Image source: NYDN

The NY Daily News reports that Peninsula Hospital in Far Rockaway has a potential buyer. Michael Melnicke, a former member of the hospital’s board of directors, is leading a group offering a total of $24 million for the hospital, clinic, and affiliated nursing home. The breakdown is “$16.75 million for Peninsula’s affiliated nursing home, $6.25 million for the hospital’s property and $1 million for a clinic. Melnicke also happens to own five other nursing homes in NY.

Before the hospital closed, Consumer Reports rated it the second safest hospital in NYC (NYU Langone Medical Center in Manhattan was rated the safest). In April, it was closed down since it didn’t have enough funds to operate. This left only one hospital on all of Rockaway Peninsula (St. John’s Episcopal Hospital), and as we’ve seen in the past in other parts of NYC, closing of local hospitals can make neighbors “troubled and angry.” When it came to the closing of Peninsula, some locals were ok with it, but many were not. “Every summer there are people pulled out of our ocean. Some make it and some don’t. What are the odds for the ones that do make it but must go to St. John’s?” said  Linda Ruscillo, a local resident.

We’ll keep an eye on this story as it develops.

Former board member eyeing Peninsula Hospital site for $24 million [NYDN]
Down to One Hospital, Rockaway Braces for Summer Crowds [NYT]


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