Overview
- A packed first hearing in Brooklyn Supreme Court drew community leaders and supporters backing preservation of the synagogue on the Kingsbrook Jewish Medical Center campus.
- One Brooklyn Health argues the building must be razed for a $400 million campus overhaul with affordable housing and outpatient services, saying the structure lacks standalone utilities and cannot remain code-compliant.
- Justice Richard Velasquez said he would decide soon whether the case proceeds or the hospital’s motion to dismiss is granted.
- Congregation Chaim Albert cites a 2019 state RFP, pandemic-era promises, a prolonged lockout since 2020, and a 2024 notice of sale as grounds to seek a constructive and charitable trust establishing ownership.
- Gov. Kathy Hochul announced an effort in December to prevent demolition and urged a negotiated solution, as the hospital points to financial pressures and its right to use its property.