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circumstances been different and it was our business ather than the Emily Program that sought 3 use of the Hill School property, I would hope that •rono would not balk. To not grant the Emily Program an equal opportunity to become an as-et of this community would be a shame. Personal reasons aside, objectively the Emily Prog am's request has great merit. The Hill School is an Orono landmark. An active owner I f this historic property offers the best opportunity for its preservation. Not only has the I mily Program stepped up as potential steward of this resource, but they propose a signific,: t investment into the property that will not only preserve, but enhance the property for year. to come. The opportunity to return this property to active use, in an enhanced capacity, re turned to the tax rolls, in this economic climate where countless commercial properties remai 1 vacant should not be wasted. Much has been made over whether or not this program belongs in a residential zone. As evident by the Emily Program's reputation and success, cblearly they are in the best position to understand the needs of their clients and how best to serve them. To praise their mission while contesting their means fails to recognize the obvious uccess they have had. Regardless,to state the obvious, a residential treatment program for p ople with eating disorders belongs in a residential zone. Zoned residential, it seems unlikely this unique property will ever be used strictly residentially in its current state. Conditionally used as a school, it too appears unlikely to continue as such. As a residential program focused on healing the Emi y Program's proposed use is a reasonable compromise between its residential zoning and traditi nal use. The Crystal Bay neighborhood prides itself on being a quiet neighborhood. Of course it hasn't always been this way. The post office, the Hill School, and the Minnetonka Center for the Arts are the final remnants of what was once the hub of Orono. Slowly commercialism has vanished and its absence leaves the impression that it was alvtays quiet, and should always be quiet. In recent years even the Hill School generated several traffic complaints. Caution signs now line Briar Street that had encouraged school parents to sldw down. With a capacity of 100 students, traffic patterns were noticeable, but tolerated. The Eriily Program's proposed use has given no indication that traffic levels will have a greater impact that those of the Hill School. In fact it appears estimates, despite the occasional emergency ehicle (which although might provoke an emotional response, still only has the actual impact of a solitary vehicle), project less traffic than those expected to be experienced if the Hill School had reached capacity. Many neighbors have expressed concern that allowi g a conditional use opens the door to less neighborhood-friendly programs using the propert in the future. As has been stated in previous council meetings, programs with six or fe er residents may utilize any residential property without city approval. The proposed use see s a conditional use to allow a ten resident capacity. A search of the Minnesota Department of 1 uman Service's licensing lists shows that 3 I