Greystone Not Addressed by Freeholders Despite Recent Preservation Interest

Morris County Freeholder Doug Cabana said at the governing body’s last meeting he’d be interested in taking a look at a real estate developer’s plans to preserve Greystone Psychiatric Hospital, and would request a 90-day evaluation period from the state.

Cabana was missing at Wednesday’s freeholder meeting, according to morristowngreen.com, where more than 20 supporters of Preserve Greystone showed up to speak about the situation.

A trustee of Preserve Greystone, Adam McGovern, told the Freeholders that Cabana’s idea to delay demolition of the landmark opened up “a dialogue that is overdue,” the report said. McGovern pressed the freeholders to continue the conversations.

No action was taken by the governing body on the issue, the report said.

The state recently shot down a proposal from a Long Island-based company, Alma Realty, that would have reconstructed the Greystone land with $140 million, creating housing, retail and other spaces.

A $50 million cost is expected to come from taxpayers to take down the longstanding Kirkbride Building and its surrounding structures.

The state plans to begin the demolition before the end of 2014.