Residents of Roosevelt Island are urging the city to pause the emergency demolition of an iconic yet aging steam plant, voicing concerns about potential toxins in the air.
Activists argue the site likely contains hazardous materials that could be released during demolition, but they’re unsure because the city hasn’t provided access to crucial environmental documents.
A representative from the Roosevelt Island Building and Community Alliance pointed out that, given the plant’s construction in the 1930s, it’s probably quite contaminated. They noted that common industrial pollutants such as lead paint, asbestos, and mercury were likely used back then and could be released during the demolition process.
“All we need is information,” the representative emphasized. “We just want to stay informed and adhere to the law.”
The 87-year-old plant, which has appeared in shows like ABC’s “Gotham” and Marvel series like “The Punisher,” is set for demolition this spring, circumventing a public environmental review.
Activists believe assessments are essential to identify any dangers that may arise during the demolition. However, the site has deteriorated under city management over the last ten years, leading to an “urgent” demolition directive for 2024. This directive permits the city to skip the usual environmental assessment protocols.
Despite submitting multiple inquiries, the residents claim that the city’s Housing Preservation Department, which owns the property, has not addressed their concerns.
A local resident, Emanuela Greenberg, expressed her worries about living near the plant, especially as her child goes to daycare close by. She stated, “You definitely don’t want to be downwind of contaminated demolition dust.”
Residents reported that in February, the city discovered it had removed several oil tanks from the site without proper permits and had started displaying work permits after state authorities identified an oil spill.
Soil tests revealed “significant traces of petroleum and oil,” leaving residents complaining that the area smells like oil and gas.
Amy Namdar, who lives adjacent to the site, highlighted concerns about “smoke” from the excavation entering her apartment, calling it alarming as a mother of two young children.
Activists also raised fears about soil being dumped onto melting snow, potentially contaminating runoff that could reach roadways.
Greenberg voiced her uncertainty about living in the area, emphasizing that health and safety are her main priorities.
The city has not responded regarding whether it plans to conduct air monitoring or environmental studies on the demolition’s impacts.
Officials from the Housing Preservation Department stated that site visits have been conducted to monitor resident safety, including air quality, but they didn’t address whether a detailed environmental study is available.
The momentum behind the residents’ cause has grown, with an online petition gathering hundreds of supporters, calling for a halt to demolition until detailed environmental and structural assessments are available.
Greenberg warned that it seems like the city is avoiding necessary diligence, even as it insists the site is not structurally safe.
With local opposition mounting, city officials have announced a meeting regarding the demolition on April 15th.
The steam plant, which once supplied power to a nearby hospital, was decommissioned in 2014 and has since deteriorated under the Housing Preservation Department, resulting in several violations for necessary repairs that were never fulfilled.
An official from HPD assured residents that the emergency demolition is being carried out as safely and efficiently as possible, pledging that resident safety remains a top priority throughout the process.
