Construction

on the expansion of Fayette Community Hospital is expected to begin in

the first quarter of next year, according to hospital officials.

The Fayetteville

City Council formally cleared the way for the expansion Thursday night

into the city. The hospital requested the annexation so it could receive

sewer service which is currently not offered in the county; the hospital's

current complex is within the Fayetteville city limits.

The council

unanimously approved the annexation and a rezoning of the property to

the medical office category. That zoning is appropriate because the city's

future land use map calls for office development there, officials said.

Although the

expansion includes several buildings, plans unveiled by the hospital also

show that the addition of parking is a significant part of the expansion.

Mayor Ken Steele

said he was very pleased about the hopsital's expansion plans and its

record of service to the community.

Detailed plans

for the expansion must still be approved by the city's Planning and Zoning

Commission before the project can commence.