New Law Creates Medical District In Roseland
CHICAGO (CBS) -- In the hopes of attracting high-tech and medical research investments to the city's Far South Side, Gov. Pat Quinn has signed legislation which has created the Roseland Community Medical District.
As WBBM Newsradio's Dave Marsett reports, the bill to create the district, HB 1888, was sponsored by state Rep. Robert Rita (D-Blue Island.) It also creates a commission that will generate a comprehensive economic development plan with the goal of attracting academic institutions, medical research facilities and high-tech businesses to the area.
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"We need to use everything in our toolbox to grow our economy and create jobs," Quinn said in a news release. "Keys to our future prosperity are in the high-tech and medical fields, where revolutionary advancements are made every day. This legislation will help ensure that more of those breakthroughs are made in Illinois."
The Roseland Community Medical District is modeled after the three existing medical districts, among them the Illinois District on the city's Near West Side that comprises Rush University Medical Center, the University of Illinois at Chicago Medical Center and Stroger Hospital if Cook County. The Roseland district is also modeled in part by districts in Springfield and East St. Louis.
The districts are legal entities that may solicit funds, enter into leases and other contracts, and perform other economic development and maintenance functions.
To oversee the district, the Roseland Community Medical District Commission will consist of 12 members, with three each being appointed by the governor, the mayor and the president of the Cook County board.
The secretary of the Illinois Department of Human Services and directors of the Illinois Departments of Commerce and Economic Opportunity and Illinois Department of Public Health will serve as ex-officio members.
The Sun-Times Media Wire contributed to this report.
