The Roosevelt Island Steam Plant, a structure built in 1939, was decommissioned in 2014. In July of 2024, the Department of Buildings issued an Emergency Order due to deteriorating conditions of the masonry and facade. Visible cracks and faulty masonry were observed on both the building and smokestacks. In 2025, the City, through the Department of Housing Preservation and Development, moved forward with a demolition plan in order to address the potential collapse of the smokestacks, seeking to safely remove the existing structure in response to the Emergency Order. HPD's Demolition Unit, which addresses structural conditions citywide when there are emergency orders from DOB, has contracted with a reputable licensed demolition contractor to complete the emergency work as quickly as possible in accordance with all federal, state and local laws.

HPD is committed to the safe and environmentally responsible demolition of the Roosevelt Island steam plant. We are ensuring that our contractor adheres to all federal, state, and local environmental regulations to safeguard the health and safety of Roosevelt Island residents related to the demolition.

We are implementing a multi-layered protective infrastructure to safeguard residents and existing infrastructure. Licensed environmental professionals will conduct any required remediation work. We are committed to transparent communication about timelines and safety measures as well as continuous monitoring throughout all phases of demolition.

HPD welcomes community feedback and remains committed to keeping Roosevelt Island residents informed throughout this project. We will continue to prioritize community well-being as we work to responsibly demolish this defunct facility.