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MINUTES OF THE ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING Monday, February 22, 2010 7:00 o’clock p.m. _________________________________________________________________________________________ Page 10 of 19 (4. #10-3442 THE EMILY PROGRAM, 2180 NORTH SHORE DRIVE, Continued) emergency commit/officer initiating calls. These reports were made over a period of multiple years. Maddie recommended the City took a closer look at the police reports to find out in what context the calls were made. In terms of the overall medical services that The Emily Program provides, they do lab work and acupuncture, but it is unclear whether it will be done at this facility. Maddie commented that people are concerned about the traffic and parking, and noted that the neighbors were told that the residents would not have cars but yet on the website it says that individual plans for vehicles will be developed. Maddie stated in his opinion The Emily Program is a fantastic program and he would like to hear from actual residents of the program. Maddie indicated he did visit the Chaska facility and chat with some of the patients down there. The following are some of the comments that were received: “I wish I weren‟t here but they don‟t bother me and I don‟t bother them; I have no problems with it; it is a great program.” In addition, there were some comments received from the neighbors of the Chaska facility who felt that there was not enough thought given to the impact on the neighbors, that parking was a problem as well as the number of ambulance calls to the facility. Maddie indicated he also heard a statement from one of the neighbors that a lady ran down the street screaming foul obscenities, and another statement from a different neighbor that was told when he complained, “that‟s what you have to expect from girls,” and another statement that the police have been there often. Maddie indicated he is not sure if this statement is valid or not but that he did obtain addresses from all the people that he got statements from. In terms of property valuations, Maddie noted he did speak with a few real estate professionals. Mayor White commented that it is not prudent to think that real estate values will be systemic across the City, but the possibility is real that it will impact the valuations to some degree and will have a drawback on neighborhood appeal. According to Chris Young, Edina real estate agent, perception does affect valuation. Another concern raised is how to prevent the scope of services from expanding and not migrating into other treatments, which is a real possibility. Maddie stated the residents would like to do some more due diligence and find out what the police reports are about and get a perception of what the calls were about. Maddie noted the City‟s charter is to preserve the local character and identity, which does not mean just the building but the intangible aspects of the neighborhood as well. People are concerned that the identity and character of the neighborhood will be negatively impacted if the Emily Program facility is approved. Maddie noted that the voices of the neighbors should count, which is what democracy is all about. Maddie asked the audience whether they think The Emily Program‟s charter is exceptional and that it has a positive impact on people‟s lives. The majority of the audience members noted their agreement. Maddie asked whether the residents feel this is the wrong location for the facility. The majority of the audience members noted their agreement. Maddie noted the purchase price for this lot is approximately $800,000 and that The Emily Program is proposing to spend two million dollars on renovating the building. Maddie encouraged the City and The Emily Program to look at other properties within the community that would offer three to five acres. There is Item #02 - CC Agenda - 03/08/2010 Approval of Council Minutes 02/22/2010 [Page 10 of 19]