Nov. 17. By Dave Vieser. The Cornelius Town Board last night unanimously adopted a resolution in support of Atrium’s Certificate of Need (CON) for a new $147 million acute care hospital.

In the resolution, the commissioners noted that Cornelius’ population has grown by approximately 700 percent over the past 30 years, and is expected to continue to grow.

The new facility planned by Atrium would include 30 acute care beds, operating rooms, imaging and emergency services along with trauma bays and a helipad.

The state turned down Atrium’s CON last year, but Atrium is appealing.

The facility is planned for the Augustalee property in Cornelius, at the southwest corner of Hwy. 21 and Westmoreland Road.

Also at Monday’s meeting, the commissioners:

—Approved rezoning 1.7 acres of Town-owned property from Town Center Zoning to Conditional Zoning to construct the Cain Arts Center, a 30,000 square foot, performing and visual arts center with a 400-seat theatre.

—Authorized the refinancing refinancing $563,142.86 at 1.84 percent, vs. the original loan at 2.97 percent for a 3.83 acres park on Jetton Road Extension. The town will save about $20,000 in interest. The park is just west of the CATS Park and Ride facility.