Loupassi advocates study of medical complex in Shockoe Bottom

The idea of developing a specialized medical complex in Shockoe Bottom is picking up support.

Del. G. Manoli Loupassi, R-Richmond, sent a letter yesterday to Mayor Dwight C. Jones and the City Council requesting that a commission be appointed to study the idea. Such a project could revitalize Shockoe Bottom and help the city by building on the strength of Virginia Commonwealth University's medical campus and seizing what could be a major increase in federal spending on health care, Loupassi said.

"It presents an opportunity," he said. "We should at least take a look at it."

The idea of a medical complex in Shockoe Bottom has been pitched by Paul Goldman, a former candidate for City Council and for mayor and a policy adviser to then-Mayor L. Douglas Wilder. Goldman plans to talk about the idea at today's council land-use committee meeting.

"If you look at the future of Richmond and you look at what we need to do, you can't fight poverty without a job," Goldman said. "Health care is going to be one of the five drivers and best places to get a job."

Loupassi introduced legislation this year that supported Highwoods Properties' plans to develop a minor-league ballpark in Shockoe Bottom, but the ballpark proposal has been withdrawn.

Loupassi said he would like the study of the medical-complex idea to occur in the coming months so that legislation, if necessary, could be introduced to the 2010 General Assembly. -- Will Jones