Wednesday, November 10, 2010

Plans for Outer Cape Health Relocation Move Forward

Could this be the road to the new Outer Health Center? I think not. It is dirt, and one-lane, and leads to Dyer Pond ... but the new site will definitely feature pine trees.

On Monday, my friend and blog reader Bruce Bierhans came to speak to the Economic Development Committee, of which I am a member, as you know. Bruce is an excellent local lawyer, but also holds important positions on the Preservation Hall and Outer Cape Health boards, a busy man in other words. Bruce described progress on the Outer Cape Health building relocation project. Here is his update: A consultant will be hired within a week. A site will be selected from three under consideration, and an architect will be chosen. Then, in three years, Wellfleet will have a new magnificent GREEN building to serve the medical needs of our community. There will be courtyards and windows, if Bruce has his way. (“We don’t want it to feel like a box," he said. "It should be a friendly place to walk into.”) Whichever site is chosen will also house the new pharmacy, which will open down the road from Chez Sven this March, a space currently under lease for three years. The Outer Cape Health board has obviously been working and thinking hard, and I salute them. Wellfleet will have a federally qualified health center, with all the bells and whistles. Hurray!

Now readers, a question: How important is it, in your opinion, that the site chosen be located on Route 6?
Posted by Alexandra Grabbe at 6:30 AM
Labels: ,

Comments (6)

Loading... Logging you in...
Dashboard | Edit profile | Logout
  • Logged in as
+1 Vote up Vote down
janet's avatar

janet · 750 weeks ago

This is such good news! I'm very happy for Outer Cape Health and the staff and patients. If it remains on route 6 somewhere, I hope it will have an easier in and out driveway. Getting there now from the Eastham direction is easy, getting out is another story. I often wonder how the elderly, or distracted new mothers, handicapped drivers, or visitors to the area deal with the difficult traffic out front. I would not mind if it were back in the woods somewhere as long as it had easy access onto the highway from both directions.
1 reply · active less than 1 minute ago
Loading...
+1 Vote up Vote down
chezsven's avatar - Go to profile

chezsven 82p · 750 weeks ago

Thanks, Janet. This is just the type of feedback Bruce is looking for. I forgot to mention there are also plans for a wider number of specialists, pt, emergency care, and all kinds of other great medical options. This is so very exciting for the whole Outer Cape, not just Wellfleet, as you point out.
Loading...
+1 Vote up Vote down
amywellfleet's avatar - Go to profile

amywellfleet 46p · 750 weeks ago

I suppose the main reasons for having it on Route 6 are (1) access and (2) visibility, especially for visitors who are not as familiar with the area generally. I also assume that a Route 6 location has fewer implications in terms of upsetting neighbors by disturbing residential areas. So overall, I think Route 6 is the best option or else somewhere in the commercial district of town.

I agree that if it is on Route 6, it should be close to where there is a light or easy turn around (which means almost nowhere in Wellfleet except across from the Main Street light). Tough call.
2 replies · active 750 weeks ago
Loading...
+1 Vote up Vote down
chezsven's avatar - Go to profile

chezsven 82p · 750 weeks ago

Terrific, Amy. You all are providing the feedback Bruce and the Outer Cape Building Committee need. Thanks.

You are right about the issue of a traffic light, though. Do we want another traffic light on Route 6? Would one be necessary if the site chosen were not at either of the two existing lights?

Someone at our meeting pointed out good signage would certainly help visitors figure out where to go for medical care.

And, yes, impacting neighbors does need to be taken into consideration.

Lots of good points!
Loading...
+1 Vote up Vote down
amywellfleet's avatar - Go to profile

amywellfleet 46p · 750 weeks ago

To be honest, I think Wellfleet does need more traffic lights, even without the new OCHS facility. There really should be a light at the intersection of Route 6 and Cove Road or at the exit to one of the lots, either the WHAT/PO lot or the Dunkin Donuts (sigh....) lot. There are so many cars trying to make left turns onto Route 6 in that area that it is truly dangerous. And I am sure many would say the same for the intersection of LeCount Hollow and Route 6 and also at the intersection where the Flea Market/Drive-in is located. Although I am not a big fan of turning Wellfleet into a city with a lot of lights, every year we read about awful accidents when people are trying to make left turns on to Route 6. I realize that there is likely no budget for traffic lights in all these locations, but maybe if the OCHS locates near one of these centers and a light is added, two birds can be killed with one stone.
0 Vote up Vote down
Grant's avatar

Grant · 749 weeks ago

I wish there were some way to fit it into the town center. It seems that community functions have become a bit scattered over the past decades, with the post office moving out to Rte 6, the Council on Aging off in the woods on Old Kings, some town offices at the DPW. I wonder if there's room down by the library?

Post a new comment

Comments by

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)