Construction of LICH Medical Facility Can Proceed, While 2 River Park Tower Stops for Now

When Brownstoner stopped by LICH in Cobble Hill in April, the construction sites were shut down and empty of workers, although a pair of men in hardhats were walking around on the streets. Nonetheless, there is one building that is technically allowed to be built during the coronavirus shutdown. That is 339 Hicks Street, on the corner of Atlantic Avenue, earmarked to become a long-planned medical facility.

In March, developer Fortis sold the property to NYU Langone Hospitals for $10.1 million, public records show. A rendering showing a five-story building was recently posted on the construction fence. The design is not new, however; plans for it were announced in 2015.

After the community rejected Fortis’ request for a rezoning, the developer chose to build condo towers without affordable housing. That means construction is forbidden for now under a stop-work order ordered by the Department of Buildings for almost all sites in the city. But even some developers of projects that include affordable housing have opted to pause construction to keep workers safe.

Dumbo-based developer Fortis Property Group temporarily shut down the sites April 2 to comply with COVID shutdown orders, according to Brownstoner sister pub Brooklyn Paper.

The controversial development replaces Long Island College Hospital, and was the focus of more than a year of protests and lawsuits, ultimately culminating in the sale of the property to developer Fortis. 2 River Park, which will be located at 91 Pacific Street and occupy the same block as the medical center, will be the tallest tower in the controversial complex at 38 stories. Following the adaptation of existing buildings and new townhouse construction on the site, sales started for the three towers at the complex in 2019. 5 River Park is at 347 Henry Street and 1 River Park is located at 350 Hicks Street.

[Photos by Cate Corcoran]

Related Stories

• Rendering Revealed for NYU’s Medical Center on Atlantic Avenue at LICH
• Struggle Over Controversial LICH Development Rocks Cobble Hill Neighborhood Association
• LICH a Done Deal as Pols Call for Investigation

Sign up for amNY’s COVID-19 newsletter to stay up to date on the latest coronavirus news throughout New York City. Email tips@brownstoner.com with further comments, questions or tips. Follow Brownstoner on Twitter and Instagram, and like us on Facebook.