Investigation demanded into assisted living facility closure

A group of senior Park Slope residents are calling for an investigation into what they dub the unethical closure of their assisted living facility.

Prospect Park Residence’s owner Haysha Deitsch announced the closure of the 1 Prospect Park West facility in March, and gave residents 90 days to find a new home, according to the Brooklyn Eagle. The move came after he allegedly continued to sign up residents even after filing with the state Department of Health to close the home.

“DOH was aware of their plan,” Judy Willig, whose mother Ruth is a resident in the facility, told the paper. “They became licensed in January, only to file for closure in September to the same licensing body, who approved it.”

Assemblywoman Joan Millman told the paper that she has introduced two new pieces of legislation since news of the closure emerged. The first would require a public hearing before an assisted living facility is closed, and the second would require the facility give residents up to six months to find alternate lodging.

As for the current situation, Millman, said, “we’re doing a letter campaign to the governor, asking him to step in and put this on hold.”

Councilman Brad Lander, meanwhile, said that a review is needed to determine whether Deitsch acted legally in the closure. A number of residents also hold leases that do not expire until December 31, and he wants to see those agreements honored, Lander told the paper. [Brooklyn Eagle] — Julie Strickland