Board of Education Seeks to Create New Athletic Fields After the Demolition
ROOSEVELT, NEW YORK (OCTOBER 2025)—After nearly two decades, the Roosevelt School District is welcoming a new chapter in its history with the demolition of the long-abandoned Harry Daniels Elementary School building. With the support of New York State Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie and Assemblyman Noah Burroughs, the District has secured $4.1 million over two years to demolish the vacant property and begin the transformation of the site into much-needed recreational space for students and the community.
“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 Elementary School building has stood vacant since 2007. The District and Board of Education have long sought to bring about change and remove the deteriorating property that raised serious concerns about student safety and neighborhood appeal.
“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 recently visited Roosevelt to meet with Dr. Wightman, the Board of Education and District leaders. Their visit underscored a strong commitment to addressing the needs of the community and invest in long-overdue improvements.
The $4.1 million in state funding will cover the safe removal of the dilapidated building and lay the groundwork for the construction of recreational fields. The District plans to begin demolition at the start of the new year and has already initiated planning meetings with community stakeholders to ensure the project reflects shared goals.
Once demolition is complete, the District will hold a special election to seek community approval for building a new practice field on the site. Currently, Roosevelt’s middle and high schools must share a single athletic field. A new field will alleviate that strain and serve as a venue for student activities, sports and community events.
“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.
The Roosevelt School District extends its sincere thanks to Speaker Heastie and Assemblyman Burroughs for their advocacy and partnership in helping move the community forward.
