Paducah commissioners approve Meharry dental clinic as Southside revitalization anchor

The Paducah Board of Commissioners on April 28 unanimously approved a municipal order authorizing a phase‑1 development agreement with Hamilton Place Properties LLC that will repurpose property at 1034 Walter De Tompon Boulevard as a Meharry Medical College faculty dental clinic.

Supporters told the commission the project is intended to expand local dental access, train students and serve residents regardless of ability to pay. Public commenter Amina Watkins, who gave a short history of local providers, said the clinic would be “access, opportunity, dignity and hope” for Southside residents. Leontyne Garnett told commissioners she holds a state medical card and has been unable to find a dentist in Paducah accepting it; she urged approval so residents would not have to travel out of town for care. Tamara Tracy said connecting the facility to the neighborhood is critical for successful revitalization.

Developer and project lead Dr. Eddie Hamilton described the site as phase 1 of a larger vision. He said the clinic will start with six operatories staffed by a full‑time dentist appointed by Meharry, plus hygienists and assistants. "We will see everyone," Hamilton said, adding the clinic will seek financial sustainability through a mix of public and private support. He said Meharry will partner with Kentucky Care, the Purchase Area Development District and a newly formed nonprofit, Civic Pathways Group, to access grants and incentives and to support workforce pipelines.

Hamilton told the commission a feasibility and impact study is being updated by Blueprint Kentucky with University of Kentucky oversight and will be delivered in May to help make the financial case. He listed potential supports such as relocation incentives, loan‑repayment programs and participation in federal and state rural‑health transformation funding.

Commissioners debated operations and access; Mayor George P. Bray and multiple commissioners praised the project’s potential to anchor the Southside revitalization. The municipal order passed on a unanimous roll call.

Next steps described at the meeting include finalizing development‑agreement documents, receiving the updated feasibility report in May and beginning fundraising and partnership work through Civic Pathways Group and allied institutions. The developer said Meharry aims to train dental students locally and to recruit partners such as the University of Louisville and Murray State as clinical‑education partners.