Fortis Property Group partners with local elected officials and civic leaders to convene working group

Residents and stakeholders will meet regularly to discuss redevelopment options for former LICH site

July 24, 2015 From Fortis Property Group

Hicks Street facing north. Rendering courtesy of Williams New York

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Fortis Property Group today endorsed the formation of a working group that will meet over the coming months to discuss redevelopment options for the former Long Island College Hospital (LICH) site. Fortis was selected to purchase the site through an RFP process administered by the State University of New York (SUNY), after SUNY’s decision to close the hospital in 2013.

The group was established in partnership with City Council Member Brad Lander, Borough President Eric Adams and other local elected officials, Community Board 6, and the Cobble Hill Association.

The working group will review and discuss topics related to potential rezoning and subsequent redevelopment of the site, including affordable housing, schools, urban design, retail, parks and open space, and infrastructure, among others.

Fortis endorsed the idea of a working group at its May 18 presentation to the Cobble Hill Association, and has worked closely with local stakeholders since then to ensure a constructive process.

“Today’s announcement marks an important step forward in what we hope will be a collaborative, thoughtful discussion about the future of the former LICH site,” said Joel Kestenbaum, President of Fortis Property Group. “Over the coming months, we look forward to meetings focused on issues critical to the community, and to refining our plans as we hear from our Brooklyn neighbors.”

While its work will be non-binding, the working group will work toward consensus where possible in advance of a potential rezoning. Fortis’ preliminary rezoning proposal includes affordable housing, space for a public school, increased park space and a contextual design sensitive to the Cobble Hill Historic District.

The working group will hold several meetings over a 2-3 month period. There will be public meetings and several smaller, issue-specific meetings.

During this period, Fortis also will meet with, and solicit feedback from, other civic organizations within Community Board 6, including groups from Carroll Gardens, Gowanus, Park Slope, and Red Hook.