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Debate Rages Over Streeterville Hospital Heliport

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Jul 23, 2009 9:10 am US/Central

Debate Rages Over Streeterville Hospital Heliport

Children's Memorial Plans Heliport For New Headquarters

CHICAGO (CBS) ―

Click to enlarge 1 of 1: Officials from Children's Memorial Hospital discuss a proposed heliport with residents of the Streeterville neighborhood.
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Mayor Daley Gives Hospital Emotional Endorsement
(12/20/2007)
Commission OKs Heliport Over Community Objections
(12/14/2007)
Lurie Gives $100M To Children's Memorial Hospital
(9/6/2007)
Children's Memorial May Move To E. Chicago Ave.
(8/2/2006)
Children's Memorial To Announce Relocation Plans
(4/6/2006)

Tempers are flaring in the Streeterville neighborhood this week over the controversial plan to put a heliport on top of the new Children's Memorial Hospital.

At a public meeting Wednesday night, Children's Memorial insisted every precaution to guarantee safe operation has been taken.

But neighbors say they have serious doubts. They point to the many high-rises in Streeterville.

The hospital announced plans nearly three years ago to move from its current location on Lincoln Avenue near Halsted Street and Fullerton Avenue, to a new building now under construction at 215 E. Chicago Ave. A plan for a new heliport was later announced.

Immediately, the heliport met with stiff opposition. As long ago as December 2007, the Streeterville Organization of Active Residents, a citizens group, was concerned about the heliport amidst the skyscrapers between Lake Shore Drive and Michigan Avenue where choppers would swoop in from the lake and right onto the rooftop platform.

But the Chicago Plan Commission approved the heliport plan, and Illinois transportation officials are expected to do the same.

Public meetings on the heliport will be held for the rest of the week through Saturday at the Hughes Auditorium in the Lurie Research Center, 303 E. Superior St. The public hearings are scheduled for:

• Thursday from 6 to 11 p.m.
• Friday from 6 to 11 p.m.
• Saturday from 1 to 5 p.m.