2005/12/05 Council Agenda Packet

Planning Commission Meeting February 15, 2005 Page 6 Mr. Shockey stated that as expressed in the City's 1994 Comprehensive Plan, support for the hospital and other institutions is a matter of policy consistent with the growth management act. The existing Comprehensive Plan supports the hospitals history, its presence and its long term need to keep pace with the community's growth. The 1994 Comprehensive Plan is undergoing its 10 year update and the hospital is preparing its master plan to address the needs of a growing community. Despite the growth over the last 10 years, there has been no increase in licensed beds in this community and the demand is evident. In regards to capability with other properties in the area and the neighborhood, Mr. Shockey submitted an opinion letter from an appraisal firm which states while there could be short term impacts during construction periods, over the long term the presence of this institution will have no effect on property values in the neighborhood. Gail Larson stated that PEMC has a sincere interest to stay in Everett for the next 100 years and would be investing 400 million dollars of private money into the hospitals expansion. PEMC is a non tax district hospital. Other hospitals in Snohomish County include Cascade Valley, General, Stevens, and Evergreen all which receive anywhere from 2-10 million dollars a year in operating income from their taxpayers and in addition, they also receive tax district sponsor bonds for new facilities. PEMC is not requesting bonds. The phased site plan is ideal for PEMC allowing them to grow incrementally over time. They will be continually engaging their neighbors throughout the redevelopment process. Reid Shockey asked the Commission members if there were any questions. Commissioner Ebert stated that he did not have any questions for Mr. Shockey but asked staff if they found fault with any of the information presented by PEMC. Allan Giffen responded that he had been the staff member involved with the resolution that City Council passed in 1986, stated that it was his belief that the direction that has been given to the hospital was to look to the east, and that was certainly pointed out very clearly in the resolution from 1986. Commissioner Ebert asked if there were any questions from Commission members. Commissioner Newland asked about the master plan approval process and asked if PEMC could amend the master plan at a later date. Dave Koenig responded that the process for adopting the master plan would be to Planning Commission with a recommendation to City Council, which they would adopt if approved. A Master Plan amendment would have to come back to Planning Commission and City Council for approval. Commissioner Newland asked if there was any way to insure that the phasing was done in accordance with the testimony received. Dave Koenig stated the phasing would be conditioned in an ordinance or an agreement with PEMC. Commissioner Olivers asked about the request. Dave Koenig stated that the rezone would be for the institutional overlay zone on the total site. Commissioner Olivers asked if the specific projects of the master plan required any special property use permits. Mr. Koenig responded that if the Planning Commission approved the institutional overlay zone, that would be the zoning and the specific uses would not require a special property use permit. Commissioner Ebert asked that if the institutional overlay zone was approved, would the individual projects as they are constructed have to go through a separate review process. Dave Koenig responded that the projects depicted in the hospital's master plan would probably have to go through the SEPA review process, which would provide an opportunity to comment.