Health District Project Reaches Important Milestone
(Wheeler) – The design package for the new Nehalem Bay Health Center and Pharmacy has been delivered to the city of Wheeler in advance of the city Planning Commission’s consideration on December 7, 2023. The submittal marks a key milestone in the development of the project designed to enhance local health care and pharmacy services in north Tillamook County.
In conjunction with the design documents the Health District has applied for several city permits. On December 7, architects for the Health District will appear before the Wheeler Planning Commission to review the design and answer questions. The meeting is scheduled for 6:00 pm at Wheeler City Hall and members of the public can attend in person or virtually with a meeting link and other information available on the city’s website: www.ci.wheeler.or.us/…/december-planning…
“We look forward to continuing to work closely with the city of Wheeler on this vital and exciting project,” said Marc C. Johnson, president of the Health District board. “Our board is committed to addressing the health and senior care needs of the community and we very much appreciate the city’s review of the plans and the many details that must be successfully addressed.”
In May, Health District voters approved a $10.25 million general obligation bond measure to help finance the new construction. The ballot measure received nearly 70% support from voters.
The new Health Center will consist of an approximately 16,000 square foot, two story building that will replace the existing Nehalem Bay Health Center (the former Rinehart Clinic) that is currently housed in a much smaller building on Rowe Street in Wheeler. The new facility will feature more exam rooms, a dental suite, a much larger pharmacy, facilities to accommodate specialty medical services, meeting space and improved staff facilities. The Health District owns the proposed site of the new Health Center at U.S. Highway 101 and Hospital Road in Wheeler.
The design review application notes that the property, approximately 1.3 acres, has the proper zoning classification – General Commercial – and will accommodate parking for patients and staff in keeping with the city’s requirements.
Completion of the design review will move the project toward permitting with both the city and Tillamook County. Current timelines anticipate construction to commence in mid-2024.
For more on the Health District visit: www.nehalembayhd.org