The Bronx Psychiatric Center will soon be moving it’s operation with a $ 300 million redevelopment project that will add numerous modern facilities.
On Tuesday, June 16 representatives from the New York State Office of Mental Health were present during the Pelham Gardens Community Board 11 meeting to reveal their plans and address community concerns.
“They will be consolidating activities over there,” said John Fratta, district manager of CB11. “One of our concerns was the relocation of ball fields.”
Two ball fields, currently used by the Parkchester Little League, will be relocated to the rear of the property. According to Dean Ricks, president of the league, it remains uncertain if the T-ball field will also be relocated, leaving the younger children without a field.
In their place will be constructed a transitional living residence, approximately 46,000 square feet, a crisis residence, approximately 25,000 square feet, and a studio residence, approximately 25,000 square feet.
The buildings will be about 100 feet away from the street and the property will have barriers, such as fencing, and landscaping added.
Additionally, the plans include a new 78-bed children’s facility and 156-bed adult care facility. The entire project accounts for a total of 344 adult beds.
All new buildings are expected to receive the Silver standard through the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design.
The entire campus now occupies 58 acres, but the redesign will reduce it to 38 acres.
“Our concern for the whole development is traffic problems and the congestion caused not only by this project, but the 911 Call Center Project. Waters Place is going to become a very difficult street to drive down,” said Fratta. “The state will be auctioning off its surplus buildings, which means there will be more development in addition to what’s already slated. That is our major concern.”
According to Jill Daniels, director of Public Affairs for OMH, at this time there are no set plans for the buildings that will be vacated, though it is possible they will be put out for public bid, and arrangements are being made to avoid conflicts with other projects in the area.
Work is expected to begin as early as fall of 2009 and be completed around 2013.
