Hospital Expansion
First, let me say that I support hospital expansion that really delivers hospital beds. I also believe that we should not sacrifice the integrity of any established neighborhood. Permitting a project that will cause unnecessary damage to any area of our community sets a dangerous precedent.
We on the planning commission began hearings on the hospital expansion in November 2005. At the time, I publicly called into question serious flaws in the proposed Master Plan expansion. I voted against the proposal that was eventually sent on to the city council. In addition, I successfully led the charge against the first development agreement, which did not guarantee construction of the hospital inpatient building. The commission rejected the agreement at my request, because hospital bed expansion was the one and only benefit upon which the agreement was premised. Nor did the plan offer any other additional clear and substantial benefits. Furthermore, the city would be unable to require additional modifications that would improve traffic circulation, address insufficient on-site parking, or reduce the threat of eminent domain over the 25-year term of the agreement.
Since that time, I have stated repeatedly that hospital facilities should be considered as part of the necessary infrastructure of the city. While the city is not in a position to build a public hospital, we have an obligation to encourage the establishment of health care facilities needed to meet our health and safety goals, even as we encourage development of a variety of businesses to meet our economic goals.
As a council member, I will insist on a Hospital Master Plan project that reduces to two the number of medical office buildings; guarantees the hospital in-patient building within a limited time; lowers a proposed tower by at least one story; and provides onsite parking to code; all while protecting the surrounding community.
I hope this answers your question. If you would like to discuss this further, please call me at (661) 310-3654.
Diane Trautman
