Demolition has begun in East Longmeadow, MA on the remains of the Bluebird Estates retirement complex as investigators continue to probe the arson fire that destroyed the nearly completed facility on Sept. 26.

"We are committed to rebuilding," said Linda P. Simeone, a pubic relations specialist with developer Holiday Retirement Corp., based in Salem, Oregon. "What's left is being demolished now, and the area will be prepped for the new building ..."

Local, state and federal investigators continue to search for the arsonist. "We are still following leads, and we have several," state Trooper Michael S. Mazza said yesterday. He declined to elaborate.

Investigators worked the fire scene for a week before announcing that someone poured gasoline throughout the multi-million dollar facility on Apple Blossom Lane and set it ablaze.

The blaze, in terms of damage, was the worst in town history, officials said.
Simeone said the fire has not deterred Holiday Retirement Corp. from wanting to build in East Longmeadow.

"The fire has not changed the fact that East Longmeadow is a desirable place for people to live and do business in," she said. "This is a community we want to be a part of."

The value of the unfinished property has been estimated at $5 million to $7 million, and was expected to rise to $12 million to $14 million upon completion and opening early next year.

It is unclear when the new retirement complex will be constructed.

"There are no time estimates as to when new construction will start or when we will complete the project," Simeone said.

Robyn D. Macdonald, director of Planning, Zoning and Conservation in East Longmeadow, said that Holiday Retirement would not need to refile its application with the town again if it plans to rebuild the facility as planned.

All project officials would need to do is provide her with certified affidavit from the architect stating that the original plans are still being followed, Macdonald said.