After nearly two decades of vacancy, the Roosevelt School District is turning a new page with plans to demolish the long-abandoned Harry Daniels Elementary School building. Backed by $4.1 million in state funding secured through the support of New York State Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie and Assemblyman Noah Burroughs, the district will remove the unsafe structure and begin transforming the property into recreational space for students and residents.
“This is more than just a demolition project, it’s a promise to our students, families, and residents that Roosevelt is moving forward,” said Superintendent of Schools Dr. Shawn Wightman.
“Since 2007, the vacant and deteriorating building has been a symbol of neglect rather than progress. The demolition will restore Roosevelt’s image by removing blight, create new opportunities for development and investment, and ensure student safety by eliminating an unsafe structure.”
The Harry Daniels building, unused since 2007, has long been a concern for the district and surrounding neighborhood. Removing it represents a key step toward revitalization.
“The Board of Education has been working for years to bring this vision to life,” said Board President Belinda Monroe. “We are proud to finally see real progress. This is just the beginning of what’s possible when we invest in our future.”
Speaker Heastie and Assemblyman Burroughs have met regularly with Dr. Wightman and the Board to move the project forward. The state’s $4.1 million allocation will cover demolition costs and initial planning for new athletic fields.
Once demolition is complete, the district plans to hold a special election seeking community approval to build a new practice field on the site. Currently, Roosevelt’s middle and high schools share one athletic field—a strain that a new facility would help alleviate.
“All across New York State, vacant and abandoned properties remain a barrier to growing and revitalizing our communities,” said Speaker Heastie. “Investing in our neighborhoods remains a priority of the Assembly Majority, and I thank Assemblyman Burroughs for inviting me here today to see the transformative potential of sites like these.”
“This funding is the difference between allowing the school grounds to remain neglected, causing unnecessary risks to public health and safety, and finally creating a space in the heart of the District 18 community that will supercharge progress, grow our economy, and promote equity,” said Assemblyman Burroughs.
