Permit Clears the Way for Heliport to be Built at Eastside Medical Center

With a conditional use permit issued by the Snellville City Council on Monday, patients who need to be airlifted to and from Eastside Medical Center will have access to the service in a shorter time.

“The permit allows the hospital to build a hanger for a helicopter to be based at the hospital,” said Councilman Tom Witts. “At present the hospital has a helipad but no helicopter. The addition of the helicopter is expected to increase emergency airlifted patients to the hospital.”

The conditional-use permit was granted to Atlanta Healthcare Management, LP allowing for a hanger, helipad and short runway on a vacant section of the hospital property at 1700 Medical Way in Snellville.

“An auto accident with injuries requiring critical care can now be airlifted to the hospital within minutes of being called,” Witts said. “It will also give the hospital the opportunity to transfer its patients to other facilities when the situation merits.”

According to the conditional use permit application, the Air-Evac Heliport will consist of a 40 x 40 foot helipad, a 30 x 50 foot hanger, and a screened fueling station. Most of the facilities will be located in the southern half of the 1.084± acre tract on an approximate 3,700 sq. ft. area. The hanger will house the helicopter when not in use as well as a small office and living quarters for the flight crew.

Two flight paths will be used according to the application - one directly to the east over the Presidential Markets Shopping Center perpendicular to Scenic Highway. The second flight path will be to the south/southeast and will encompass part of the Presidential Markets Shopping Center and other commercial areas near the intersection of Scenic Highway and Ronald Reagan Parkway. The application noted that both flight paths have been designed to avoid residential areas. It also  noted that helicopters ascend and descend at rapid rates compared to fixed wing aircraft. Since a helicopter is 1,000 to1,500 feet above ground in a short period of time, the application states that there should be no pronounced noise pollution to surrounding residents.