PC 02/12/97 - Laserfiche WebLink

PUBLIC HEARING WAS OPENED ~ Dr. Michael Bleecker, 1251 Country Lane, represented his application. He stated he has been an obstetrician for over 25 years in the Valley and has had many patients looking for non-hospital birthing options. He has been looking for two to three years for an appropriate location for a birthing facility. He felt the present site was perfect because it had the correct zoning, as well as being a plus for the neighborhood and the City. He feels it is apropos to consider this as a "Bed, Birth & Breakfast." Commissioner Cooper inquired if the site for a birthing center should be one with some grounds surrounding it. The applicant advised that the areas zoned for this use are very limited. Commissioner Wright inquired about the staffing. Staffing will be present only during examinations and birthing. In response to Commissioner Wright, Dr. Bleecker feels it is unpredictable to state how long the women will be in labor. The applicant advised that he has read the staff report and the conditions of approval. In response to Chair Barker, Dr. Bleecker stated that first time births would not be precluded from using the facility, however, patients that have an abnormal presentation will be excluded. The applicant advised Chair Barker that he will not provide epidural medications--it goes against the intent of his facility. Also, he stated he is willing to add air conditioning to the house. Judith Janofsky, 634 Encinal Court, Walnut Creek, is a friend of the Bleeckers and stated she has utilized such a birthing center in Menlo Park. There was never a problem with the neighbors or noise. She thought a birthing center was a better use alternative than a family with teenagers with loud music and cars. Toby Reiswig-Pate, 126 West 20th Street, Tracy, stated she ran a birth center for five years in San Diego. The biggest concern of the neighborhood seems to be an imposition on the neighborhood caused by a large number of people, cars, and noise. The San Diego birthing center average 50 births per month and was also in a residential area. The number of hours of stay after a birth is 6-12 hours and sometimes as low as 2-4 hours. It is rare to have a large crowd attending a birth; staff is usually limited to a doctor and a nurse. Noise is not normally a problem, and Dr. Bleecker has looked into noise reduction measures. She supports the birthing center application. In response to Commissioner Wright, Ms. Reiswig-Pate stated that during the 3,000 births in San Diego, approximately 4-6 infants needed emergency medical help. Susie Schneider, 9200 Alcosta Blvd, Ml, San Ramon, is a Certified Childbirth Educator. She was thrilled to see this project come to the Valley, sees it is as a plus to the neighborhood and the City. There is a need for this type of birthing center. People utilizing these services are well-educated in the birth process and consequently don't arrive early in the process and also tend to want to get right back home. ~ Planning Commission Minutes Page 5 February 12, 1997