Mayor Reflects on Path to New Hoover Healthcare Facility Amid Controversy
TL/DR –
Hoover’s mayor, Frank Brocato, discussed various topics during his State of the City message, including the contentious path to a new healthcare facility to be opened in 2024. The facility, as part of the Riverwalk Village project, faced opposition but eventually secured a Certificate of Need, which proved its necessity and avoided duplication of services. Mayor Brocato said this process taught valuable lessons about perseverance and collaboration, emphasizing that the project’s success will spur further development and attract more high-paying jobs to Hoover.
Hoover Mayor Highlights City’s New Healthcare Facilities and Development Projects
During a State of the City speech to the Hoover Chamber of Commerce, Mayor Frank Brocato discussed the city’s anticipated new healthcare facility in 2024 and the value of persistence and teamwork. He addressed several important topics, including a $200,000 market assessment study for the Riverchase Galleria.
Brocato also touched on the Riverwalk Village project, a mixed-use development near Riverchase Parkway. The project includes the Riverwalk Health and Wellness Center, a healthcare facility that the city will manage through the Hoover Health Care Authority.
The redevelopment plan for the office park entails significant expansion and modernization of the Regions Bank’s North and South Buildings. Alongside the wellness center, the plan includes 31 residential spaces, retail areas, and extensive trails and green spaces.
However, the path to establishing the health and wellness center triggered controversy last year, due to the city’s efforts to secure a Certificate of Need. This certificate demonstrates the need for a healthcare facility and prevents the duplication of services in the area.
Opposition to the project came from the Forest Park Group, led by Loree Skelton, sister of former Hoover Mayor Brian Skelton. Despite this, the city successfully secured the CON, allowing for the selection of the best providers and future development opportunities.
Mayor Brocato emphasized the project’s potential for generating more high-paying jobs, stating, “I believe Riverchase can be home to more companies like BlueCross BlueShield of Alabama, Bio LIFE, Biocryst, and Bio Horizons.”
Since securing the certificate for Riverwalk, plans for another healthcare facility have been announced. Developer Broad Metro has recently shared detailed plans for the second phase of Stadium Trace Village, which includes the South Haven Surgical Plaza, a 50,000-square-foot surgical hospital, and space for medical offices.
This plaza will occupy 15.5 acres, with five available parcels, including a medical office building. Skelton has been involved in the South Haven project, following in the footsteps of her parents, who opened South Haven Nursing Home in Hoover in 1964.
Brocato concluded that the challenges faced during the Riverwalk Village project resulted in valuable lessons about perseverance and collaboration, leading the city to emerge stronger and more united in its vision for this transformative project.
—
Read More Health & Wellness News ; US News