To prepare for the MSK Pavilion, MSK has begun preparations for initial abatement activities inside the Sloan House and Scholars building at 1233 York Ave. Throughout this process, MSK is committed to keeping the community updated on the steps we are taking to minimize disruption and protect the health and safety of our neighbors. 

These steps include: 

• Construction Mitigation: At and around the jobsite, the construction team will use windscreens and barriers as needed, wet down dusty surfaces, wash down all vehicles as they exit the site and enforce low speed limits. MSK will also offer to install HVAC filters on adjacent buildings. 
• Air Quality Monitoring: MSK has hired a New York State Department of Labor-licensed third-party to assure compliance with all air quality measures required by law and to perform air quality monitoring. This third-party air quality compliance firm is completely independent of all other firms involved in the asbestos removal project and is also expected to suspend ongoing work if their readings show that the work is not being properly contained. MSK is also exploring hiring an independent consultant who could receive and interpret the information, which would then be shared with the community. Read more about MSK’s Asbestos Mitigation Plan.
• Noise Mitigation: To reduce noise, MSK will use sound buffers on equipment where possible and reduce the amount of rock chopping required. Additionally, MSK has offered to install storm windows and air conditioning units in nearby properties to mitigate construction noise.
• Parking Congestion and Traffic: MSK will coordinate with the New York City Department of Transportation on all phases of construction, including working with the MTA for bus routing. MSK will also continue to work closely with community stakeholders to identify ways to mitigate the impact on our neighbors around East 67h Street and East 66th Streets.

As part of preparations for the anticipated development of MSK’s new cancer care Pavilion, the Department of Transportation will be removing the sidewalk shed for the westbound M31 bus stop on York Avenue at 67th Street. This bus stop will now be located one block south, on York Avenue between 65th and 66th Street. Thank you for your understanding and patience as we move forward with this work.

As the Pavilion continues to move through the land use process, MSK has received permits to do initial work around the site starting Monday, July 8. This will include putting up some fencing and barriers, as explained in detail below. All work will be done between 7:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.

• ‘No Parking’ signs are posted.
• Monday, July 8 – Wednesday, July 10: Barriers will be placed along the parking lanes. This work will start on E. 66th Street, then proceed to E. 67th Street. On E. 66th Street, the barriers will be placed on the North side and extend to the end of the MSK property.
• Friday, July 12 – Monday, August 5: Installation of a sidewalk bridge and site fence will take place on York Avenue, E. 66th Street, and E. 67th Street, intermittently.
• Monday, August 5 – Monday, September 2: Removal of sitework items within site fence (e.g., planters, trees, etc.), and installation of exterior scaffolding and hoists.

These work hours and procedures are standard practice to provide the greatest safety to surrounding pedestrians, residents, and vehicles.