Old thread mill could become greenhouse

Brian Grosse, who is vice-president of Reflex Lighting Group in Boston, wants to use the foundation of an old thread mill to build a greenhouse in Milo, Maine. The greenhouses would be used to produce organic vegetables, annuals and perennials and woody ornamentals that would be sold wholesale to local markets. Grosse, who purchased the vacant Ox Yoke buildings previously occupied by the American Thread Co, wants to use 6 30- by 200-foot foundations for an office and greenhouses. The Bangor Daily News reports the project is expected to cost $600,000 and would provide the area with 6 jobs. The Piscataquis County Economic Development Council has requested an $180,000 Community Development Block grant. Grosse plans to install a biomass heating system that would burn wood byproducts generated by local businesses. The paper reports that site improvements would begin in the spring with greenhouse construction during the summer and production starting in the fall of 2010.