The demolition of the iconic Sheraton Crossroads Hotel near Rockland County has been postponed until Saturday, May 10, at 7:30 a.m., township officials announced Monday.
The hotel, originally set to be brought down by implosion at 8:00 a.m. on Sunday, April 27, will now be demolished two weeks later. The initial plan included temporary closures of nearby Routes 17 and 287 to prevent driver distraction during the implosion.
Business Administrator Ben Kezmarsky said no reason was given for the delay. He added that no traffic disruptions are expected during the demolition, as it will take place early in the morning before local retail establishments open for business.
Township Engineer Michael Kelly previously explained to council members that multiple agencies are involved in coordinating the demolition, including township administration, police, fire, ambulance, and building departments. However, the New Jersey Department of Labor holds final jurisdiction over the handling of explosives.
Kelly noted that the building has already been gutted, asbestos has been safely removed, and concrete testing confirmed no hazardous materials were present.
The Sheraton Crossroads Hotel, a 250-foot-tall, 25-story structure, first opened 37 years ago and closed its doors in December 2023.
Last August, the Township Council approved a proposal by Crossroads Hotel Developers LLC to increase the allowable building square footage on the 140-acre site from 1.7 million to 4 million square feet. However, no redevelopment plans have yet been formally submitted.
Monsey Scoop first reported on the planned demolition in September 2023, highlighting the Sheraton’s long-standing reputation as the “Gateway to the Mountains.” Link to article.