By Jill Harmacinski
LAWRENCE — It's demolition day.
This morning, a set of 100-year-old smokestacks at 290 Merrimack St. is scheduled to be imploded as a throng of onlookers, officials and the media watches. A crew from the TLC cable network also is filming the demolition for a new reality program.
The Eagle-Tribune is taking video of the event, which will be available at www.eagletribune.com in the afternoon.
The smokestacks are coming down as part of Sal Lupoli's ongoing Riverwalk revitalization project. Removal of the stacks paves the way for a $50 million project that includes a parking garage, office complex, public park and retail strip mall.
"This is just another great way for us to showcase what's going on here in Lawrence," said John MacDonald, a Lupoli Co. spokesman.
Another set of smokestacks closer to Interstate 495 is staying put. But the ones being imploded this morning are structurally unsound and must come down. Years ago, the smokestacks served the neighboring century-old Wood Mill.
Gregory Bialecki, housing and economic development secretary, is expected to attend the implosion today. Gov. Deval Patrick also may make an appearance.
Onlookers can park in the Riverwalk parking lot. Sections will be roped off for the press and a VIP viewing area, MacDonald said.
Implosion schedule
At 6:30 a.m., the main entrance to Sal's Riverwalk closes to traffic. Drivers will still be able to enter the parking lot from the entrance next to Merrimack Valley Credit Union.
At 9:30 a.m., Merrimack Street closes to traffic.
At 9:45 a.m., various businesspeople, officials and politicians attending the implosion will be introduced.
Sirens are scheduled to sound at 10 a.m. and approximately one minute later, the stacks will be imploded.
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