Destination Medical Center

The Mayo Clinic’s Destination Medical Center (DMC) initiative will be the subject of discussion at  the Eastside Pioneers Neighborhood Association (ESPNA) meeting on Thursday, May 9 at 7 PM.  To accommodate our neighbors as well as other interested individuals from our community we will be holding our meeting at the Heintz Center Auditorium Rm.117.  Fourth Ward City council representative, Mark Bilderback and DMC director Heidi Mestad will be our keynote speakers for the evening.

The DMC proposal is a major, long-term undertaking that has generated a great deal of public interest and concern. The DMC plan  continues to evolve as it progresses through the legislative process.

As the ESPNA newsletter is being prepared to go to press, an article in the April 22 issue of the Post- Bulletin (P-B) made reference to yet another revision on the proposal currently before the Minnesota legislature.

According to the Post- Bulletin (P-B) article  “a reworked proposal for a publicly aided Mayo Clinic expansion plan would rely on a heavier local match and require a larger private ante before the state of Minnesota chips in.”

Revisions presented on Monday, April 22, in the Senate Taxes Committee would kick in  state funding once $250 million is spent on upgrades to the Mayo Clinic and associated development in Rochester.

That’s about $50 million higher than the trigger in a companion House bill.

However, the (P-B) states that “in exchange, the Senate proposal would allow for a higher total state contribution, approaching $400 million in aid and tax breaks. A range of local taxes would generate at least $128 million.”

Mayo says none of the public money would go toward its buildings.

The goal would be to have the state assist with roads, sewers, transportation and other public infrastructure that would accompany the increased private development.

The DMC initiative is a work in progress. This is a great opportunity for all to come and learn more about the DMC initiative. It is a an opportunity to find out: 1) Why DMC? 2) What is DMC? 3) Where is the DMC currently at with legislation? 4) When will I have an opportunity for community input? 5) How can I get more involved with DMC? 6) Will the DMC impact jobs, housing and the economy? 7) How will it impact my neighborhood, my home and property? 8) Who will represent our interests? 9) What will it do to our taxes? 10) What are the benefits vs. costs?

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