The Veterans Administration is primed to purchase over 35 acres of property on Brownsboro Road to build a new VA hospital, and officials say that decision could be made in the coming weeks.Environmental impact studies have been finalized for the two locations under consideration for the over 800,000 square foot facility. One location under consideration is near Factory Lane in eastern Jefferson County.The preferred Brownsboro Road location plan, also called the Midlands Development, would build the hospital on nearly 36 acres near the I-264 interchange.The study, which was introduced publicly earlier this year, concludes traffic would not have a significant effect on the area if certain infrastructure modifications are made. This includes a new eastbound Watterston Expressway off-ramp that would connect directly with Brownsboro Road.But residents are concerned the area will be congested, and property values may drop. The VA serves over 60,000 patients annually with over 600,000 visits, according to the report.The ideal location for the new site includes being no farther than 15 miles from University of Louisville Healthcare Center and having 2,400 parking spots.The VA is not locked into the Brownsboro site, but it now has a clear path to purchase the property, which is currently owned by a group led by developer Jonathan Blue.The VA previously considered a site that would place the new hospital downtown, but many veterans were concerned with parking and traffic in the urban core.The Courier-Journal reports that officials with the VA say a final site decision is expected in the next several weeks.
