Town of Hanover and village of Silver Creek residents are haunted by the massive 172,000-square-foot facility that has no life on Routes 5 and 20 in Irving. Formerly home to the Lakeshore Hospital, the site was home to a dedicated staff that put caring first.

When it closed in February 2020, there were many in the community who became bitter about the predicament. It left an empty building — and the need to travel further for health care.

Earlier this month, however, residents received some positive news. It appears there is a potential buyer for the location. “We have two offers on the property and are working with one of them,” Mary E. LaRowe, chief executive officer of Brooks-TLC Hospital System, told the OBSERVER in an interview.

While the hospital could not disclose information on who is looking at the property, there is no question that renewed life in the facility would be a plus for northern Chautauqua County. Elected officials, for now, appear cautious in their thoughts regarding the former hospital, offering little information through last week.

There is plenty of potential for the site, which also is a former nursing home. In addition, its proximity to the state Thruway makes it a promising location. The fact there is interest, according to Brooks-TLC, is a dose of optimism for the area.