News and Press

Covina offers $2.2 million for new hospital
February 20, 2005
by Rodney Tanaka, Inland Valley Daily Bulletin

Covina - The Covina City Council has pledged $2.2 million toward the planning of a new, $150 million hospital.

The council Tuesday approved a memorandum of understanding -and the pledge of redevelopment money - with Citrus Valley Health Partners, which owns Citrus Valley Medical Center - Inter-Community Campus in Covina, as well as two other hospitals.

Citrus Valley, which has been looking into building a new hospital, will consider the memorandum next week, said James T. Yoshioka, president and chief executive officer of Citrus Valley Health Partners.

"This allows us to look at if it's really feasible, to dig into the development process," Yoshioka said.

Covina agreed to work with the group on designs, since city officials view the project as a major component of the city's downtown revitalization.

The hospital would most likely be built in downtown, but no specific location has been discussed.

The estimated $150 million it would cost to build a new hospital could fluctuate greatly depending on the services offered, Yoshioka said.

Another part of revitalizing the downtown area involves developing Civic Park.

The council voted 3-2 Tuesday, with Mayor Kevin Stapleton and Councilman Walt Allen III dissenting, to allow staff to field proposals for the 2-acre park at the southeast corner of Citrus Avenue and San Bernardino Road.

Councilwoman Peggy Delach said she prefers moving the park to a more central downtown location, away from busy San Bernardino Road.

"It makes perfect business sense to put development on that location and put the park in a safe environment," she said.

The original intent was to build a new City Hall on the park site, Councilman Chris Lancaster said, so the city should be open-minded about relocating the park.

Public comments at the Tuesday meeting were mixed, with some speakers arguing the park should not be moved. Others said the park would benefit from a new location and upgrades.

The park doesn't have proper electrical, water or sewer services, said Covina resident Ron Capotosto.

He would like the park moved one block south on Citrus Avenue. The city could shut down School and Italia streets for special events to expand the usable space, he said.

"I want something better for Covina than what we've got," he said.