Dialysis center zoning bill advances

Depending on how you look at it, today’s City Council hearing about a proposed dialysis center in Chestnut Hill is either an example of petty, job-killing NIMBYism or a conspiracy by corporate interests and politicians to rip away a citizen’s right to due process.

The bill at hand seems simple enough. Fresenius Medical Care is a company that wants to operate a dialysis center in a now-vacant building on 10 E. Moreland Avenue, which is zoned for industrial uses. Councilwoman Donna Reed Miller introduced a bill in November that would rezone the area for commercial purposes, thus allowing Fresenius to open up shop and — here’s the important part — operate whenever it wants.

That’s where the Chestnut Hill Residents Association comes in. Ron Recko, president of the Residents Association, says neighbors are worried about late-night noise and traffic — and want it closed by 6 p.m.

Conversely, Fresenius wants to operate till 9 p.m., if demand calls for it. READ MORE