Bedford Hospital, now University Hospitals Bedford Outpatient Campus on Columbus Road. As a city-owned property, it will become the subject of a request for proposals for healthcare providers and other investors to redevelop (Google). CLICK IMAGES TO ENLARGE THEM.
Deal could lead to site’s redevelopment
The City of Bedford has reached a settlement agreement with University Hospitals (UH) that includes the transfer of the former Bedford Hospital site and surrounding properties to the city and a $2.1 million payment. This settlement ends a two-and-a-half year legal dispute stemming from UH’s controversial August 2022 hospital closure.
Bedford City Council approved the agreement during its meeting last night, with formal filing in Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court expected soon.
“The outcome is a testament to the city’s unwavering commitment to advancing the best interests of our residents,” said Mayor Stanley Koci in a written statement. “We fought for the best outcome, ensuring that Bedford will have the resources and opportunities for redevelopment”.
The abrupt closure of UH Bedford Hospital left a critical void in healthcare services, including the emergency department and inpatient care. In response, city leaders launched a determined legal battle led by Cleveland attorneys Ray Marvar and Steve Dever.
These efforts were driven by concerns over the national issue of racial disparity in the delivery of healthcare services, which created a “medical desert” in a predominantly minority, economically challenged, and elderly communities on the southeast side of Cuyahoga County where many rely on Medicaid.
Medical services were reduced to the city of Bedford and surrounding areas as a result of the closure of Bedford Hospital. The emergency department and inpatient services were lost as a result (Google).
Under the terms of the agreement:
- Property Turnover: University Hospitals will transfer the Bedford Hospital site, including 11+ acres and multiple buildings, to the city with no restrictive covenants on future use. This paves the way for another healthcare provider to establish a presence in the southeast side of Cuyahoga County or for economic redevelopment of the site.
- $2.1 Million Payment: UH will pay the city $2.1 million.
- Medical Services Continuity: UH will continue operating some medical services at the Bedford medical office building.
- Site Preparation: UH will remove hazardous materials and prepare the property for redevelopment within 180 days of the agreement’s signing.
Not only were medical services lost to the community but jobs were too. This parking lot behind Bedford Hospital was full of employees cars in 2016. Today, it’s mostly empty (Google).
City Manager Michael Mallis expressed optimism about the site’s future: “This agreement opens doors for redevelopment and provides Bedford an opportunity to reestablish healthcare resources to all residents on the southeast side of Cuyahoga County. We can begin transforming the site into a valuable asset for our community.”
Mallis added that University Hospitals’ willingness to reach a resolution and settle this long-standing dispute allows us to focus on creating opportunities for collaboration and progress that benefit the residents of Bedford and beyond.
Following the settlement, the city will be issuing a Request for Proposals soliciting other healthcare providers and developers to present redevelopment plans for some or all portions of the site.
Mayor Koci and City Manager Mallis extended gratitude to Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court Judge Steven Gall for his patience which was instrumental in guiding the parties through over two years of negotiations to a successful resolution.
For more information on the City Bedford, please visit www.bedfordoh.gov.
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