Community Redevelopment

Most of ’s services are going to be moved out of New Port Richey and into a new Trinity home, and there’s no clear diagnosis of what will replace them.

John Schneiger and chief hospital executive met last month to discuss the future use of the space that will be left after the move.

It was the first time they’ve done so since the city council complained last year about the hospital executives' application to the state to leave a psychiatric ward and an emergency room behind in New Port Richey. The state gave the hospital approval to move forward with its plans.

Massengill and Schneiger, both of whom started their jobs after the city began the process of protesting the plan, say they want to spawn a relationship that’s healthy for the property’s owners and the city. Schneiger says he intends on working toward a partnership with the hospital, which is part of HCA Healthcare’s West Florida division, and possibly others. He said he wants to create a working group that will brainstorm ideas for the vacant hospital space.

“Right now, I think we’re trying to develop the partnership and get some direction,” he said. “And I think that’s where you start on something like this. Getting people in a room and talking about things.”  

Massengill, who became chief executive officer of Community Hospital in November, said that the meeting between herself, Schneiger, who was hired as New Port Richey's city manager in March 2010, city development director Lisa Fierce and Massengill's staff was "pleasant" and "congenial."

“I think we’re going to have a very pleasant working relationship going forward," she said. "John’s new. I’m new. There’s not a whole lot of history that either one of us are particularly tied to. We’re both interested in mutual success for this future site as well as something that’s in the best interest for New Port Richey.”

In the meantime, the grand opening of the, under construction at 9330 State Road 54, is tentatively planned for November 11, with Community’s patients moved in later that month. About 150,000 square feet of the main hospital building will be vacated as Community moves to Trinity. The hospital's operating room, obstetrics, some patient rooms and more will be gone. The current plan has only the psychiatric ward and emergency room remaining at the site.

The city wants to see  the redevelopment of at least part of Community Hospital, located at 5637 Marine Parkway. A proposed $50,000 redevelopment plan that the city Community Redevelopment Agency intends to discuss during its May 10 meeting suggests rezoning a western corner of the property for residential or office use. Among other ideas, it also suggests redeveloping the surrounding area of Grand Blvd. and Marine Parkway.

Schneiger said he and Fierce met with Massengill and her staff days in advance of the city’s first public discussion of what should go into its CRA Strategic Redevelopment Action Plan, which was held on March 10.

Schneiger said further discussion with Community Hospital has been put on hold until the city decides what it wants to make a priority in the redevelopment plan. It's also concentrating on its budget. Massengill said Community Hospital has been participating in the plan and was present at the March 10 meeting.

Whatever route the city chooses to take, hospital executives plan to continue its  ownership of the Community Hospital property and does not want to raze it.

“We’ve got a laundry list of potential uses for this space,” Massengill said. “…At this point, we’re not contemplating any demolition until we’ve exhausted all reasonable use that we’ve identified or that we, in partnership with the city, can identify. “

That list includes rehabilitation services, skilled nursing, clinical referral services with the VA and teaming up with medical schools, Schneiger said.

Massengill said the hospital is open to renting out parts of its property.

In addition, John Hagen, president and chief executive officer of the Pasco Economic Development Council, has proposed creating a business incubator at the property.

Community Hospital is the city's largest taxpayer, Schneiger said. He said he did not know how low their tax payments would fall when they left the city.

City Councilwoman Ginny Miller said she feels Community Hospital has been "closed-mouthed" about its plans for the property." She said she's concerned about the effect on nearby doctor's offices and businesses.

"As a corporate citizen, I feel they should have been more forthcoming about what they were going to do," she said.

Massengill, who is also the head of the Medical Center of Trinity, said it is not her intent “to alienate or abandon" New Port Richey or to not be "a good business partner in the neighborhood.”

"We are absolutely open for discussion about any use for this facility that would be beneficial and supportive of the community and make sense in combination with whatever residual services we leave here," Massengill said.