By: Krug Stillo

Residents of Roosevelt Island are pushing back against New York City’s plan to demolish a long-abandoned power plant, warning that the project could expose the community to dangerous toxins, according to a report by the New York Post.

The controversy centers on the Roosevelt Island Steam Plant, an 87-year-old structure that has sat unused for years but remains a recognizable piece of the neighborhood’s industrial history. As the New York Post reported, city officials are moving forward with an “emergency” demolition order that allows them to bypass a full environmental review — a decision that has sparked outrage among locals.

Community members say the lack of transparency is their biggest concern. Many fear the building contains hazardous materials commonly used in older industrial facilities, including asbestos, lead paint, mercury, and heavy fuel oils. Without a detailed environmental study, they argue, there is no clear understanding of what could be released into the air once demolition begins.

Residents have voiced frustration that repeated requests for information have gone unanswered. According to the New York Post, local advocates say city agencies have failed to provide key environmental records or explain why the situation qualifies as an emergency. Critics believe the designation is being used to fast-track the project while avoiding the scrutiny that typically accompanies major demolition efforts.

Concerns intensified earlier this year when work at the site reportedly proceeded without proper permits. The New York Post detailed how crews were found removing oil tanks before securing the necessary approvals, prompting intervention from state authorities. Subsequent testing revealed petroleum contamination in the soil and groundwater, further fueling fears about the potential health risks tied to the demolition.

Nearby residents say they have already experienced troubling conditions. Some have reported strong fumes drifting into their homes, with one local describing a persistent smell of oil and gas. Parents in particular are worried about the impact on children, especially those attending nearby daycare facilities.

The plant itself has been deteriorating for years. After it was decommissioned in 2014, the structure fell into disrepair, accumulating multiple building violations. Officials now argue that its crumbling condition poses a safety hazard that justifies immediate demolition.

Still, many residents remain unconvinced. Activists insist that even if the building is structurally unsound, that does not justify skipping environmental safeguards. They are calling for a full review of potential hazards, as well as public access to all relevant reports before any demolition proceeds.

In response to the backlash, city officials have maintained that safety remains their top priority. The New York Post reported that agencies overseeing the project say air quality is being monitored and that multiple inspections have been conducted to ensure residents are protected.

The dispute has galvanized the local community, with hundreds of residents signing petitions demanding a halt to the demolition until more information is released.