Residents and business owners where the proposed Medical Center of the Americas would be located, as well as members of the City Plan Commission, got their first look at a master plan for the project. The plan involves developing some 200 acres near Thomason Hospital and the Paul L. Foster Medical School to attract health-care related industries.

About 50 people turned out Wednesday night for the meeting at the Silva Health Magnet School. Home owners repeated two key questions: Would they be forced to leave and would they get fair prices for their homes?

Center officials acknowledged the plan affects some residential properties, but they indicated that for now, no one will be required to leave their homes or businesses.

They also said there are no plans to use eminent domain or create a tax increment reinvestment zone.

“The Medical Center of the Americas will position the Paso del Norte region as the premier center for healthcare for the Hispanic, border and military communities,” said Emma Schwartz, executive director of the Medical Center for Americas Foundation.

The not-for-profit foundation was put together by the Paso del Norte Group to serve as the medical center’s master planner and to develop a long-term vision for the area. Schwartz said the project would not qualify as a tax increment zone because most of its tenants will be non-taxable and institutions of higher education. She also said all project members, including board members, staff, and volunteers, have signed conflict of interest policies that prevent them from profiting from the development. First phase Phase one includes 140 acres north of Interstate 10 and Alameda and is divided by Raynolds Street.

“This is not an actual floor or site plan that states exactly where everything is supposed to be,” said Jason Haim, principal architect with Lee Burkhart Liu Consulting. “This is to establish what the medical center can become over a 50-year period.”

The master plan was created by Lee Burkhart Liu Consulting, a firm that specializes in planning and architectural design for healthcare facilities, under a contract with the foundation.

According to the master plan, medical center buildings will not be taller than four stories, and they will be designed with energy efficiency in mind.

Haim said the site also presents problems that must be addressed before any construction begins, including drainage issues, the location of the railroad and vehicular traffic. Organizers said the Rio Grande Cancer Foundation has agreed to locate within the center.

Also envisioned is a Sun Metro transportation hub and physician offices. The master plan is to go before City Council on Sept. 16. If approved, the city would be asked to incorporate the project into its budget.

Project organizers also envision development money coming from the county, grants and the entities locating there.

UPDATING RESIDENTS

Schwartz said that the foundation members have met with many of the area’s property owners and that many are supportive of the redevelopment.

“We will continue to meet with landowners to get their input because their input is very valuable to our progress,” she said.

The plan was funded through grants received from the public and the private sector. Some private donations came from the Hunt and Schwartz family foundations.

City Council approval would be required before construction could occur and will be required at each stage of development.

When the Medical Center of the Americas Foundation was created under former Mayor Ray Caballero, plans to use eminent domain and tax increment financing brought loud protests from area residents.