Cow Creek Mill owner Tommy DuBose of Hayes, at left on roof, watches as Brad Porter, owner of Brad’s Tree Service, guides a portion of a wall being removed from the historic Gloucester structure last Thursday. DuBose said the county had ordered him to demolish the old mill, and he was facing misdemeanor charges for not having done so yet. He said he didn’t have time to demolish the entire building before his June 12 court date, so he was trying to make the structure safer by removing loose materials, putting plywood on all the openings so people can’t access it, and cleaning up debris. He said he needs more time to get the job done because “I’m not a man of great wealth … I’m trying to do what I can and put in a good faith effort.” According to Gloucester General District Court records, DuBose was charged with a building code violation last September. He received title to the property in 2000 with the intent to restore the mill, but has been unable to do so.
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