NEWPORT BEACH : Hearing on Hospital Expansion Plans Set

The City Council will hold a public hearing Monday on the proposed expansion of the emergency care unit at Hoag Hospital, after residents appealed the Planning Commission’s approval of the project.

Those who oppose the addition--most of whom are residents of two condominium projects next to the existing emergency room--say it would be too close to their homes.

They say a full environmental review may show that the noise and traffic from the expansion, plus its proximity to their homes, would be worse than the hospital has said.

However, the council has received dozens of letters of support from residents throughout the city who argue that more emergency hospital space is needed and the hospital should be allowed to expand.

Many of those residents belong to Hoag 2010, a new group named after the hospital’s long-term design plans.

The proposal at issue is a $5 million, two-story addition to the existing emergency room, which would add 13,700 square feet to the hospital. It would include a basement service level, loading dock, staff offices and bigger emergency room.

Groundbreaking is set for the spring.

Hospital officials say the current facility was designed to serve 18,000 people annually, but served 38,000 last year.

The council hearing is scheduled for 7 p.m.