NEWPORT BEACH : 150 Attend Debate on Hoag Expansion

More than 150 supporters and opponents of the controversial Hoag Hospital expansion plan attended a public hearing to debate the issue, with critics calling it too big and proponents telling heartfelt stories of how the hospital has saved lives.

Doctors, nurses and longtime residents spoke highly of the hospital’s care and facilities and its need to expand to remain at the forefront of health care.

“If you believe that Hoag is one of the city’s most valuable assets, then you should believe that its continued growth is vital to keeping it an asset,” said John Farrer, a doctor at the hospital for 30 years who is also a member of Stop Polluting Our Newport, a group opposing the hospital’s plan.

The hospital’s master plan is a framework for development over the next 20 years. It calls for eventually doubling the size of the facility.

Proponents described the plan as well-designed, noting the hospital’s plan to locate outpatient services within easy access of the Coast Highway while moving longer-term critical care patients to the upper campus near the existing tower.

But members of Friends of Cattail Cove, a 100-member West Newport-based environmental group, decried the possible loss of wetlands. They presented a slide show about animals and plants living in the hospital-owned wetlands and urged the council to consider saving the open space.

Also, residents of the Villa Balboa condominium complex next door to the hospital displayed a three-dimensional model to illustrate how views from a public bike path between their homes and the hospital’s planned development along Coast Highway would be blocked by the new buildings. The hospital contends that views would be improved by new buildings.

Members of the Balboa Coves Homeowners Assn., across from the hospital, detailed how expansion would increase traffic and noise in the area.

“It’s like sitting in a 747 all night long. If you permit any more building in the upper campus, I’ll be able to assist you doctors in your surgeries,” said resident Alec Carmichael. “I can see the patients now. It doesn’t bother me, but I don’t want them any closer.”

The council will resume discussion on the plan on April 13.