Demolition Contract For 'Decaying' Northport VA Buildings Awarded

NORTHPORT, NY — The Army Corps of Engineers awarded a contract for the "long-overdue" demolition of Buildings 1 and 2 at the Northport VA Medical Center, Congressman Tom Suozzi announced July 3.

The demolition of what Suozzi referred to as "two decaying buildings" will lead to extra parking for the facility. The Northport VA cares for more than 30,000 veterans a year.

"This is a huge victory for the Northport VA and our veterans and something that I have been prioritizing since I came to Congress in 2017," Suozzi said in a statement. "When you pull into the Northport VA, the first things you see are these two decaying and decrepit buildings. The buildings, which are surrounded by hazard fencing because of the risk of falling debris, will provide much-needed parking spaces for patients and staff at the VA. Additionally, these eyesores send the wrong message about how we, as a country, care for our veterans. The Northport VA has gone through several leadership changes over the past few years. I am encouraged that under the skilled leadership of Dr. Antonio Sanchez, the demolition of these buildings will signal a new beginning for the Northport VA and our veterans."

The Army Corps of Engineers awarded the $6.984 million demolition contract to Weber Enterprise, LLC of Latham, New York. A demolition date has yet to be set as Weber Enterprise will need to line up assurances and subcontractors to safely remove lead and asbestos that are within the nearly 100-year old buildings, according to Suozzi's Office. Once a timeline has been set, the Army Corps of Engineers will update Suozzi.

The Northport VA did not respond to a request for comment.