Prospects for a major mixed-use development on the abandoned United Hospital site in Port Chester remain just that – a prospect.
By Walt Mardis
Prospects for a major mixed-use development on the abandoned United Hospital site in Port Chester remain just that – a prospect.
The hospital declared bankruptcy in 2004, following years of financial struggles. The property was acquired by Starwood Capital, a global development firm headquartered in Greenwich. Starwood announced its intent to transform the site into a combination of apartments, retail units, and office space, and began a process of working with Port Chester to define a plan that would be both financially feasible and compatible with the Town’s objectives.
The initial submission shows a combination of mid- and medium-high rise residential buildings, plus renderings of potential retail operations. Up to 762 residential units could be built in three phases. Twenty percent of the residences would be subsidized, with the remaining 80% renting at market rates. The initial proposal called for 250,000 square feet of commercial space.
Four years later, a complete plan is yet to emerge. “No final decisions have been made on the exact design of the project,” Starwood attorney Jamie Ravet told the paper. “But we are having very cooperative discussions with the Town. We definitely intend to come up with a good solution and to develop the property.” When this might happen is unclear.
Calls to Port Chester Mayor Dennis Pilla, asking for comments from the Town regarding the project, were not returned.
Whether the property will be developed as initially proposed or, in fact, in any form, is still uncertain. What is certain is that, for the time being at least, it remains a deteriorating eyesore for both Port Chester and nearby Rye residents.
