Letter to the Editor: Starwood Comments on Plans for United Hospital Site

Dear Editor:

On Monday night, the Board of Trustees made an important decision to commence the environmental impact review process for the redevelopment of the former United Hospital site.  This is a critical step forward for the property’s redevelopment and we thank the Board for taking this first step in a multi-step process. This review will involve a thorough evaluation of a full range of its benefits, potential impacts, and measures designed to minimize those impacts – affording the Board and the public an opportunity to collaboratively assess the proposal on its merits. We at Starwood Capital Group share the Board’s goal of maximizing the redevelopment potential of this property in a way that is both economically viable and beneficial to the community and we look forward to a continued constructive dialogue with the Village Board, Village Staff and the Port Chester residents in the coming months. 

We recognize there are differing views on what the preferred development plan should be for this site; however, we all agree that revitalizing this vacant and underutilized property and returning it to a productive use is vital for the future of the Village of Port Chester.  Starwood’s proposal will yield many significant benefits including enhanced revenue for the Village and its school district, the creation of permanent new jobs, and injecting new discretionary spending into the local economy – not to mention be a symbol of urban renewal and growth. 

We are confident that, through the constructive efforts of all interested parties, the review process will result in a win/win scenario for the entire Village producing significant benefits that far outweigh any perceived impacts.

We thank the Port Chester Board of Trustees, Village Staff and the community for this opportunity and wish you and your families a happy and healthy Thanksgiving holiday.

Very truly yours,

Ellis F. Rinaldi

EVP/Co-General Counsel