Forum Health issues statement about Wal-Mart, Liberty Plaza

LIBERTY -- Forum Health representatives have issued a statement to township officials saying the hospital supports the potential opening of a Wal-Mart store here, but they do not want the new development to have an adverse affect on Forum Health offices in Liberty Plaza.
Forum Health has an office in the plaza where Wal-Mart is looking to build.
"At Forum Health, we would welcome the economic benefits and potential for revitalization Wal-Mart would bring to our community," the Forum Health statement, issued Wednesday, says.
"But as a not-for-profit community healthcare system facing severe financial difficulties and struggling to preserve jobs, services and facilities, Forum can't afford JJ Gumberg's profit to come at our expense."
The statement also says Forum would consider moving its Liberty Plaza offices if suitable office space can be found elsewhere, and JJ Gumberg, a Pittsburgh-based real estate development firm in charge of the plaza, would pay appropriate compensation for the move.
The statement says Forum estimates the move will exceed 750,000. The plaza owners, the statement said, have offered 100,000.