New York City Council
Subcommittee on Zoning and Franchises
Sep 10, 2024
·
12:00 PM
3 hr 14 min
Summary
A hearing on three zoning proposals:
- The Marcus Garvey affordable housing project in Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn
- A rezoning for a mixed-use residential development on 21st Street in Astoria, Queens
- The Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK) Pavilion proposal on the Upper East Side of Manhattan.
Discussions focused on affordable housing needs, parking requirements, and concerns about the MSK Pavilion's height, construction impacts, and community benefits.
Features testimony from the public, particularly on the MSK Pavilion project.
Meeting chapters
Read summaries and watch videos for short segments that matter to you.
Council Member Kevin C. Riley opens Subcommittee on Zoning and Franchises meeting
Council Member Kevin C. Riley, chair of the Subcommittee on Zoning and Franchises, opens the meeting and provides an overview of the agenda and hearing procedures. He introduces three items …
0:00:33
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4 min
HPD requests tax exemption for Marcus Garvey Boulevard project
Arvind Sindhwani from HPD presents a request for real property tax exemption for a project at 281 to 311 Marcus Garvey Boulevard. The project has previously received approval for rezoning …
0:07:25
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38 sec
Affordable housing details for Marcus Garvey Boulevard project
The proposed development will provide 155 affordable rental units across two new construction residential buildings. The project includes a mix of unit sizes to accommodate various household needs. - Unit …
0:08:04
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13 sec
Income tiers and amenities for Marcus Garvey Boulevard development
The proposed development offers a range of income tiers for affordable housing and includes various amenities to benefit residents and the community. - Income tiers range from 30% to 80% …
0:08:18
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16 sec
Overview of Marcus Garvey affordable housing development
Max Zarin presents an overview of the proposed Marcus Garvey affordable housing development project. The project includes two buildings with a total of 155 affordable housing units, commercial and community …
0:10:00
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74 sec
Zoning changes and large scale general development plan
The presenter explains the zoning changes and large scale general development plan approved for the project. The changes allow for increased density and flexibility in the development. - Upzoning from …
0:11:14
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31 sec
Details of Building A in the Marcus Garvey development
The presenter provides specific details about Building A of the Marcus Garvey development project. This building will include affordable housing units and community facility spaces. - 84 units of affordable …
0:11:48
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30 sec
Details of Building B in the Marcus Garvey development
The presenter provides specific details about Building B of the Marcus Garvey development project. This building will include affordable housing units and retail space. - 71 units of affordable housing …
0:12:21
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17 sec
Unit types and income distribution for the Marcus Garvey development
The presenter outlines the unit types and income distribution for the entire Marcus Garvey development project. The project aims to provide a range of affordable housing options. - Units range …
0:12:40
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36 sec
Rationale for seeking Article 11 tax exemption
The presenter explains the reasons for seeking an Article 11 tax exemption for the Marcus Garvey development project and outlines the potential benefits of this exemption. - Helps offset increasing …
0:13:19
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79 sec
Council Member Riley inquires about Marcus Garvey affordable housing development project completion timeline
Council Member Kevin C. Riley asks Max Zarin about the expected completion date for the project. Zarin provides details on the project timeline, indicating a potential start date of December …
0:14:38
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67 sec
Council Member Riley opens public hearing on 21st Street rezoning proposal in Astoria
Council Member Kevin C. Riley opens the second public hearing on pre-considered Land Use applications related to the 21st Street rezoning proposal in Astoria, Queens. He provides an overview of …
0:16:07
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62 sec
Council Member Cabán expresses enthusiasm for affordable homeownership project
Council Member Tiffany Cabán briefly addresses the council, expressing appreciation for early and frequent communication about the project.
0:17:10
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23 sec
Site location, context, and existing conditions in Astoria
This chapter provides an overview of the rezoning area's location in Astoria, its context within the community, and the current conditions of the development sites. - The rezoning area includes …
0:18:35
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111 sec
Proposed rezoning and text amendment details
This chapter outlines the specific zoning changes and text amendments being requested as part of the application. - The applicant is requesting a rezoning from R5B and R5D to R6A …
0:20:29
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26 sec
Development Site 1: Mixed-use residential and commercial project
This chapter details the proposed development for Site 1, focusing on its mixed-use nature and unique homeownership component. - The site will feature a new mixed-use residential and ground floor …
0:20:58
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56 sec
Development Site 2: Seven-story mixed-use project
This chapter outlines the proposed development for Site 2, detailing its scale and key features. - The development will be a seven-story new construction - It will include 35,000 square …
0:21:57
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24 sec
Overall unit distribution and conclusion
This final chapter addresses the unit mix across both development sites and concludes the presentation. - The unit distribution aims to balance family-sized units with studios and one-bedrooms - This …
0:22:22
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21 sec
Council Member Riley questions project representative about parking and retail space
Council Member Kevin C. Riley engages in a Q&A session with Jaclyn Scarinci, a representative for the Astoria Park Warehouse project. The discussion covers the proposed development's parking spaces, potential …
0:22:47
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80 sec
Council Member Cabán questions Astoria Park Warehouse representatives about parking and affordable housing
Council Member Tiffany Cabán engages in a Q&A session with representatives of the Astoria Park Warehouse project, focusing on parking spaces, affordable housing units, and Mandatory Inclusionary Housing (MIH) options. …
0:24:09
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3 min
Council Member Kevin C. Riley opens public hearing on MSK Pavilion proposal
Council Member Kevin C. Riley opens the third and final public hearing on land use applications 132 through 136 relating to the MSK Pavilion proposal on the Upper East Side. …
0:29:01
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59 sec
Council Member Julie Menin's remarks on Memorial Sloan Kettering Pavilion rezoning proposal
Council Member Julie Menin provides an overview of the Memorial Sloan Kettering Pavilion rezoning proposal, highlighting the project's background, community concerns, and the need for cancer care expansion in New …
0:30:01
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3 min
Introduction and justification for the new MSK Pavilion
Selwyn Vickers, CEO and President of Memorial Sloan Kettering, introduces the institution and its mission to end cancer. He emphasizes MSK's commitment to serving all New Yorkers and the need …
0:36:05
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3 min
Projected increase in cancer rates and need for expanded capacity
Dr. Jeffrey Drebin, Chair of the Department of Surgery, presents data on the projected increase in cancer rates and the resulting need for expanded capacity at Memorial Sloan Kettering. - …
0:39:12
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122 sec
Current challenges in patient care and urgency for the Pavilion
Liz McNulty, a nurse at MSK for 30 years, discusses the current challenges in patient care and the urgent need for the new Pavilion to address these issues. - There …
0:41:14
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65 sec
Overview of the Pavilion's facilities and purpose
Dr. Jeffrey Drebin provides an overview of the proposed Pavilion, its facilities, and its purpose in addressing the growing cancer care needs in New York. - The Pavilion is an …
0:42:19
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176 sec
Detailed design requirements for operating rooms and patient floors
Rob Masters, lead healthcare architect for the MSK Pavilion Design Team, explains the detailed design requirements for the operating rooms and patient floors in the new Pavilion. - Operating rooms …
0:45:16
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5 min
Architectural design and energy efficiency features
Paul Stanbridge from Foster + Partners presents the architectural design and energy efficiency features of the proposed MSK Pavilion. - The building is designed to be noble, elegant, and timeless, …
0:50:28
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3 min
Zoning actions and approvals required for the project
Shelly Friedman, land use counsel to MSK, outlines the zoning actions and approvals required for the Pavilion project. - The application includes 8 actions, with some requiring City Council approval …
0:53:52
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5 min
Public engagement and environmental impacts
Shelly Friedman discusses the public engagement process and environmental impacts of the MSK Pavilion project. - The Community Board approved the application with a vote of 24-0-1, with conditions - …
0:59:01
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160 sec
Council Member Kevin C. Riley questions MSK representatives about proposed hospital expansion
Council Member Kevin C. Riley engages in a Q&A session with representatives from Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK) regarding their proposed hospital expansion project. The discussion covers various aspects …
1:01:41
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4 min
Council Member Menin addresses construction impacts and mitigation measures
Council Member Julie Menin expresses concerns about the construction impacts of the MSK project on the surrounding community, particularly PS 183 elementary school. She emphasizes the need for robust mitigation …
1:06:33
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110 sec
Discussion on building height and space requirements for MSK's new facility
Council Member Julie Menin engages in a detailed Q&A session with MSK representatives about the proposed building's height and space requirements. The discussion covers the justification for the number of …
1:08:24
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4 min
MSK's cancer prevention and community outreach efforts
Council Member Julie Menin inquires about Memorial Sloan Kettering's proactive efforts in cancer prevention and addressing health disparities in the surrounding community and New York City at large. MSK representatives …
1:13:00
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3 min
Discussion on cancer rates and operating room needs
Council Member Lynn Schulman questions the projected increase in cancer rates and the need for additional operating rooms. Jeffrey Drebin from MSK responds, explaining their mission to cure and prevent …
1:16:08
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127 sec
MSK's approach to treating rare and common cancers
Council Member Lynn Schulman inquires about MSK's reputation for treating difficult cases. Dr. Jeffrey Drebin explains that while MSK does treat rare cancers, they also handle common cancers with better …
1:18:17
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76 sec
Consideration of alternative locations for the MSK Pavilion
Council Member Lynn Schulman inquires about the possibility of locating the new Pavilion in another borough, such as Queens. Dr. Jeffrey Drebin explains why the current location was chosen. - …
1:19:34
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57 sec
Discussion on mechanical space versus usable space in the new MSK Pavilion
Council Member Lynn Schulman inquires about the proportion of mechanical space versus usable space in the new MSK Pavilion. Rob Masters from Cannon Design provides details on the building's layout …
1:20:31
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82 sec
Testimony by Lisa Barnhart, Manhattan Resident
Lisa Barnhart, a long-time Manhattan resident, attempted to provide a visual demonstration of the proposed MSK building's size and impact on the neighborhood. She was unable to complete the demonstration …
1:24:26
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132 sec
Testimony by Tara Puri, Homeowner and Parent, on MSK Pavilion Project
Tara Puri, a homeowner and parent of two children attending PS 183 Elementary School, testifies against the Memorial Sloan Kettering (MSK) Pavilion Project due to concerns about its size and …
1:26:54
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147 sec
Testimony by George Janes, Principal of George M. Janes & Associates, on MSK Pavilion Project
George Janes, a planner assisting neighbors in reviewing the MSK Pavilion proposal, argues that the project is exceptional and unreasonable due to its lack of setbacks and excessive height. He …
1:29:26
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116 sec
Testimony by Dr. Rosa Nouvini, Medical Oncologist at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
Dr. Rosa Nouvini, a medical oncologist at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK), testifies about MSK's efforts to reduce disparities in cancer care for medically underserved communities. She discusses her …
1:32:25
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145 sec
Testimony by Linda Thompson, Health Ministry Leader at Abyssinian Baptist Church, on MSK's Pavilion Project
Linda Thompson, representing Abyssinian Baptist Church, expresses strong support for Memorial Sloan Kettering's (MSK) Pavilion Project. She highlights the church's partnership with MSK in addressing health disparities and providing community …
1:34:56
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142 sec
Testimony by Connie Bordenga, Associate Director of Cancer Center Partnerships at American Cancer Society
Connie Bordenga from the American Cancer Society testifies in strong support of Memorial Sloan Kettering's (MSK) proposed Pavilion project, highlighting the organization's close partnership with MSK and the critical need …
1:37:28
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114 sec
Testimony by Zane Upturn from Friends of the Upper East Side on MSK Pavilion Proposal
Zane Upturn, representing Friends of the Upper East Side, expresses concerns about the proposed Memorial Sloan Kettering Pavilion's height, impact on neighborhood character, and space allocation. The testimony criticizes the …
1:40:02
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123 sec
Testimony by Annette Rosenberg, Resident and Parent, on MSK Pavilion Project
Annette Rosenberg, a resident of East 66th Street and parent of children attending PS 183, testifies against the Memorial Sloan Kettering (MSK) Pavilion project. She expresses concerns about the negative …
1:42:14
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140 sec
Testimony by Yasmina Colombo, Member of the Public, on MSK Pavilion Expansion
Yasmina Colombo testifies against Memorial Sloan Kettering's (MSK) expansion plan, expressing concerns about the health impacts on local children and residents, questioning who benefits from the project, and criticizing MSK's …
1:44:38
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136 sec
Testimony by Laura L. Ardizzone, Clinical Director of Nurse Anesthesia Services at Memorial Sloan Kettering
Laura Ardizzone, Clinical Director of Nurse Anesthesia Services at Memorial Sloan Kettering, testified in support of the new Pavilion project. She emphasized the increasing patient volume and complexity of care …
1:47:54
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126 sec
Testimony by Mary, Member of the Public, on Support for Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
Mary, a long-time resident of the Upper East Side and former volunteer at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK), provides emotional testimony in support of MSK's proposed pavilion project. She …
1:50:07
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125 sec
Testimony by Kirin Healy on Support for MSK's New Cancer Care Pavilion
Kirin Healy, a cancer survivor from Crown Heights, Brooklyn, passionately supports Memorial Sloan Kettering's (MSK) new cancer care pavilion project. She credits MSK with saving her life when she was …
1:52:19
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70 sec
Testimony by Kaitlin Griffin, Manhattan Resident, on MSK Expansion Project
Kaitlin Griffin, a lifelong Manhattan resident living near the project site, expressed strong opposition to the Memorial Sloan Kettering (MSK) expansion application. She emphasized that the issue is about sound …
1:54:13
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124 sec
Testimony by Daniella Mendoza on MSK Pavilion Project's Impact on PS 183 Children
Daniella Mendoza expresses concerns about the Memorial Sloan Kettering (MSK) Pavilion project's impact on children attending PS 183. She emphasizes the need for strict environmental protections and mitigation measures to …
1:56:42
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3 min
Testimony by Dr. Rachel George, Resident and Board Member of 400 East 67th Street
Dr. Rachel George, a resident and board member of 400 East 67th Street, testified against the proposed MSK Pavilion project, expressing concerns about its impact on the neighborhood and questioning …
2:00:18
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144 sec
Testimony by Nicole Grogan, Yorkville Resident on Memorial Sloan Kettering's New Pavilion
Nicole Grogan, a long-time Yorkville resident and breast cancer survivor, testified in support of Memorial Sloan Kettering's (MSK) new Pavilion project on the Upper East Side. She shared her personal …
2:03:31
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120 sec
Testimony by John McGinley, Cancer Survivor and Union Member, on Memorial Sloan Kettering Pavilion Project
John McGinley, a cancer survivor treated at Memorial Sloan Kettering (MSK) and a member of the carpenter's union, testifies in support of the new MSK Pavilion project. He shares his …
2:05:37
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170 sec
Testimony by Andrew Stern, Manhattan Resident, on MSK Pavilion Project
Andrew Stern, a Manhattan resident, testified in support of the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center's (MSK) proposed Pavilion project. He shared a personal story about his grandmother's successful cancer treatment …
2:08:34
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110 sec
Testimony by Michael Piccirillo, Representative from New York City District Council of Carpenters
Michael Piccirillo, representing the New York City District Council of Carpenters, expresses full support for the construction of the Memorial Sloan Kettering Pavilion. He emphasizes the project's importance for healthcare …
2:11:26
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125 sec
Testimony by Virginia Wettlaufer Tomenson, Cancer Survivor and Patient Advocate
Virginia Wettlaufer Tomenson, a cancer survivor and New York City resident for 21 years, shares her personal experience with Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK) and expresses strong support for …
2:13:36
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132 sec
Testimony by Andrew Kung, Chair of the Department of Pediatrics at Memorial Sloan Kettering, on MSK Pavilion Project
Dr. Andrew Kung, Chair of Pediatrics at Memorial Sloan Kettering, testified in support of the MSK Pavilion project, emphasizing its importance for pediatric cancer care and addressing safety concerns during …
2:15:54
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141 sec
Testimony by Ashley Williams, Member of the Public, on MSK Pavilion Project
Ashley Williams, a concerned parent, testifies against the proposed Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK) Pavilion project, highlighting potential health risks to children attending nearby schools during the construction period. …
2:19:11
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136 sec
Testimony by Dr. Akshay Ganju, Primary Care Physician, on MSK Pavilion Project
Dr. Akshay Ganju, a primary care physician living near the proposed MSK Pavilion site, expresses mixed feelings about the project. While acknowledging MSK's life-saving work, he raises concerns about the …
2:21:48
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129 sec
Testimony by Kim Rubenstein, Parent of PS 183 Student, on MSK Pavilion Project
Kim Rubenstein, a parent of a second-grade student at PS 183, expresses strong concerns about the Memorial Sloan Kettering (MSK) Pavilion project's impact on the school and its students. She …
2:24:21
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116 sec
Testimony by Michael Feinberg on Memorial Sloan Kettering Expansion
Michael Feinberg, a 12-year resident of New York City, expresses strong support for the expansion of Memorial Sloan Kettering (MSK) on the Upper East Side. He emphasizes the importance of …
2:27:35
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74 sec
Testimony by Ben Wetzler, Former Democratic Party District Leader
Ben Wetzler, a lifetime resident and former Democratic Party district leader for the area covering the MSK site, expressed support for the MSK expansion project while acknowledging community concerns. He …
2:29:03
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75 sec
Testimony by Julie Clark, Representative of PS 23 PTA
Julie Clark, representing the PS 23 PTA, addressed the city council regarding Memorial Sloan Kettering's (MSK) construction project adjacent to the school. She emphasized the need for high safety standards …
2:30:34
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125 sec
Testimony by Lo van der Valk, Representative of Carnegie Hill Neighbors
Lo van der Valk, representing Carnegie Hill Neighbors, expresses concerns about Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center's proposed 594-foot hospital building. While respecting MSK's work, he advocates for a lower building …
2:33:18
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138 sec
Testimony by Dr. Moeun Son, Physician, on MSK Pavilion Project
Dr. Moeun Son, a physician and local resident, testified in opposition to Memorial Sloan Kettering's (MSK) proposed Pavilion and rezoning requests. While acknowledging MSK's importance in cancer care, Dr. Son …
2:35:58
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137 sec
Testimony by Laura Jackson, Resident of East 66th Street
Laura Jackson, a long-time resident of East 66th Street, expresses her opposition to Memorial Sloan Kettering's (MSK) proposed Pavilion project, arguing that it is unjustifiably large and out of scale …
2:38:39
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120 sec
Testimony by Dr. Jaishree Capoor, Physician specializing in pediatric rehabilitation
Dr. Jaishree Capoor, a physician specializing in pediatric rehabilitation, voiced concerns about the health impacts of the proposed Memorial Sloan Kettering hospital construction on nearby residents. She emphasized the potential …
2:40:51
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129 sec
Testimony by Sandy Moy, Parent of PS 183 Student, on MSK Pavilion Project
Sandy Moy, a parent of a PS 183 student, strongly opposes the construction of Memorial Sloan Kettering's 600-foot pavilion, citing concerns about safety, environmental impact, and disruption to the school …
2:43:37
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112 sec
Testimony by Dale Cohen, Architect and Neighborhood Resident
Dale Cohen, an architect and neighborhood resident since 2008, testified against the proposed MSK building, questioning its height, environmental impact, and overall necessity. She raised concerns about the building's impact …
2:46:22
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146 sec
Testimony by Dr. Mahsa Jafary, Parent and Community Member
Dr. Mahsa Jafary, a resident of the Upper East Side and parent of a PS 183 student, testified in opposition to the Memorial Sloan Kettering (MSK) construction project. She expressed …
2:49:37
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123 sec
Testimony by Lindsey McCormack on Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center Expansion
Lindsey McCormack, a resident of Queens, testified in support of the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK) expansion project. She emphasized the importance of access to quality healthcare and the …
2:52:28
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97 sec
Testimony by Jason Kwah, Internal Medicine and Allergy Immunology Physician, Parent of PS 183 Students
A physician and parent of children attending PS 183 expresses concerns about the proposed MSK construction project adjacent to the school. While acknowledging MSK's important work, the speaker emphasizes the …
2:54:23
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130 sec
Testimony by Josh Zipin, Resident President of 436 East 66th Street, on MSK Pavilion Project
Josh Zipin, a new father and resident president of 436 East 66th Street, strongly opposes the Memorial Sloan Kettering (MSK) Pavilion project in its current form. He expresses concerns about …
2:56:41
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98 sec
Testimony by Rosanna Mah, Single Mother and Resident
Rosanna Mah, a single mother of a 3rd grader at PS 183 and a local resident, testified against the MSK Pavilion project. She expressed concerns about the lack of transparency, …
2:58:29
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129 sec
Testimony by Daniel Falkson, Resident, on Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center Expansion
Daniel Falkson, a local resident, testified in support of Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center's (MSK) expansion project. He emphasized the importance of MSK as a world-class cancer treatment center and …
3:00:48
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127 sec
Testimony by Gena Reisig, Parent of PS 183 Students, on MSK Pavilion Project
Gena Reisig, a parent of two children at PS 183, expresses concerns about Memorial Sloan Kettering's (MSK) proposed building project near the school. While respecting MSK's mission, she criticizes their …
3:03:48
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109 sec
Testimony by Allison Klein, Parent of PS 183 Student, on MSK Pavilion Project
Allison Klein, a parent of a PS 183 kindergartener, expresses concerns about the proposed 594-foot MSK Pavilion tower. She questions the necessity of the building's height and suggests it may …
3:06:48
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125 sec
Testimony by Gjergj Jorgoni on Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center's Proposed Pavilion
Gjergj Jorgoni, a parent with children attending or soon to attend PS 183, expressed support for MSK's mission but voiced concerns about the lack of communication and potential risks to …
3:09:08
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124 sec
Testimony by Rohit R on MSK Pavilion Project
Rohit R, a parent, acknowledges Memorial Sloan Kettering's (MSK) excellent work in cancer care but expresses concerns about the proposed new pavilion. He emphasizes that while MSK's cancer care is …
3:11:55
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45 sec
