Did you know that when this building, at 3121 Ocean Avenue, was originally built, it won awards for design? That’s what the architect told us when we ran into him a few months back. So you’d think maybe they’d give it a paint job before they put the sign up. You know, gussy up the joint a bit; restore some of its glory.
Well, maybe this is a temporary sign. I didn’t bother to ask. Or maybe they’re waiting to get more money, since the city keeps stripping funds from public healthcare. I guess it’s better they spend the dough on something that’ll save someone’s life.
Anyway, in case you don’t remember, Maimonides reclaimed the building in the beginning of May. Before that, Coney Island Hospital owned it, but shut it down because of said healthcare cuts. And before Coney Island Hospital, it was converted from Beefsteak Charlie’s by Maimonides. Maybe when Maimonides is done with it, it’ll turn back into a Beefsteak Charlie’s and we can gather ’round and sing “Circle of Life.”
Just don’t expect to see the famous peel-n-eat shrimp anytime soon.
Post updated. Keep reading to see the changes.
Maimonides Medical Center is putting the final touches on its newly-opened Sheepshead Bay Rehabilitation Center, but they’ve been admitting patients for a little over a month.
It’s not the first time Maimonides has had control of the 3121 Ocean Avenue building. Working in reverse chronological order, the building was occupied by Coney Island Hospital’s Sheepshead Bay Primary Care Center. Before that it was Maimonides, which originally converted the structure. And going back to the days of Sheepshead lore, there was our beloved Beefsteak Charlie’s (sigh… R.I.P., friend).
Coney Island Hospital’s Sheepshead Bay Primary Care Center closed last June following city budget cuts in healthcare spending.
The new facility houses a handful of outpatient services including urology and a woman’s care center. New signage and a paint job are on the way.
Whoever said that Sheepshead Bay party boats are dispensable probably never had their boat overturned in the windy waters.
Early Sunday morning on May 10, 2009, a 25-foot boat carrying six anglers was overturned when the winds and waves forced them into the chilly waters of Jamaica Bay.
Thankfully, a dance cruise boat carrying high schoolers celebrating their graduation was nearby. The captain and crew of the Capt. Dave II rushed to the mayday call — originating through the Coast Guard radio — and were able to rescue the entire crew of the capsized boat.
The rescued fisherpeople were rushed to nearby Coney Island Hospital and Maimonides Hospital in Borough Park, with all being released with a clear bill of health a little while later — free to check out their boat now docked at Sheepshead Bay.
Check the NY Daily News full story and see some pictures of the Capt. Dave II and its heroes, Capt. Dave Paris,Daniel Paris, and Larry Patrin. There’s no picture of rescuer Salvatore “Capt. Cody” Catapano, but we’re sure everyone whose life was saved will never forget his face.
