Mercy Expansion Meets Council Approval BUFFALO (wned) - Plans are moving forward for the return of helipad service at South Buffalo's Mercy Hospital.

Buffalo's Common Council gave its approval Tuesday to a major expansion plan for the Abbott Road facility, the other major component of which is a new and improved Emergency Department. The cost of the project is $32 million.
Mercy operated a helipad from 1981 to 1996.

Neighbors are concerned, however, about the environmental impact the expansion will have on the neighborhood, particularly on residential parking. They say parking is already at a premium with the growing population of nearby Trocaire College.

"We have to balance the neighbors' needs with the needs of the hospital and the needs of Trocaire," said South District Councilmember Michael Kearns.

"There's no doubt about it. Nobody will say that we don't have a parking problem. That's the number one issue and will still remain the number one issue. But I do think this is a positive project for the district."

Mercy has formed an advisory committee to work with neighbors on issues of concern.

Hospital officials say the helipad will accomodate only about 8-10 trips per month.
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