A developer for Central Florida Regional Hospital submitted formal plans on Friday to build an emergency room, medical offices and a hospital off International Parkway, north of Heathrow and Lake Mary.

Seminole County planners are now reviewing the plans, which request a rezoning of 28 acres of land.

Bill Young lives just down the road from where the ER and new hospital potentially could be built. He said he's been able to avoid hospitals.

"I just turned 84 in December, and I've never had to spend the night in the hospital," Young said. "I guess the Lord’s taken care of me with that."

Young, however, said he knows the day will likely come when he needs access to a hospital — and probably one that’s close. There isn't one in the northwestern area of Seminole County, though.

"Coming from the west, there's no facilities until you get to just about all the way to Eustis," he said.

That could soon change. Central Florida Regional Hospital's planned ER would be at the corner of Wilson Road and International Parkway, just down the street from Young's home.

"This hospital would, I think, be a plus for this area," he said.

When we told people near the existing hospital in Sanford about the proposed plans, they asked what the new ER and potential hospital could mean for the existing hospital.

The hospital's CEO wouldn't say exactly what the future holds for the hospital, but did release a statement.

"We will continue to assess the needs and determine how we can utilize both our current location and new property for additional facilities to make the most significant impact on the quality of life in our community," said Wendy Brandon, CEO of Central Florida Regional Hospital.

Sanford Mayor Jeff Triplett said he respects the hospital's business plans, but he wants to make sure the current hospital doesn't become another empty building. He said the city will work with hospital officials to make sure that doesn't happen.

Young hopes his good health continues.

"I hope I never have to go, but if I need to go, it would be perfect for it," he said.

Seminole County planners are reviewing the hospital's plans and will likely meet with the developer in late April.