The smell is gone. So is the Joy dog food company that produced it. Its closing in November has left the surrounding community wondering what will happen to the massive mill, located at the center of Oakdale, one of Allegheny County's smallest boroughs.

"I am saddened in regard to the employment loss and the revenue loss for the town, but I am elated to get rid of the smell," said Debi Javarone, whose family owns a chiropractic clinic near the mill.

Known for emitting odors that hung in the air on hot summer days, the factory has been a mainstay since its feed mill days in the 1880s. Joy brand pet foods, part of the Best Feeds and Farm Supplies company, had been produced there for 50 years.

As long as Best Feeds owns the property, the borough should continue to receive about $1,500 in property taxes, while the West Allegheny School District will get about $9,000, said tax collector Greg Zamule.

However, about 17 mill workers lost their jobs when Best Feeds sold the Joy brand to Milk Specialties Co., an Illinois-based maker of pet food. MSC also produces food and pharmaceuticals for farm animals bred for human consumption.

Best Feeds will keep its headquarters in Oakdale and its two garden centers in the North Hills, said company Vice President Robert Gueldner.

He said it would have been nice to continue with the Joy brand business, but it was "the right time" to sell. He also noted the pet food industry experiences a lot of consolidation, but he would not specify the reasons for selling Joy.

The fate of the factory and other Joy property is unknown. Not even Best Feeds knows who, if anyone, might buy it.

Javarone is worried the factory will become a dilapidated eyesore.

Council President Ron "Huck" Gamble said he is concerned the factory could turn into a safety hazard and is trying to meet with Best Feeds about the issue.

Gueldner said the building could be adapted to serve another manufacturer, but Gamble and others said the structure's age and past uses make that unlikely. Some doubt anyone would pay to tear it down.

But residents have ideas for the property. Gary Garside, of neighboring South Fayette, thinks the factory should be demolished and the land used for a park or attraction that would complement the Panhandle Trail, a walking and bicycling path that runs past the factory. Silka Livella, of Oakdale, would like to see new stores.

Gamble said residents have mentioned wanting condominiums or a strip mall there, but he said chances seem slim because of its proximity to The Mall at Robinson and the expense of demolition.