Public hearing held on driveway improvements for Wellness First Medical Center; EDC says option under review
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Summary
The EDC held a public hearing on a proposed driveway improvement at Wellness First Medical Center on FM 517; staff described a roughly $21,100 cost and a possible forgivable-loan structure to fund it. The hearing closed with no final board action recorded.
The Dickinson Economic Development Corporation held a public hearing on March 10 to consider driveway improvements to restore safer access to Wellness First Medical Center at 350 FM 517 West after TxDOT median work limited direct access.
Staff described multiple safety and business impacts: vehicles currently use grass and side streets to reach the clinic, creating hazardous turns and deterring elderly patients, the board was told. EDC staff said the preferred solution would cost about $21,100 to install and that staff was proposing a forgivable-loan structure or development agreement to cover cost and installation.
Dr. Sanders, the clinic’s owner, described how the median changes have cut off direct approaches to her parking lot, saying some elderly patients have stopped coming because accessing the site is dangerous. “My elderly patients are scared to come there,” Dr. Sanders said during the hearing. She told the board the driveway modification would be an important part of a business expansion she planned prior to the traffic changes.
A nearby business owner said he has been in contact with TxDOT and would seek an update; board staff also said they had reached out to TxDOT and were coordinating on a corridor-wide safety review. The EDC’s staff presentation noted the improvement would be installed following permitting work and would be structured so that the EDC could recoup funds via a forgivable loan or similar development agreement, depending on final terms.
The board closed the public hearing at 7:44 p.m. The hearing record shows the item was discussed and public comment received; no final vote approving the forgivable loan or development agreement was taken that evening. The board directed staff to continue coordination with the business owner and TxDOT and to bring back a recommendation once permitting and cost details are confirmed.
