Neighbors push back as Avera eyes new Dell Rapids hospital site

Supporters call the project critical for growth, while nearby homeowners question whether the location is right

A birds-eye view of Avera Health’s proposed hospital facility near Dell Rapids. The hospital system plans to build a new, modern hospital to replace the 67-year-old Dells Area Health Center near the city’s center. (Dakota Scout photo)

A proposed new Avera clinic and hospital on the edge of Dell Rapids cleared its first major hurdle Tuesday, but not without opposition from nearby residents who say they need more information about the project’s impact on their neighborhood.

The Minnehaha County Commission and Dell Rapids City Council, meeting jointly because the property falls within their shared planning jurisdiction, unanimously approved rezoning about 20 acres of land for the proposed health care facility.

The site is located about three-quarters of a mile west of Dell Rapids city limits near South Dakota Highway 115 in an area of large rural residential lots.

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