By Ethan Forman
Staff writer
November 21, 2008 10:16 pm
DANVERS — Two years ago today, Danversport residents were rocked out of bed at 2:46 a.m. by a chemical explosion.
As they ran out into the street, they were greeted by a towering fireball consuming the CAI Inc. and Arnel Co. ink and paint plant.
The shock wave damaged or destroyed more than 100 homes and buildings, and scores of boats and cars, but no one was killed or even seriously injured. Seventy-one households were displaced.
As residents walk through the neighborhood today at 2:46 p.m. to commemorate the event, reminders will be everywhere. New homes have stitched together gaps in the neighborhood. A few windows are still boarded up.
Much progress has been made, but there's still plenty of work to be done.
DONE
In May, the U.S. Chemical Safety Board wrapped up a year-and-half-long investigation. It concluded that the blast was likely caused when a worker at CAI left a steam valve open on a mixing tank, causing volatile vapors to build up overnight. The gas found an ignition source and exploded.
This summer, after more than 20 months, the heavily damaged Triangle group home reopened at 2 Bates St.
In the summer and fall, the chemical companies, residents and insurance companies reached a $7 million settlement. About $1 million will go to property owners.
In May, a section of a modular house meant to replace the Newtons' heavily damaged home at 17 Riverside St. fell off a truck on a Route 1 ramp. A new house has since been built.
A Dunkin' Donuts has opened at 128 Water St.
A seafood restaurant and retail building of nearly 3,000 square feet is being built at 120-122 Water St.
A 3,200-square-foot Liberty Marina boat-repair building has replaced one damaged in the blast.
TO DO
A claims committee must decide how to divvy up $1 million from the settlement. One hundred claims have already come in; the deadline to file is Nov. 30.
Five homes are still unoccupied, including 15 Riverside, which was razed Oct. 8.
Redevelop the vacant, fenced-off chemical plant site at 128R Water St.
The boarded-up state Department of Mental Health group home at 4 Riverside St. is expected to be repaired this winter. The state set aside $350,000 for the work.
The $404,600 reconstruction of the Danversport Bakery and Pizza Factory building at 116 Water St. by owner Maria Silva appears to be at a standstill.
In 2009, the town plans $1 million worth of work to fix sewers, water lines, roads and sidewalks and plant trees.
Some of the windows in the mansion of the New England Homes for the Deaf on Water Street are still boarded up. The Thomson Companies have won approval to renovate the hilltop mansion and historic stone barn into condominiums.
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Copyright © 1999-2008 cnhi, inc.
Photos
Since a chemical explosion ripped through Danversport two years ago, a lot of work has been done, but signs of the blast are everywhere. The Bishop house at 15 Riverside St. was torn down last month, and a foundation awaits a new house. Staff Photographer