OBSERVER Photo by M.J. Stafford Workers finish clearing the barn that was on the property where Brooks-TLC plans to build a new hospital, Tuesday in Fredonia.

Fredonia will have to wait another month to see the latest sketch plans for the new Brooks Memorial Hospital. However, a major landmark in site work has taken place.

An old barn visible from East Main Street, located on Brooks-TLC’s chosen property for the hospital, was demolished Tuesday. The sizable white structure, formerly used by the grape farm that used to be on site, was cleared to the foundation pad by 6 p.m.

Workers previously tore out the grape vines and built some ditches for drainage on the far end of the property, but the demolition marks the most visible progress yet for a project years in the making.

Brooks-TLC officials were supposed to present sketch plans of the hospital at the April meeting of the Fredonia Planning Board, but that was called off because the plans are reportedly not ready. The sketch plans are now supposed to be presented at the Planning Board’s May meeting.

The specifications for the hospital have been altered several times in the years-long process of Brooks-TLC’s move from its current building in Dunkirk. The project was held up until Gov. Kathy Hochul announced in 2024 that the state was finally freeing up aid for the hospital’s construction, that was originally awarded nearly a decade prior.