I appreciate everyone's comments on this issue. My personal opinion is that the Plasma Center has out grown its current location. They are serving upwards of 5000 people a week and they don't have the space or the parking to serve that many people.
Bela's family is the proverbial canary in the coal mine on this issue. They purchased their home before the plasma center extended its hours from M-F 9-5, Sat 9-1 and closed Sun to now M-F 6:30-7:30, Sat 9-3, Sun 9-1. That is an added 31 hours of operation (or to you and I an additional 3 plus working days a week).
I think that we can all agree that there are some serious drawbacks when any business grows beyond its means. We see them every time we drive past the plasma center. It should not just be about their bottom line, but what impact are they having on a community. Whether it is a bar, a restaurant or a flower shop . . . if you are not being a good steward of your neighborhood you should expect the neighbors to stand up and demand that you do.
I can state for a fact that the University Area Commission has voiced their opinion on this matter. But the UAC's voice is only as strong as the people they represent. As a unified neighborhood we will be taking this before Columbus City Council Monday October 22 at 5:00 pm (although you can show up in support as late as 6:00pm). Public comment will probably happen after 5:30 and a strong showing of support on this issue will hopefully have an impact on council.
Ideally the plasma center should understand that they have outgrown their present location and consider moving to a location that best fits their needs. From a zoning point of view, this type of business has specialized needs (especially around biomedical waste) and should be given special consideration in the City code.
Last edited by macrock on Sat Sep 22, 2007 2:55 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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