Above: This artist's rendering shows what the proposed Delhi Nursing and Rehabilitation Center is expected to look like. The project includes a combination of renovation and new construction at the site of the former Delaware County Countryside Care Center. Photo by Robert Cairns.

Work could begin on a new nursing home in Delhi within weeks.

The town of Delhi Planning Board, at a meeting on Monday, Oct. 26, approved a special use permit for the Delhi Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, to be built on the site of the former Delaware County Countryside Care Center.

The approval followed a public hearing, at which architect David Schlosser gave details of the plan.

Schlosser said that his client, DNRC Operating LLC, a division of Personal Healthcare LLC, plans to operate a 176-bed skilled nursing facility on the site, utilizing the original 1962 building there, but demolishing a 1975 addition and replacing it with a new, two-story building of 71,720 square feet.

Above: Wayland “Bud” Gladstone, left, and Ed Callahan participated in a candidates' forum on Sunday. The empty seats were reserved for candidates who did not show up for the event. Photo by Robert Cairns.

A candidates' forum drew 50 Andes residents to the Andes Hotel on Sunday, Oct. 18, but only two of the six candidates for seats on the town council joined them.

Wayland “Bud” Gladstone, the Democratic Party candidate for town supervisor, appeared at the event, while his Republican opponent, Ritchie Gabriel, did not. Both are running to succeed retiring Supervisor Martin Donnelly, who has held the post for close to two decades.

Republican Edward Callahan was the only town council candidate to appear, as fellow Republican Shayne Moshier and Democrats Thomas Hall and Bruce Soules were absent.

The event was sponsored by “Andes Works,” a community organization, and moderated by Andes resident Jack McShane. “I don't know why the rest of them are not here,” McShane said of the missing candidates. “Thanks to those who are here.”