By Khalida Sarwari
The Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors today approved the purchase of a location in San Jose for a medical clinic and future development.
The board unanimously voted to authorize the purchase of a 13.39-acre, $28.3 million property formerly occupied by the San Jose Medical Center, located at 725 East Santa Clara St.
In a statement, Board Supervisor George Shirakawa said the purchase addresses the need for first-class medical facilities in downtown neighborhoods.
“Not only will this acquisition bring much needed medical facilities for downtown residents, the additional space will provide economic development opportunities for the county,” Shirakawa said.
San Jose Councilman Sam Liccardo noted that when the San Jose Medical Center vacated the area, it resulted in a dearth of medical services in the community.
“While this decision opens the doors of a safe, modern facility in which our children will receive their immunizations and flu vaccines, our downtown gets a shot in the arm as well, and one that will enhance its vitality and long-term health,” Liccardo said in a statement.
County Executive Jeff Smith said the board chose the site after considering 29 potential locations in the area over the last six months. Most of the locations would have required either renovation or construction. The medical center, which closed in 2004, is a convenient spot for its onsite parking, accessibility to public transportation and additional space.
Funding for the new clinic will come from Measure A, approved by voters in Nov. 2008. The measure includes $50 million of one-time funds to build a new or renovate an existing facility to provide health care services in the downtown area.