The Town of Hillsborough has adopted an ordinance that will grant local historic landmark status to two of the town’s mills.

The former Bellevue Manufacturing Company and Eno Cotton Mill buildings will enjoy the new designation after the ordinance passed the Hillsborough Board of Commissioners.

Hillsborough Mayor Tom Stevens says this decision will spur growth in the area.

“That will help in their redevelopment,” he says. “It will be great for economic development and provide a lot of new residencies and amenities in Hillsborough.”

Stevens adds they have proof of the potential ramifications because the Eno Mill has been used as a host for area small businesses for decades.

“Mystery Brewing has their facilities in there,” he says. “Weaver Street has their facility in there. It’s been a great incubator for a lot of small businesses, and some businesses have gotten to be pretty substantial.”

While the Eno Mill has served as that small business incubator, the Bellevue Mill can provide additional housing in Hillsborough. “The Bellevue Mill has been approved for the last five years for a little bit more than 100 apartments or condominiums,” Stevens says.

Stevens says that they are hopeful the 50% reduction in property taxes that come with the landmark status will enable the Bellevue Mill developer to move forward.

Mayor Stevens says he believes that the additional housing from the development of the Bellevue Mill – coupled with the entrepreneurship that is being developed at the Eno Mill – will provide a major economic boost to Hillsborough and the surrounding area.

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