Huntley Mayor, Trustee Speak in Favor of Centegra Proposal

Huntley Mayor Charles Sass and Trustee Harry Leopold testified in favor of a 128-bed Centegra-Huntley hospital Tuesday afternoon at the Illinois Health Facilities and Services Board hearing in Joliet.

Huntley has continued to grow despite the economy, as seen in the 2010 U.S. Census results, which showed its population at more than 24,000, Sass said.

And Huntley is continuing to grow, Sass said, citing the number of new residential permits issued to date at 175.

Huntley residents’ need for access to health care is demonstrated in part on its demographics, which show 36 percent of the village’s population is 60 years or older, Sass said.

A majority of those people live in Sun City in Huntley.

Leopold, a Sun City resident for 12 years, said Sun City has a population of about 10,000 people. Centegra’s proposed hospital would be located within four miles of Sun City, he said.

“Centegra has made its presence known in Huntley with the Centegra Health Bridge and an immediate care facility. They maintained a service center in Prairie Lodge (in Sun City.) Their reputation of caring for members of the community, regardless of economic status, is impeccable,” Leopold said.

“I urge you to approve a Huntley Centegra project,” he said.

Check for updates from the review board meeting on Patch's live blog.