NOV

26

6:30 PM

Northwell/Lenox Hill Hospital: Update on progress and current state of project planning

The turnout—over 350 community members attending via Zoom—was astounding, especially two days before Thanksgiving. This number demonstrated profound concern, seething frustration, and widespread opposition to Northwell’s proposal, which seeks to exceed current zoning limitations by 250% over an eleven-year construction period. As Dr. Baker did not have any new plans, our supporters were commenting on plans that were released in February 2023.

One speaker said that such lengthy construction represents “community malpractice” by Northwell as it will destroy a vibrant, healthy and successful Upper East Side community just to appease Northwell’s vanity and battle for market share. “Northwell should begin its plans by ‘doing no harm’ to our community,” said a speaker.

While CPOLHN recognizes and supports the need for modernizing the hospital’s facilities, Northwell’s presentation (or more correctly, the lack of a presentation) was nothing short of insulting and demeaning to our community. Dr. Daniel Baker, Lenox Hill Hospital’s president, was the sole Northwell representative present, a foot solder thrown into the hostile audience of our neighbors. Dr. Baker shared nothing with the group. Dr. Baker was following a script. He was frequently on his cell phone and made a point of looking at his watch while someone in the audience was speaking.

Residents repeatedly highlighted that the Upper East Side is already served by numerous world-class medical institutions and questioned the necessity of significantly enlarging Lenox Hill Hospital. Many emphasized their anger at Northwell’s refusal to prioritize underserved areas such as lower Manhattan and the other boroughs, where medical facilities are critically needed after several hospitals are shutting down due to financial pressures.

Dr. Baker’s repeated assurances that Northwell would return in late January 2025 to CB8 with more detailed plans were met with skepticism. Dr. Baker announced an email address, renewinglenox@northwell.edu, for residents to submit questions and make comments directly to him. He can also be reached at 212-434-4360.

2024

Dr. Dan Baker is to gave a “limited” overview of Northwell’s “new” plans – previous plans that were released almost two years ago. You can watch the video of the meeting by clicking here.