2005/12/05 Council Agenda Packet

Planning Commission Meeting February 15, 2005 Page 9 _................ only expand by demolishing an entire block of the Donovan neighborhood. He felt that there were three viable options that have not been seriously considered such as the Rite Aid site. Mr. Hudson -Falcon mentioned that during the PEMC presentation, they attempted to justify their expansion into the neighborhood by stated that they must have adjacent properties. He stated that other newly created cancer centers such as the Seattle Cancer Center and the University of Washington medical center had their cancer centers located miles away from any of their primary facilities. He felt that PEMC made a choice to build next to the hospital and that was not dictated by vital or critical needs. The Donovan Neighborhood does want progress and understands that change to the north end of Everett benefits their homes; however, the hospital does not need to demolish the existing homes to accomplish their expansion plans. There were existing commercially zoned properties with the necessary infrastructures currently available at the Rite Aid property. The neighborhood believes that the placement of the cancer center at the North Broadway site provides incentives for other support businesses such as restaurants and other commercial businesses that will revitalize the north Broadway area. The hospital has not been negotiating with the Donovan District through the NW Neighborhood association. He explained that while the NW Neighborhood Association is a beneficial and worthwhile group, they do not represent the best interest of the Donovan Neighborhood. He asked that the City take the time to seriously consider other alternatives rather than living with regrets that won't restore a piece of historic legacy once it is gone. The Donovan Neighborhood asks that the Donovan homes remain and that the commissioners allow further time in order to correctly assess all possible options. He felt that by doing so, the Commission would be allowing the Donovan Neighborhood to continue in its growth as a dynamic and viable asset to the City of Everett. He stated that the neighborhood felt that they could work together with PEMC staff and the City of Everett to preserve a historic treasure and allow for the hospital to continue their expansion plans. Patty Flansaas, 10132 63`d Pl. W, Mukilteo, stated that she had been a staff nurse on the cardiac floor at PEMC for 15 years. She recalled that in 1998, she was told that expansion plans would be expanded to the east and that the block of houses had already been designated as the area where they would expand. In response to the concerns regarding the location of the cancer center adjacent to the hospital, she felt that if a patient runs into a life threatening emergency, the patient would be able to get help quickly at the Colby Campus critical care unit. She felt it was an important reason to locate the cancer center next to the hospital to provide any services that are needed. Tom Gaffney, 10113 35th Ave SE, Everett, stated that he was a member of the board of directors of PEMC. He has been involved with PEMC Board since the merger with General in 1990, but his history goes to 1969 when he began his career in Everett. He recalled a discussion with a past administrator, Al Mueller in late 70's where they identified and began looking at the houses that they needed to acquire. He recalled that the first acquisition was in that timeframe or in the early 1980's. In his role on the PEMC Board of Directors, he had spent a lot of time with management to review costs of the different projects and he felt that PEMC had done a lot of good work in evaluating the options and finances. PEMC is an organization that is well run; however, as with anything there is a limit that can be spent. Using additional money for the unplanned renovations will have a significant impact on PEMC's ability to deliver services in Everett. What will happen will be the inability to deliver health care services. He encouraged the support and added that the time is now.