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Moore asks Division of Banks to assist
businesses affected by the Bernat Mill Fire in Uxbridge August 2, 2007....Today, Sen. Richard T.
Moore, D-Uxbridge, sent a letter to state Banking Commissioner Steven
Antonakes to ask that his agency assist those businesses
affected by the Bernat Mill Fire in Uxbridge in working out appropriate payment plans
for repaying outstanding loans or mortgages recognizing the difficulty that some will have making payments in the short term.
The text of the senator's letter is
below:
August 2, 2007
Steven L. Antonakes,
Commissioner, Division of Banks
One South Station
Boston, MA 02110
Dear Commissioner Atonakes:
On Saturday, July 21, 2007, a General alarm fire destroyed much of the Bernat Mill Complex in the center of the town of Uxbridge. In the immediate wake of this disaster, the town, state and federal government responded with precision and care for those impacted by the fire.
The fire has decimated over 60 small businesses, municipal and school department office space, resulted in what will undoubtedly be significant fire-fighting and public safety expenses to Uxbridge and its surrounding communities, destroyed a valuable commercial and cultural attraction in the town's historic center, and eroded the tax generating potential of the mill. In addition to the businesses directly harmed by the fire, a number of area restaurants, service stations, convenience stores, etc. are expected to experience reduced business because employees and customers of the mill complex will no longer utilize their services.
There is concern that some of the affected business owners may have difficulty repaying loans or mortgages as they seek to recover from the loss of their business and its assets. I would hope that your consumer office will be prepared to assist these business owners in working out appropriate payment plans that recognize the difficulty that some will have making payments in the short term. Any other assistance that your office can provide in this matter will be appreciated.
Sincerely,
RICHARD T. MOORE,
State Senator
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