If you have the time, read through the transcript, the resident concerns and questions, and the board's answers are interesting.
One gentleman who got up to speak at this hearing was the Commissioner of the Ridge Culver Fire District, Mr. Campanella.
He was disappointed that the COMIDA board didn't know what district the mall was in, and brought up some very good issues to consider. Increase in services and the underground parking. Mr. Campanella said that after the mall was built, the calls increased 10%, and he expects it to increase another 10% if this project is built. He has concerns about more volunteers needed to handle increases in calls - yet they are losing volunteers due to their call volume. He didn't seem so concerned about the height of the hotel - they are well trained in that area (St. Ann's etc.) and building codes do address fire safety issues for tall structures, plus, he states nobody has equipment that can reach more than seven stories from the outside. What he was concerned with is the levels of underground parking. The training for this, and it needs to be addressed. He also states that he really doesn't know much about the details, but the town has been helpful and giving them information as they find out. He seemed more concerned that the developers have not contacted them at all to let them know what is going to happen with the mall.
Here is the part of the transcript where Mr. Campanella speaks:
