When asked what level of funding the hospital is seeking from New York State, Hildesley responded, "We're looking for about 25%" (approximately $50 million). She later offered no comment to a query on whether the hospital would pursue the biotech venture without state assistance. However, she did describe state aid as "critical" to the proposal.
Westchester County Health Care Corp., the operating entity of Westchester Medical Center, is also seeking state funding support for a biotechnology development of between 300,000 sf to 500,000 sf on 60 acres of vacant land at its Grasslands campus. That project has received the support from Westchester County Executive Andrew Spano.
New York Presbyterian Hospital's plan would entail the renovation of existing space and the development of two biomedical buildings totaling 380,000 sf.The hospital plans to build a 192,000-sf laboratory building to accommodate the growing research needs of the existing E.W. Bourne Behavioral Research Laboratory, which integrates behavioral, neurological, pharmacological and general studies of the psychological mechanisms controlling food intake and body weight, hospital officials explained.
In addition, the hospital proposes to construct the Center for Advanced Proton Technology, a building of approximately 190,000 sf that would house a proton beam accelerator for treating cancer. Hildesely says that the hospital has an agreement with Optivus Inc., the builder of the proton accelerator, that would provide New York Presbyterian with an exclusive on the technology for Connecticut, New York and New Jersey.
Hildesely says the center would be a draw for the White Plains area. In addition, the center and the expanded E.W. Bourne Behavioral Research Laboratory would spur biotech start-ups and spin-offs. On Apr. 18, hospital officials met with the White Plains City Council to allay fears of possible environmental contamination from the use of the proposed proton accelerator technology. She termed the technology "safe" and something that would foster significant economic development activity in the area.
Last July, White Plains rejected a plan similar to the one now before it as well as a retail/housing project the hospital presented. In February, the city and the hospital settled litigation filed by New York Presbyterian that disputed the legality of the city's denials.
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John Jordan
John Jordan is a veteran journalist with 36 years of print and digital media experience.
