City Council Wants Modifications in Hospital’s Expansion Plans

In response to complaints from more than a dozen angry residents who showed up at its Monday night meeting, the City Council trimmed Simi Valley Hospital’s proposed expansion plans.

After listening to more than an hour of criticism from residents living near the hospital, the council decided to allow the hospital to move ahead with the expansion.

But council members said they would not allow the annexation of 1.3 acres of unincorporated land next to the hospital and near homes on Luray and Blue Ridge circles to be used for development of office space.

Residents feared that the hospital’s expansion would create a constant nuisance and devalue their properties.

The hospital, which is currently using the two homes located on the property illegally as office space, hoped to have the land annexed and rezoned by the city. County code-enforcement officials are considering action against the hospital, officials said.

“It appears to me that the only reason you want this annexed and rezoned is so that you aren’t operating there illegally,” said Councilman Paul Miller at the meeting. “I think the best course of action in this instance is for the hospital to divest itself of the property.”

Councilwoman Barbara Williamson said she understood the hospital’s need to expand, but sided with residents.

“We all support the hospital and the work they’re trying to do,” Williamson said. “But we need to leave the residents alone.”

Hospital planners will spend the next several months mapping out the proposed expansion before going before the council again for final approval.