Methodist Hospital Is Planning to Expand...

Photo of 1997 Expansion by Robert Spencer via Daily News

...And some people aren't all that thrilled about it. You may remember back in May when I lauded Methodist's emergency room after slicing some thumb in my mandolin accident. And then again most of you probably don't. Regardless it has become my duty to remind you that Methodist Hospital has had plans to expand its facilities in the hood. Now a group called Preserve Park Slope is heading a campaign to block the expansion citing such maladies as an increase in traffic, noise, the pain of a long-term construction project and the demolition of historic buildings in the area as reasons why Slopers should be fighting the man.    

A representative of Preserve Park Slope sent this to us: 

For those of you who have not heard yet, Methodist Hospital has plans to significantly expand their facilities in Park Slope between 5th & 6th Streets and 7th & 8th Avenues to include an ambulatory care center and operate 24 hours a day.  If this project moves forward as currently proposed they will build a 300,000 square foot 8 story building that will take up nearly an entire city block, create a multi-lane auto and pedestrian pass through tunnel between 6th & 5th Streets and destroy as many as 15 brownstones in the process -- and take many years to complete.  With the impending closure of other Brooklyn hospitals, Methodist will become the defacto hospital for all of Brooklyn. The massive amounts of construction, influx of additional hospital employees, traffic and ambulances will hugely impact our neighborhood. A group of concerned residents has formed Preserve Park Slope to galvanize our community and influence Methodist’s plans to preserve the essential character of Park Slope.

Concerned? Confused? Confounded? Preserve Park Slope is having a meeting so Slopers can learn more about the project. It will be this Tuesday, September 10th at 7PM at St. Savior's High School, 588 6th Street and it is opened to the public. 

If you're interested in learning more about the expansion plans you can go to Preserve Park Slope's facebook page or email the group at info@preserveparkslope.org. 

In the meantime, PPS is suggesting that you voice your opinions to Methodist directly by emailing their VP of Communications Lyn Hill (lyh9001@nyp.org). The also suggests that you send copies of your letters to:

• Park Slope Civic Counsel: mail@parkslopeciviccouncil.org
• Community Board 6: Info@BrooklynCB6.org
• Councilman Brad Lander: lander@council.nyc.gov, eertinger@council.nyc.gov, atamoore@council.nyc.gov.

 So, tell us, do you think expansion of Methodist is the beginning of the end for Park Slope?