By Mark Scott
Buffalo, NY – A long-awaited helipad for Women and Children's Hospital received the unanimous approval Tuesday of the Buffalo Common Council.
The vote followed several months of careful review. State Supreme Court Justice John Lane had ordered the Council to do a better job of addressing safety concerns.
At issue is the presence of oxygen tanks near the proposed landing site on top of one of the hospital's buildings. Acting Hospital President Connie Krasinski said it was determined the tanks do not pose a danger.
"Certainly, we're very sensitive to the concerns of our community," Krasinski said. "It was important for us to work through the issues with them. We're very committed to doing exactly what was asked of us in terms of holding town meetings to address community concerns."
The helipad will allow Mercy Flight to transport critically ill patients to and from the hospital. Its cost is more than $500,000.