Springs RAC hears plea for Health Center land

The Springs Redevelopment Advisory Committee (RAC) listened intently to a presentation by Patricia Talbot, CEO of the Sonoma Valley Community Health Center concerning plans for a new health care facility.
Currently housed in a 3500 square foot facility at 430 West Napa Street Suite F, the health center has 46 employees and had 27,000 patient visits this year. “We’re kind of like the lady who lives in a shoe, every wall is filled with something,” said Talbot.
The current facility offers primary health care to all members of the community regardless of their ability to pay. Since 1992 it has been the largest medical facility in the area, serving people from Kenwood to Shellville.
The presentation to the RAC committee at its meeting on Wednesday evening centered on a 20,000 square foot parcel in the redevelopment area with an estimated value of $2.1 million. The area currently has a designated “blight” tag (an evaluation done by previous RAC members) and includes four homes and one commercial property.
The estimated cost of the new center is $10.5 million. Facility expansion will allow for 3-4 physicians on site, behavioral health services including substance abuse, dental services, an on-site lab, a pharmacy and a multi-purpose room to be used for education and preventative care.
Key to obtaining the funds is a recent federal stimulus allocation of $580 million that will go solely to health centers. The stimulus provides up to $6 million to centers that are currently ready to build but requires that they must have the land. The grant for the stimulus funding is due August 6, so that means the RAC must make some quick decisions.
Member Stephen Cox supported the proposal, saying, “This project is very attractive. For a $ 2 million commitment, we would be completing a $10 million project.” The members agreed to stay in contact with Talbot and are hoping to vote on a proposal for the land acquisition during their August meeting.
The RAC also listened to information from Diane Estron, executive director of Habitat for Humanity of Sonoma County, who explained that the mission statement of her group is to ensure that everybody in Sonoma County has a safe home. The members agreed to support the program, as potential home sites become available.
Finally, member Al Lerma presented pictures from a walking tour of the Springs corridor done by RAC members. It provided a visual record of the many potential rehabilitation and façade improvements needed in the area. The findings and reactions will be discussed at the next meeting.