Litchfield Planning Commission voted 5-0 Monday to recommend approval of variance and special-use permit requests from Meeker County Memorial Hospital.

Assuming approval from the City Council when it meets Aug. 20, the hospital could begin construction of a new heliport immediately and continue with its plans for a large expansion.

The heliport had become a controversial topic in recent months after a small group of neighbors said the new site — located across Ramsey Avenue from the hospital — could create safety and quality-of-life issues for them because it would be so close to their homes.

Planning Commission members acknowledged Monday that the heliport would affect neighbors, but said that had to be balanced with the benefits that a top-notch medical facility such as MCMH offered the community.

For a complete story, see this week's Independent Review.