PUBLIC TESTIMONY
Testimony by Kaitlin Griffin, Manhattan Resident, on MSK Expansion Project
1:54:13
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124 sec
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 planning principles rather than the merits of cancer research.
- Griffin argued that the proposed building design lacks setbacks and does not contribute positively to the urban fabric.
- She criticized the review process for being overshadowed by the "virtues of cancer" rather than focusing on urban planning concerns.
- Griffin highlighted the need for healthy city planning that promotes clean air, natural light, and free-flowing spaces.
Kaitlin Griffin
1:54:13
Good afternoon.
1:54:15
I am a lifelong resident in the two Blocks from the project site.
1:54:21
And I have I'm speaking in fervent opposition to this application.
1:54:28
The residents of this neighborhood have experienced the expansion of MSK for 30 years.
1:54:38
And the issue repeatedly about sound planning principles has been sideswiped by the virtues of the cancer crusade This is not about the virtues of MSK nor the rightness of pursuing a solution to cancer.
1:55:02
This is about planning principles.
1:55:05
This is about making the fabric of our city healthy, free flowing, clean air, natural light.
1:55:14
As it happens, I live in the light and air, tenement, one of two surviving examples of this tenement design.
1:55:23
And the reason I bring it up here, it's two blocks from the project site, is that it was designed before all of these zoning principles which we which we supposedly enjoy today were in existence and yet the design of this building invites natural air and light not only to the interior but to the exterior.
1:55:46
This design does nothing for the exterior.
1:55:50
There's no setback.
1:55:52
This has to be repeated over and over again.
1:55:56
This entire review process has been held hostage by the virtues of cancer.
1:56:03
This is about a living urban fabric that has to be upheld and in fact enhanced because right now, as you've heard, living in this neighborhood is absolute hell.
1:56:16
Thank you.