2005/12/05 Council Agenda Packet

Planning Commission Meeting February 15, 2005 Page 13 Sister Chauncey Boyle, 2114 12th Avenue East in Seattle, stated she was a Sister of Providence and that she was also a board member of the hospital. She stated that the Sisters opened a hospital in Everett in the Monte Cristo hotel in 1905. The mission of the sister's of providence in sponsoring health facilities has not changed. The Sisters care for the sick, injured, and dying and especially reach out to the poor. PEMC does not turn people away when they come unable to pay for their care. Sister Dorothy Kluigele, 3201 Nassau, stated that she came to Everett as a young sister to run a laboratory. From the Monte Cristo Hotel to the current hospital, she had been part of that for the most part. The hospital needs to grow to meet the needs of the community. Robert Wohl, 1325 Lombard Avenue, stated that most of what he wanted to say had already been stated by his Donovan neighbors. He stated that he realized that it was very important that the healthcare institution providers have the ability to expand and grow in the community; however, he also thinks that historic preservation of a community is just as important. He added that this was a very complex issue that requires a great deal of thought and compromise; however, along with the health care needs, there is a need for affordable quality housing for new residents to the City of Everett. Kristine Stothers, 1305 Oakes Avenue, which is directly across the street from the homes proposed to be demolished. She does not approve of their decision to expand to block 248 since it does comprise such a high proportion of the Donovan Homes and there are so many other viable options. There are many things that will be lost in the neighborhood if the expansion proceeds. However, she felt that it was very important to point out that she was curious about the urgency for lack of beds because the bed tower is not planned for the first phase of the project. The bed tower is planned for 2010 which is five years from now. She added that they also talked about the cancer center being close and not being able to transport people two to three blocks away from the Rite Aid property; however, to locate the cancer center on the Wetmore property would also require some transportation. She is also objecting to the presentation that Mr. Shockey gave in regards to further growth and destruction of homes in the Donovan Neighborhood. She felt that Block 248 limits the hospital in its growth potential and that seeking a multiple location campus is the best option for the proposal. John Vandrae, 812 Grand Avenue, stated he was a physician for 27 years and had been on the PEMC Board of Directors. He stated that there is little doubt that the hospital needs a larger footprint because the present footprint will not allow for what is permitted for growth. PEMC has been considering expansion plans and the alternatives extensively over the years. They have had tremendous input from the medical community and staff members. He approves expansion plans to the east. Brownwen O'Neill, 5205 87th Avenue NE, Everett, has been a nurse at Providence for 14 years. She understands the need for more bed capacity. She was worried that the bed tower would not be constructed until 2010. Patients have waited in hallways. Prefers the idea of semi- private rooms but in the interest of decreasing the number of antibiotic resistant organisms, the spread of infection and disease to patients who are much sicker in the hospital; and for HIPA where confidentiality has to be maintained, private rooms are really a necessity. Michael Stevens, 1432 Lombard, stated that he was an architect and planner and former member of the historic commission in Seattle. He is new to Everett and Snohomish County. He stated that he understood the need for Providence to expand; however, he felt that the