PUBLIC TESTIMONY
Testimony by Jason Kwah, Internal Medicine and Allergy Immunology Physician, Parent of PS 183 Students
2:54:23
·
130 sec
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 need to prioritize children's health and safety, urging the council to vote against the current proposal.
- Highlights the potential health and safety risks to young children from a large construction project next to their school
- Mentions specific concerns including air quality, carcinogens, noise, safety, and shadows
- Calls for re-engagement with the community to find a path forward that allows MSK to continue its work while ensuring children's well-being
Jason Kwah
2:54:23
Okay.
2:54:23
Great.
2:54:24
Thank you so much for the opportunity to speak.
2:54:27
So I am an internal medicine physician and an allergy immunology physician as well.
2:54:33
I have had the privilege of taking care of many cancer patients in my career as well.
2:54:39
I really would never question the mission of MSK.
2:54:41
You know, they do great work.
2:54:43
I have I know many people who work there who I consider colleagues and friends.
2:54:47
But at the end of the day, you know, I'm I'm a parent, and I have 2 children, young children who attend PS 183, PawLIX 4183.
2:54:55
And to me, this is really about, you know, I I I think we're we're getting a little bit lost in the message here because this is really about a massive construction project that is next to a school.
2:55:07
And, you know, that's what zoning is all about to be able to protect the community, and these rules were put in place for a reason.
2:55:14
And we really have to think about whether we're gonna protect our children here and really keep, you know, true, a five year old child and their right to be able to attend a public school in New York City with health and safety.
2:55:28
That's at the heart of this issue.
2:55:30
Again, don't question anything that MSK does and I think their work is really important.
2:55:35
But you cannot ignore that this is a massive construction project next to a public elementary school where three year old children, four year old children, I mean, this is New York City, They're running to school every day.
2:55:47
They're scooting by to school.
2:55:49
They're gonna be playing in the play yard.
2:55:50
And I won't go through all the points because many people talk about the points of air quality, carcinogens in the air.
2:55:57
All this stuff is true and is important to think about noise, safety for the children, shadows, all really, really important.
2:56:04
But I just don't want us to forget what this is really about.
2:56:08
Protecting the right of a five year old child, a four year old child, and their right to attend public elementary school in New York City with health and safety.
2:56:17
The current proposal does not ensure that.
2:56:20
And I feel confident with this counsel if you can please vote no for this proposal.
UNKNOWN
2:56:26
I feel confident about it.
Jason Kwah
2:56:28
Reengage with the community, and we can find a path forward.
2:56:31
So that they can do their important work.
2:56:33
Thank you.
Kevin C. Riley
2:56:33
Thank you.