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Can the community and the
hospital find common ground?
BY PETE DELEA
Washington Adventist Hospital
presented their long-term development plan to the Takoma Park
City Council on July 24, followed by a public forum that brought
more than a standing room only crowd (TVs and chairs were
set up in the lobby) and attracted over 70 people to testify.
The hospital plans were similar to plans already submitted
to the council with the exception of the medical office building,
which the hospital decided to reduce in size from six stories
to five.
"It was simply a recognition that we want to be in a
collaborative mode," said Ken Bauer, Washington Adventist
Hospital president. "It's a good faith gesture of compromise."
Many at the meeting said that the hospital's decision was
a sign of progress but more needs to be done to improve traffic.
"I think it's a step in the right direction," said
Eileen Sobeck during a presentation giving by Sensible Growth.
"I don't think that is a enough to make a difference."
Andrew Strongin, of Greenwood Avenue, said the only compromise
that is acceptable is moving the medical building off the
hospital campus to a less congested area. "It can't be
smack in the middle of Takoma Park," said Strongin. "If
they want to build it a mile away, I'm all for it."
Some residents asked about the medical office building at
Carroll Avenue and University that the hospital had owned
but sold. According to Takoma Park resident Jay Keller, that
option may not have been fully explored. A building there
would be accessible from a four-lane highway, instead of an
overcrowded two-lane highway in Takoma Park. The hospital
also could receive tax benefits from building in an enterprise
zone.
Several city residents who have been treated at the hospital
and senior citizens who have difficulty commuting to neighboring
cities spoke in support of the project.
Betty Jones, vice-president of the Takoma Towers resident's
council, said that she fully supports the hospital expansion
including the medical office building even if it will bring
increased traffic to the city.
Many residents of the retirement center said they have similar
problems accessing local medical care and suggested that the
hospital provide transportation for local residents including
a hospital sponsored shuttle bus that circles the city providing
low cost transportation to and from the hospital.
"My physicians are all at Washington Hospital Center.
I have to take a bus and a train to get there," said
Jones. "I'd like to have them closer."
The hospital has yet to file a special exception required
for the project, but Bauer said he anticipates filing soon.
Once the exception is filed it will be reviewed by the city
council and the Montgomery County Planning Board before be
submitted to the Montgomery County Board of Appeals. The city
has authority over storm water permits, tree permits and driveway
access to city streets. City administrators said that once
the exception is filed there would be at least one more public
hearing.
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