PLANS for the construction of a hospital at the Scout Barrio open field have been shelved.
Scout Barrio Barangay Captain Manolo LLaneta said the state-owned John Hay Management Corporation and Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) will look for another feasible project site.
Councilor Peter Fianza said the proponents are looking for a possible project site in the Loakan area, outside the economic zone. He said studies have shown that a hospital would need an area of 5,000 square meters.
JHMC and BCDA executives appeared before the City Council during this week’s regular session to clarify their proposal.
“The City Councilors reiterated the negative impact if locators are allowed in the area like traffic, depletion of the water source, peace and order, garbage, that there is not a place for the community to cater to the ballfield sports, camping area for boys and girls scouters here and from other provinces and Metro Manila, school family day, family reunions, wedding ceremonies and reception area, where this area is being used even during the Americans’ presence in Camp John Hay,” LLaneta said during the session.
Fianza said early protests against the project were effective.
Residents trooped the city council to air their opposition to the plan to set up a medical facility in the barangay, citing traffic as well as a water shortage that the hospital’s operations would cause.
The protesters also cited fears that trees would be cut down to pave for the project. They further noted the lack of space for parking in the area.
The Association of Barangay Captains and Baguio City Councilor Michael Lawana supported the opposition.