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Public hearing and consideration of a request by Kristin Langhoff on behalf of MRMC Land Bank, LLC for a Conditional Use Permit in the Medical Center (SP-MED) District at 9455 Watertown Plank Road to allow a backup helipad
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Submitted by:
Art Piñon
Department:
Development
A. Background/Options
The applicant is requesting approval of a Conditional Use Permit to relocate a backup ground helipad at 9455 Watertown Plank Road in the Special Purpose-Medical Center (SP-MED) District. The backup ground helipad was previously located west of the project site at 999 N 92nd Street, the current Crime Lab development site, but has ceased operations since construction began. The primary helipad is located on the rooftop of the Trauma Center at Froedtert Memorial Lutheran Hospital (FMLH). The proposed backup ground helipad will be used when the rooftop heliport is unusable due to maintenance, repair or construction activities, or weather conditions create a danger to operations.
As shown on the site plan, the proposed backup ground helipad measures approximately 42 feet by 42 feet painted with an “H” that faces east to west. Based on historical operation of the rooftop heliport, it is anticipated that approximately 0 to 5 helicopter takeoffs and landings will occur on the backup ground helipad on days when the rooftop heliport is unavailable for use. When in use, patients will be transported from the backup helipad to the Trauma Center via the North Road east to 92nd Street, south on 92nd Street, then east on Doyne Avenue to the FMLH and Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin Ambulance Patient Entrance. During aircraft takeoff and landing, FMLH security provides an initial safety survey of the landing zone, while the City of Wauwatosa Fire Department provides both a fire engine and ambulance to ensure security and fire suppression services are maintained and provide ground transport of the patient and clinicians.
Attached to this report is the applicant’s letter to Planning staff (project summary), site plan, and location map.
B. Staff Comments
Planning/Zoning Division
The backup ground helipad is being relocated to another location within the Milwaukee Regional Medical Center campus, so no new impacts to surrounding uses are anticipated as a result of the project.
Ten (10) public notification letters related to the project were sent per City regulations.
Building Division
Electrical permit required
City Assessor’s Office
Provide detailed costs of any alterations and/or new construction as well as income and expense information as requested by the Assessor’s office.
City Clerk’s Office
No issues.
Engineering Division
Addressing for the helipad location is subject to approval by the City’s Engineering Division.
Fire Department
This proposed plan is already being used when the rooftop pad is closed, and WFD has assisted with helicopter patient transports to the hospitals from this landing pad. WFD has no issue with this location.
Health Department
No comments provided.
Police Department
No comments provided.
C. Recommendation
Staff recommends approval subject to:
1. Providing detailed costs of any alterations and/or new construction, as well as income & expense as requested by the Assessor's office.
2. Under WMC 24.16.040I., a Conditional Use will lapse and have no further effect one year after it is approved by the Common Council, unless a building permit has been issued (if required); the use or structure has been lawfully established; or unless a different lapse of approval period or point of expiration has been expressly established by the Common Council.
3. Obtaining other required licenses, permits, and approvals.