The Town of Bethlehem shut down the Albany Center for Independent Living in Delmar after multiple violations.
DELMAR, N.Y. (WNYT)- Bethlehem ordered the Albany Center for Independent Living vacated after officials found serious problems at the assisted living facility.
Bethlehem Town Supervisor David VanLuven said the property was bought by a for-profit corporation from New Jersey one year ago and conditions have worsened since then.
VanLuven said a town building inspector went to the site after an elevator stopped working, saw other problems and shared those concerns with the state Department of Health.
VanLuven said the emergency order to vacate the privately owned assisted living facility on Rockerfeller Road is unprecedented in the town and has never happened before.
“The building wasn’t closed because of pot holes in the parking lot,” said VanLuven. “The building was closed because of structural issues, electrical issues, the elevator not working, mold issues. For a building to get to the point where it has to be vacated in this manner, especially when so many people have to lose their homes in the process.”
“I think as we talk about this, we have to keep our attention very clearly on the victims in this situation who are the residents who live there. Moving their homes is a traumatic thing for them,” VanLuven said.
The New York Department of Health (DOH) said it is working with the facility and the town. “The Department is coordinating with the facility, residents, families, and local partners to support a safe and orderly relocation consistent with the Town’s order. Our oversight activities remain ongoing, and appropriate regulatory action will be taken based on those findings,” a DOH spokesperson told NewsChannel 13.
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