Naperville council in overtime mode on hospital expansion

Naperville has scheduled two public forums to gather information on Edward Hospital's proposed southern bed tower expansion.

The meetings are in advance of an expected city council debate and vote Dec. 4 that could rezone the entire hospital campus and limit future growth of the medical complex.

The first meeting will be from 3 to 5 p.m. Nov. 14 and the second will be from 7 to 9 p.m. Nov. 19. Both sessions will be at city hall, 400 S. Eagle St.

"We did the meetings at two different times to accommodate peoples' schedules," said Greg Jones, a city project manager. "We picked those dates so we'd have enough time to compile all the information before the Dec. 4 council meeting."

The council directed city staff members to stage the forums after hospital officials decided not to pursue purchasing eight homes adjacent the southern border of the hospital. They also endorsed a new design of the proposed bed tower that would rise 30 feet from the residential property line.

At its peak, the new bed tower would be about 120 feet tall and be set back 50 feet from the property line -- that's 200 feet less than initial requirements proposed by the city's new zoning.

"We've got a lot more details," Jones said. "Through our discussions with the hospital, we've learned more about their plans. But in the end, it's the council's call."

Neighboring residents were angered by the recent developments, accusing the hospital of not negotiating in good faith and the city of turning its back on them.

"The eight homeowners are simply asking to receive fair compensation from Edward Hospital, which has plans that if allowed to be constructed as presented, will diminish their property values, quality of life and use and enjoyment of their property," said Anissa Olley, who lives directly south of the hospital campus.

Hospital officials said they could not come to a purchasing agreement with the homeowners because some refused to negotiate.

Brian Davis, vice president of communications for Edward, said hospital representatives will be available at the meetings.

"The city is running the meetings, and we will participate as asked," he said. "We've been working hard to make significant modifications."