Jefferson Parish has officially given the green light to Ochsner Health for the construction of a new children's hospital, despite vocal pushback from local residents. At a recent meeting, the Parish Council approved rezoning and the hospital's expansive master plan, allowing the healthcare giant to progress with its project designed to deliver specialized pediatric care in a standalone facility, as reported by NOLA.com.
The plans for the 343,000-square-foot complex, to be known as The Gayle and Tom Benson Ochsner Children’s Hospital, as NOLA.com reported, include a range of pediatric services and a Level IV surgical neonatal intensive care unit, aimed to competitively position the hospital alongside national leaders in children's healthcare. Controversially, the construction will involve razing homes and a parking lot on the block of Betz Avenue near the river, a move that has stirred dissent among the local community.
Citizens raised concerns about the potential disruption and change to the fabric of their neighborhood, as exemplified by Jefferson neighbor Hilton Bond's plea during the council meeting: "Don’t let Ochsner destroy Betz Avenue, please." However, Ochsner has promised certain concessions, including the development of a pocket park and a commitment to cease purchasing more houses within the area, according to WGNO.
Emily Arata, Ochsner’s system vice president of community affairs, stressed the importance of the site in delivering superior care, suggesting, "We’re making major investments in infrastructure to build in this location," and committing to infrastructure improvements such as building sidewalks and a walkway to the levee for public use. As FOX8Live reported, the council has attempted to address some of the residents' concerns through a cooperative endeavor agreement with Ochsner, establishing a clearly defined boundary for the hospital's expansion.
