WPCNR WHITE PLAINS VOICE. December 26, 2004: A city observer remains troubled deeply by what sees as the Dormitory Authority of New York State neglect of the hospital needs of White Plains, and their foreclosure and subesequent auction of St. Agnes Hospital. He has written the following letter to Gail Gordon, Chair of the DANYS and shares it with the public:
Dear Mr.John Bailey,
In response to your recent article of the Dormitory Auithority's financial status I 'm compelled to submit the following letter addressed to the Dormitory Authority.
Feel free to publish my name as the writer.
December 24, 2004
Ms. Gail H. Gordon
Chair
Dormitory Authority State of New York
515 Broadway
Albany, New York 12207-2964
Dear Ms. Gail H. Gordon
It saddens me on the eve of Christmas during the holiday season that our great city and citizens in White Plains has to experience the loss of one of our most precious assets serving all of mankind, the loss, foreclosure and auctioning off of the St. Agnes Hospital property.
As a resident of White Plains, a father of two children, a New York State taxpayer, and a very concerned citizen, I speak on behalf of the many silent voices, families, children and citizens of our city reflecting the decision making policies of the Dormitory Authority and Governor George E. Pataki concerning the St. Agnes Hospital property.
On December 14, 2004 the Dormitory Authority at public auction sold the St. Agnes Hospital property and millions of dollars of advanced state of the art medical equipment to private investors for personal profit. Medical equipment auctioned off at the mere price of $375.000.00 assuring that the St. Agnes Hospital will never once again provide the necessary health-care and medical services to the community of White Plains. In addition, and as a result of such actions the faith and certainty of the St. Agnes Carvel Foundation Children’s Rehabilitation Center potentially is threatened with the possibility of relocation and closure.
Many of our community leaders, citizens, and families would like to know why such a callous decision was made without investigating the possibility of constructive alternatives and usage to keep the St Agnes Hospital as a continuing health-care facility for possible future use. Why was a not for profit program like the Italian Hospital Society’s initiative not considered prior to the auction, why didn’t the Dormitory Authority accept any “RFP” request for proposals to make the best possible future use of the property, and most important what body of decision makers made such unacceptable decisions impacting the future care and welfare of all of Westchester County and the residents of White Plains. Questions and answers many feel need and should be answered addressed and explained by the Dormitory Authority and Governor Pataki.
It is the opinion of many and clearly myself that the foreclosure and auctioning off of the St. Agnes Hospital property was the most insensitive, inconsiderate and inconceivable decision made by the Dormitory Authority. This decision unequivocally will have an ever-lasting negative impact on the healthcare and medical service of our community.
In closure, it saddens me that the Dormitory Authority could not see the value and importance the St. Agnes Hospital so crucially played in the lives of so many in White Plains.
Wishing you and the Dormitory Authority a much better holiday and New Year then many of us can reflect on here in White Plains.
Happy holiday,
Carl Albanese
White Plains, NY
