TRENTON — Gov. Chris Christie decided today that Hagedorn Psychiatric Hospital will permanently be closing its doors in June 2012, a state senator told the Express-Times of Easton, Pa.

"I'm very, very disappointed in the governor's decision," said Sen. Michael Doherty (R-Warren/Hunterdon), who serves on the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee. "It's tragic on so many levels."

Christie's 2012 budget proposal called for one state psychiatric facility to close, saving the state an estimated $9 million.

Hagedorn — located in Glen Gardner, in the hills of northern Hunterdon County — houses about 285 patients.

Related coverage:

• N.J. psychiatric hospitals to release 300 patients under lawsuit settlement

• VIDEO: Fear of closure looms over Hagedorn Psychiatric Hospital in Lebanon

• Task force submits inconclusive report on closing Hagedorn Psychiatric Hospital

