HomeMy WebLinkAboutRemonstrance Exhibits
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Carmel Board of Zoning Appeals
DocKet -#080600008 Use Variance
SL Vincent Heart Center Helipad
Remo nstran ceExh ib its
Presented P'! [)rew Soshnick
on Behalf of The Reserve. 1 &.11 Homeownt;=!rs AssocJ~tions
August 25, 2008
W CJarian North Medical <..enter
Administration
11700 North Meridian Street, Cannel, IN 46032
(p) 317.688.2000 {f) 317.688,2001 cladannorrh.com
July 17, 2008
The Reserve I & II Homeowners Associations
In Care of Andrew Z. Soshnick
Baker & Daniels
300 North Meridian Street
Indianapolis IN 46204
Re: Use of Clarian North Medical Center Helipad
Dear Mr. Soshnick:
This responds to your inquiry, on behalf of The Reserve I & II Homeowners Associations,
regarding use of the helipad at Clarian North Medical Center by St. Vincent Heart Center,
our nerghbor just ten blocks south.
In response to your question whether we would allow the use of our helipad for emergency
patients who are to be treated at 51. Vincent Heart Center, the answer is an unequivocal
yes. If any patient, no matter where he is to be treated, needs the use of our helipad, we
will make it available and cooperate in every way. In fact, on a number of occasions, our
helipad had already been used for patients destined for the Heart Center. On those
occasions we cooperated in every way, and we charged no fee.
If the Heart Center desires confirmation of our willingness to continue to allow the use of
our helipad, I suggest that they contact me at 688-2077 or iqoble@c1ariannorth.com, or our
Chief Operating Officer, Randall C. Yust at 688-2076 or rvust@clariannorth.com. We will
be glad to document the matter in writing. In fact, I believe that written confirmation would
benefit all parties and, most importantly, the patients we serve. We will continue to make
the helipad available on a no-cost basis. All we ask is that the Heart Center provides us
with an appropriate and standard certificate of insurance.
Please let me know if you have further questions or need further informatiOIl.
Sincerely,
onathan R. Goble, FACHE
President and CEO
jrg:lps
cc: Randall C. Yust, COO/CFO, Clarian North Medical Center
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Medical Helicopter Crashes Stir Concern
Fla!~lst~ff Police Oe!:)-i;)rtmel'lt, ~;iJ AS$oci~1fed f~re8~'
JUNE 29 A ~ire broke out arJer two r'no?cJiC3.1 ti~ljcop1ers collidso II' FIE1gslaff. Aff'Z._, killing SL'{ p8oplf~. Si~le81" o8-ople: have died this ~lear in rne{l'ir:.i3! 11ehcoplcr (Ta:.h~s
BARRY MEIER
JUh,.. '" ;'on8-
The fatal collision Sunday between two medical helicopters in Arizona was the sixth crash
involving the emergency helicopters since May, making the last two months one of the deadliest
periods in the history of the fast-growing industry.
Sixteen people have died this year in seven crashes, which involved eight helicopters, according
to federal data. Thirteen of the deaths have come since May.
About 750 medical helicopters are operating in this country, about twice the number flying a
decade ago. Medical helicopters were once operated mostly by hospitals, but in recent years
private companies, including some that are publicly traded, have come to dominate the industry.
The chairman of the National Transportation Safety Board, Mark Rosenker, said the agency was
greatly concerned about the spate of crashes. The board began to investigate the industry after a
rash of accidents in 2004 and 2005.
In a report in 2006, it found that operators had failed to develop comprehensive flight risk
programs, and that pilots often did not have adequate information about bad weather they might
have encountered or equipment to alert them to dangerous terrain.
The board called for stricter flight rules and improved accident-avoidance equipment, among
other recommendations.
The Federal Aviation Administration accepted all of the board's recommendations, Mr.
Roscnker said, but has put only some of them into effect.
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"The latest spate of accidents has given the board concern that the F.A.A. may not be moving as
quickly as necessary," Mr. Rosenker said in a telephone interview on Monday evening.
Earlier on Monday, Mr. Rosenker told reporters in Flagstaff, Ariz., where the two helicopters
collided on Sunday, that "we saw a small reduction" in accidents for a time. "But of late, we
have started to see a trend that has brought it back to a disturbing level," he said. Six people were
killed and one critically injured in the crash, which occurred as each helicopter was on its final
approach to Flagstaff Medical Center.
An F.A.A. spokeswoman said the recent accidents had stirred "attention and concern" in the
agency. The changes it is putting into effect could include new weather requirements for flights
and stricter rules for pilot instrument competency.
Some industry critics have questioned whether companies eager to profit from flights are sending
helicopters to pick up patients who could have been transported more cheaply, and at less risk,
by ground ambulance.
"The vast majority of patients could have done well in a ground ambulance," said Dr. Bryan
Bledsoe, a fOffiler flight paramedic who is a professor at the University of Nevada School of
Medicine. "There is pressure to fly because most companies are owned by publicly owned
entities."
Aaron D. Todd, the chief executive of the Air Methods Corporation, the largest operator of
medical helicopters in this country and the owner of one of those that crashed on Sunday, said
the industry had made major safety strides in recent years. Mr. Todd also said it had been hard to
buy some safety equipment, like night-vision goggles, because most of those supplies are going
to troops in Iraq.
Mr. Todd and other industry officials said they were puzzled by the recent spate of crashes
because there did not seem to be a common thread. Some occurred at night and others during the
day; some were in inclement weather and others, like Sunday's, were in sunny skies with calm
winds.
Dawn Mancuso, the executive director of the Association of Air Medical Services, based in
Alexandria, Va., said in a telephone interview that officials of her organization hoped to meet
next week with the F.A.A. and to hold an industry meeting on safety soon.
Both helicopters in the crash on Sunday were Bell 407 models, the F.A.A. said. One, which
landed on a mesa on the outskirts of Flagstaff, set off a wildfire that spread over 15 acres and
took firefighters 90 minutes to contain.
Two days earlier, a medical helicopter crashed 30 miles outside Prescott, Ariz., injuring the three
crew members, one of them seriously. In early June, four people were killed when a medical
helicopter crashed near Huntsville, Tex.
Three people were killed in May when a medical helicopter crashed near La Crosse, Wis., and
another three died in a crash in February of a medical helicopter off South Padre Island in Texas.
In late May, maternity patients in Grand Rapids, Mich., had to be evacuated after a medical
helicopter crashed on a hospital's roof
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o News}} Nation Troops at Risk States Lotteries
Medical helicopter crash deaths on record pace
o Posted 6/30/200/\ 954 PM I Comments
15 I Recommend 21 E-mail I Save I Print I Reprints & Permissions I ~
By Alan Levin, USA TODAY [Q~~x:.:~~=~=]
Other W~r:" tel shal.;::
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~ Enlarge
By Ross 0, fCrenkllll, AP
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NTSB and FAA inv("stigalors survey the wr.!ckage
MOllClay frorn the Total medical 118ticopler crash III
FlaqstaH. Ariz.
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The fiery midair collision between two helicopters in
Flagstaff, Ariz" on Sunday put this year on pace to be
the deadliest ever for air ambulance crashes,
Yahoo! Buzz
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So far in 2008,16 people have died in emergency
medical helicopter crashes, including six people in
Sunday's crash. That's two shy of the record 18
deaths in 2004, according to the National
Transportation Safety Board,
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"Unfortunately we are moving toward a record-breaking year here," NTSB
Chairman Mark Rosenker said in a phone interview after traveling to the
accident scene Monday, "We are hoping that this accident will sensitize
the industry and the regulators to immediately begin a recognition of what
is necessary to prevent these accidents."
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The NTSB issued a special report in 2006 highlighting issues that had caused an upsurge in emergency helicopter crashes,
particularly during nighttime and in poor visibility,
The number of crashes and fatalities fell briefly after the report was issued and the Federal Aviation Administration
increased oversight of the industry, but they have risen this year.
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FIND MORE STORIES IN: Washington I Arizona I Federal Aviation Administration I National Transportation Safety Board I
Grand Canyon I James Taylor I Michael McDonald I Pat Graham I Flagstaff Medical Center I Air Methods I Tom Caldwell
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An Air Methods helicopter collided with a Classic Helicopters flight about one-quarter mile from the Flagstaff Medical Center
at about 3:45 p.m. Sunday, The Air Methods craft was heading north while the other helicopter was going in the opposite
direction, Rosenker said. Both were following normal paths to the hospital. The collision occurred in clear weather, Rosenker
said,
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The victims included firefighter Michael McDonald, 26, who was being taken to the hospital on the Classic flight after being
injured near the Grand Canyon, Also dead were pilot Tom Caldwell, 54, and paramedic Tom Clausing, 36. Flight nurse
James Taylor, 36, was in critical condition.
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All three aboard the other helicopter died: pilot Pat Graham, 50, flight nurse Shawn Shreeve, 36, and patient Raymond Zest.
54,
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The collision between two air ambulance helicopters was the first in history, according to NTSB records. Previously, most
fatal accidents occurred in poor visibility, often late at night. and NTSB's suggested safety improvements focused on those
factors,
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Investigators do not know why the pilots apparently failed in one of the most basic concepts of flight safety: to "see and
avoid" other aircraft, Rosenker said,
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Gary Sizemore, president of the National EMS Pilots Association, said that crews typically have several layers of protection
against midair collisions. They often report by radio when approaching a hospital and frequently will announce their
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presence on a special radio frequency reserved for other helicopters, he said. The two helicopters were not under the
supervision of air traffic controllers, Rosenker said.
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The collision was recorded on a hospital surveillance camera and the recording will be sent to the NTSB's Washington,
D.C., lab for analysis, Rosenker said.
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Industry officials defended the safety record of air ambulance flights, saying 500,000 patients are transported safety each
year,
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''There is a lesson in every accident that needs to be communicated to increase safety," said Christopher Eastfee,
government relations manager for the Association of Air Medical Services.
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Contributing- Nick Persac and Associated Press
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~CBS ~~WS
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'0....' > BileK
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Medical Helicopter Crash Sparks Concern
FLAGSTAFF, Ariz., June 30, 2008
(CBSI AP) Accidents of medical aircraft are at a "disturbing" level, a federal safety official said Monday as he arrived at the scene
o where two helicopters collided, killing six people.
"We're very concerned about that," National Transportation Safety Board chairman Mark Rosenker told reporters. "We're going to work
very, very hard to make sure we understand exactly what happened here ... and make recommendations to prevent it from happening
again."
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The collision Sunday near Flagstaff Medical Center killed both patients, critically injured a nurse, and rained debris near a residential
area. Two emergency workers suffered minor burns in an explosion in the wreckage of one of the aircraft.
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Lawrence Garduno, who lives about a half mile from the crash, said he heard a loud boom that rattled the windows. He drove toward
the hospital and stopped to see the burning wreckage. "It kind of scares me," Garduno said. "If this had happened a half mile closer, it
could have fallen on our house,"
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Witnesses said the weather was clear, and neither helicopter seemed to have mechanical problems, CBS News reports.
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There have been nine serious accidents with emergency medical aircraft this year, six of them involving helicopters, NTSB spokesman
Ted Lopatkiewicz said. Sixteen pea pie died in the helicopter accidents, including the six in Sunday's crash, which had the largest death
toll. Rosenker called the numbers a "disturbing trend."
One of the helicopters that crashed Sunday was carrying a patient with a medical emergency from the Grand Canyon, officials said. It
was operated by Classic Helicopters of Woods Cross, Utah.
The other helicopter, operated by Air Methods from Englewood, Colo., was coming from the nearby community of Winslow, said Capt.
Mark Johnson, a spokesman for the Flagstaff Fire Department.
fl The victims from the Classic helicopter were identified as pilot Tom Caldwell, 54, paramedic Tom Clausing, 36, and the Grand Canyon
U patient, Michael McDonald, 26. Flight nurse James Taylor, 36, was in critical condition Monday at Flagstaff Medical Center.
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On the other helicopter, the victims were identified Monday as pilot Pat Graham, 50, flight nurse Shawn Shreeve, 36, and patient
Raymond Zest, 54.
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"We've been in business 20 years, and these are the first fatalities we've experienced," said Matt Stein, a pilot with Classic Helicopters
subsidiary Classic Lifeguard Aeromedical Services in Page, Ariz. ''They were all heroes. They were out doing a great service for their
communities."
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Aaron Todd, chief executive for Air Methods Corp., said Monday that his company's helicopter was being flown by a veteran pilot.
Citing the ongoing investigation, he declined to discuss details.
Flagstaff Medical Center President Bill Bradel said Monday the hospital was not releasing any details on the crash, instead focusing on
family members of those who died.
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"I watched our trauma team work diligently trying to save the lives of the victims of this terrible crash," he said.
Both aircraft were Bell 407 models, said Ian Gregor, a spokesman with the Federal Aviation Administration.
D1 Stein said it was rare for two medical helicopters to attempt to land at a hospital at the same time. Flagstaff Medical Center doesn't
have flight controllers, he said, and it's up to the pilots to watch each other as they approach.
Ii The falling debris set off a brush fire, which spread to 10 acres before it was contained. The aircraft were so mangled, Johnson said,
U that "they're not recognizable as helicopters."
It was the second major helicopter collision in Arizona in less than a year. Last July 27, two news helicopters collided while covering a
O car chase near Phoenix, killing all four people on board. Rosenker said NTSB investigators will look at similarities between the two
accidents to identify any potential safety gaps.
Flagstaff is about 130 miles north of Phoenix.
o @ MMVIII. CBS Interactive Inc. All Righls Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed
10 this report.
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CARMEL/CLAY PLAN COMMISSION
May 15, 2001
MINUTES
The regularly scheduled meeting of the Carmel/Clay Plan Commission was called to
order at 7:00 PM in the Council Chambers by President Marilyn Anderson.
Members present were Marilyn Anderson; David Cremeans; Leo Dierckman; Linda
Flanders; Wayne Haney; Ron Houck; Nick Kestner; Dianna Knoll; Norma Meighen; Pat
Rice; Paul Spranger; and Wayne Wilson.
Department of Community Services staff in attendance were Director Michael
Hollibaugh, Jon Dobosiewicz, Kelli Hahn, and Laurence Lillig.
John Molitor noted a hearing was held in the Leeper Electric case which has been
pending for a couple years, during which discussion included whether the court should
appoint appraisers due to a taking of the use of the property from the landowner. It is
anticipated that the judge will rule to appoint appraisers because of the continued delay in
approval of the Wingate project (item Ii. Under Old Business). We hope the judge will
adopt our proposed findings of fact rather than the plaintiff's.
Regarding litigation on the Parkwood West PUD, a tentative settlement was reached in
all three cases (re: the Open Door Law, the validity ofthe ordinance itself, and alleged
violations related to the redevelopment law). The settlements would mean the developer
would shift all improvements approximately 40 feet to the east, and provide additional
landscaping for the parking garage on the west part of the development. This does not
affect the ADLS petition on tonight's agenda (item 8i). However, it will affect the
Development Plan approved as part of the POO part of the process. The ordinance
includes a provision for minor modifications to the Development Plan, which could be
renewed and approved by the Director. John Molitor recommended the Commission hear
the ADLS petition this evening, then Mr. Hollibaugh will be able to approve the
modifications to the Development Plan in order to get this lawsuit settled.
Mr. Dobosiewicz referenced a memorandum distributed to Commission members, which
affects the following agenda items:
Docket No. 39-01 ADLS for Meijer Convenience Store, is tabled to June 19, 2001.
Docket No. 109-99 DPf ADLS for Wingate Inn, is tabled due to pending litigation.
Docket No. 25-01 Z for College Hills PUD remains at Subdivision Committee.
Docket No. 46-01 ADLS for Dan Young Chevrolet is tabled to June 19, 2001.
Jon also asked Commission members to consider two exhibits attached to the
memorandum regarding Docket No. 42-01 DP; ADLS for the Heart Hospital and Medical
Office Building, Meridian at 465. These were in response to a request for information
from the Department.
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The Chairman announced items tabled this evening. They are 1 h, Meijers Convenience
Store; Ii, Wingate Inn; 7i, College Hills PUD; 5j Dan Young.
H. Public HeariD2!s:
2b. Docket No. 42-01 DP/ADLS; Meridian at 465-Heart Hospital and
Medical Office Building
Petitioner seeks Development Plan and Architectural Design, Lighting,
Landscaping & Signage approval for a hospital and medical office building. The
site is located at the southwest comer of 106111 Street and US 31. The site is zoned
B-6/business and within the US 3 I Overlay Zone.
Filed by Paul G. Reis of the Reis Law Firm for REI Investments, Inc.
Paul Reis, 12358 Hancock Street, Carmel represented the petitioner, along with Julie
Christiansen of REI Investments. REI is the property owner and co-developer of the
property with Bremner & Wiley. Tom Ford of Pflum, Klausmeier & Gehrum, traffic
consultants for the project, was also in attendance.
The site is 13.5 acres in size located at the southwest comer of 106th Street and US 31.
Thomson Consumer Electronics Headquarters is south of the site, while Meridian Office
Plaza is east, across US31. Indiana Farmers Insurance is across 106th Street, along with
Perkins Plastic Surgery Center, and residential areas. The site goes across Illinois Street,
and up to 1061h Street, and is zoned B-6 which allows hospitals and medical office
buildings as permitted uses. The site is also subject to the US31 Overlay Zone
Ordinance. As such, the Plan Commission must approve the Development Plan for the
site, as well as the architectural design, lighting, landscaping and signage, access to the
property, site layout, parking, and site circulation.
The proposed development consists of an acute care cardiac hospital, as well as an
attached medical office building. Due to the specialized nature of the hospital, there will
be a chest pain center in lieu of a full emergency room, thus limiting ambulance traffic
coming to the hospital. Overall traffic will be considerably less than a general hospital,
and will also be less than the office development previously approved for this site.
The hospital building consists of two components; the acute care and support area on the
first floor, along with surgery room, radiology labs, and all the support dealing with the
cardiac surgeries. There will also be a service area that contains the mechanical
equipment for the building.
The second component is a patient bedtower, 3 stories above the tirst floor building,
which will house up to 120 patients. It is anticipated there will be approximately 200
employees at the hospital during the day shift. With the penthouse on top of the
bedtower, the total height will be 76 feet. The maximum height allowable in the B-6
district is 150 feet. The attached medical office building is a three-story structure, 53 feet
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in height, which will provide office space for the doctors practicing within the Heart
Hospital.
The elevations submitted with informational packets were described, along with a
computer-generated perspective view from the south, looking northwest into the site from
US 31. The buildings bave been designed to conform to the general character of the US
31 corridor, and to utilize the "golden section" with regard to scale and proportion. The
building exteriors consist of architectural, pre-cast concrete, metal, and glass. Material
samples were shown. The building has been designed to fully enclose the air
conditioning condensing units and chillers, and the emergency power generator. The
cooling towers are atop the buildings, enclosed by pre-cast concrete walls. The
mechanical equipment for the medical office building will be on top of the building, and
will be screened pursuant to the Ordinance with the pre-cast, concrete screening wall.
The site was designed to provide functionality and efficiency to the project, as well as to
address safety, traffic, noise, and lighting issues. Due to the footprint of the building and
the unique physical characteristics of the site (narrow to the north and wider to the south
because of the existing Illinois Street), the project provided certain challenges.
Significant issues addressed were: I) Preservation of the existing tree stand in the
northeast corner of the site. While some of the trees will be removed for surface parking,
and there are also drainage issues in the area, the trees will be preserved as much as
possible. 2) Location of all parking--located east of Illinois Street. Two entrances to the
hospital have been designed. One entrance will segregate the employee and service
traffic from the general traffic for patients and visitors. This will also provide a service
drive for the physicians to enter their reserve parking in the front, and to allow them
quick access to the hospital. The second entrance provides the fire department with
access to the service drive around both buildings. The petitioner has added and enhanced
the landscaping along US 31 because of the parking that is being located within the 90-
foot build-to line area; this will keep all the parking east of TIlinois Street and still
function efficiently for the hospital. We have also been in contact with INDOT, and the
site plan is consistent with the current plans on file with US 31 improvements. The
petitioner is also preserving trees on the west side of Illinois Street, and will be adding
trees on the west side of Illinois Street to further screen the adjacent residential areas
from the project.
The lighting plan is on file with the Department, and is in conformance with the
requirements of the Overlay Zone. By placing all parking east of Illinois Street, the
lighting is reduced to zero illumination at the northbound lane of Illinois Street.
Proposed signage was illustrated in the packets. A sample of the internally illuminated
lettering proposed on the buildings was shown.
The development will be an acute care, cardiac hospital, which differs significantly from
a general hospital, or the previously approved office development. Traffic consultants
indicate the project will have a negligible impact on the surrounding streets, particularly
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during the AM and PM peak hours. No additional traffic control modifications are
anticipated for the project.
At the time of filing in March, two different site plans were presented--one with a parking
garage, the other with surface parking only. Once the size of the Heart Hospital was
defined, it was determined that the parking would fit within the surface parking area. The
cost of building a parking garage is not economically feasible, and the number of spaces
would not be necessary based on the size of the hospital and the medical office building.
The petitioner has filed variances to be able to locate parking within the 90-foot build-to
line, but the intent is to keep all ofthe parking to the east, away from the adjacent
residential area.
The petitioner is in the process of making some minor revisions to address concerns of
the Technical Advisory Committee. Resolution of these issues is anticipated this week.
Members of the public were invited to speak in favor of the proposal.
Jeff Reynolds, Property Manager representing Thomson Multi-Media, Inc, 10330 North
Meridian Street, spoke in favor of the proposal because construction of the vacant land
will decrease their common area maintenance charges for the office park. In addition, the
continued ability of REI to be pro-active in the planning; i.e. the landscape plan as well as
the traffic issues being addressed, and bringing a client to the land that provides a much
lower impact on lUsh hour traffic was lauded. He also feels the stated plan (locating all
the HV AC equipment at the far end of the facility and having it completely enclosed) will
enhance the livability of the area.
Dr. Steve Perkins, 1061h and Meridian, Meridian Plastic Surgery Center, is in favor of the
proposal from the standpoint that the number of employees in this project would have
less impact on the area than an oUice building. The shift hours would vary from the
typical office (8-5) hours and would not negatively impact the current traffic, which is
helpful due to the increase in traffic on 106/11 Street. The proposal is also an upstanding
medical facility, which will enhance the area.
Organized remonstrance began with Steve Mears, attorney, 8395 Keystone Crossing,
Indianapolis, representing the neighbors residing west of the property, the Reserve 2.
Their concerns are light spillage, location of the detention pond, removal of the trees and
installation of a landscape buffer. The neighbors want to ensure they will not be able to
hear the mechanical equipment. Traffic will have a potential of a 24-hour operation. The
neighbors also hope for a commitment from the petitioner that they will not come back to
seek approval of a helicopter pad. The current proposal may result in the property being
overbuilt.
Norm Tabler, 313 Millridge, whose backyard abuts the property line of this proposal,
spoke of concerns with appearance, traffic, and noise. He feels it is overbuilt, with a sea
of asphalt. More land and trees would provide a buffer Weare talking about a 24-hour,
7 days a week operation, involving shift changes, which also involves traffic at all these
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times. The entrances (on Illinois) and ingress/egress at shift changes would be better off
106m Street. The emergency entrance chosen is the closest possible to the residential
area/and will become the after-hours entry. This puts a burden on the neighbors that
should be avoided. Noise from a 24-hours a day, 7 days a week operation could be a
continuing burden and disturbance. The thought of a helicopter is terrifying, and trash
pick-up is another item that needs to be considered from the standpoint of the neighbors.
Dave Fronek, 373 MiIlridge Drive, Reserve Subdivision, is concerned about the few trees
that will be left at the corner of I06th and Meridian and on Illinois at the retention pond.
The site will be overbuilt in terms of parking, and noise is a big concern. They already
suffer from a Lilly building with noise pollution.
The public hearing was closed.
Staff comments--Items are addressed in the Memorandum referred to earlier.
Me Reis said the petitioner is very sensitive to the issues raised by the neighbors and he
will endeavor to address those. The retention pond is the site of the one previously
approved for an oU1ce project that had been approved for this site. The number of
parking spaces proposed is felt to be appropriate for the operations planned at the site.
The 32 spaces for physicians are important as to the function of the facilities. The
petitioner plans to landscape this so it is not visible from the highway. Denial of some
parking spaces would not adversely affect the operations, but the petitioner feels their
suggested number of parking spaces is needed to make this a premier facility.
There is a building in the (area) development that creates considerable noise, and is one
reason for the design of the equipment for this facility. The service area where trash
pick-up will occur is designed far away from the residential area, and hours of use can be
addressed. Some trees that will be removed are to promote proper drainage for the site.
At this time there are no plans for a helicopter pad for this facility.
Mr. Houck questioned the "at this time" regarding a helicopter pad, and suggested
neighbors would feel better if they knew there would be no helicopter pad any time.
Julie Christensen, REI, compared the proposed Heart Hospital to the Methodist Medical
Plaza at 1-465 and Meridian, an out-patient surgery center. This, however, is a Heart
Hospital, and along with one proposed by Community Hospital, would be the first two in
this area.
Ron Houck asked if the retention pond might be reconfigured to minimize the number of
trees impacted, or to have more than one retention pond. Ms. Christensen said there are
other options that might affect more trees. The Chairman suggested this topic be
addressed at Committee.
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Mr. Dierckman asked who will be the ultimate operator of the facility. Ms. Christensen
said it would be a partnership of Central Indiana Health Systems, which will develop a
business that will allow for physician ownership. Ms. Christensen said they estimate a
maximum of25 physicians on stafT, and during a typical day shift a possibility of up to
200 employees.
Paul Spranger said the Heart Hospital seems a suitable use for this site, but he wanted to
address the US 3 1 Corridor issue. A great effort has been made for the appearance of
structures oriented to US 31. The Committee needs to take a hard look at the appearance
from that standpoint, and consider also the trees that will lose their leaves in the winter,
thus affecting the view,
Pat Rice asked about the emergency runs. It is not anticipated there would be a heavy
load of emergency vehicles, and there will be commitments for the emergency vehicles to
turn off their sirens when exiting US 31, unless specifically needed,
Mr. Cremeans would like to make sure the Urban Forester is on top of the situation
regarding tree removal and replacement, even if the retention pond stays in the location
now proposed.
Mr. Houck wants the Committee to address the building footprint, perhaps considering
the consolidation of two, one-floor buildings into one, two-story building, thus adding
open space, and perhaps considering the re-location of the emergency room farther away
from residences.
Julie Christensen said there are practical difficulties in structuring surgical suites on
multiple floors, The hospital was designed from the inside out, determined by
operational needs; then the footprint was established. Proximity of the operating rooms
to the pre-op rooms, to the chest pain center, catherization labs, etc. need to be designed
with certain proximity to each other. The petitioner is willing to take a look at the
suggestions.
The project will proceed to Special Study Committee on June 5, 2001 at 7 p.m.
3h. Docket No. 47-01 CA; the Retreat
Petitioner seeks Commitment Amendment approval to revise the approved
Preliminary Site Plan and No Build Zone. The site is located north of 1-465 and
west of Westfield Boulevard. The site is zoned R-4/residence,
Filed by Harry F. Todd of Gibraltar Properties, Inc.
Harry Todd of Gibraltar Properties stated that in 1999 nine commitments were made at
the time of the rezone for this property The petitioner is seeking to modify some of these
commitments. Commitment 3A was to build according to the preliminary site plan. The
petitioner would also like to vary a commitment for a ISO foot no-build area, There are
four modifications to the site plan; two require no amendments, since governmental
agencies requested them as part of their commitment. One change is along the northern
border of the property, and is a result of a suggestion by the Technical Advisory
s:\PlanCommission\Minutes\PlanCommrnissionMinutes\PCMinutes200 1
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Department Report, Jon Dobosiewicz. The Department recommends approval of the petition. The
sole issue, pursuant to the 31 Overlay, the Plan Commission by its president is required to make
Findings of Fact rather than each member of the Commission_
Leo Dierckman, chairperson of the Special Study Committee, reported the petitioner did an
excellent job of addressing all issues before the Committee. The petitioner worked with the
neighbors in addressing their issues, and the Committee voted 7-0 for approvaL
Marilyn Anderson asked if the landscape plan was reviewed at the Committee level. Leo
Dierckman responded that the Committee as well as the City Urban Forester had reviewed the
landscape plan.
Ron Houck asked if there were a commitment from the petitioner regarding the helicopter pad
issue,
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Leo Dierckman said the helicopter issue had been covered; there is no way a helicopter pad could
be approved without returning to the full Plan Commission.
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John Sharpe moved for the approval of Docked: No. 42-01 DP/ADLS; Meridian at 465 - Heart
Hospital aod Medical Office Building, seconded by Leo Dierckman. The motion was
APPROVED 14.0.
lot Docket No. 43-01 ADLS; Merchants Square, Donatos Pizza Restaurant
Petitioner seeks Architectural Design, Lighting, Landscaping & Signage approval for a
restaurant. The site is located at 1422 Keystone Way. The site is zoned B-8tbusiness and
is located partially within the SR 431/Keystone Avenue Overlay Zone.
Filed by Kevin Cavanaugh for Donatos Pizza Restaurant.
Kevin Cavanaugh, 7705 Andrew Pass, Plainfield, Indiana appeared before the Commission
representing Donatcis Pizza. The Special Study Committee reviewed this project on June 5, 2001,
and requested a change in the signage on the front fa~ade. The requested change has been made
and submitted to the Department.
Department Report, Jon Dobosiewicz. The applicant has provided additional information
submitted to the Commission members this evening. The Department recommends approval with
the change submitted.
Leo Dierckman, chairperson of the Special Study Committee, said the petitioner had worked well
with the Committee and had agreed to "tone down" the sign and eliminate some of the red
background. The Committee voted 7-0 in favor of the petition.
John Sharpe moved for the approval of Docket No. 43-01 ADLS, Mercbants Square. Donatos
Pizza Restaurant, seconded by Leo Dierckman. APPROVED 14-0.
IIi. Docket No. 47-01 CA; The Retreat
Petitioner seeks Conunitment Amendment approval to revise the approved Preliminary
s:\PlanCommis:lion'IMinutes\PlanConunissionMinutes\PClYIinutes200 1 \jW1.e
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l'lTh' -, n.' Q ·
e n.elS Law Firm
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Paul G. Reis, Esq., Ltc
12358 Hancock Street
Carole&, IN 46032-5801
(317) 848-4885
Fax: (311) 848-4899
fiIm@reislaw.com
Writer's Direct Dial
(317) 848-4886
preis@reislaw,(:OPl
May 25, 2001
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"AY 25 2atn
DOCS
Mr. Leo Dierclanan, Chair
Carmel-Clay Plan Commission Special Studies Committee
C/o City of Carmel- Department ofCornmunity Services
One Civic Square
Cannel. Indiana 46032
RE: Heart Hospital and Medical Office BuiIdin& Docket No. 42-01 DP/ADLS
Our File Number: 2050/1
Dear Leo:
The following information is provided to confirm information presented at the May IS,
2001 meeting of the Plan Commission regarding the Heart Hospital and Medical Office Building
to be constructed at the southwest comer of U.S. 31 and 1061b Street:
1. ParkinS!. Lot Liliilitin2:
The parking lot lighting has been designed in compliance with the U.S. 31 Overlay Zone
Ordinance and there is no spillage of light west .ofthe median ofTIlinois Street. All parking will
be located on the portion of the site east of illinois Street and not on the portion of the site west
ofTIlinois Street and adjacent to the residential areas.
2. Tree Preservation and Tree BufferinJl: alan!:!: the west side of Dlinois Street:
.', '\, Existing trees near the intersection of 1061b. Street and U. S. 31 are being preserved in
;,.;.' compliance wjth the U.S. 31 Overlay Zone Ordinance. Alsot existing trees along 100th Street
_.. . west 'of TIIinois..Street are being preserved in connection with the construction of the detention
:ppnd. Additional trees are to be planted .west of lllinois Street to enhance the existing trees along
~e eight.{8) foot wall that is located on the western boundary of the Meridian at 465 Park
aajacent'to the Reserve at Springmill subdivision.
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Mr. Leo Dierckman
May 25, 2001
Page 2
3. Mechanical equipment:
As presented to the Commission the air conditioning condensing units and chillers and
the emergency power generator for the hospital will be fully enclosed within the building. The
cooling tower fans will be located on top of this enclosure and will be fully screened with a pre-
cast concrete wall. Furthennore, location of this enclosure is in the southeast comer of the
hospital building, which is as far away from residential areas as is possible. The mechanical
equipment for the three-story medical office building is located on the roof of the building and is
fully screened by pre-cast concrete walls. The screen walls not only bide the equipment from
view but also provide a sound barrier to minimize the sound oithe equipment.
4. Helicopter Pad:
The hospital has no plans for a helicopter pad and none is shovvn on the plans filed with
Department of Community Services and with the Plan Commission.
5. Detention Pond:
Due to drainage and the topographic features of the site, the pond has been located along
106m Street, west of illinois Street. Our client has been in contact with the Urban Forester to
modify the landscape plan in order to preserve as many of the existing trees as possible adjacent
to the pond and 106lh Street and to add new trees to further enhance the area to provide
additional screening and a visual backdrop to p8Ssers.by on 1 Q61h Street. This area is not adjacent
to the Reserve at Springmill subdivision and a detention pond for a larger office complex was
previously approved in this area of the site.
6. MeetinilS with Neighbors.
Since the Plan Commission meeting, Julie Christensen, of REI Investments, Inc., has met
with a group of the neighbors from the Reserve at Springmil1 Subdivision to further discuss and
address their concerns about noise, lights and traffic. As a result of that meeting our client has
agreed to. the placement of additional trees west of nlinois Street and east of the wall. They
agreed upon the type, size and location of these trees. Further explanation was made concerning
the size, type and illumination level of the lighting for the project. Ms. Christensen is working
with the neighbors to set up a follow-up meeting with a larger group of the neighbors to show the
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Ma.y 1S, 2001
Page 3
changes that have been made to the project to address their concerns and to provide further
explanation of the project.
Should you have any questions concerning the project, please fee) free to contact me.
Thank you very much for your cooperation and assistance in this matter.
Very truly yours,
EnclQsure
cc: Plan Commission Members
Mr. John Molitor
Mr. Jon Dobosiewicz
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Deadly Medical Helicopter Crashes on the Rise
Date Published: Tuesday. July 1 st, 2008
This Sunday saw this year's ninth medical helicopter collision. With 2008's death toll now
at 16, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is concerned there is a trend. This
Sunday's midair collision of two medical helicopters in Arizona killed six people, injured three,
and. according to an NTSB official, is part of a "disturbing" national tendency. FAA
spokeswoman Alison Duquette said that while the number of fatalities dropped between
2006-2007, the agency now is seeing an increase.
NTSB Chairman Mark Rosenker said, "This has been a serious issue. Just this year there
have been eight of these incidents. We want to see if there are issues that we need to fix to
prevent these midairs [collisions] from happening." Rosenker did not include the Arizona
crash, which is this year's ninth involving medical helicopters; 2007 saw 14 such
crashes. Not all prior crashes occurred in flight.
There was just one survivor from the Arizona crash, an emergency room nurse, in critical
condition, Flagstaff police Sg1. Tom Boughner said. Rosenker confirmed the collision was
recorded by a motion-sensitive camera on a hospital parking deck; that the camera was sent
to a Washington lab for enhancement; that toxicology tests were conducted on both pilots;
and that NTSB investigators, who arrived Monday, would begin examining the wreckage
today and reviewing training records, dispatch communications, 72 hours of the pilots' flight
history, and employee histories.
Rosenker said both helicopters were attempting to land at Flagstaff Medical Center, with one
approaching southbound, the other northbound. "They were both in a place they should've
been in a normal operation," Rosenker said. "The question is: Why didn't they see each
other?" He said the weather was clear and sunny at the time of the collision.
FAA spokesman Ian Gregor said three of those killed were aboard a Bell 407 helicopter
operated by Air Methods Corporation, an air medical service provider. Rosenker said the
pilot aboard the Air Methods helicopter dropped off an individual earlier to meet weight
requirements for landing at the hospital. Three others were killed aboard the other helicopter,
a Bell 407 operated by Classic Helicopter Service of Utah. The surviving nurse was on that
helicopter. Killed in the collision were the two pilots, two medics, and two patients, said
Boughner. The helicopters set fire to a 1 a-acre area after crashing to earth, according to fire
officials; a secondary explosion following the crash injured three rescue workers.
Concerns over emergency medical helicopters prompted an investigation into such
operations detailed in a January 2006 NTSB report, which noted that emergency medical
operations are unique in their inherent danger because of the high-pressure circumstances to
which they respond, unfamiliar landing sites, and 24-hour emergencies, often in inclement
weather. The investigation also identified several safety issues: Less stringent requirements
for emergency medical operations conducted without patients on board; a lack of aviation
flight risk-evaluation programs and of consistent, comprehensive flight dispatch procedures;
and no requirements to use technologies-terrain awareness, warning systems-to enhance
flight safety.
indystar.com I Printer.;.friendly article page
Page 1 of 1
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September 5, 2008
Rush County halts medical copter company service
Associated Press
RUSHVILLE, Ind. -- Rush County is suspending use of the Missouri-based Air Evac Lifeteam
because of a fatal crash involving one of its medical helicopters.
Three crew members were killed Sunday when the helicopter, on its way to its base at Rush
Memorial Hospital, crashed in a farm field near the town of Burney in neighboring Decatur County. Air
Evac, which also has Indiana bases in Brazil, Evansville and Paol1, suspended operations at all four
bases temporarily.
The main rotor came off the helicopter before the crash, but the National Transportation Safety Board
is not expected to release the official cause for at least nine months, NTSB spokesman Peter
Knudson said.
However, Rush County commissioners and the director of the county's emergency management
agency notified the hospital in a letter this week that they would not use Air Evac flights pending a full
review and inspection of the service's helicopters.
Rush Memorial CEO Brad Smith said Thursday the letter was unnecessary because Air Evac already
had suspended all flights in the state.
"Even though I respect the good intentions of the local EMAAgency, Rush Memorial Hospital will
follow the expertise of the FAA and the NTSB who are conducting this investigation," Smith said.
Air Evac President Seth Myers said the FAA has received maintenance and inspection records on the
helicopter that crashed.
"Many possible causes have been ruled out and those remaining would indicate a very rare failure or
occurrence," Myers said.
The helicopter was not carrying a patient when it crashed about 40 miles southeast of Indianapolis. It
had been at an event at the Burney Volunteer Fire Department and crashed as 1t was returning to its
base in Rushville.
http://wvvw.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dlllartic1c? AID=/20080905/NEWS/809050461/1304/L... 9/22/2008