LAKE CITY, Fla. (WCJB) – Lake Shore Authority Board members are reconsidering plans that almost concluded because more leaders have proposed new ideas.
Board members heard more proposals on how to use their medical property.
After paying the Masonic Lodge $125,000 for a parking lot, officials thought they were nearing a conclusion with Meridian Behavioral Health Care but now multiple parties are expressing interest.
The mayor of Lake City, Stephen Witt, says he just wants the property to be used to benefit the community.
“I’m glad that there is interest by several people so that the hospital authority has options rather than just letting it deteriorate any further,” says Witt. “Hopefully we can all put the ideas in and let them decide.”
Witt says the city manager proposed using the building as a city hall and civic center.
“They would actually have restaurants. The art museum could move in there and do a lot of different things like that,” said Witt.
Witt says this would also be beneficial because their city hall is run down.
At a Lake Shore Authority Board meeting last week, Florida A&M University officials asked the board to donate the property to use for their physical therapy and occupational therapy programs. FAMU’s plans are in the early stages.
RELATED: Lake Shore Hospital Authority heard a proposal from Florida A&M University
The CEO and president of Meridian says “We are and have been in good faith negotiations for over 20 months with the hospital authority. While nothing is certain, we hope the health and wellness of the community are at the forefront. We anticipate completing the agreement and improving the care and quality of the community for which we’ve served for well over 50 years.”
City leaders say they ultimately just want the community to be considered.
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