It’s a long and winding road that leads Medina General Hospital back to Medina City Council on Monday to seek a change in zoning as part of a $30 million emergency department expansion.

This request follows almost two years of intense public hearings, legal challenges and revised architectural plans. The controversy surrounding the zoning even became a defining issue in last fall’s race for Medina City Council president.

The city planning commission has recommended approval of Medina General’s request to rezone 3.7 acres from residential to public facilities to match the rest of the hospital’s property. We encourage Medina City Council to approve the hospital’s zoning request and invite members of the public to voice their support of the proposal at this public hearing and to their council representatives.

Neither Medina General nor those who challenged the hospital’s proposal, have gotten everything they wanted. However, through this long process of debate, the end product is a better site design that addresses some of the public’s original concerns.

Had Medina General engaged its neighbors earlier and been in the position of initiating public input on its expansion instead of reacting to it, this process would be a lot further along than it is today. When it comes to future projects, the hospital must be more inclusive of the wishes of the public it exists to serve.

As a provider of health care and a major driver of the local economy, Medina General Hospital is a centerpiece of the city. It must grow to keep up with the needs of a growing community and changing medical technology.

Even though the process has been long and difficult, the public has been served by achieving a degree of comprise and an improved expansion plan. Realistically, little more is to be gained by extending the debate.

The best way to serve the public interest now is for city council — and residents — to support Medina General Hospital’s rezoning request and move forward.