Despite the unfortunate accusatory tone of some comments, a valuable discussion has been on Next Door about the proposed Blood Plasma Collection Center—because the city is revising its 1960s zoning code at this time and these are the types of development issues a revised code could address. 

Since residents will have the chance to give input when Version 3 of the Unified Development Code is released in late summer, if we can get good, factual information about Plasma Centers, we can offer more valid input to the city about where they should be placed.  First, it is important to note that the Loop area is designated on the city’s new Future Land Use Map as a “traditional neighborhood center.”  As such, it is appropriate for the commerce needed to support the daily lives of residents in the area.  Mobile apparently allows Plasma Centers in routine “B2” Business zones where more familiar commerce typically occurs (grocers, restaurants, gas stations, small retail, mixed use residences w/ other businesses, pharmacies, markets, residential services and various offices).  The question then for the new development zoning code is:  Is this appropriate as a neighborhood business?  Does it support the daily lives of area residents?  Is it a common or familiar service needed in the area or is it more appropriate in a larger district commercial center serving a broader area of the city where clients “drive in” instead of walk next door?  Does this business fall in the category of “predatory” business targeting a vulnerable population?  If so, do we want to encourage predatory practices in our neighborhood?  Does this business provide a necessary service?  What do other cities do?  

Some quick research has revealed that Plasma Centers, which pay about $30-$50per unit to the donor, make about $500 on that unit. This profit v pay gap leaves this for-profit blood sale industry open to criticism as predatory and targeting a vulnerable population. This article from Atlantic Monthly is an overview of the industry and some of the issues to be aware of:   https://www.theatlantic.com/business/archive/2018/03/plasma-donations/555599/

Title:  How Blood-Plasma Companies Target the Poorest Americans —The industry’s business model depends on there being plenty of people who need cash quickly.

Other cities are also grappling with where the centers are appropriate, and have tended to place near hospitals, university research labs, or clinics, but that is changing as more centers are built.  The number of centers has tripled in the U.S. since the late 1990s.  From the article:  "Regardless of their motivations, these donations save the lives of men, women, and children facing life-threatening diseases such as primary immunodeficiency, hemophilia, Alpha-1 antritrypsin, and hereditary angioedema.”

Finally, is this the best use of a large available space and vacant building?  Some have said “anything is better than a vacant building”— but is this really true?  Development depends on available space and sometimes on vacant buildings.  Would St. Louis St. have developed as it has in 3 years without available space and vacant buildings?  Is this the best use of one of Government Street’s largest single available development sites?  Do we instead need other commerce to support our lives:  a fresh produce or specialty market,  services such as alterations, dry cleaning, or eye glasses, a full service hardware store, better retail and restaurant variety in the area.  It is the job of planners to establish good land use guidelines (designating the Loop as a Traditional Neighborhood Center) and insure the types of business the area needs.

Regardless of your opinion, apparently this site is zoned to allow the center to go forward.  However, you can still write your input to the Planning Division.  Further, you can watch for the release of the Version 3 Revision of the new zoning code, the UDC, and you will have 30 days to give your feedback to the city about this issue or any others.