Long Beach Urgent Care Opening Delayed Due To Generator
LONG BEACH (CBSNewYork) -- The opening of a 24-hour urgent care in Long Beach has been delayed because of the type of generator installed at facility.
Congressman Kathleen Rice says the federal government will not allow South Nassau Communities Emergency Department to open because the facility has a Type 3 generator.
Officials say this is not enough and that the facility requires a Type 1 generator, reports WCBS 880's Sophia Hall.
But, a Type 1 generator supports a hospital and the facility is not a hospital, Rice explains.
"They are applying an inappropriate regulation to this facility," Rice said.
After Sandy, Long Beach lost its hospital and Rice said especially during the busy summer months, this emergency department is needed. But without the Feds approval, it cannot open.
"And no pun intended, but it's a crime, what's happening to this community," Rice said.
The hospital-type generator would cost over $1 million to install. Until the facility opens, the closest emergency room for residents is about 15 minutes away.