May 13, that it had acquired the 27.5-acre campus from Bennett Acquisitions, LLC.Vacant and derelict since 1978, the Bennett site has long been an eyesore for the Millbrook community. Not only has it been an issue of aesthetics, though, it’s also been an issue of safety. Once a lovely structure with beautiful stone work, the rubble and decay that has long comprised the college’s remains has served as a magnate for illegal trespassers and ne’er-do-wells. Now, however, Oakleigh Thorne, CEO of Thorndale Farm, said in a public statement that through the purchases they hope to “begin the final chapter of restoring this land to productive use.”Three lots west of Bennett Commons Road were acquired, including Halcyon Hall, Carroll Hall, Alumni Hall, the library and the old Chapel. Ownership was also taken of five lots east of Bennett Common, including the Kettering Science Center, the Mellon Music and Dance Buildings, the Harkaway Theatre, Hale House, Hillside House and two vacant parcels.Once the site is analyzed and Halcyon Hall demolished, “with the hopes of keeping the stone work intact,” the goal will be to create a “park-like atmosphere,” according to Tribute Garden spokesman George T. Whalen III.The safety concerns and environmental risks will also be addressed — as a priority — before long-term plans are confirmed.Whalen described the future Bennett park as “an extension of the Millbrook Tribute Garden’s park located on Franklin Avenue in the village.” Excellent.What a fabulous coup for the town of Washington and village of Millbrook. That the ailing Bennett buildings greeted those entering the village of Millbrook for so many years was incongruent with the village itself — warm, welcoming, charming, sophisticated. Though still beautiful, even in its current state of disrepair, there was an undeniable air of decay about the buildings and the property that stood at odds with the community. A new park will coexist with the town and village beautifully.The Tribute Garden and the Thorne family have long served to improve the Millbrook community. Clearly, with this acquisition, they are doing so again. Their sense of philanthropy together with their vision has helped make the Millbrook area what it is today. A better project for this site is hard to imagine; better principals behind it, even harder. Here’s to a sale ripe with promise and to those who make such good works their priority, year after year — we can’t wait to see how this one turns out!