The old St. Regis Paper Co. on Armory Drive in Franklin is scheduled to be torn down, and we share in the hope that land — once cleared — will entice commercial development that can make full use of available resources. Access to water, rail and highways, and other infrastructure can be quite attractive to businesses.

Sadly, it’s taken burglary and vandalism to prompt the building’s impending demolition. David DiPaolo of Norfolk, who owns the property, said there have been too many such incidents. To prevent future crimes, the structure is coming down.

Speaking about the steps toward the razing, he was complimentary of the city departments involved with demolition. The cooperation and comparative swiftness of action speaks will of those people.

We’re not just hopeful, but excited that a clean slate, so to speak, could foster a much-needed boost to the local economy.