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PUBLIC TESTIMONY
Testimony by Zane Upturn from Friends of the Upper East Side on MSK Pavilion Proposal
1:40:02
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123 sec
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 massive up-zoning required and questions the efficiency of the building's design.
- Argues that the proposed tower, rising without setbacks, would negatively impact the neighborhood's livability
- Questions the allocation of space within the building, with only 44% dedicated to patient care and clinical areas
- Urges the council to intervene on behalf of the community, citing MSK's disregard for requests for a lower structure alternative
UNKNOWN
1:40:02
Thank you, Cher Riley.
1:40:03
As Zane upturn, speaking on behalf of friends of the upper east side, We have concerns about the proposed Pavilion's height, as well as how it might negatively impact the surrounding neighborhood's character and livability.
1:40:14
Our main concern is that the proposed Pavilion would be a massive tower rising directly from the sidewalk with no setbacks a throwback to pre zoning regulation building form soaring above even the toll medical towers further along York Avenue.
1:40:29
From a zoning and land use perspective, the massive up zoning and amendments required before such could be approved.
1:40:36
Would send a troubling signal to developers about what is permissible in the upper east side and with respect to institutional expansion across the city.
1:40:45
Our second concern centers on the proposed buildings allocation of space.
1:40:50
As it stands, a significant portion is dedicated to mechanical systems.
1:40:55
You just heard, leaving only 44% for patient care, surgery, clinical areas, and the lobby.
1:41:01
We question the efficiency of building a tall surgical hospital, especially when a larger footprint could potentially accommodate a shorter structure.
1:41:11
This seems like a suboptimal use of space, and the community should not bear the burden of such an inefficient design.
1:41:19
Is it customary for hospitals to have only 44% of their space allocated to hospital or clinic clinical use?
1:41:27
Or is this behemoth being proposed primarily to cater the needs of VIP patients with water views, and twenty foot high ceilings.
1:41:35
The community needs to have more details to fully understand this oversized request, and a process of more comprehensive disclosure needs to be established for review of new construction by MSK and the other institutions.
1:41:51
Given the clients disregard for the communities repeated efforts to achieve a sensible and a significantly lower structure alternative, design alternative, we urge the council to intervene on our behalf.
1:42:03
Thank you so much for your consideration.