We are a coalition of Roosevelt Island residents working with the nonprofit Architectural Community Alliance of Roosevelt Island to raise funds for a campaign to stop what we believe is an unsafe and unjustified demolition of the historic Steam Plant at 5 East Main Street.
Your donation will directly fund legal challenges and other campaign costs to stop the proverbial wrecking ball and ensure our community has a seat at the table.
PUBLIC HEALTH CONCERNS:
The City claims this demolition is an "emergency.” But our research suggests demolition is moving forward without the disclosure of environmental reviews, public input, or the structural analysis to justify it.
More alarming, it appears the City bypassed federal and state laws – including the Clean Air Act – by failing to properly address nearly 40,000 square feet of confirmed asbestos within the plant.
We are also concerned about the possible presence of lead paint, heavy metals, and PCBs given the plant’s vintage and the confirmed presence of these contaminants at the nearby Goldwater Hospital site –the very facility once powered by this steam plant.
WHY WE ARE TAKING ACTION:
Despite repeated requests, no environmental testing results or safety plans have been made public.
At the same time, a recently announced 10-year lease extension raises serious questions about whether this is truly an emergency, or instead a fast-tracked demolition to enable future redevelopment without proper review.
GROWING COMMUNITY SUPPORT:
This is a united community calling for transparency and accountability.
- More than 1,400 residents have already signed a petition in support
- A unanimous 37–0 vote from Community Board 8 opposes the demolition with a resolution calling for action
Roosevelt Island deserves better than a "demolition by neglect" strategy. We deserve a thoughtful process that protects health, preserves our voice, and explores adaptive reuse, like the successful transformation of the Domino Sugar Factory in Brooklyn and the Tate Modern museum in London.
HOW YOUR DONATION HELPS:
Your contribution will directly support:
- Legal counsel and court filings
- Environmental and technical review support
- Community outreach and advocacy efforts
Every dollar helps us slow this process down, demand answers, and ensure proper oversight.
HOW YOU CAN HELP: Suggested Donations
$10 → Every little bit helps
$25 → Helps fund community outreach and awareness materials
$50 → Supports document review and research efforts
$100 → Contributes to legal consultation costs
$250+ → Helps fund legal filings and expert analysis
This fundraiser will help cover direct costs for a local community campaign responding to the proposed demolition of the Roosevelt Island Steam Plant. Funds will be used for campaign-related expenses such as legal consultation and representation, flyers, printed materials, and outreach. No goods or services will be provided in exchange for donations, and funds will not be used for personal income or unrelated personal expenses. If any leftover funds exist, we will attempt to return them to donors. Otherwise, leftover funds will be donated to The Architectural Community Alliance of Roosevelt Island for community advocacy.
Check out some of the vision at this instagram video, as well as the the images/videos below!
Get involved and donate to help ensure Roosevelt Island residents have a voice in what happens next!
