On Tuesday, New York City council member Julie Menin announced a series of construction mitigation measures related to the controversial 31-story Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC) pavilion on York Ave. between E. 66th and 67th streets.
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This summer, MSKCC confirmed its plan to construct a “new, state-of-the-art cancer care facility.” However, last month, a grassroots organization raised the alarm about possible issues that could arise due to MSKCC’s planned cancer center, including exposing schoolchildren at P.S. 183, an elementary school very close to the planned pavilion, to dangerous carcinogens and other pollutants.
On Tuesday, Menin announced “groundbreaking negotiations” for the residents of the East Side of Manhattan in connection with the 31-story cancer center.
“After months of feedback provided by Community Board 8, MSK’s Construction Working Group, P.S. 183 and area residents, we negotiated an agreement with MSK whereby MSK not only meets but exceeds environmental requirements to assure constituents with confidence that they are doing everything to protect the health and wellbeing of New Yorkers and limit the carbon footprint of this project. As part of the rezoning, MSK has shown their commitment to the community by providing over $10 million dollars towards vital construction mitigation measures and community investment that will revitalize outdoor space in one of the densest neighborhoods in Manhattan,” Menin said in a statement released Tuesday.
Among the measures announced by Menin include the approved rezoning by Community Board 8 with “clear conditions designed to protect local residents.”
Additionally, Council Member Menin and MSK announced a shared commitment to including child safety crossing guards, additional third party hazardous material monitoring, and dust mitigation measures. Noise mitigating electric tower cranes will be used in lieu of diesel powered cranes, and new air conditioners and air filters will be provided for P.S. 183.
“We are thankful for MSKCC’s commitments, made possible through the efforts of Council Member Julie Menin, who listened to the concerns of the P.S. 183 community,” Julie Clarke & Melanie Russo, P.S. 183 co-presidents, said in a statement. “Together, MSKCC and Council Member Menin have created a plan that focuses on the safety of the P.S. 183 community during the Pavilion construction. We look forward to continuing our collaboration with all parties while also supporting MSKCC’s vital work.”
