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Ascension, local physicians outline plan for neighborhood hospital; proponents ask council to reopen zoning and tax-code work
Summary
Representatives from Ascension Seton and Family Hospital Systems described a plan for a small "neighborhood hospital" in Cedar Park and asked the council to direct staff to resume work on a zoning/tax-code amendment that would allow limited inpatient/rehab beds and overnight stays on a constrained site.
Representatives from Ascension Seton and Family Hospital Systems told the Cedar Park City Council that they are exploring a "neighborhood hospital" concept and asked the council to direct staff to reopen work on a zoning and tax-code amendment to allow that type of facility.
"We're starting to talk about potentially some new development that could bring a family hospital to Cedar Park," Matt Curtis, representing Ascension Seton, said during the public-comment period. He said Ascension is working with Dr. Henry Higgins and Family Hospital Systems on the concept.
Dr. Henry Higgins, who identified himself during public comment, described his group's track record operating small neighborhood hospitals and specialty programs for substance-use and eating disorders. He said the group treated about 180,000 people as part of COVID vaccine efforts and that expanding services will require an appropriately zoned parcel. "In order for us to be able to offer services to more people is gonna require some help from you in regarding the allowing us to have a zoned piece of land where we can actually have a hospital," Higgins said.
Vincent Heidbinger, speaking on behalf of the proponents, asked council to direct the city manager to resume discussions that began in 2021 on a tax-code amendment and zoning category tailored for smaller hospitals. Heidbinger said previous efforts stalled for lack of local support and that with Ascension's involvement the project should be reconsidered.
Council members did not take formal action on the request during the meeting. The council's public-comment rules prevent deliberation during that portion of the agenda; proponents said they will return to the council with formal applications if staff and council direct the process to resume.
Why it matters: Proponents framed the proposal as filling a community need for neighborhood-scale inpatient and behavioral-health services rather than competing with larger regional hospitals. Council direction to staff could start a formal planning, zoning and public-notice process; opponents or neighbors could raise issues on impacts such as traffic, capacity or site design during later review.
