Lee Chamber president: Hospital groundbreaking in spring
Winston Oxford tells Lee Chamber county’s medical center set to open in 2020
By Carlton Fletcher
LEESBURG — Lee County Chamber of Commerce President Winston Oxford told that organization at its Annual Meeting Thursday that groundbreaking for the Lee County Medical Center is planned in the spring with the opening of the facility on schedule for 2020.
In addition to recognizing standout members at the organization’s 30th annual meeting, Oxford offered an update on the planned $123 million, 60-bed hospital.
“We are still right on track and making great progress to make our Lee County Medical Center a reality and ensure all in southwest Georgia will have access to local, excellent health care services,” Oxford said. “This is in large part thanks to the wonderful support we’ve gotten from this community.”
Oxford said work is ongoing to get all the elements in place for the operation of a successful medical facility.
“We are continuing to work with local physicians, architects, developers and Healthcare Facility Partners to take care of the elements needed to build and open a new hospital,” the chamber president said. “As you might imagine, there are a lot of details to be taken care of, and you’ve probably seen people out at the site as we start the development process.
“We’re thrilled to share that we’re planning to break ground some time this coming spring with our doors opening in 2020. We’re excited about the economic boost this hospital will bring to Lee County and beyond. Once we get a little farther down the path, we’ll begin the process of hiring more than 350 positions. Also in the works is the development of the remaining 175 acres now known as Grand Island Club.”
Oxford hinted at some of the development plans for the property around the hospital.
“Your commission and development authority envision an upscale, mixed-use development with lots and lots of greenspace that might even include an amphitheater,” he said. “You probably will not find one of my favorite dollar stores in this development, but chances are you might find a Trader Joe’s, Lucky’s Market, or a Bed, Bath and Beyond.”
Author
Related Articles
Albany Rescue Mission in recovery but still can use some help
“We can’t do this without the community. We are so grateful for the willing vessels. We just can’t thank them enough. We also appreciate the other ministries that have sown seeds into our ministry.”
Plenty of oil, not enough diesel — and southwest Georgia farmers are paying for it
Sedrick Rowe doesn’t spray herbicides on his 10 acres of organic peanuts. He fights weeds with his tractor instead, which means he runs it more often than most farmers — and burns at least 30 gallons of diesel on a typical day. This harvest season, every one of those gallons costs more than it has at any point on record.
Dougherty schools plan task force as SNAP changes raise concern over free meals
The Dougherty County School System plans to create a task force to help families retain food assistance and navigate new reporting requirements as district officials warn that declining SNAP participation could eventually affect the federal provision that allows every student to eat free at school.
