Memorial Hospital to unveil expansion plan

Yakima Valley Memorial Hospital is coming back from the drawing board after two years with a new plan to expand its campus.

The hospital’s modified “campus master plan” will be presented this evening to the Barge-Chestnut Neighborhood Association at 6:30 p.m. at the Franklin Middle School commons.

Last time the hospital revealed a long-term plan, many of its residential neighbors objected that it would significantly change the character of the Barge-Chestnut neighborhood.

In a letter to neighbors announcing the meeting, Memorial officials said they have worked closely with leaders of the Barge-Chestnut Neighborhood Association to develop the new plan.

“Working together, we believe we can protect the character and charm of the neighborhood while addressing the future medical needs of a growing community,” the letter said.

Walt Ranta, a member of the neighborhood association who has been critical of the hospital in the past, said he has seen the latest plan and that it appears to be significantly less obtrusive than the one presented three years ago.

A five-story parking garage would be built partly underground, making it appear to be only three stories, Ranta said. The plan also incorporates lots of shrubbery to screen out construction and protect homeowners from feeling like the hospital is peering into their backyards, he said.

“It’s going to be more park-like,” he said.

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