Parents Concerned About Asbestos and Lead Paint Risks in Lenox Hill Cancer Center Construction

The proposed 31-story cancer care pavilion by Memorial Sloan Kettering (MSK) on York Avenue in Manhattan has ignited significant concern among local parents, leading to a Change.org petition. The petition highlights fears that the demolition process, which includes the removal of hazardous materials like asbestos and lead-based paint, could expose nearby schoolchildren to health risks. Historical documents from MSK indicate potential adverse impacts during construction due to the presence of various hazardous materials. In response to these concerns, the coalition of parents, known as Lenox Hill Families Advocating for Children to Thrive (FACT), is urging MSK to hire an independent environmental pediatrician to oversee safety measures. They are also advocating for a reduction in the pavilion's height to mitigate the shadows it would cast on local schools. Residents have expressed their apprehensions, with one local stating the irony of a cancer hospital potentially mishandling asbestos. MSK has stated that it is adhering to all required safety protocols and is in the process of developing a plan to provide air quality data to the public. However, the community remains anxious, particularly with the school year approaching and a perceived lack of communication from MSK regarding safety measures. The local community board previously encouraged MSK to address housing concerns related to the project, but MSK maintains that the dorm-style housing has never been publicly accessible.