2005/12/05 Council Agenda Packet

Planning Commission Meeting February 15, 2005 Page 8 services, nutritional services, social services, hospice, pastoral care, pain management, clinical research programs and support services, and may also include complimentary services such as relaxation techniques, naturopath, massage, and other things. The purpose of a cancer center is to provide these services to cancer patients in a single location. Locating the cancer center on an off-site location defeats the stated purpose of the cancer center. The community cancer center will be an outstanding addition to their current medical infrastructure and this is a model that has been used many other successful cancer centers both nationally and locally. James Finley, 4909 Fowler Avenue, stated the he moved to Everett in 1973 and practiced medicine at the Everett Clinic for 27 years and retired in 2000. He moved to Everett because he felt that there was a progressive approach to the practice of medicine and the delivery of healthcare in Everett. During his career, he has seen major changes in technology and systems of delivery of care and financing. When he came to Everett in 1973, he was the 25th physician to join the Everett Clinic and now there are 220 physicians. In 1973, there were no CT scans, no MRIs, no angioplasty, and ultrasound and colonoscopy were just emerging. Technology and length of stay in the hospital has changed over the years. In his work at the Everett Clinic, he was involved in administration over the last 18 years of his career. He found it was very easy to recruit because of the good community schools, beautiful scenery, beautiful parks, and overall high quality of life in Everett. Being able to point out how progressive and adaptable the medical community could be was a very strong selling point. PEMC has met the past challenges and must meet new demands for capacity, technologic advances, and comprehensive health care services. He strongly endorses approval of the request. Laura White, 1320 Lombard Avenue, stated that she was concerned over traffic in the area and along neighborhood streets. The expansion proposal would bring more people through their tiny, quaint, and beautiful little town. She was concerned that the road may have to be widened for an expressway or thoroughfare and stated that two lane streets surrounded the hospital. She would like to see a postponement on decision because of the traffic concerns. She asked that the Commission slow down the process to review the available options. Garrick Hudson -Falcon, 1418 Lombard Avenue, stated that he would like Planning Commission to consider three points of the Donovan District neighborhood: 1. Who is the Donovan District? He stated that they are working together to look for viable alternatives for the expansion of the hospital and the benefit to the City of Everett. 2. Claims made against the Donovan District residents through various sources over the past few months. 3. Division of the Donovan District from the view point of the neighborhood. He stated that the Donovan neighborhood was asking that commission allow their voices to be heard. After attending several of the hospital's presentations, he listened to them speak of their long range growth plans but felt neglected that they were not listening to the vision of the Donovan Neighborhood. The Donovan Neighborhood is a growing and diverse group of people facing a common threat. The Donovan Neighborhood has been changing over the years from a less than desirable rental neighborhood into an attractive homeowner's destination. PEMC's expansion plans have brought the neighborhood together which has created a stronger community. The Donovan Neighborhood is not opposed to the hospitals expansion. The neighborhood understands the need for the hospital to expand in order to remain viable, they also recognized the desire for the City of Everett to have access to a competent health care facility such as PEMC. He stated that what they do object to is their claim that the hospital can