When Jerry Wolkoff purchased 452 acres of former Pilgrim Psychiatric Center property for his Heartland Town Square Project, he promised Long Island’s premier “smart growth” community where people can live, work and play... This, however, would never come to pass. 22 Years Later... The Heartland Project Disgraces Pilgrim Psychiatric Center.

 

 

When his company demolished many of the Pilgrim Psychiatric Center buildings in 2003, 2011, and 2012, the piles of rubble were left to lie on their original foundations in the shape of the former buildings, leaving the grounds which surround the current hospital property in shambles. Sadly, this is where the rubble remains today… in the same piles, 22 years later…

 

 

The demolished buildings never left... Building Rubble litters the campus 22 years later (Photo by Joe Boccio)

This neglect of the property has encouraged illegal dumping, emergence of environmental hazards, and possible insurance fraud (related to the dumping of cars, boats, and other vehicles on the property). The patients and staff of the Pilgrim Psychiatric Center are negatively affected by the surrounding garbage pile, as it takes away from the therapeutic and safe environment staff try to create as a facility. The grounds are unsafe, as many unidentified individuals and vehicles trespass on the campus to take part in illegal dumping, complete drug deals, and interact negatively with the clients. 

 

 

While the state of the property is a disgrace, the superior concern is the former hospital cemetery that is located on the campus. When the property was purchased by Jerry Wolkoff, the developer had the obligation to preserve the historic cemetery on the grounds which is owned by now David Wolkoff. This cemetery is neglected, with 8,000+ deceased Pilgrim patients becoming increasingly forgotten as their headstone markers are overtaken by nature and the plot locations become unclear. Although the grass is mowed by Pilgrim Psychiatric Center, many of the headstones have sunken into the ground and can only be recovered by removing layers of dirt and foliage. In addition, there are no signs on the site indicating the presence of a cemetery, further erasing these individuals from thought. There is no memorial, or bench, or a single bouquet of flowers recognizing the many past lives that lay in the ground.

 

 

Photo of Barren Cemetery courtesy of Max Neukirch Jr.

The town and the developer are silent, as they have been reached out to for information and have been offered suggestions several times. The Wolkoff property needs to be cleaned, the old building rubble needs to be disposed of, and the cemetery needs to be revitalized.

I urge Islip Town authorities to act promptly - to mandate and oversee the cleanup of the Heartland Town Square Property, take strict action against any unlawful activities, and invest in the revitalization of the hospital's neglected cemetery. It is high time that we restore the dignity and respect this property, and its past and present residents deserve. Please join this appeal for justice, dignity, and an improved environment for our community by signing the petition.