Springfield Council Approves Land Annexation for Behavioral Health Campus

Springfield Unanimously OKs Annexation for New Behavioral Health Campus

After a shift in council sentiment, Springfield has unanimously approved the annexation of land for a new behavioral health campus, a joint project between Lane County and PeaceHealth. The 5-0 vote on Monday clears a critical hurdle for the facilities, which aim to provide stabilization services and specialized care, moving the project forward with access to city services. The decision comes after councilors had previously signaled they might deny the annexation based on the city’s comprehensive plan.

A Shift in Course and a Call for Neighborly Cooperation

The council’s change of heart was notable. At the meeting, Council President Michelle Webber acknowledged her lingering reservations, describing the project as a “square peg in a round hole.” Yet, she expressed a newfound comfort with the decision to approve, emphasizing a critical condition for her support.

“I just want to reiterate how important I think it is to all of us that neighbors are considered in this,” Webber said. “I see head nods from PeaceHealth and partners out there and I know that they’re taking that very seriously, and I trust that that’s the path forward that we’re all going to work toward.”

As part of the annexation agreement, the site’s owner is required to work with Springfield Police and neighbors on safety and security plans.

The Vision: A Hub for Care

For the county and PeaceHealth, the plan is to build a stabilization center adjacent to a new PeaceHealth hospital dedicated to behavioral health. The stated goal is to keep struggling people out of jail and lower the wait times at the RiverBend hospital.

In a press release Monday, PeaceHealth’s chief administrative officer Alicia Beymer framed the project as a benefit to the region.

“We look forward to working with our neighbors and moving ahead with this project that will truly benefit all of Lane County and the region for generations to come,” she said.

Lane County anticipates beginning construction on the initiatives next spring, with the facilities scheduled to open by 2029.

Breaking Ground Next Spring

The immediate next step is the development of the safety and security plans. Lane County anticipates beginning construction on the initiatives next spring, with the facilities scheduled to open by 2029. The conversation between PeaceHealth, Lane County, and the Springfield community will be critical.

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