7/01/2003-The Cleveland Advocate-Daily Update

Packed Council Room Hears Argument Against New Hospital

In a public hearing held last night at 6p.m. in council chambers at City Hall, council members and dozens of guests heard arguments both for and against the proposed new hospital in Cleveland. Dozens more stood in the hallway trying to listen, while others were unable to even enter the building due to the crowd. At issue was an application for a state grant to be made by the city of Cleveland that would enable the city to extend water and sanitary sewer services to the new facility and surrounding areas. The purpose of the special council meeting was to host a public hearing; a requirement of the grant process.

Cleveland Imaging & Surgical Hospital, LLC (dba Doctors Diagnostic Hospital) has broken ground on South Travis for their facility - a site currently out- side the city limits. Supporters of the new facility maintained that it will furnish specialty medical and surgical care, provide new jobs to are residents,and contribute to the economic growth and vitality of the city. Opponents stated their concerns that the new facility would jeopardize Cleveland Regional Medical Center (CRMC) by siphoning off high-reimbursement surgeries now performed at CRMC. Concerns were also voiced about the city's liability in having to pay back the grant monies - anticipated to be near $750,000 - should the new facility declare bankruptcy sometime in the future.

The grant application must be Filed on or before July 25, 2003. The public must be informed Five days prior to that date of the city's intention to File for the grant.

Police Department Stats

For Sunday, June 29: An unusually high number of ambulance calls were recorded, totaling 13. General calls totaled 34; alarm calls, 2; and 911 calls, 14. Four offenses were noted, including 2 assaults, and 3 arrests were made.

Funeral Services Scheduled
Face-Stancil Funeral Home lists these services:

Funeral services for Lamar (Alton) Richards have been scheduled for Tuesday, 7/1, at First United Methodist Church in Cleveland, with interment at Oak Shade Cemetery.