Opinion ID: 2132355
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 4

Heading: The Department's Response to the Plaintiffs' Comments to the Department.

Text: The plaintiffs argue that, under G.L.c. 111, § 25C, determinations of need shall be in writing and shall set forth the reasons therefor, and that under 105 Code Mass. Regs. § 100.400(A) (1986), the department must consider any written comments or specific recommendations submitted by a party of record if filed in a timely and proper manner. The record demonstrates that the plaintiffs submitted comments and recommendations regarding the project both during the deliberation process and in response to the staff summary. However, the record also demonstrates that the department adequately considered the plaintiffs' comments, specifically, in the staff summary, and more generally, in the department's written reasons for its approval. The department staff also addressed the plaintiffs' response to the staff summary in a memorandum to the department and again at the department hearing. We are satisfied that the department met its statutory mandate to set forth in writing the reasons for its decision and to consider the plaintiffs' written comments. The Health Facilities Appeals Board was justified in so concluding. Judgment affirmed.