Construction begins at former St. Vincent’s Midtown Hospital site

Controversial developer Chetrit Group has begun work on a long-neglected Midtown development site at St. Vincent’s Midtown Hospital set to become luxury apartments, DNAinfo reported.

Scaffolding went up and construction workers arrived on Tuesday, according to residents near the 415 West 51st Street site.

For years residents have complained about broken windows, a rat infestation and standing water at the site. Chetrit originally said work would begin last September, but it was apparently stalled. The hospital closed in 2007.

The developer has met with community groups and elected officials to try to resolve some of the residents’ concerns, DNAinfo said, but not everyone is hopeful.

“It’s better — especially at night, it’s better,” said Zachary Wellman, a local resident. “It’s still kind of gross though.” [DNAinfo]