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Butterfield Hospital Sold to Developer of Old Lumberyard Property in Cold Spring
Lahey Pavilion to continue as outpatient medical facility
by Kevin Foley
The sale by Hudson Valley Hospital of the Butterfield Hospital site in Cold Spring will open a new chapter for the property and buildings first opened as a hospital in 1925. The announced $2 million purchase by Unicorn Contracting, the developer of the waterfront condominiums at the foot of Main Street in Cold Spring is certain to raise many issues and concerns.
The 5.7 acre property, which includes the vacant building of the former Butterfield Hospital and the Carolyn Lahey Pavilion, an active outpatient medical facility, had been put up for sale by Hudson Valley Hospital through an RFP earlier this year. According to the hospital, the conditions of the sale agreement state that Hudson Valley will continue to operate the medical center which houses several physician practices, laboratory and radiology services and physical therapy.
In a published statement, Hudson Valley Hospital chairman, Edward B. MacDonald said, "the future use of the former Butterfield property was paramount to our Board of Directors. This is why selecting the right developer has been time consuming. As a Putnam County resident myself I wanted the best solution for the residents of Cold Spring and surrounding areas."
It is not known yet what plans Unicorn Contracting has for the site. Mr. Paul Guillaro, head of the project for the company was said to be away until after Labor Day.
Cold Spring Mayor Anthony Phillips, who described his dealings with Hudson Valley Hospital as "14 years of grief" said his initial discussion with Mr. Guillaro was encouraging as to the possibility of achieving some form of community amenity as part of a final development package. Mayor Phillips indicated that locating the Cold Spring firehouse as well as a community center serving seniors were the priorities he would be seeking in discussions with the developer. He described Mr. Guillaro as "an upfront guy. I have confidence he will give us something as part of our negotiations. A developer needs to make money but I think we can work together for something satisfactory for the community," said the Mayor.
The sale agreement for the property ends a long struggle
by county and local officials to secure the site for public use including a
future medical purpose. Putnam County Executive, Robert Bondi, has been quoted
as expressing exasperation over the sale price which he said was close to what
the county had previously offered. Neither Mr. Bondi nor hospital officials were
available for comment as the PCN&R went to press.
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