McKinley East Sacramento Neighborhood Association (MENA)

HEART CENTER YIELDS LIVELY DEBATE

Apr 15, 2003

The February MENA meeting was lively as MENA Board members and guests discussed potential expansion plans for Mercy Hospital between H and J and 39th and 40th streets.

Mercy plans a five story addition for the Spanos Heart Center to be located in the current parking lot in front of the emergency room entrance.
A parking garage is also planned, although its location is uncertain. Options include placing it where the Sacred Heart School is presently located (and locating the school between 38th and 39th streets) or building the parking garage between 38th and 39th streets.

Visitors expressed concerns about traffic, potential demolition of housing, impact on the school, and visual impact on the neighborhood of this expansion.

Mercy asked that a MENA representative serve on an advisory panel to help provide community input.
Mercy also shared additional information on their plans at the March 5 MENA Board meeting.
Planning is expected to take many months, with final design plans not complete before the end of 2004.