This summer, representatives from Citizens for Healthy Neighborhoods (CHN) were invited to join Athens Regional Medical Center (ARMC) officials and members of the community-at-large to discuss ARMC's proposed 20-year expansion plan. You will no doubt recall the vehement opposition to the original plan, which called for the demolition of some 60 homes and would have dramatically altered the character of one of Athens most viable intown neighborhoods. Concerned citizens responded by forming CHN, which combines the efforts of Normaltown residents with other intown neighborhoods committed to preserving their homes and quality of life.

As co-chair of CHN, I am honored to serve with the other members of the expansion plan review committee. The committee's meetings have often stretched late into the evening, and each member has spent numerous additional hours reviewing the technical aspects of various proposals. I cannot over-emphasize how impressed and gratified I am by the commitment and professionalism of my colleagues in this difficult endeavor.

During the first four meetings, the joint committee explored the reasons behind ARMC's desire to expand and residents' concerns about the impact such growth might have on their homes and neighborhoods. CHN representatives presented information to the committee on expansion issues related to increased traffic, storm water runoff, neighborhood stability and quality of life.

Last week at the fifth meeting of the joint committee, Programs and Facilities Chair Carl Nichols offered ARMC's response to the committee's discussions. Mr. Nichols presented a revised 20-year plan that essentially "densifies" the original plan, thereby requiring the destruction of approximately 16 homes rather than 60. The construction of additional surface and underground parking allow for the elimination of a proposed parking deck. Two of the four proposed medical office towers are now slated for construction on the Prince Avenue face of ARMC, rather than in the King Avenue neighborhood. Furthermore, the height of Medical Building 1 has been reduced. The revised plan also promises some buffering of the surrounding neighborhoods from the ARMC complex through the use of landscaping, fences and roads.

While the revised plan represents a clear improvement over its predecessor, some obvious problems remain. The revised plan still violates current zoning ordinances as well as the recently adopted Athens-Clarke County Land Use Plan. (Recall that taxpayers anted-up $500,000 to produce the latter document.) Moreover, the revised plan continues to rely primarily on residential property while ignoring comparably-priced commercial property just across Prince Avenue. Athens-Clarke County Acting Public Works Director David Clarke further noted that dividing the new construction on either side of Prince Avenue was a preferable solution to the inevitable storm water runoff and traffic congestion associated with expansion.

ARMC has proposed that ground-breaking on the first stage of the revised plan begin in September. In the next few weeks, representatives to the joint committee will decide whether or not to endorse the new plan. On behalf of the CHN representatives, I encourage you to educate yourself on the plan and discuss your views with your neighbors. As you consider the issue, it is important to remember that ARMC's plan is first and foremost a commercial development plan. Over the past few weeks, the joint committee studied five alternative plans that arguably deliver the same level of medical service. CHN's opposition to various components of ARMC's plan does not constitute an assault on health care. Parking decks do not save lives or make sick people well.

At this point in negotiations, CHN representatives need your support and input. To that end, we invite you to attend a "town hall" meeting at Chase Street Elementary School on Monday, August 17 at 7:00 p.m. We will have copies of the plan to present, and plenty of time for your questions and comments.

On the following night, The Winery and Five Star Day Caf? have generously planned an All-Star Jazz Jam to benefit CHN. The event will take place on Tuesday, August 18 at 9:00 p.m. at The Winery on East Clayton Street and will feature many of Athens' best jazz musicians. Tickets are $10.00. So come on by for the food and music. It's another opportunity to learn more about the expansion plan, and we'll even give you a free yard sign!