Religious leaders unite to combat massive Lenox Hill Hospital expansion
A group of concerned religious leaders have banded together to stop the proposed Lenox Hill Hospital expansion, a massive development project that advocates say could put a vast part of the Upper East Side under construction for nearly a decade.
The clergy members, who support the Committee to Protect Our Lenox Hill Neighborhood, oppose an ongoing proposal to turn Northwell Health’s Lenox Hill Hospital into a hulking 436-foot medical tower that would have “significant” impacts on the quality of life for parishioners and other residents in the area.
The hospital is currently around 160 feet at its tallest point. The construction of the proposed approximately 40-floor tower would include the replacement of parts of the existing hospital complex.
The need to change, hospital operators say
A spokesperson for Northwell Health said the company is proceeding with ongoing community engagement to address their concerns.
In the meantime, Daniel Baker, MD, president of Northwell Lenox Hill Hospital, said during a Jan. 28 Manhattan Community Board 8 meeting that the expansion is needed to improve the health and quality of life for many people. He explained that population growth, the aging population and rising demand for specialized services require a hospital that can offer more advanced care.
“As the needs of our community evolve and medical advancements continue at a rapid pace, so must Lenox Hill,” he said. “Our current facilities, while steeped in history, are increasingly challenged to meet the demands of 21st century medicine.”
More than 55,000 people use the emergency room at Lenox Hill Hospital each year. Baker explained that the expansion would include a “right-sized” emergency department for these patients, state-of-the-art operating rooms and single-bed patient rooms.
The new emergency room would feature more space to isolate infectious or immuno-compromised patients and offer all patients more comfort and privacy. There would also be a dedicated Mother-Baby Hospital to better serve the more than 4,000 babies born at the hospital each year.
Expanding in ‘Bedpan Alley’
Stephanie Reckler, an executive member of the Committee to Protect Our Lenox Hill Neighborhood, agreed with the sentiments expressed in the clergy members’ letter. She said she and many other members of the organization are deeply concerned about the size of the tower, though it has gotten 80 feet shorter in scope due to community feedback since an original design proposal in 2019.
“The question is the inappropriateness of putting the equivalent of an office building in a residential area,” she said, adding that the area is sometimes referred to as “bedpan alley” in light of the many world-class hospitals nearby.
The hospitals are densely packed within walking distance to residents of the area. Meanwhile, Reckler noted the hospital desert that runs dry for residents in Lower Manhattan.
What is next for the Lenox Hill Hospital expansion proposal?
Meanwhile, Northwell’s plan has entered into a critical stage in the process. The plans are now under review with the city’s planning commission. From there, a seven-month process will culminate with a vote by all 51 NYC Council members.
City Council Member Keith Powers, whose district encompasses Lenox Hill, said in a statement to amNewYork Metro that he acknowledges the community’s concerns.
“The community has raised concerns over the duration of the construction and scale of the building, which we are working to address,” he said. “It’s important to revitalize Lenox Hill Hospital, but we should ensure it doesn’t cause unreasonable disruption to the surrounding neighborhood.”
If the NYC Council ultimately approves the proposal, it will then go to the mayor for approval.
Conclusion
Religious leaders, community members, and hospital officials are at odds over the proposed Lenox Hill Hospital expansion. While the hospital is in need of modernization, concerns about the scale and duration of the project have sparked a heated debate about the impact on the surrounding community.
FAQs
* What is the proposed Lenox Hill Hospital expansion?
+ The proposed expansion would turn Northwell Health’s Lenox Hill Hospital into a 436-foot medical tower, featuring a right-sized emergency department, state-of-the-art operating rooms, and single-bed patient rooms.
* What are the concerns about the expansion?
+ Concerns include the potential for significant disruption to the surrounding neighborhood, including noise, pollution, and traffic congestion, as well as the permanent impact on the area’s character.
* What is the timeline for the proposal?
+ The plan is currently under review with the city’s planning commission, with a vote by all 51 NYC Council members expected within the next seven months. If approved, it will then go to the mayor for final approval.
