A new Brooks-TLC Hospital System building that has been proposed for Fredonia has the attention of the north county’s newest leaders. During a report last week at the Village Board meeting, Mayor Mike Ferguson said he discussed the issue twice within the last two weeks with key local and state officials.

Feguson said both he and Dunkirk Mayor Kate Wdowiasz met Jan. 16 with representatives for state Gov. Kathy Hochul. While in attendance with Bonnie Lockwood, the governor’s regional director for Western New York, and her staff, Ferguson said he noted key “community issues they will be bringing to the state’s attention” to spur this region’s economy and vitality. Those topics include the construction of the health-care facility, the future of the village’s water system and the fiscal and enrollment crisis taking place at the State University of New York at Fredonia.

Days later on Jan. 19, Ferguson, Wdowiasz and Vince DeJoy, director of planning and development for the city of Dunkirk, met with Brooks-TLC leadership to discuss its direction on getting the new facility built. Ken Morris, hospital president and chief executive officer, and Chris Lanski, hospital board president, were also present.

While more than $70 million remains set aside since 2016 and 2017 for the facility, the state remains stingy on releasing the funds. In the last three months, letters of support from county and north county elected leaders were forwarded to Hochul’s office urging construction.

For its part, the state Health Department is proceeding with caution despite what has become an eight-year process. “Gov. Kathy Hochul is committed to ensuring that every New Yorker has access to essential health services where and when they need it most, and the Department of Health continues to work closely with local stakeholders, Brooks Memorial Hospital leadership and other healthcare providers in Chautauqua County,” noted the statement in December.

More than a year ago, Hochul appeared confounded when asked a question on the state’s obligation to getting the new, downsized facility built. After announcing a $10 million Downtown Revitalization Initiative award in the city on Jan. 23, 2023, the governor offered this statement on Brooks-TLC: “We’ll be happy to give you an update soon, but 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.”

More than one year later, however, there has been no follow up. Brooks-TLC’s future remains clearly in limbo.

In other matters, there appears to be growing concern regarding the future of the Fredonia Farm Festival. Village Board members approved a resolution for the 2024 Festivals Fredonia schedule, but noted the popular downtown August event would be listed in the approval as “to be determined.”

Ferguson said he met with a group of residents who noted their concern about the future of the festival earlier this month.

Mark Mackey, who chaired the event for the last seven years, resigned from the position after the August event. He said constant troubles with the village and trustees led to his decision.