Area leaders sign on to new Brooks-TLC
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State and area leaders are reiterating their wishes for a new Brooks-TLC Hospital facility that would be built in the village of Fredonia. In a letter sent to Gov. Kathy Hochul, officials say they are in "strong and unequivocal support for releasing" more than $70 million set aside for the project in 2016 and 2017.
"The community has rallied in strong support of the proposed new micro hospital with inpatient beds," said the letter from Sen. George Borrello and Assemblyman Andrew Goodell. "Recently, a rally sponsored by the New York State Nurses Association and SEIU-1099 drew a large crowd in support of the proposed new hospital, including top elected Democrat and Republican officials."
Included in the letter are the signatures of Chautauqua County Executive PJ Wendel and 19 county legislators as well as a host of north county officials that include incumbent city of Dunkirk and village of Fredonia Mayors Wilfred Rosas and Doug Essek as well as Mayor-elects Kate Wdowiasz and Michael Ferguson.
All current village trustees also indicated their endorsement as did four Common Council members with Martin Bamonto's signature not included.
Additionally, village Mayors Craig Miller of Brocton and Jeffrey Hornburg of Silver Creek offered their backing as did town Supervisors Juan Pagan of Dunkirk, Daniel Pacos of Pomfret, Thomas Wik of Sheridan, Todd Johnson of Hanover, Richard Lewis of Portland, David Wilson of Stockon, Brian McAvoy of Arkwright and Yvonne Park of Villenova.
Brooks-TLC, which has lost more than $55 million from 2018 to 2021, believes a new facility would reduce annual deficits to around $3 million. In addition, the downsized location would help in recruiting new medical staff to the region.
New York state has contributed $40 million in subsidies to keep the current Brooks-TLC site in operation at 529 Central Ave. through the Vital Access Provider Assurance Program during those four years. It is hoped a new facility, according to the letter, will enhance community health while reducing those state funds.
"The Department of Health, as well as outside experts and consultants, have reviewed the need for the proposed new micro hospital and adjoining medical office building, including Stroudwater, Freed Maxick and a blue-ribbon task force of health experts," the letter from Borrello and Goodell states. "Now is the time to move forward with this important project!"
State Health Department officials were in receipt of the letter, but had not offered a response or comment as of Monday afternoon.
Hochul had indicated support for the new state-of-the-art facility during a Dunkirk stop in January. "This is very important to our health team and they're involved in conversations about keeping it viable," she said. "It's important. It's a job creator, but also you need a place to go get care when you're sick."