Proposed Brookings clinic faces next hurdle

The Curry General Hospital Health Network’s plans for a new Brookings clinic must clear another hurdle at 7 p.m. Monday when the Brookings City Council will be asked to approve a zoning change.

The clinic plan combines two parcels, one on Fifth Street behind city hall, connecting to a second parcel leading to Hawthorne Street. The L-shaped property is currently zoned for residential use.

Monday’s zoning hearing will consider the Hawthorne Street property, which is intended to be used primarily for parking.

•re-paving the existing portion of Hawthorne Street after the completion of the new clinic complex;

•a physical and visual barrier between the clinic and a residential neighborhood east of the property;

•vegetation to remain in Macklyn Creek from the creek itself to the top of the creek bank.

In addition, the city recommended a buffer area of 30 feet on the northern and western boundaries with a fence or plant barrier on the property lines.

The property’s Hawthorne street exit is meant to be an emergency exit only and is to be gated, according to clinic plans.

Former Mayor Pat Sherman filed written testimony protesting the zoning changes, citing the property’s  current zoning for high-density housing.

The Brookings area lacks adequate affordable housing, Sherman argued; re-zoning the property would further reduce the availability of properties available for such housing.

The council meeting will be held at 7 p.m. Monday at  Brookings City Hall, 898 Elk Street.