The Washington City Council approved the first reading of an ordinance that would re-zone a parcel for the use of Hospice of Washington County to construct a hospice house. A hospice house is a peaceful home-like residence where terminally ill people receive short-term hospice care. 

City staff have been working with representatives from Hospice of Washington County to develop plans to construct a hospice house at the corner of 8th Avenue and 11th Street, near the Hospice of Washington County Office. The 1.5 acre parcel is currently an industrial zoned property. 

The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval to re-zone the parcel to residential. The council approved the first reading of the ordinance, and the item will have a public hearing at the February 3rd council meeting.  

Hospice of Washington County provides care at the end of life for patients in seven counties with a variety of services including skilled nursing, medical social work, and bereavement support.