"Baylor is very excited about the opportunity to bring this project to Oak Hill," Gilmore said on behalf of his client. "We think it will be a significant first-class addition to Oak Hill, one that will provide quality health care services to the community."
The 86,600-square-foot hospital, slated for a two-phase build-out on an 11-acre parcel of land currently home to the Oak Hill Golf Range, will offer a full range of physician services.
Attorney Henry Gilmore presented renderings of the Austin Medical Center, Baylor Scott & White's proposed hospital for Oak Hill.[/caption]"One of the stated goals of the Oak Hill neighborhood plan was to encourage more doctors and medical professionals to locate in Oak Hill, and we think this hospital will help meet that goal," Gilmore said.
One member in the audience questioned how a full-service hospital could only include 50 beds. Brian Jarrett, Baylor Scott & White development manager, explained that advancements in the medical field now prevent many overnight stays, therefore decreasing the number of beds needed to run a full-service facility.
"This is not an emergency room on steroids or a standalone ED [emergency department]," Jarrett said. "They want this to be a full-service community hospital that is a more innovative solution to health care."
Per the city of Austin's Save Our Springs water quality initiative, no more than 15 percent impervious cover will be developed on the site. Additionally, stormwater will be captured and re-irrigated on site.
Gilmore said that city staff has yet to complete their review of the application and schedule a public hearing. He and the developers anticipate going before the city's Planning Commission later this month or by early next month.
Gilmore asked for OHAN's support of the plan in the form of a formal resolution. Individual members of the association requested the ability to reach out with questions prior to official action.
