$1.9 million health clinic planned for New Haven

Mar 10, 2010 — The News-Sentinel

Kevin Leininger

Mar. 10, 2010 (McClatchy-Tribune Regional News delivered by Newstex) -- A new health clinic is coming to New Haven -- and bringing up to 11 new full-time jobs with it.

Lutheran Health Network is planning a $1.9 million project that would convert a vacant former Scott's grocery store at 1302 Minnich Road into a facility that would provide primary medical care as well as rotating specialty clinics, according to Lutheran spokeswoman Lizette Downey.

The clinic is expected to open in August.

"We are excited to be working with New Haven," Downey said.

A tax abatement has been requested for the project, which if approved by City Council would temporarily reduce the taxes payable on new equipment and other improvements.

According to the application, about $1.5 million will be spent on improvements to the real estate in New Haven Plaza and another $400,000 on information technology equipment. The abatement request was introduced at council's meeting Tuesday.

Although Downey said the project will create about 11 full-time jobs, the application says 16 jobs -- including part-time -- will be created, with average annual salaries of $86,000. The project could also attract additional medical services to New Haven, the application states.

"New Haven Plaza is an anchor for our community but has needed an overhaul for years," Mayor Terry McDonald said. The new clinic will dramatically expand the city's health care choices, he said, now limited to a small Parkview facility and a handful of individual doctors.

Newstex ID: KRTB-0071-42756770