Brooklyn State Representatives put ‘failsafe’ LICH bills in place
But will LICH assets be protected locally?
Brooklyn state representatives have in place separate bills that could move forward if the sale of Long Island College Hospital (LICH) were actually to come to pass.
SUNY Downstate Medical Center in East Flatbush has been moving to close the Cobble Hill hospital in spite of a court order to keep it in operation and a prolonged battle from local residents, staff and health advocates.
If LICH were to be sold, however, representatives say they want to make sure the money is used to strengthen SUNY Downstate, provide healthcare for poor Brooklynites and provide for the continued existence of LICH as a “downsized” healthcare facility.
One bill, introduced by state Senators Eric Adams and Kevin Parker, would fund a “Brooklyn health trust” with money “equal to the proceeds derived from the sale” of the 18 LICH properties.