On the South Shore of Long Island, equidistant between New York City and Montauk Point sits the remnants of Pilgrim State Psychiatric Center. Pilgrim State is what used to be called a "Farm Colony" a large scale live and work treatment center focused on agriculture. Over the years since its partial closing in the 70s and 80s it has been torn down and claimed to be a place of crime and violence. Though parts of it are still active, it is only a fraction of its original size of over 1,000 acres. Other parts of what used to be the largest psychiatric hospital in the world have become parts of Suffolk County Community Colleges Western Campus. At the height of its operation in 1954 Pilgrim State had 13,875 patients.
According to the New York State Office of Mental Health, it had its own water works, electric light plant, heating plant, sewage system, fire department, police department, courts, church, post office, cemetery, laundry, store, amusement hall, athletic fields, greenhouses, and farm. However, there remains a number of "abandoned buildings." These buildings have attracted teens and young adults who go to explore the crumbling structures and perhaps get a glimpse of history. Here in the United States (especially on Long Island) it seems that the minute a building gets old or is left to rot, it gets knocked down and turned into a housing complex.
This is the fate of Pilgrim State Psychiatric Center. What one reporter called an "eyesore" used to be a place for people to get help. Yes, most these buildings are in bad shape, but, is destroying them, rather than renovating them the best solution? This Four billion dollar project of removal and construction has been described as a "mini city" named Heartland. It will offer countless restaurants and art exhibits as well as shopping opportunities. But what nobody seems to be talking about is what will happen to the 300 inpatients who are there for rehabilitation and care.
Furthermore, what will happen to its outpatients who depend on Pilgrim's services? The property is also home to Phoenix House which is a program that works with people who are struggling with drug and alcohol addiction. While many programs have flaws, closing them may not be the best idea. People who fell through the cracks of the deinstitutionalization movement of the 1960s ended up on the streets of New York or stuck in the prison system. Sadly, the problem is so large that it has prompted a 22 million dollar initiative by Mayor Bill de blasio.
This program will allow for medical professionals to survey and treat the mentally ill population that are homeless. With an increase in these tragedies in an attempt to avoid those that occurred inside places like Pilgrim State it seems like some people have been left behind. Heartland will, however, bring more job opportunities and activities to central Long Island. With one of Pilgrim States architectural landmarks as the center for Heartland Town Square, it is encouraging to know that the past will be a highlight of this small city. Heartland will bring pedestrian friendly streetscapes and ample entertainment as well as hiking trails to the area.
Heartland promises a bright future for a property with an important past. The project could take up to 30 years to complete. It is important to remember Pilgrim State Psychiatric Center and hospitals like it who had their share of dark times but came out with one objective, to help those who need it.
