Despite protests from area residents, Phoenix-based Banner Health has received unanimous approval from the Chandler City Council to build a 245,000-square-foot, $155 million hospital in Chandler, Ariz., according to AZ Central.
Dozens of residents opposed the project, arguing that a new hospital is not needed in the area because Dignity Health's Chandler Regional Medical Center is less than 2 miles away. In addition, residents claimed a new hospital would increase traffic in an already congested area.
While many residents argued against the Banner hospital, the council unanimously approved the project saying it would bring jobs to the city and more healthcare options to residents.
As part of the approval, the council added a stipulation to the development agreement that prohibits Banner from opening a behavioral health or substance abuse facility on the site.
Construction of the hospital is expected to begin this month on an 18-acre site where Banner already operates a primary care center. The project is expected to wrap up in 2020.