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Fortis’ long-delayed demolition at LICH site to move forward
Developer reached agreement with neighbor to receive access to perform work
Fortis Property Group reached an agreement with a neighboring property owner to move forward on its demolition plans for the Long Island College Hospital site in Cobble Hill in Brooklyn.
Fortis bought the former hospital buildings for $240 million, and wants to knock down two buildings — one 12 stories, the other eight stories — at the site. But to do the demolition work, the developer needs access to neighboring properties, including 86, 88, 90 and 92 Atlantic Avenue.
One of the neighboring property owners, listed as Tulip Associates LLC, was not cooperating, according to Documents Filed With Brooklyn Supreme Court.The Two Parties Reached A Court-stipulated agreement this week, Fortis spokesperson James Yolles told DNAinfo.
“This matter has been resolved. We are continuing with scaffolding installation, and when that process is finished we will begin demolition,” Yolles said.
Last year, Fortis proposed two possible plans for the site. In the first, the developer would utilize its “as-of” right to build a 44-story luxury condo building in the heart of the neighborhood, which proved controversial. The second approach, which would require rezoning, called for a smaller, 16-story building on that site, with larger 2o- and 3o-story Towers On Hicks Street, plus a public school and the seven townhouses now planned.
Mayor Bill de Blasio intervened over the future of the site last month. The mayor voiced his preference to let Fortis rezone the site, which would enable the construction of community amenities and low-to-middle income apartments. If the rezoning, which the City Council has to approve, does not go through, Fortis will only build luxury condos. [DNAinfo] — Dusica Sue Malesevic