Are the citizens of Rochester area being sacrificed for Destination Medical Center?
With due respect, I disagree with Rochester City Council member Mark Bilderback, city administrator Stevan Kvenvold and state Rep. Kim Norton. The rapid change in Rochester is not just the environment, business changes, expected population changes and economic trends. It is because Mayo Clinic and Dr. John Noseworthy want to be the No. 1 medical center. Mayo Clinic is already one of the best medical centers — one that I use many times. Yes, the changes will be beautiful and unique for Mayo Clinic patients and other visitors and tourists. Michaels and Hanny's changes are making a lot of money for them to participate with DMC. They can't be blamed for that.
But, has DMC made plans for lower-income people who service the hotels, restaurants, etc.? They will need homes they can afford.
Gus Chafoulias of Titan Inc. has done wonderful things for Rochester and can be for commended that, but this seems beyond the pale. Who needs that huge glass thing to cover a portion of Rochester or a 32-story building? Many people feel the community of Rochester is being "thrown under the bus." What will the regular citizens of Rochester do? Many of us will shop at Apache Mall and strip malls, which are places we can afford.
Judith Buettner
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Rochester
