Legal News

Proposed medical center prompts competition, traffic, other concerns

By Richard Binder

Donald Ecker, managing member and project leader of March Healthcare Development, has said Riverside County is in short supply of health care services, including hospital beds. He proposed a large-scale medical complex at March Air Reserve Base that would provide full-service health care and prevent residents from leaving the area to get treatment. The plan has inspired wildly mixed opinions.

Project supporters say they agree with Ecker's perception that the Inland needs more health care services. They also are eager for job creation in the area, which suffers from double-digit unemployment.  Some people say the complex wouldn't create jobs but rather drain other hospitals of staff and exacerbate the Inland's chronic shortage of health care professionals.

Other remarks offered about the project centered around possible plan modifications to ensure the site adequately addresses traffic, infrastructure, flood control, solid waste and base security and safety needs. Attorney Michelle Ouellette, of Best Best & Krieger in Riverside, said she is aware of the remarks and is working with the March Joint Powers Authority's staff to address them. 

Full story here.

Full post as published by Legal Pad | LA on September 28, 2009 (boomark / email).