For all the troubles facing some north county municipalities within the last year, it has been good to see some bright moments for two entities. Last week, the town Hanover and the village of Silver Creek were the recipients of positive happenings that will assist residents in the coming years.

For the town, the completed sale of the former Lake Shore Hospital on Routes 5 and 20 to New York Medical Center will bring services that are greatly needed. The property is currently undergoing extensive renovations to transform it into a modern behavioral care center. It will be staffed and equipped to serve up to 180 beds for patients experiencing behavioral health challenges and substance disorders. This expansion increases the original facility’s capacity and addresses the critical need for inpatient and outpatient treatment in the community and beyond.

“We are excited about giving this site a second chapter, and grateful for the opportunity to positively impact the people in our community,” said Raymond Manning, chief executive officer of the center. “The location will allow us to extend our reach and provide vital care and support to a range of people on their journey to recovery.”

Only days earlier, demolition began on a longtime eyesore in the old Silver Creek High School, Once that is completed, building will begin on a new senior living facility that will include 54 apartments. The project is being developed by Southern Tier Environments for Living (STEL), in conjunction with Park Grove Development, LLC.

“I am very excited about this long awaited project and investment in Silver Creek where our seniors are able to remain in the community and have a new up-to-date residence with available services,” said Lou Pelletter, Hanover town Supervisor. “Silver Creek has needed a project like this for a very long time.”

Both efforts took a long time to happen. Once completed, the two sites will be vital in the future of the communities.