LifeNet has its eye on city-owned property for its $40 millionexpansion endeavor. The 22-acre parcel would become home to a165,000-sf development of office space and "clean room" warehousespace. Once it gets the go-ahead, LifeNet will construct thecomplex in five stages over a period of about nine years.

"The proposed uses are consistent with the recommendations ofthe Princess Anne Corridor Plan regarding uses that 'strengthen andcomplement the institutional, educational, and cultural activitiesin this area,' " the Commission concluded in its April 9 responseto the company's proposal.

Sentara expects to spend $31 million on its expansion andupgrade project. Citing an increasing demand among patients formore privacy, the healthcare company has planned to make additionsto its emergency department, and to construct a four-story,108-room building, thereby increasing by five the number of privaterooms while marinating the same amount of patient beds.