PASCO -- A controversial Pasco medical clinic is preparing to open in two months.
Planned Parenthood of Greater Washington and Northern Idaho is remodeling a building for its clinic on Court Street.
Planned Parenthood officials have said the clinic is needed because of Franklin County's high rates of teen pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases.
The nonprofit received a special permit for the clinic from the city in December, after the Pasco City Council decided to overturn the planning commission's recommended denial of the permit. Planned Parenthood appealed the commission's decision.
The issue brought 200 people to a planning commission meeting, filled the city council chambers, sparked pro-life protests on Court Street and spawned numerous letters to the editor.
Much of the opposition was based on arguments against abortion, despite the fact that Planned Parenthood officials have maintained no abortions will occur at the Pasco clinic.
The clinic will provide family planning, cancer testing, sexually transmitted disease testing and treatment, contraceptives and women's health services.
Brian Griffith, Planned Parenthood spokesman, said the nonprofit is moving forward on the building. It plans to open the clinic at 3901
W. Court St. in May.
Planned Parenthood is remodeling a 4,692-square-foot former real estate office. The remodel adds an entry portico and a sloped portion to the center of the roof, as well as a concrete walk at the entrance of the building, according to documents submitted to the city.
The remodel will cost about $350,000, according to the documents.
The office will include four exam rooms, a waiting room and reception area, a nurses' station, a board room, five offices, a business center and records storage, according to the architect's drawings.
A 6-foot wall also will be added to the back of the property, which borders Mark Twain Elementary School, and along both sides for about 10 feet, according to city documents.
The organization is still looking at the staffing needs for the building, and does not have an exact number of employees it plans to hire, Griffith said.
According to city documents, the building will include up to 10 staff, and serve about 19 to 25 clients per day.
-- Kristi Pihl: 582-1512; kpihl@tricityherald.com
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