Testimony to CB8M Regarding the Lenox Hill Hospital ULURP Application

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1	Timestamp	Name	Address (optional)	Email Address (optional)	Are you	Comments on the application

2	2/27/2025 11:09:49	Andrew Pearce	155 East 76th Street Unit 6G	andrew.p.pearce@gmail.com	In opposition to the application	The size of this building far exceeds zoning restrictions. Despite it's enormity, it provides an absurdly few addition hospital rooms. Allowing this plan to proceed does nothing to improve the health care in this already over-serviced area. Attempting to keep the hospital open during this construction adds massive delays and complications to the build, extending it to over a decade. A reasonable plan would keep within the zoning restrictions. It would close the hospital to build the new facility in a shorter amount of time. And it would provide additional hospital beds if improved care is truly one of the goals. None of the proposed plan make sense to approve based on any published data. The only reasonable explanation for this plan proceeding as currently outlined is if there are some unseen incentives being provided to people in the approval process.
3	2/27/2025 11:12:04	Dale Simpson	241 east 76th st apt 7E NY NY 10021	Daleasimpson@gmail.com	In opposition to the application	The building is too big. Having the entrance on Lexington Ave will create major traffic problems. Lex Ave is already a mess!
4	2/27/2025 11:14:12	Laurence Belfer			In opposition to the application	please preserve the neighborhood as is.
5	2/27/2025 11:16:43	Carolyn Belfer			In opposition to the application	Please do not disturb our historic district with this new construction
6	2/27/2025 11:55:02	Carole Beller	125 East 72 nd Street		In opposition to the application	Failure to provide construction placement of equipment plan, Failure to address impact of 6 years of construction- what neighbors are suppose to do to cover windows- air conditioning
7	2/27/2025 12:21:28	Kayla Lindquist	205 East 77th St	kaylalind@aol.com	In opposition to the application	Our neighborhood is becoming a dark and congested nightmare and this tower will only add to that. The height of the building seems to mainly be to have single patient room not actually add space for a growing population that needs medical support. This neighborhood can't support what they are trying to do, that is why all the other hospitals are on the edges of the city to not block residents. Teh amount of additional trash is going to only increase the horrible rodent population- just yesterday I thought it was a small dog but no it was a GIANT rat- horrifying! We need light as humans, we need breathing space to stay calm and this is the opposite of what is happening.
8	2/27/2025 13:28:34	Joanna Reiss	815 Park Avenue		In opposition to the application	As a resident of the community I am highly opposed to this proposal, which is completely out of character with the local area, does not add incremental hospital beds and will cause an enormous amount of disruption to the local community. The proposal has not taken into account the considerable pushback from the community and is wildly in excess of what the zoning allows. It is a money grab that will diminish the quality of life for the neighborhood. I implore you to block this absurd proposal.
9	2/27/2025 14:33:12	Linda Sirow	980 5th Ave, NY, NY 10075	Linda.sirow@gmail.com	In opposition to the application	It is outrageous for Northwell to put such a huge and disproportional medical structure in this residential neighborhood. This is particularly unreasonable since there are so many other excellent medical centers so close by. There are other much more needy neighborhoods in Manhattan and the 5 boroughs. This would be better for residents in other areas and the current residents who live in the upper east side.
10	2/27/2025 16:38:34	Gary Beller	125 East 72nd Street, N.Y., NY	gbellerny@gmail.com	In opposition to the application	This project will destroy the peace in the neighborhood for a period of six to nine years and is based upon a false premise articulated by the applicant's leadership at the neighborhood hearings. They said ,many times, that the length of the project is dictated by their intent to keep the Hospital operating as normal during the 6 to 9 years of construction. However, they are daydreaming if they believe that to be the case. With the constant pounding, drilling and other noises that will be occurring during the renovation, they will soon learn that neither their affiliated Doctors or their patients would choose to do any kind of elective surgery or treatment in that kind of an atmosphere, especially when there are numerous other fine hospitals all over Manhattan for their patients to receive treatment. So, the only business they will get during the construction period will be emergency cases where no one generally has choices. Once the Northwell folks realize this, they will start using their other nearby hospital buildings for their usual business including the eye and ear hospital on 65th Street and their new building on 3rd avenue and 77th/78th street. That being the result, it brings into question why they need to double the size of the current Lenox Hill building ! Instead they should keep hit the same size, do whatever renovations are needed and save our neighborhood from a decade of noise and inconvenience.
11	2/28/2025 11:49:01	Andrew Soussloff	830 Park Avenue (76th Street)	andrewsoussloff@gmail.com	In opposition to the application	Has Northwell given a moment’s consideration to the purpose of the zoning laws that they are seeking to repeal just for their benefit? These are zoning laws that have been in effect for 50 years or longer and have shaped the growth of our community and the Upper East Side. Northwell simply doesn’t address the purpose of the zoning laws or the zoning context--they recite the zoning laws by number and ask the City to give them their own up-zoning so they can build a massive tower unlike anything seen in a residential neighborhood of Manhattan. But the Community Board and the City Council must consider the purpose of the zoning laws they are being asked to repeal and the impact on the community. The DEIS for this project released by the Department of City Planning is materially deficient in its assessment of the impact of this up-zoning. Once these laws are changed to permit the construction of a tower that exceeds the current zoning limitations by 250%, our residential neighborhood and the Upper East Side will be changed forever. Please support the community and residential life in New York City and reject Northwell's proposal.
12	2/28/2025 17:53:27	Susan Ferriere	116 East 68th Street, NYC 10065		In opposition to the application	We residents of the Lenox Hill Neighborhood cherish our neighborhood, its low-key residential and historic character. There is NO reason why massive (and, in this case, quite unnecessary in terms of scale) development should be allowed to take place. There are commercial areas where a project like this one would be viable but there is NO reason why a residential neighborhood should have its character changed against the wishes of its residents. YES, Lenox Hill Hospital deserves to upgrade its current physical plant but NO, it does not have the right to turn the neighborhood into Midtown or the First Avenue Hospital Corridor.
13	3/1/2025 9:07:29	Hayjin Byun			In opposition to the application	Our family is absolutely against the almost a decade construction that’ll bring incredible disruption to the neighborhood.
14	3/1/2025 13:58:27	Felicia			In opposition to the application	No building
15	3/2/2025 16:22:44	Florence Johnson	East 81stStreet	ricciej1@gmail.com	In opposition to the application	I have been a resident on east 81stStreet since 1953 and have seen the many high -rises erected during these many years resulting in a change of neighborhood housing and businesses but the proposed ULURP is not a benefit for the community It would be forever disruptive during and after construction
16	3/2/2025 16:31:12	Paul Petrus	65 E. 76th Street, Apt. 8D, NY, NY 10021		In opposition to the application	Do not them build! Thanks.
17	3/2/2025 20:17:08	steven spiegel	Park Avenue		In opposition to the application	Well beyond innovation and improvement. Will damage the family neighborhood, add Hospital rooms which are not in short supply in Manhattan, disrupt what is already congested traffic on Park avenue 76th and 77th and will never compete with the larger established hospitals. This makes no sense and is more commercially driven than medical.
18	3/3/2025 12:14:45	Stacy Krusch			In opposition to the application	Northwell Health has let Lenox Hill crumble inside and outside for decades. They have no interest in the local community and are trying to steamroll the Upper East side into becoming their hospital campus. It is unconscionable that NWH has NOT listened at all to the community all of these years, and is hellbent on creating a luxury facility, not for the community, but as a vanity project. CEO Michael Dowling has said on numerous occasions, “The hospital is only one part of the continuum of care. The hospital is not as centric anymore as it used to be.” “The hospital is not the center of the universe anymore…” This project is unjustifiable and has been from the start. Rezoning the UES for this tower will ruin the Upper East Side. The size of this structure, (in either of their scenarios) is extreme and out of scale and character for a residential neighborhood. Zoning restrictions are put in place for a reason - and this would set a dangerous precedent not only for the UES but for the entire city. In a city with hospital deserts, adding more beds to the already over-bedded UES is ridiculous. And, given the hospital’s capacity over the past years, it doesn’t warrant the # of beds it currently has, never mind what they’re proposing. NWH can and should renovate their hospital within their zoning parameters. Members of CB8, Council Member Keith Powers and Borough President Mark Levine must say NO to this egregious proposal. Your constituents demand it. The city deserves better.
19	3/3/2025 15:44:11	Ann Goodbody	815 Park Ave.		In opposition to the application	Despite thousands of emails and petition signatures in opposition, Northwell is charging ahead with its plans for LHH and has refused any productive dialogue with our community. It wants an extraordinary upzoning for a hospital expansion which is not needed here; would be highly destructive of a wide residential area; would result in very expensive healthcare costs; and in fact, would be adversely viewed by the rest of the city where access to good and affordable healthcare is needed. There is NO justification for such an egregious deviation from zoning and thoughtful urban planning. Just because LHH was "born" in a residential area, and contextual at the time, it does not have a god-given-right for such an expansion. We support renovation or reconstruction within current zoning and I'm sure would support some concession for efficient design.
20	3/4/2025 13:23:34	Anthony Wood	1199 Park Avenue, NYC 10128	opmacw@aol.com	In opposition to the application	As a former member of Community Board 8 and as the author of Preserving New York, l urge you to reject this application. It goes against the principles of good planning and will have negative impacts on both its immediate surroundings and adjacent areas. It is a real estate deal masquerading as a a public benefit. Fighting this proposal is not NYIMBY but sanity. This proposed building should be in no one's backyard. Please reject it! Sincerely, Anthony C. Wood
21	3/5/2025 12:50:35	David Ash			In opposition to the application	The proposed Northwell tower would be a disastrous addition to the Lenox Hill neighborhood, further overwhelming an area already burdened by excessive development. With recent large-scale projects reshaping the Upper East Side, this massive structure would not only disrupt the residential character but also set a dangerous precedent for future overdevelopment. The neighborhood does not need another towering facility catering to luxury interests rather than the community’s needs, especially when the hospital has been operating under capacity. Zoning laws exist to protect neighborhoods like ours—this project would disregard those protections and permanently alter the historic charm and livability of Lenox Hill.
22	3/5/2025 12:52:56	David Hales	340 E. 83rd Street	dkhalesnyc@gmail.com	In opposition to the application	Everything about this project is wrong for the neighborhood. The project should be smaller scale and focused on serving the local community. As it stands, it is a grandiose visions of Northwell executives who are once-again putting profits over people.
23	3/5/2025 13:03:06	Dimitri Sevastopoulo			In opposition to the application	Zoning regs should be enforced when a project as massive as this one cause harm to the community surrounding it. Ten years of noise, traffic jams, pollution and disregard for the welfare of the community are sufficient to stop this project. One has only to witness smaller building projects in Manhattan to be convinced that the disruption to people's lives will be intolerable. If the Lenox Hill project still includes residential units, that alone ought to prevent the project from consideration. Hospitals should not include real estate ventures. If they do those developments must conform to the same regs that apply to such buildings in the neighborhood. If Lenox Hill 'needs' the income from sales or rentals of apartments, the application must be denied. Why should a residential community be impacted by a 'business' that has nothing to do with health? If the hospital needs funding for the addition of medical facilities, the source of funds cannot be a non-medical project which violates zoning regs and has long-term negative effects on a community.
24	3/5/2025 13:06:01	Blake Stuchin	733 Park Ave	blake@stuchin.com	In opposition to the application	Northwell has not listened to the community and is trying to steamroll over us to build a campus in our residential neighborhood. They are hellbent on creating a luxury facility, not for the community, but as a vanity project. A facility of this magnitude and the $2.5 billion dollar investment in an already over-bedded UES is not justified. And, given the hospital’s under-capacity over the past years, a structure of this magnitude is not warranted. Approving a zoning variance of this size on the Upper East Side will ruin the historic district. The size of this structure is comparable in height and density to the largest Midtown office buildings (in either of their proposed scenarios) and is extreme and out of scale and character for a residential neighborhood. Zoning restrictions are put in place for a reason - and this would set a dangerous precedent not only for the Upper East Side, but for the entire city. Northwell should concentrate on fixing their outdated facility and renovate their hospital within their zoning parameters.
25	3/5/2025 13:09:51	Dorothy Sprague	770 park avenue	dsprague770@gmail.com	In opposition to the application	Too large a building!
26	3/5/2025 13:35:46	Daryl Simon	875 Park Avenue Apt 12A	Dns4hk@gmail.com	In opposition to the application	This project wil pollute, congest and destroy our neighborhood. It should NOT be allowed.
27	3/5/2025 13:43:53	Abhi Arora			In opposition to the application	We are running the neighborhood, and life of many, and killing soul of UES. There is a reason why all hospitals are situated on the riverside.
28	3/5/2025 13:56:43	Concerned UESer			In opposition to the application	Dear Esteemed Government Officials, I am writing as a deeply concerned and distressed member of the Upper East Side community who will be directly impacted by the proposed Lenox Hill Hospital renovation. But more importantly, I write as a New Yorker alarmed by what I see as a glaring example of corporate interests overwhelming the public’s well-being in one of the world’s most densely populated cities. I have closely followed Lenox Hill’s expansion plans, and at their core, they represent an attempt to rewrite established laws, not for the benefit of the community, but purely for the financial gain of Lenox Hill Hospital. This plan disregards the needs of the local population and, more significantly, fails to take a holistic approach to healthcare in Manhattan and the other boroughs. The hospital's proposal, dressed up as an effort to “enhance healthcare for the community,” is nothing more than an effort to bypass regulations and maximize profit on a plot of land that was never intended to support a building of such enormous scale, and in the process, does nothing to address the city's pressing healthcare disparities. It also fuels a troubling pattern of “one-upmanship” among hospitals on the Upper East Side, as seen in MSKCC’s proposal to build a massive tower on York Avenue. These projects, focused on scale and prestige rather than addressing community needs, are turning our neighborhoods into a battleground for corporate healthcare giants—leaving residents to bear the costs. Let us take a closer look at how the proposed hospital expansion will truly “benefit the local community,” especially its underserved members. The plan includes a sprawling obstetrics/labor & delivery center. This is puzzling, given that Lenox Hill's maternity ward is already highly regarded. In 2024, the hospital earned a four-ribbon rating—nearly the highest possible— for its maternity services. What problem does a larger facility with private rooms actually solve? The reality is, it doesn’t improve the care for expectant mothers—it merely intensifies competition with the newly built Alexandra Cohen Hospital for Women at NYP, a 246,500-square-foot facility that received a five-ribbon rating. In a recent statement, long-time doula and educator Bonu deCaires succinctly captured the issue: “With this new hospital, the competition is going to be all about how much hospitals can make themselves like hotels,” she said. “Are there private rooms? What is the food like? How plush is it? But what really matters is the care that you receive, not the thread count.” Lenox Hill officials claim this expansion won’t increase patient costs, but that is patently untrue. Insurance companies will either be forced to pay more to Lenox Hill or, in a worst-case scenario, patients themselves will bear the financial burden. In either scenario, the primary winner is Northwell Health—not the patients who are supposed to benefit from these changes. The luxury of private rooms, perched at the top of their new tower with Central Park views, will no doubt attract wealthier patients, but this business model has little to do with improving health outcomes for the greater community. In fact, one must wonder which celebrity birth at Lenox Hill will take precedence over the care of other patients, further disrupting services for the surrounding community—a pattern Lenox Hill has already demonstrated. Another troubling aspect of the proposal is the planned state-of-the-art neurosurgery suite. While primary care and pediatrics are desperately needed, neurosurgery seems an odd priority. However, a closer look reveals the financial incentives at play. According to a Merritt Hawkins Revenue Survey, neurosurgeons generate up to five times their salary in revenue for the hospital. “On average, a neurosurgeon generates more revenue for a hospital than all other specialties but invasive cardiology and orthopedic surgery. According to Irving-based physician recruitment firm Merritt Hawkins, a single neurosurgeon produced his or her hospital an average revenue of $2.45 million in 2015” (reference). With neurosurgery generating more revenue than most other specialties, it is clear why this specialty is a focus. But does Manhattan really need another top-tier neurosurgery center? Fortunately, we already have three of the top 10 neurosurgery hospitals in the world—none of which are Lenox Hill. Now let’s address how the construction itself will impact the local community. The disruption caused by this project will be felt by residents and visitors alike. Any patient attempting to reach the hospital—especially in an emergency—will face significant obstacles, and the chaos may last well beyond the projected 10+ years of construction. Lenox Hill has proposed upgrades to the nearby subway entrance at 76th Street, which, while beneficial in the long term, will only add to the congestion and gridlock during the construction phase. The reality is, these upgrades would exacerbate traffic during hospital construction, especially for workers, patients, and emergency vehicles, leading to even more chaos along already congested streets. Lexington Avenue, which is just two lanes wide (with one lane dedicated to buses), and the narrow one-way streets at 76th and 77th Streets will struggle to handle the surge of vehicles—from patient visitors, Uber/taxi services, public transit, and deliveries—once the expanded hospital is built. The area is already overburdened with hospitals, including Cornell, MSKCC, HSS, and Mount Sinai. The impact of this construction and eventual expansion will be unbearable, with the ongoing burden of traffic, waste disposal, and noise. Remember, during the pandemic, Lenox Hill even parked a mobile morgue on 76th Street, shutting down the street for nearly a year. Lenox Hill also plans to convert all existing double rooms into private, single-occupancy rooms. While there may be a valid argument for modernizing rooms, the proposed size of the single rooms far exceeds code requirements (code 467.4.1, reference), raising a troubling question: why request rooms that are large enough to accommodate two patients? This move isn’t about providing better care; it’s about giving Lenox Hill the ability to later convert these large rooms back into double rooms—maximizing revenue at the expense of the community and ultimately crowding an already saturated healthcare neighborhood. Given all of these considerations, one must ask: why would officials approve such a plan? Is it because Northwell Health is a major employer in the state? Because the project includes subway upgrades that the city cannot afford? Or perhaps because it will attract wealthy, insured patients? The truth is, no one has offered a better vision for the area—until now. True city planning should not begin with corporate interests. Despite what Lenox Hill claims, their primary concern is profit, not the health of the public. What we need is a bold, visionary plan that prioritizes the health and well-being of New Yorkers, independent of corporate agendas. The plan, the vision—they come first--independent of corporate input, and then city leaders convince corporations to make concessions that follow the vision (one such example here). It’s time to move beyond the corporate playbook and envision a healthcare system that genuinely serves all New Yorkers. What does this vision look like? Lenox Hill Hospital should relocate to Hudson Yards, transforming into Hudson Yards Hospital. Located in the heart of a burgeoning biotech/pharma corridor, this new facility would serve a broader swath of New Yorkers, meeting healthcare needs that are sorely lacking on the west side since the closure of St. Vincent’s. The location, with its proximity to the Lincoln Tunnel, the Javits Center, and the Hudson River, would not only serve local residents but also provide critical emergency care for the many events and gatherings in the area. Lenox Hill insists it wants to serve the “local community,” but if that were truly the case, they would focus on providing more holistic care, not just expanding maternity services and neurosurgery. If they were truly dedicated to serving Queens or Long Island, they could build hospitals in those areas instead of capitalizing on the Upper East Side's "high-end" reputation to attract wealthier patients from outside the city. I leave you with this quotation from a research paper in Nature Urban Sustainability (26 (2021), Pearsall et al.), on infrastructure in urban and rural systems. Though ostensibly about the rural-urban divide, within it there is a lesson in urban planning: "Decisions on how to build infrastructure are made on the basis of technical and engineering considerations. While these decisions involve mostly policymakers and professionals, they in turn reflect existing economic and political structures and interests and can shape or exacerbate social and racial inequities and historical biases, which can contribute to health disparities12,13,14,15. By political, we are referring to “the contestations, collaborations, and negotiations through which collectives govern their everyday affairs”16 (p 527). Such a blend of political and technical considerations influences who benefits from or bears the costs of infrastructural development, who participates in decision-making, and how stakeholder participation affects the short- and long-term trade-offs of infrastructure. We argue that the development and management of sustainable urban infrastructure must focus on interactions across urban–rural systems to ensure that the benefits and burdens of different types of infrastructure are equitably distributed, including across distant constituencies and environments. For this purpose, it is necessary to understand how decisions about infrastructure systems are made at different levels, who participates and in what position, as well as the extent to which normative decisions consider trade-offs and disparities in health and well-being across as well as within urban and rural places. We call for a transdisciplinary research agenda that addresses the following four points, with an explicit focus on urban-rural systems: (1) How trade-offs and synergies between services that are provided by infrastructure impact health and well-being, (2) How decisions are made about the short- and long-term trade-offs created by infrastructure, (3) How different institutional arrangements that govern the appropriation and provisioning of infrastructure systems interact, either aligning or conflicting across jurisdictions, and (4) How governance, including planning, development, and management, can facilitate or constrain effective co-production of knowledge for sustainable infrastructure across diverse places and communities" Lenox Hill’s true motivation is clear: it wants to expand its customer base, not its commitment to the public health of New Yorkers. We cannot expect them to prioritize the city’s healthcare needs, nor can we rely on them to consider the long-term effects of their construction plans. As New Yorkers, we must demand more from our elected officials. It’s time for a new approach—one that serves the health of all New Yorkers, not just the financial interests of a corporate giant.
29	3/5/2025 14:04:43	Renee Belfer			In opposition to the application	Please preserve and protect our historic neighborhood.
30	3/5/2025 14:05:48	Robert Belfer			In opposition to the application	Our historical neighborhood needs to be preserved for future generations to enjoy and raise their families.
31	3/5/2025 14:06:43	Elaine Kones			In opposition to the application	We are exercising our right to voice our rejections and to ask you to please preserve the sanctity of our neighborhood.
32	3/5/2025 14:21:00	Sheila Browne			In opposition to the application	There has to be a more inspired, thoughtful design by more talented participants. The current Soviet-style prison block rendering is an appalling monstrosity. Back to the drawing board, with better architectural ideas. This offering cannot pass.
33	3/5/2025 14:30:01	Susy Holiday			In favor of the application	LHH is a vital part of the community and must have the opportunity to develop & provide state of the art care and facilities to support othis neighborhood and the public.
34	3/5/2025 15:12:55	Brooke Michie	155 East 73rd	brooke@brookemichie.com	In opposition to the application	Every year we lose historic buildings in our city, and this "historic" neighborhood is becoming more and more commercialized. It's important that we try to preserve our city's buildings - they are, after all, a reflection of who we are. This includes not just architecturally significant architecture, but also modest walk-ups. There is a balance we can achieve, and this isn't it.
35	3/5/2025 15:13:45	Meenal Raghava	422 east 72nd st NY 10021	Mraghava555@gmail.com	In favor of the application	My family and I are totally opposed to this huge proposed tower. We are making the UES another midtown Manhattan where it’s difficult to see the sky and feel the sun because of insanely tall buildings. The hospitals over the last decade or more have taken over most of York Ave between 61st and 71st street. Every new building is theirs. Our views of the river are hugely compromised already and will be entirely gone soon. UES is supposed to be a family oriented neighborhood, not a mercantile center for healthcare. This needs to stop now!
36	3/5/2025 15:14:50	Linda Sirow	980 5th Ave.	Linda.Sirow@gmail.com	In opposition to the application	There is no reason to destroy and overwhelm a residential community with a building that is too high and large to fit in with the other existing buildings. Northwell would better serve the people of NYC if it were to build in a neighborhood that does NOT have 2 major teaching hospitals nearly.
37	3/5/2025 16:25:17	Ellen Bilgore	120 East 79 th Street		In opposition to the application	As a lifelong resident of Lenox Hill, please register my wholehearted objection to this project. It will disrupt the peace and serenity of this residential neighborhood for 10 years or more with dust, noise and toxic debris. The enormous scope of the proposed building is not in keeping with the character of the Neighborhood, and it will significantly decrease the amount of sunlight and the views that we currently enjoy. To date, Northwell has consistently ignored residents’ objections. It is time that we were heard. Lenox Hill does not need another enormous hospital building. We are well served by the Hospitals we have. Please limit the scale of this project to a size and scope that is much smaller, and which suits our neighborhood better.
38	3/5/2025 16:36:19	Concerned resident			In opposition to the application	Please, save our neighborhood! LHH operates at less than 70% of capacity-- why are they adding more beds?
39	3/5/2025 16:44:35	Michael Bilgore	120 E 79th Street 15D	mikeb1002@gmail.com	In opposition to the application	Objection to Northwell Hospital Expansion Project in Lenox Hill To Whom It May Concern: As a resident deeply invested in the future of our Lenox Hill community, I am writing to express my strong opposition to the proposed hospital expansion project by Northwell Health. The scale and duration of this development presents severe concerns that have not been adequately addressed: Environmental and Health Impacts: The projected decade-long construction period would subject residents to sustained exposure to construction dust, potentially hazardous debris, and noise pollution that exceeds acceptable urban living standards. These conditions pose particular risks to vulnerable populations including the elderly, children, and those with respiratory conditions. Architectural Incompatibility: The proposed structure's massive scale fundamentally contradicts the historical character and human-scale design that defines our neighborhood. Such an imposing development would permanently alter the essential character that makes Lenox Hill a desirable residential community. Quality of Life Deterioration: Numerous residences, including my own, would experience significant reduction in natural light access and views, directly impacting both mental wellbeing and property values throughout the neighborhood. Questionable Necessity: The proposal fails to demonstrate why existing healthcare infrastructure is insufficient or why alternatives like modernizing current facilities or distributing services across multiple smaller locations haven't been prioritized. Community Engagement Failure: Despite repeated concerns raised by longtime residents, Northwell has demonstrated minimal meaningful engagement with those most affected by this development. I respectfully urge the review board to require Northwell to develop an alternative proposal that: Substantially reduces the building's height and footprint Implements a phased construction approach to minimize disruption Preserves the architectural integrity of our historic neighborhood Incorporates genuine community input into the planning process Our community supports healthcare advancement, but not at the expense of neighborhood livability and residents' wellbeing. I request that this objection be formally recorded and given full consideration in your deliberations. Respectfully submitted, Michael Bilgore 120 E 79th St 15D Resident of Lenox Hill for 34 Years
40	3/5/2025 20:51:56	Katherine Post	168 East 74 st	katherinepost168@gmail.com	In opposition to the application	I recently spent 3 days in Lenox Hill with very good care and impressed with the service HOWEVER I appreciate my neighborhood and thin this tower will be detrimental on many levels. The apartments on that street will drastically loose their value The noise to build and maintain the underground tunnel will be a great mistake, and the sunlight to nearby buildings will be effected The entire project is wrong for this neighborhood There are many great hospitals in this area and much needed in lower Manhattan Katherine Post
41	3/5/2025 21:11:18	Melinda Beck	93 Park Avenue, New York, NY	Melindabeckny@gmail.com	In opposition to the application	Dear Community Board 8 — I am writing to express my strong opposition to both of Northwell’s proposals for Lenox Hill Hospital, for the following reasons: 1) Both designs are wildly out of scale for the surrounding neighborhood and would forever change its character. This neighborhood consists largely of historic townhouses and prewar apartment buildings. Even the new apartment buildings in this area have been built in the same tasteful, turn-of-the-century scale and style. Northwell’s plans are more in keeping with modern midtown monoliths. Protecting neighborhoods like ours from out-of-scale development is what zoning laws are all about. Please don’t let us residents down when we need these regulations the most. 2) Six years of construction will cause intolerable stress to the traffic and quality of life in this neighborhood, which is already plagued by ubiquitous scaffolding and chronic congestion. Lexington Avenue is down to one navigable lane on many days, narrowed by a bike lane, a bus lane, a parking lane and rampant unchecked double parking, often on both sides of the street at the same time. Removing a lane or more for construction for six years will back up traffic for many, many surrounding blocks. Park Avenue can’t afford to lose a lane for six years either. Meanwhile, Northwell’s plans do little to ease the absurd congestion on 77th street between Park and Lex. It has never made sense to have a big hospital’s main entrance and ambulance bay side-by-side on a side street, particularly one that has a bike lane on one side and round-the-clock illegal parking on the other. Here too, there’s only a single lane for through-traffic, and it’s often completely stopped by EMTs rolling stretchers, valet-parking attendants, visitors and patients, many of them elderly, slowly loading and unloading from cars and taxis. Moving the maternity entrance to Park Ave will help a bit, but in both of Northwell’s plans, the main entrance and ambulance bay are still located on the same stressed-out block. 3) The benefit to the community for all this disruption is minimal, despite Northwell’s PR efforts. As other commenters have noted, the Upper East Side is already well served by hospitals, particularly at a time when health-care delivery is steadily moving away from in-patient care. A net gain of 25 beds for all this disruption is laughable, and converting to all private rooms is downright worrisome. Medicare and most private insurers do not cover the cost of private rooms unless medically necessary, which will stick patients with thousands of dollars in extra costs. 4) Lenox Hill Hospital unquestionably needs updating, but it appears that Northwell has not even contemplated a more modest renovation that would better fit the needs and limitations of the surrounding community. Big hospital systems today are in a never-ending arms-race as they compete for wealthy patients, major donations, top specialists and the revenues that come with them. The surrounding community is rarely considered. But it doesn’t need to be this way. Please send Northwell back to the drawing board to come up with a more modest plan that won’t engender resentment and animosity from its neighbors for years to come. Thanks for your consideration.
42	3/5/2025 22:13:56	Jeanne McAnaney		jmcananey@gmail.com	In opposition to the application	This application is a breathtaking exercise in arrogance by Northwell Health.
43	3/5/2025 22:18:06	Jeanne McAnaney		jmcananey@gmail.com	In opposition to the application	This application is a breathtaking exercise in arrogance by Northwell Health.
44	3/5/2025 23:45:14	STEPHANIE RECKLER			In opposition to the application
45	3/6/2025 9:59:01	Michele Jeffery	180 east 79th street	Michele.b.Jeffery@gmail.com	In favor of the application	All I know is I want the best care I can get for myself, my family, and the community. Lenox Hill is undertaking to make that happen. This isn’t something they’re doing because they feel like it. Lenox Hill HAS to do this. It will be a nuisance for a while. And then it won’t. We need these changes.
46	3/6/2025 11:10:01	Andrew R. Brownstein	911 Park Avenue, #5A, New York, NY 10075	ARBrownstein@wlrk.com	In opposition to the application	I believe that the proposed project will irrevocably degrade the visual character of the Upper East Side neighborhood. Moreover the noise and congestion resulting from the project, both during construction and should it be completed in anything close to the proposed plan, will severely negatively impact the quality of life for neighborhood residents. Finally I do not believe that the proposed hospital expansion is necessary. There are numerous excellent hospitals in close proximity. Lenox Hill should modernize and upgrade its facilities within its current footprint.
47	3/6/2025 11:14:37	Imogen Storrs			In opposition to the application	Lenox Hill hospital has already taken over the neighborhood. Why destroy our area with a huge building? Why?
48	3/6/2025 11:58:43	Dianne Crary	125 East 74th Street		In opposition to the application	The plans are too massive for the site and though the hospital desparately needs an interior renovation, the hospital is not currently able to staff all the floors it has for patients. So why all the extra floors? This type of facitilty should be in an area that is more in need of hospital facilities. The upper east side of Manhattan has multiple hospitals to service the neighborhood. Add a few floors, but not the massive highrise which has no place in the Upper East Side Historice District.
49	3/6/2025 12:34:06	Andrew Gaspar		andrew.gaspar@gmail.com	In opposition to the application	Andrew Gaspar Submission to CB8 Meeting CONSTRUCTION TIME The greatest injury to our neighborhood will come from the decade long construction required to implement Northwell’s vision for Lenox Hill Hospital, while the hospital stays open and functioning. A decade of major construction on one block of a dense residential New York City neighborhood is unprecedented and must be rejected. The harm it will cause to our mostly older residents, our children, religious entities, schools, hotels and businesses is irreparable. We have not found ANY precedents for a decade long renovation on one block in Manhattan. The decade long construction of the Second Avenue Subway caused 40% of small businesses to close and real estate prices dropped by over 33% for a decade! The 20 year construction of the Cross Bronx Expressway ruined the entire mid Bronx ecosystem. Neither project was localized to one block of our city. There are no penalties for over running construction estimates, so Northwell can say it will take 6 ½ years or 9 years, both estimates lack detailed justification, and there are no penalties for running way over these forecasts so the hospital’s estimates are worthless. We all know that nearly every such construction project runs longer and costs more than originally estimated. This is a preventable tragedy. IT MUST BE STOPPED AND REJECTED!!
50	3/6/2025 16:39:17	Carlo Casa	1040 Avenue of the Americas, 21st Floor	ccasa@buildingcongress.com	In favor of the application	New York Building Congress Testimony Before Community Board 8’s Land Use Committee Re: Support for the Lenox Hill Hospital Redevelopment Project The Building Congress represents over 500 constituent organizations and over 250,000 skilled tradespeople and professionals dedicated to the growth and prosperity of our city. We strongly express our support for the Lenox Hill Redevelopment Project. The proposed redevelopment will transform Lenox Hill Hospital into a state-of-the-art, environmentally sound institution that produces fewer emissions and prioritizes energy efficiency. By upgrading older facilities, the project will align with modern sustainability standards and help create a healthier environment for the community. Further, patient rooms will be “right sized” to accommodate new equipment, evolving medical technologies, and ever-improving procedures—ensuring that Lenox Hill can continue to deliver the highest standard of care well into the future. The project is expected to create nearly 500 new hospital jobs and approximately 900 construction jobs over the life of the project, fueling increased economic activity for the community and providing valuable employment opportunities for New Yorkers. New York City’s healthcare system desperately needs upgrades to meet rising demand. By investing in major infrastructure improvements at Lenox Hill, Northwell Health is ensuring that patients receive safer, faster, and more efficient care. Northwell Health has consistently demonstrated its commitment to delivering top-quality care across our city and beyond, making them a trusted partner in public health. I would also like to commend Northwell Health for its decision to fund accessibility improvements for the 77th street 6-train station as part of their redevelopment. This shows the hospital’s commitment to ensuring that critical public spaces are accessible for everyone. New York City needs future-focused hospitals to keep pace with increasing healthcare demands. A revitalized Lenox Hill Hospital will preserve and expand access to the excellent care the hospital has delivered for generations, benefiting patients and supporting medical professionals alike. We urge you to support the approval of this critical redevelopment effort. Thank you for your consideration.
51	3/7/2025 8:21:16	Morgan Nadeau			In favor of the application	I am writing to express my enthusiastic support for the Lenox Hill Hospital private application to redevelop and expand its facilities at 100 East 77th Street. This comprehensive project offers significant benefits to the community, and I believe it deserves your full and unconditional approval. Lenox Hill Hospital has been a cornerstone of our community for generations, providing vital healthcare services to countless individuals and families. This proposed redevelopment is a crucial investment in the future of healthcare in our neighborhood, ensuring that Lenox Hill can continue to deliver high-quality, cutting-edge medical care for years to come. The planned interior renovations, along with the construction of a new hospital building, will modernize the facility, enhance patient experience, and create a more efficient and effective healthcare environment. I am particularly excited about the proposed improvements to the Lexington Avenue subway station. Integrating the hospital with improved subway access will greatly benefit patients, visitors, and staff, making it easier and more convenient for everyone to reach the hospital. This thoughtful integration of public transportation demonstrates Lenox Hill's commitment to serving the broader community. Furthermore, the inclusion of Mandatory Inclusionary Housing (MIH) within this application is a commendable step towards addressing the critical need for affordable housing in our city. This project not only strengthens our healthcare infrastructure but also contributes to a more equitable and inclusive community. The proposed FAR of 12.5 is appropriate given the essential services provided by the hospital and its integration with transit improvements. I believe that Lenox Hill Hospital's commitment to our community is evident in this thoughtful and comprehensive redevelopment plan. This project represents a vital investment in our neighborhood's future, and I urge you to approve this application without reservation. Thank you for your time and consideration.
52	3/7/2025 8:42:42	Francesco Grippo			In favor of the application	Rebuilding Lenox Hill Hospital is vital for improving healthcare access for the community, boosting the local economy and enhancing overall community well-being. Lenox Hill Hospital has been an integral part of the community for many many years and will continue to provide high quality healthcare in the future. The redesign of the hospital will help Lenox Hill Hospital continue to provide high quality care but with better efficiency. The redesign is focused on improving the patient experience and improving the overall community by focusing on key issues including reducing traffic in the area. Rebuilding isn't just about restoring a building, its about revitalizing an entire community.
53	3/7/2025 8:47:58	Scott Irwin		mscottirwin@gmail.com	In opposition to the application	This project is completely inappropriate in scale and design compared with the location and neighborhood around it.
54	3/7/2025 8:53:41	Harry Gill			In favor of the application	I’m here to advocate for the approval of the new Lenox Hill Hospital building plan—an investment that will enhance patient care, expand access to cutting-edge medical services, and strengthen the community’s healthcare infrastructure for generations to come.
55	3/7/2025 9:56:39	Margot			In opposition to the application	I have lived within a stones throw of the Hospital for several decades. I can say 100% that they are not and have never been good neighbors and are not interested in the community where they are located. I have NEVER ONCE seen any care taken to enhance their facility - never once seen anyone cleaning the disgusting sidewalks - with hospital detritus everywhere around their building. The scaffolding around their dilapidated buildings have been there for decades. Also, there is NO Mandatory Inclusionary Housing in this proposal! There is only 1 subway elevator (only on the Downtown #6 level) and not even to the track level! There is no proposed elevator service on the Uptown #6. They haven't fixed or done upkeep on their current hospital. No one will want to go there during major construction. This entire proposal is detrimental to the community and Upper East side. This is not a world class hospital and making it bigger will not make it better! NO to the proposal
56	3/7/2025 10:26:07	Eliot E			In opposition to the application	Northwell has no business throwing our community into chaos for marginal increases. They have plenty of properties around the Tristate area they can grow and add to. The UES has enough hospital beds and no need for more, especially in the middle of the neighborhood. GO AWAY!
57	3/7/2025 16:40:04	C. M. Pyle		c.m.pyle@nyu.edu	In opposition to the application	Our New York City neighborhoods are sacred to us New Yorkers. I grew up on the Upper East Side, and am often there. I do not want to see it defaced by this ugly huge behemoth. Our architectural heritage is unique, and should not be marred by these uninteresting new structures, which could be anywhere. Also, the Upper East Side is a place of usually maximum 16-story buildings. The proposed structure would destroy that common characteristic. Do NOT approve this.
58	3/7/2025 17:12:52	Cary Buckner			In favor of the application	This will improve the medical care for our community.
59	3/8/2025 6:45:38	Antonia vinciguerra			In opposition to the application	As a resident of the Upper East Side, I strongly oppose the proposal by Northwell Health to build a massive 436,000 sq ft tower in our cherished residential neighborhood. This project, which involves a staggering 250% zoning increase, would not only overpower our block but also forever alter the character of the area. The tower's size and scale are more suited to Midtown's office towers, not a community where families and residents have lived for generations. Instead of pushing for this unwarranted up-zoning, Lenox Hill Hospital should focus on renovating and modernizing their existing facilities within their allotted zoning. The decision to let their buildings fall into disrepair for decades does not justify bulldozing our neighborhood’s charm and history for the sake of profit and overdevelopment. The negative impact of this project, including years of disruptive construction, is simply too great. This up-zoning would set a dangerous precedent for our community, potentially opening the door for similar developments throughout the Upper East Side.
60	3/8/2025 8:30:40	Jonathan Oren		joren@northwell.edu	In favor of the application	In order for Lenox Hill Hospital to continue to provide first class care for the community, it requires a first class facility. While all construction is temporarily disruptive, it will be strongly beneficial to the local residents in the Lenox hill neighborhood and the tri-state area for generations to come.
61	3/8/2025 12:21:48	Anne Louvel			In opposition to the application	“A building should respond to its surroundings, with the proportions and scale reflecting existing structures. Depending on the neighborhood and zoning, a high-rise may not be an appropriate choice.” (Neumann Monson Architects). We definitely have a huge problem of scale with this disproportionate project of a new tower for Lenox HillHospital.
62	3/8/2025 13:47:23	Mary Lublin	650 Park Avenue		In opposition to the application	This enormous building would destroy the character of the neighborhood. This is a residential neighborhood, not one which should have a commercial office tower.
63	3/8/2025 14:38:30	Young Lee			In opposition to the application	Our neighborhood does not need this enormous building.
64	3/8/2025 16:36:50	lee galvis			In opposition to the application	I am writing this letter in vehement opposition to Northwell Health’s proposed tower on (or near) Lexington Avenue between 77th and 76th Streets. I urge you to say NO to overturning zoning laws that will set an extraordinary precedent for future requests that will damage the character of residential neighborhoods. Northwell is requesting a 250% up-zoning, an astonishing position! Northwell can modernize the hospital as well as build more space within its current zoning envelope; and it can do it in a shorter time and at less cost. With a 70% occupancy rate for the past several years, and with the continuing changes in healthcare delivery, it is not clear why Northwell needs more hospital space. Say NO to the stress the proposed tower will have on the fragile infrastructure of the neighborhood. The platforms on the MTA’s #6 Line cannot be made to handle more riders; the traffic on Lexington Avenue, the narrowest avenue in NYC, is currently stressed with traffic but will be at a standstill if the proposed tower is built. Over the years, as Northwell has accumulated property, restaurants have closed, buildings have been knocked down, and the neighborhood quietly expanding doctors’ and medical offices in lieu of residential spaces. It is a slow creep to choke our neighborhood. This is a residential neighborhood, with restrictions on size for a reason – we do not want to live in an urban canyon, or for that matter, a hospital complex. The Upper East Side already has 10 beds per 1000 residents which FAR exceeds any other neighborhood. The Lower East side has only .5 beds per resident and could benefit from Northwell’s expansion there. In addition, the medical resources already available to the neighborhood are extensive and excellent. Say NO to a hospital which is simply not needed in the UES. This project is not about the needs of the community. This is a commercial venture, using public funds, to seize more market share from the five world-class hospitals on the UES. Our elected officials should be thinking about what areas of NYC could benefit the most from another hospital. It is certainly not the UES. Respectfully submitted, Lee Galvis
65	3/8/2025 16:50:53	Lindsey Harriss			In opposition to the application	I am writing to express my strong opposition to the proposed construction of a new hospital building in our residential neighborhood. While I understand the need to expand healthcare services, I believe that placing a large-scale facility in a primarily residential area would have significant negative consequences for the community. A project of this magnitude would drastically increase traffic congestion, making our streets less safe for pedestrians, children, and families. Additionally, the increased noise, light pollution, and ongoing construction would disrupt the peace and character of our neighborhood. Such a development could also lead to increased commercialization and rising property taxes, potentially displacing long-term residents. Rather than disrupting an established residential area, I urge you to consider renovating and improving the hospital’s existing facilities in areas that are already legally zoned for commercial and medical use. Upgrading current infrastructure, enhancing efficiency, and maximizing space in already designated zones would allow the hospital to expand without negatively impacting the surrounding community. This approach would be a more sustainable and responsible use of resources while still meeting the growing healthcare needs of the public. I encourage you to prioritize solutions that balance the hospital’s expansion goals with the well-being of the residents who call this neighborhood home. I, along with many community members, strongly oppose this development and urge you to seek alternative solutions that do not compromise the integrity of our residential area. Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to your response and hope that you will take these concerns seriously. Sincerely, Lindsey Harriss
66	3/8/2025 17:26:25	nicky grant	125 east 72nd st		In opposition to the application	we don’t need another big hospital and the charm of lennox hill ruined by skyscrapers
67	3/8/2025 18:01:25	Catherine Price			In opposition to the application	I oppose this application
68	3/8/2025 18:26:32	Rebecca Lainovic		Rebecca@mango300.com	In opposition to the application	Oppose
69	3/8/2025 21:54:02	Grace Polk			In opposition to the application	Testimony of Grace Polk I am someone who loves to use the garden located at 103 East 77th Street, next to Project Development Site 1A , and opposite the Hospital. It is a treasure in the community. (1) Adverse impact of Shadows from the Primary Building Site I write to oppose the Proposed Action plans for the Lenox Hill project at Block 1411, lots 1 and 113 because the shadows (lack of light) will destroy what makes the garden a garden, not only during the lengthy period of proposed construction but thereafter as well. The garden trees, plants, flowers offer a refuge, a quiet place from the noise of the neighborhood, and is actively used during the warm weather. It serves those visiting patients in the hospital across the street, and hospital workers wanting to breathe fresh air at lunchtime, among many others. There is nothing else like it in the vicinity. It is a gift to the community. The DEIS chapter on Shadows provides ample evidence of the adverse impact of shadows on this property. It is tantamount to destruction of a developed city lot. It cannot be mitigated if the hospital is allowed to expand. A vote of No Action on the greater Project Site is all that can save it. The garden cannot be moved. The garden must not be destroyed by the hospital’s proposed project. (2) Adverse impact of Noise from the Project Development Site 1A In this light, I oppose the Proposed Project Development Site 1 A at 111 East 77 St, Block 1412, Lots 9,10, 11. The debris, noise and dust from the construction will destroy the plants in the garden. The increased size of the structure that the hospital is proposing to build will create further shadows in the garden. During the lengthy period of construction the garden will not be usable. The adverse impact of noise on this open space going forward is set forth in the DEIS chapter on Noise. The only possible vote is a vote of No Action on the Project Development Site 1 A. The garden cannot be moved indoors to protect it from the noise on the street.
70	3/8/2025 22:25:23	Grace Polk			In opposition to the application	I am someone who loves to use the garden located at 103 East 77th Street, next to Project Development Site 1A, and opposite the Hospital. It is a treasure in the community. (1) Adverse impact of Shadows from the Primary Building Site I write to oppose the Proposed Action plans for the Lenox Hill project at BLock 1411, lots 1 and 113 because the shadows (lack of light) will destroy what makes the garden a garden, not only during the lengthy period of proposed construction but thereafter as well. The garden trees, plants, flowers offer a refuge, a quiet place from the noise of the neighborhood, and is actively used during the warm weather. It serves those visiting patients in the hospital across the street, and hospital workers wanting to breathe fresh air at lunchtime, among many others. There is nothing else like it in the viciniity. It is a gift to the community. The DEIS chapter on Shadows provides ample evidence of the adverse impact of shadows on this property. It is tantamount to destruction of a developed city lot. It cannot be mitigated if the hospital is allowed to expand. A vote of No Action on the greater Project Site is all that can save it. The garden cannot be moved. The garden must not be destroyed by the hospital's proposed project. (2) Advese impact of Noise from the Project Deelopment Site 1A In view of the above, I oppose the Proposed Project Development Site 1A at 111 East 77 Street, Block 1412, Lots 9, 10, 11. The debris, noise and dust from the construction will destroy the plants in the garden. The increased size of the structure that the hospital is proposing to build will create further shadows in the garden. During the length period of construction the garden will not be usable. The adverse impact of noise on this open space going forward is set forth in the DEIS chapter on Noise. The only possible vote is a vote of No Action on the Project Development Site 1A. The garden cannot be moved indoors to protect it from the noise on the street.
71	3/9/2025 0:41:32	Joel I. Greenberg	215 East 73rd Street, New York, NY 10021	jigreenberg@aya.yale.edu	In favor of the application	I support Northwell/Lenox Hill Hospital’s application. The existing facility is aging and inadequate and needs to be upgraded. Hospitals and the medical facilities that surround them are important contributors to our community and we need to let them build the facilities that keep them first class.
72	3/9/2025 8:25:46	Giovanni Valente			In favor of the application	Northwell’s redevelopment project at Lenox Hill is about building a safer, healthier future for the entire community. At a time when headlines too often announce hospital closures and service cutbacks, Northwell is investing in a vision for the future. This project will transform an aging facility into a state of the art healthcare center that meets the needs of both patients and the community. Through a Project Labor Agreement (PLA) with the Building and Construction Trades Council, the project will generate nearly 900 union construction jobs. These aren’t just any jobs, they represent skilled, well paying opportunities for working class New Yorkers, fueling local economic growth. Beyond construction, the project will create nearly 500 new hospital jobs. At a time when many institutions are scaling back, Northwell’s commitment to expanding its workforce ensures that the community will continue to have access to high quality care. This reinforces Northwell’s dedication to job stability and professional growth within the local community. The investment in Lenox Hill will have a direct impact on those who rely on its services. By upgrading the Emergency Department and redesigning Operating Rooms, the project will enhance the patients’ experience and improve healthcare outcomes. This initiative is more than just construction. It’s about ensuring that our city remains a place where quality healthcare and economic opportunity thrive side by side. By investing in both the construction and healthcare sectors, Northwell is not only creating jobs and modernizing medical facilities but also strengthening the community’s future. Together, we can transform the way we care for our city, meet today’s challenges, and lay the groundwork for decades of innovation and lasting service.
73	3/9/2025 11:55:20	Rati Lohtia	155 E 76th St, 9H and 11B		In opposition to the application	We DO NOT need another hospital here. Please move to a more needy area. Your removing Park Avenue was a sham to appease neighbors. Build there - its a WIDER road.
74	3/9/2025 12:20:40	daniel tavakoli	150 East 77th Street		In opposition to the application	This type of variance is unwarranted and unprecedented and will ruin the quality of life of the residents in the neighborhood. Do not allow it to happen!
75	3/9/2025 12:54:32	Lara Santini	136 E 76th St		In opposition to the application	Zoning laws are around for a reason. This project would change the nature of our neighborhood. The harm far outweighs the benefit in an area that has plenty of access to medical facilities.
76	3/9/2025 12:57:26	Neil Selkirk			In opposition to the application	It is obvious that the letters on the community board website in favor of the Lenox Hill Hospital expansion plans are written by an unimaginative, low level PR operative or perhaps a machine, whereas the credibility of the opposing writers citing their objections, one does not doubt. Little has been said about Northwell Health’s public relations activities regarding this matter, but it is clearly massive. Consider this: It is misguided for this discussion to be about healthcare policy when that is exactly what Northwell’s vast public relations operation wants. By joining that debate, we who are opposed are inadvertently contributing to the huge Lenox Hill public relations smokescreen. An apparently reasonable and extended discussion of the arcana of healthcare pros and cons provides both elected and unelected representatives who may have been coerced with the cover they have to have if they are going to vote in favor of the proposed variances for Lenox Hill Hospital This lunge to violate the existing zoning regulations is unsupportable in a reasonable argument. The hypocrisy and cynicism of Northwell’s claims exposes any anyone voting in favor of this project not only to ridicule, but also to an unavoidable suspicion of corruption. Zoning laws are created to serve the public good. Zoning variances must either serve that public good or alleviate hardship suffered by the property owner. In probably the region of the entire world already best served by the very best hospitals, no one has yet made a vestige of a case that any public good will be served by granting Lenox Hill its variances. The idea that Northwell Health, sitting on a multi-billion dollar piece of property and paying its CEO more than five million dollars a year is suffering hardship, is deeply offensive. That same CEO of Northwell Health, has made it clear in publications intended to be read by investors, that the current expansion plans for Lenox Hill Hospital are fundamentally about making Northwell Health a more powerful and successful business. There is no evidence, there is nothing in the laws and regulations that pertain to this matter that could justify granting the requested variances. Let them renovate, let them build legally elsewhere, but don’t facilitate a corporate land grab under the guise of public benefit
77	3/9/2025 13:10:26	Robin Unger			In opposition to the application	Working near the hospital and having to commute will be impossible. We already have plenty of care in the area. Lexington ave between 79 th and 75 is always backed up with trucks. In addition to the disruption to the subway. How many of these private rooms are going to be covered by Medicare, how many of the hospital doctors will accept Medicare, who will be able to afford this expansion.
78	3/9/2025 14:15:27	Catherine Coakley		Fcec88@aol.com	In opposition to the application	While it is necessary to update and maintain the Lenox Hill Hospital, for optimal care for local residents and beyond, the scope of the proposed project WILL have a negative impact on the community in which it lies. There has already been an expansion on third Ave between 76/77 streets. The length of construction, the increased traffic congestion, the lack of natural light, and the fact that few if any more beds will be achieved if alarming. There is critical need for facilities in the outer boroughs and why Northwell is not addressing this is also alarming. Please consider another plan that will satisfy both the hospital and the community. There is another way, but this is not it.
79	3/9/2025 15:11:50	NOT IN FAVOR		lnmaccallum@gmail.com	In opposition to the application	I ALWAYS BELIEVE IN KEEPING TO ORIGINAL RULES FOR BUILDING....
80	3/9/2025 16:12:51	Boniface ZAino			In opposition to the application	The proposed project will vastly diminish the desirability of the immediate neighborhood which will spread north and south over time. This substantially weakens the tax base that funds the services in the rest of the city. Therefore the project is harmful to the city and should not be allowed.
81	3/9/2025 16:35:29	Katie Morrissey			In opposition to the application	What this building takes from the community far outweighs what it contributes.
82	3/9/2025 16:39:23	Carol C. Young	East 79th Street between Lex and 3rd	Carolyoungnyc@gmail.com	In opposition to the application	My husband and I strongly feel this development would destroy the character and livability of the UES!!! It’s just wrong and unnecessary. So sorry we have to miss attending this meeting!
83	3/9/2025 16:58:33	Jamie olken			In opposition to the application	Our community is small, friendly and beautiful . Lexington Ave is the smallest ave and 76th st is an unusually narrow street. The monstrosity proposed in this area is too large and not needed . We have so many hospitals that provide amazing care and no more beds are needed . The noise, pollution, obstruction of space, air and light is absolutely a danger to this community . The hospital should update on the space that they have and begin to be a good neighbor , we can not trust that this hospital system will keep the neighborhood clean , safe or even generous to the neighbors . We have zero benefit to A 10 year project that we don’t have now . The hospital area remains dirty, unsupervised at night and I keep is at a minimum . The hospital deserves to up grade the interior but to build this horrible ridiculously sized building is an absolute NO! Northwell is rich and can’t compete with their spend. To get this accepted but I am hoping that politicians and leadership does not let wealth win over destroying a Lenox hill area and our living spaces .
84	3/9/2025 17:03:32	Mary Bahr			In opposition to the application	Reject Northwell’s huge false public relations campaign and just stop the nonsense. Lenox Hill Hospital needs renovating, but within existing zoning regulations.
85	3/9/2025 17:34:59	Steven olken	136 east 76th st ny ny 10021	Solkendd@me.com	In opposition to the application	1. The proposed building is way out of proportion to the neighborhood. 2. The neighborhood is already crowded with the 6 subway line. 3. The sidewalks are already congested as are the streets. 4. The hospital cannot maintain the current campus- garbage and trash accumulates throughout the perimeter, and is poorly maintained. 5. The trash cans around the perimeter are constantly overflowing. 6. The community cannot tolerate the magnitude of the construction needed. Where would the construction be staged? Lex Ave is one of the narrowest Aves in the city.
86	3/9/2025 18:34:44	Doon Arbus			In opposition to the application	Anyone who has looked at the responses here on this CB8 Website will see that there is an almost comic imbalance––an utterly overwhelming rejection by the community of the Lenox Hill Hospital desire for the variance they are requesting against effectively zero disinterested comments in favor of the proposal. Where are our elected representatives and community board members? Are they perhaps in bed with Northwell Health in Lenox Hill Hospital awaiting an expansion?
87	3/9/2025 18:39:11	VINCENT ALETTI			In opposition to the application	If Lenox Hill Hospital is in need of renovations, they can be done within the existing framework. Building something well beyond the needs of the hospital or the community is clearly only to benefit Northwell, not patients, whose care will be seriously compromised by the proposed building.
88	3/9/2025 18:42:35	Bernard Selz	121 East 73 Street	bselz@ingalls.net	In opposition to the application	The project is totally out of proportion to the neighborhood. Further, Lenox Hill Hospital is at present well underutilized and there are times when whole floors are unoccupied. Manhattan his many more beds per 1,000 inhabitants whereas the Bronx or Queens could use additional facilities. Apparently the project would take 10 years completely disrupting the neighborhood and the traffic. It would clearly undermine property values and thus the tax basis. In my view this is simply a vanity project for the ceo of Northwell.
89	3/9/2025 18:44:24	Rachel G			In opposition to the application	Lenox Hill should concentrate on healthcare and not TV shows. Last year, Northwell created their own film production studio to make tv shows and films. This luxury hospital tower is really for appearances sake and vanity. There is no need or reason for them to ask, let alone be approved for an extreme zoning variance. This who project is disgusting.
90	3/9/2025 18:47:30	Lucy Upper East Side recident			In opposition to the application	Let’s be honest – Lenox Hill is NOT the community’s first choice for a go-to hospital. Renovating within their existing zoning is something they already could’ve been doing. And, let's get this straight – whatever construction they do will still create construction jobs, and healthcare jobs, and improve their facility inside and out. Lenox Hill should give it’s staff and the community what it needs – a more functional facility. NOT A MONSTROUS FACILITY. Bigger does not equal better.
91	3/9/2025 18:50:24	Amy arbus			In opposition to the application	Northwell claim to have been responsive to the needs and concerns of the community but nothing could be further from the truth. This is an outright lie. Saying so does not make it true.
92	3/9/2025 18:53:07	Elena G	E. 80s		In opposition to the application	Not sure how they came about their construction estimates but the 10+ years it would actually take construct a building of this magnitude would throw the Upper East Side into chaos - a danger zone with unprecedented environmental, safety and traffic impacts. i.e. Staging area, large construction equipment loading/unloading, dust/air pollution, noise pollution, dangerous walking conditions, limited sidewalk area, stalled traffic, closed blocks, lack of parking and overall disruption. They have NOT thought this through. I don’t believe a word Northwell Health and Lenox Hill says!!!!!!!!
93	3/9/2025 19:00:13	Jose Chavez			In opposition to the application	The plan is grossly disproportionate. For an expansion yielding just 25 new beds, the 80% increase in building density is excessive and unjustified. The proposed scale raises severe environmental, infrastructure, and neighborhood character concerns, along with disruptions from a whopping 11-year construction timeline. Approving such a plan sets a dangerous precedent for contextual zoning and unchecked institutional expansion citywide. Lenox Hill Hospital can renovate, but within existing zoning regulations. Thank you.
94	3/9/2025 19:06:41	Valerie			In opposition to the application	Although there is some that may argue that Lenox Hill is in need of some renovation, it should be done within the zoning our existing zone regulations, as I am certain they are well aware of. Their blatant disregard for their neighbors is, well, let us say, not at all neighborly. Additionally, as is obvious, as the area exists now (in particular Lexington Avenue), I am not sure an emergency EMT ambulance can get down the street without difficulty NOW, with traffic on what turns out to be a 1-lane road, most days from 9 a.m. straight up to 9 PM!!! They have not a care for mitigating their upheavals to our already congested area. And furthermore, their intentions are so patently obvious, as they have clearly stated: a business decision. And who is getting the benefits. Surely not their neighbors. We are left paying the piper for perhaps some untoward, underhanded, and under the table monetary considerations to grease the wheels. This seems quite clear. Therefore, if they continue down this path, it will affect zoning throughout our city, not just here on the Upper East Side.
95	3/9/2025 19:42:06	Arin Arbus			In opposition to the application	Obscene violation of zoning.
96	3/9/2025 20:01:31	Willa Baynard	145 E 76th St, Apt 3B, NY 10021	wbbaynard@gmail.com	In opposition to the application	The proposed tower is directly opposite our 19 floor building. The scale of the tower is massively out of proportion to the surrounding buildings and completely changes the historical feel of the neighborhood.
97	3/9/2025 20:42:44	Jordi Torrent	954 Lexington Ave #106 New York NY 10021		In opposition to the application	Too tall, too big, eyesore to the neighborhood.
98	3/9/2025 21:25:37	Stephanie Heyman Reckler		stephaniereckler885@gmail.com	In opposition to the application	Northwell has not given us any good reasons to justify building a 436-ft tall hospital building in a residential neighborhood. They are asking for zoning variances up to 250%. They will destroy the vibrancy and vitality of the area. There are five world class hospitals within close proximity to residents of the UES. Lenox Hill Hospital claims that it will be offering new services – yes, services new to Lenox Hill Hospital but not services new to the UES. The hospital does not need more rooms. This massive building is only yielding 5 more single-occupancy rooms and even those are not needed since they are running at a 70% occupancy rate. The construction will take a minimum of six years and cost upwards of $2.5bllion. CEO Michael Dowling has said in public that the delivery of medical services is evolving, and hospitals will only be part of the continuum of the delivery of medical services. In five to ten years, Dowling has said hospitals will be only ICUs for the very sick. Realistically the new hospital will not admit its first patient for approximately ten years. However, the plans are for now, and they will be out-of-date in ten years. The hospital is supposed to protect its patients and certainly do no harm to them. Yet these plans will do the opposite. Keeping half of the hospital open is selfish on Dowling’s part. To close the entire hospital would mean a much shorter construction period. However, they would lose patients and possibly their staff. They have cited studies that say it has taken hospitals that shut down for complete renovations 10 years after they re-open to reach the economic levels that they were at before the renovation. Yet think of ambulances with critically ill patients who are delayed in arriving at the ER because of severe congestion due to the construction or children walking to school around the sidewalk disruptions and street closures. Northwell is in the healthcare business. They should take a broader picture of healthcare. Renovate Lenox Hill Hospital as a good community hospital and build a major healthcare center in an area crying out for such a center. What Northwell is proposing is not needed, not wanted, and not necessary on the UES.
99	3/9/2025 21:46:07	Julia G.	E. 79th St		In opposition to the application	In addition to all the other absurdities of this project - has anyone taken a fine tooth comb to their Environmental submission? It is rife with deficiencies. -The duration of construction for a project this size is absurd - there is NO WAY they can achieve what they claim here. It is PIE IN THE SKY. They are banking on people just accepting anything they say. WE SAY NO! -They are using decades old studies for their data points -Their Site safety plan is all generalized -Did they even do an investigation on their own? Did they even hire a traffic engineer? -Their projected patient/visitor numbers are lower while at the same time they propose an increase in staff. I guess they'll need more people to upkeep the oversized luxury building - but not in service of the fewer patients themselves. Are you going to go there for an operation during construction?! Community Board Members - there is no choice but to say a resounding NO to this project.
100	3/9/2025 21:55:57	Shari Driver			In opposition to the application	This would NOT BE THE END of what Northwell Health wants to do to our neighborhood. They already would sandwich us in with the 3rd Avenue building. Then what's next? More NWH signs on more buildings? I dread to think of the Upper East Side being owned by Northwell Health. Allowing this project to go through would be a grave mistake any residential neighborhood.