Face Off At Hearing For New San Francisco Hospital Development

SAN FRANCISCO (KCBS)— Supporters and opponents of California Pacific Medical Center's expansion plan for San Francisco faced off before the Planning Commission Thursday.

It was the first opportunity for public comment since the revised development plan was announced.

Last week Mayor Ed Lee and CPMC announced what they called an unprecedented health care agreement to build a new hospital on Van Ness Avenue and make seismic upgrades to St. Luke's.

KCBS' Barbara Taylor Reports:

Critics like community activist Calvin Welsh said the agreement comes up short on transportation, affordable housing and downplays neighborhood impacts.

"We are talking about a fundamental change in the health delivery system of the city that will be with us for the next half century," he argued.

But supporters argue the development will generate jobs and keep patients safe in an earthquake.

Later this month, the Planning Commission will decide whether to approve this $2.5 billion development agreement which includes the new Nine-story hospital at Van Ness and Geary and a promise of $1.1 billion in community benefits.

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