Closing Bell: Methodist Reaches Settlement With Neighbors Over Hospital Expansion

The two-year-long battle between community group Preserve Park Slope and Methodist Hospital has finally come to an end, because the two negotiated a settlement to limit the size of the hospital’s new building, both parties announced today. The court-ordered agreement ends the lawsuit Preserve Park Slope filed against the hospital and the city last summer, which prevented the expansion plans from moving forward. Methodist has agreed to build only six stories, instead of seven, on hospital-owned property bounded by 5th Street, 8th Avenue and 6th Street, across the street from its current building. (The rendering above shows the previous plans.)

The proposed U-shaped outpatient center will be 14 feet shorter — Preserve Park Slope wanted it 45 feet lower — and 28,000 square feet smaller. The hospital will move a planned pedestrian entrance to 6th street not far from 8th Avenue, rather than on the corner of 8th Avenue and 6th Street. A traffic expert will also develop a plan to manage congestion on nearby streets, and landscaping will be added on the 8th Avenue side of the building.

Community activists will be included on committees that will weigh in on the building’s design, construction and demolition plans. And Methodist will create a website to update the community on its construction plans. The planned Center for Community Health will house a cancer center, surgery center, urgent care and a 300-car garage. 

Methodist Coverage [Brownstoner]