QUALITY OF LIFE

The high quality of life in Whitpain Township is worth fighting to preserve and protect. The hospital proposal significantly threatens the quality of life in our community.

What about Blue Bell's "best place to live" status?

CNN/Money magazine's annual "Best Places to Live" ranked Blue Bell as the 14th best place to live in the U.S. - and a top place to retire. With 3 accredited trauma centers within 15 miles, plus several other hospitals within 10 miles, and at least 13 teaching hospitals within 25 miles, the rankings indicated no need for additional medical facilities. We worry that the construction of a regional medical facility in the heart of Whitpain Township would hurt our quality of life.

What else is considered in a "best place to live" ranking?

Other than access to medical care, income and education, the other factors include real estate appreciation, personal and property crime risk, and the environment. A hospital has the potential to hurt real estate values, increase crime, and damage the environment in our community.

If approved, how long would hospital construction take?

According to the proposal, construction would start in 2009 and continue to 2017. This includes an additional 1 million square feet of new buildings, with a regional medical center, medical office buildings, 4 new office buildings, and parking garages, for a total of 2 million square feet of development. Construction would greatly disrupt day-to-day life in our community for years.

How likely is hospital expansion?

Expansion is practically inevitable. Hospital expansion must be expected and planned for. Regional medical facilities are dynamic developments with continued growth and expansion.

Are there local examples of hospital expansion?

Bryn Mawr Hospital. Bryn Mawr's Emergency Department's admissions have increased by more than 40% since 1997. The township board proposed an ordinance in May 2006 to create a Bryn Mawr Medical District for the surrounding area. Plans call for the demolition of more than 40 older homes. Neighbors have hired legal counsel to fight the expansion ordinance.

Abington Memorial Hospital. Richard Montalbano, then Vice President of Abington Memorial Hospital, stated at a zoning hearing in 2002: "The Hospital has experienced a 40% growth in five years in admissions, and a 50% rise in emergency trauma visits." In November 2005 Abington Hospital opened the new 360,000 square foot medical facility. This included an expanded emergency trauma center, and 900 new parking spaces.

What about open space?

The proposed intense development in the park like setting of the former Unisys property is out of step with a community that has consistently supported increased open space and parks.

A regional medical facility would transform Whitpain Township from a community with a small town atmosphere to a community with the mindset of a 24/7/365 urban center.