7040-25 Seminole Pratt Whitney Road, Box #60 
Loxahatchee, FL 33470
P: (561) 231-4392

Dear County Commissioners,

We appreciate and acknowledge your contribution to our community and the services HCA Palms West Hospital provides our community. We were grateful that HCA previously recognized that a proposed 24/7standalone emergency room was not appropriate within 250 feet of residential homes—some of which are located less than 100 feet from the proposed site. Existing county restrictions as well as the Multi Unit Planned Development (MUPD) restrictions for Seminole-Orange Plaza require operations to begin no earlier than 6:00 a.m. and lighting to be turned off by 11:30 p.m. due to the proximity to residential properties.

At the commission meeting, HCA requested a postponement to evaluate alternative uses for the property that would comply with the existing restrictions. Following that postponement, the Acreage Landowners Association met with the interim CEO, Nisha Mills, to discuss potential options that could meet both HCA’s objectives and the community’s needs. Options discussed included an urgent care facility, a physical therapy center, and medical offices—uses that are more compatible with the location and would fill a community need. The community is not underserved for emergency services and remains strongly opposed to any use that does not comply with the county and MUPD restrictions that protect nearby residents.

Since that meeting, Mr. Cory Mead has been appointed CEO. When we reached out to him as a follow-up, we were disappointed to learn he would not be available to meet with the Acreage Landowners Association prior to the May 28 commission meeting, where HCA’s request for a waiver to operate a 24/7emergency room—within less than 250 feet of homes—is again scheduled for consideration.

The lack of communication and updated information for the community is concerning. We hope HCA will continue to take community concerns seriously and pursue a compatible use that aligns with existing restrictions. The community is especially concerned that HCA has now requested an expansion of its ambulance transport business, which could further impact residents located very close to Seminole-Orange Plaza. 

We ask that HCA Palms West Hospital withdraw it’s request for a waiver to operate a 24/7 free standing emergency facility at Seminole-Orange Plaza and that HCA follow through with alternatives that do not require a waiver for extended operating hours. We respectfully ask the Palm Beach County Commissioners protect residents and uphold county and MUPD restrictions by denying HCA’s waiver request for 24/7 operating hours so close to residential homes. 

Sincerely,

Bob Morgan, President

Acreage Landowners Association