By the 2000 United States census, Roosevelt Island had a population of 9,520. Some of the island's original buildings, which were part of the Mitchell–Lama affordable housing program, were planned to be converted to market-rate housing during the time. Southtown's first buildings, including two structures for medical workers were announced in early 2001. The first two Southtown buildings were completed in 2002,; and a proposal to redevelop the Octagon tower as an apartment building was announced that year. The largely inaccessible Southpoint Park was opened year-round in 2003, a year after Governor George Pataki signed legislation designating several parks on the island. The island's first two condominium buildings, both in Southtown, and the Octagon were developed next. All three structures had been completed by 2007, increasing the island's population to around 12,000. Southtown's fifth and sixth buildings were completed by 2008. By the late 2000s, there were long waiting lists for residences on the island, and people quickly moved into the new residential buildings.; Although the Roosevelt Island Residents Association expressed concerns that the new developments would cause gentrification, the island largely retained its middle-class housing stock.
by the 2000 united states census roosevelt island had a population of 9520 some of the island's original buildings which were part of the mitchell–lama affordable housing program were planned to be converted to market-rate housing during the time southtown's first buildings including two structures for medical workers were announced in early 2001 the first two southtown buildings were completed in 2002; and a proposal to redevelop the octagon tower as an apartment building was announced that year the largely inaccessible southpoint park was opened year-round in 2003 a year after governor george pataki signed legislation designating several parks on the island the island's first two condominium buildings both in southtown and the octagon were developed next all three structures had been completed by 2007 increasing the island's population to around 12000 southtown's fifth and sixth buildings were completed by 2008 by the late 2000s there were long waiting lists for residences on the island and people quickly moved into the new residential buildings; although the roosevelt island residents association expressed concerns that the new developments would cause gentrification the island largely retained its middle-class housing stock