City submits detailed hospital site proposal
June 17, 2010
The City of Belen on Tuesday submitted a hospital site proposal to Valencia Health Commons, offering nearly 14 acres of land near Camino del Llano for the construction of a hospital.
The site proposal provides a detailed look at what the city is calling the Healthcare Hub, the area of clustered medical facilities near the Camino del Llano interchange.
The Healthcare Hub includes Presbyterian Urgent Care, Belen Meadows Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center and the private medical practice of Roland Sanchez, among other medical-related facilities.
More than $22 million of infrastructure has been invested in the Healthcare Hub during recent years by the city and Belen Consolidated Schools — things like roadwork, waterlines, drainage and the Belen High School Career Academy’s nursing program.
At least four sites will be under consideration:
- Approximately 60 acres owned by the Valley Improvement Association near the intersection of Hillandale Avenue and the Manzano Expressway in Rio Communities;
- Approximately 14 acres owned by the City of Belen near the intersection of Christopher Road and Camino del Llano in Belen;
- Approximately 20 acres owned by a private individual near the intersection of Christopher Road and Camino del Llano in Belen;
- Approximately 10 acres owned by a private individual near the intersection of Don Luis Trujillo Boulevard and the Interstate 25 (I-25) Bypass in Belen.
The hospital is expected to need three acres, plus parking.
Three of the four proposed sites have been offered as a donation, if possible. The site near the I-25 Bypass has a price.
“The city is interested in a comprehensive comparison of all of the proposed sites,” Belen City Councilor Jerah Cordova told the Valencia County Commission on Wednesday night.
During the county commission meeting, Commissioner Pedro Rael cautioned the city about trying to donate land to Valencia Health Commons, a private nonprofit corporation, because the New Mexico Constitution typically disallows donations to corporations.
Internally, city officials have had extensive discussions of the law to ensure compliance, should the city’s proposed site be selected.