After much debate in recent months, the first helicopter landed last night (Monday) at the Buena Vista Regional Medical Center helipad in Storm Lake. The helipad is located on the northwest corner of the hospital property and opposition to having the helipad in that location created some controversy last year.
During meetings of the Storm Lake Planning and Zoning Commission and the Board of Adjustment, several people living in the area spoke out against the helipad location, primarily due to safety concerns and worries about noise and a large oxygen tank in the vicinity. A large oxygen tank located in the area also was of concern.
In September after considerable discussion, the Board of Adjustment approved allowing the helipad be located on hospital property. The landing occurred shortly before 6:30, while the medical center’s Board of Trustees were meeting. Trustee Kim Martin noted there was plenty of room in the helipad area for the helicopter from Mercy Air Care in Sioux City to land, and noted the oxygen tank had been moved to another area away from the helipad.