Dignity Health, the parent company of Mercy Medical Center in Redding, is set to begin construction on a $50 million wellness campus adjacent to the Sacramento River. It will not only offer outpatient services like oncology and senior care, but it will also employ up to 180 people and bring an estimated payroll of $14 million annually to the area.
The project has been controversial from the start due to its location near what is known as the Henderson Open Space — property that's been set aside for public use.
Although none of the parcels approved for sale at Tuesday night’s City Council meeting are actually part of the open space, the land is owned by the city, and some not only believe it should stay natural, but also that it's just not a good deal. But considering the economic impact, Vice Mayor Brent Weaver disagreed.
"This is a big deal for our community,” Weaver said. “The attractiveness of the project, I think the way it’s going to complement the open space, the kind of jobs its going to bring."
The city stands to net only about $180,000 from the sale. The rest of the $641,000 will go to the state of California as part of the agreement that was made when it abolished redevelopment agencies.
Dignity will build a boat ramp and other river access as part of the deal. It has also agreed to keep access to the Henderson Open Space available during construction.