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4 5141, I am in favor of the proposal for many reasons, bo h personal and objective. Personally, my career has been in social services, and I am currentl the Human Resources Administrator for a day training and habilitation program servi g adults with intellectual disabilities. Additionally, we specialize in providing servic s to individuals with maladaptive or challenging behaviors. In 2001, under similar ci cumstances to the Emily Program, we approached the Eden Prairie city council with the hope of moving one of our facilities into a new home within the city. Bordered by residential homes on several sides, we too faced significant opposition to our proposal. Thankfully,, the city council had the courage to see beyond the rhetoric and approve our use. Since moving into Eden Prairie we have develope many positive community relationships. We are active members of the Chamber of Comme ce. The Lion's club, a local church, and a community artist group have partnered with our company on several projects and events. Local businesses employ our clients and local residents are among our best employees. Had the circumstances been different and it was our buiness rather than the Emily Program that sought use of the Hill School property, I would hope that Orono would not balk. To not grant the Emily Program an equal opportunity to becom* an asset of this community would be a shame. Personal reasons aside, objectively the Emily Pro ram's request has great merit. The Hill School is an Orono landmark. An active owner of this historic property offers the best opportunity for its preservation. Not only has the Emily Program stepped up as potential steward of this resource, but they propose a signifi4ant investment into the property that will not only preserve, but enhance the property for years to come. The opportunity to return this property to active use, in an enhanced capacity, rOturned to the tax rolls, in this economic climate where countless commercial properties remain vacant should not be wasted. JMuch has been made over whether or not this p gram belongs in a residential zone. As evident by the Emily Program's reputation and success, clearly they are in the best position to understand the needs of their clients and how best td serve them. To praise their mission while contesting their means fails to recognize the obvious success they have had. Regardless, to state the obvious, a residential treatment program fot people with eating disorders belongs in a residential zone. Zoned residential, it seems unlikely this unique pro.-rty will ever be used strictly residentially in its current state. Conditionally used as a school, i too appears unlikely to continue as such. As a residential program focused on healing the Em ly Program's proposed use is a reasonable compromise between its residential zoning and traditional 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 Scho+1, and the Minnetonka Center for the Arts 4 1