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Tuesday, November 6, 2018

Delayed Closing On Roosevelt Island Hudson Related Riverwalk Building 8 Affordable Housing Development Deal Among Agenda Items For RIOC Real Estate Committee November 7 Meeting

The Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Real Estate Development Advisory Committee is meeting Wednesday, November 7. According to RIOC:

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that a meeting of the Real Estate Development Advisory Committee of the RIOC Board of Directors will be held on Wednesday, November 7, 2018 at 5:30 p.m. at the RIOC Administrative Office, 591 Main Street, Roosevelt Island, New York.
Agenda:
  • 1. Closing on Southtown Building 8
  • 2. Wayfinding Signage
  • 3. Damage to Cherry Blossom Trees from Cornell Construction
  • 4. Any Other Committee Business that May be Brought Before the Committee
Hudson Related is the developer of Southtown a/k/a Riverwalk building 8


 and 9.


According to RIOC, Buildings 8 & 9 will have:
High Level of Affordability - H/R proposes building the two final buildings of the Southtown
Development in a package that delivers:
  • a greater level of affordability for middle income and low income residents than provided by any of the previous Southtown buildings;
  • affordability sustained over a period of 30 years, and in some cases, longer; and
  • approximately 641 units at a mix of 53% market rate and 47% affordable housing – more than the 40% affordable required in the Southtown Development Agreement.

According to the minutes of the RIOC September 7, 2017 Board Meeting discussion of proposed deal (Page 5-6):
... General Counsel Flug noted that the developer agreed to give priority to Roosevelt Island residents in applying for affordable units in the new building if such priority is deemed to be in accordance with the law...
During the September 7 RIOC Board meeting, several RIOC Directors opposed the deal because they said they did not have sufficient time to review the terms of the agreement. But RIOC's CFO at the time, Kimberly Quinones said, according to the minutes (Page 5):
... in accordance with the provisions of the Public Authorities Accountability Act (PAAA), RIOC is required to take certain proposed measures at least ninety days before the closing, which must occur in late December to qualify for the New York City affordability program in question. As such the vote could not be postponed by more than a week or so. Mr. David Kramer, Principal at Hudson Companies, further elaborated on the timeline....
The agreement was approved but the closing did not occur in December 2017 as scheduled and still has not.

Hopefully, we'll learn more tomorrow.

Roosevelt Island Jobs Currently Available With RIOC - Youth Program Assistant, Groundskeeper, Engineering Manager & Procurement Director

Are you looking for a job, how about a job right here on Roosevelt Island?


The Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) has several current jobs available.

For example, a full time Youth Program Assistant position is available. According to RIOC:
What we’re looking for:

Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation (RIOC) seeks a Youth Program Assistant with strong customer service to oversee and ensure a safe, fun, and positive environment  for our Youth Center's Fall, Winter, Spring and Summer teen and youth programs.

What you’ll do:
  • Plan seasonal sports curriculum, coordinate and promote the RI Youth Sports Programs
  • Work hands-on in programming these activities
  • Provide quality customer service to members, volunteers and participants
  • Obtain, organize and manage volunteer staff to assist with the operations of the programs
  • Assist with youth development programs
  • Successfully obtain and file registration forms and waivers from participants
  • Suggest and place order requests for equipment pertinent to the program within the operational budget
  • Perform administrative duties which support the Youth Center Program.
  • Assist with the research and implementation and delivery of sport specific training volunteer coaches.
  • Other duties as assigned....
... This is a full-time administrative position with an annual salary of $45,000.00
Click here for more info and to apply. 

A Part Time Youth Program Assistant position is available too.

Also available is a RIOC Groundskeeping job:
What we’re looking for:

Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation (RIOC) seeks a qualified individual with a great personality and a passion to assist with the preservation and maintenance of the island. The island consists of several parks, open spaces, natural sports fields and playgrounds. Under direction of the Grounds Manager, the groundskeeper will play a critical role in the overall maintenance of the island....
Engineering Manager:
Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation (RIOC) seeks a highly organized Engineering Manager with strong time management, customer service and community relations skills who under the Director of Asset Management, leads and manages resources in support of facility infrastructure in a safe, functional, and efficient manner in conjunction with standards and procedures set forth by RIOC.

The Engineering Manager has responsibility for more than one facility and manages the related maintenance staff. Adheres to the policies and procedures set forth by RIOC and has overall responsibility for ensuring the day-to-day operational efficiency and maintenance of all building systems (HVAC, electrical, plumbing, fire/life safety systems, water treatment, pumps, etc.) for all facilities. Will supervise and lead a team of handymen and other skilled trades and coordinate their efforts in the operational support of the facilities....
and Director of Procurement:
Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation (RIOC) seeks a highly motivated, detail oriented, self-starter to serve as Director of Procurement. The Director will oversee all aspects of the procurement process for construction projects, goods and services at RIOC. This includes interpreting and applying RIOC and New York State procurement policies, contracting policies and reporting requirements; ensuring compliance with policies throughout each phase of the procurement process; overseeing, drafting and processing all service and construction RFPs and RFIs; and direct interaction with RIOC departments on a daily basis. This is a full-time administrative position.

The Director of Procurement will supervise a staff consisting of two (2) Procurement Specialists, and a Grant Analyst, responsible for the procurement, purchase orders and payment processes. The Director will be an integral member of RIOC’s operations department, reporting to the Chief Operating Officer....
Check here for more Roosevelt Island RIOC jobs.

Good luck!!!

Monday, November 5, 2018

Election Day Is Tuesday November 6 - Where Do You Vote On Roosevelt Island And What's On The Ballot?


Tuesday November 6 is election day for Federal, NY State and NYC City candidates as well as NY City Charter revision proposals. The Polling Station for Roosevelt Island voters is at PS/IS 217 (645 Main Street)


except for those who live at the Octagon Building who vote at Coler Hospital (900 Main Street)

According to the NYC Board of Elections:
You can vote ONLY at your designated polling place. Make sure you are at the correct polling site and Election District (E.D.) for your address.
Roosevelt Island Election Districts are as follows:
82 ED 11 East Loop Road 405, 415, 425,455, 465, 475,480 MAIN STREET

83 ED - 510, 516, 531 MAIN STREET

84 ED - 536, 540, 546,551, 555, 575 MAIN STREET

85 ED - 556, 560, 576, 580, 595, 625 MAIN STREET

86 ED - 2, 4, 10, 20, 30, 40 RIVER ROAD

87 ED - 888 Main Street
Here's who and what is on the ballot for Roosevelt Island voters and an explanation of the NYC Charter Revision proposals.

During the 2016 election, there were problems with the


Roosevelt Island vote scanning machines.

Let's hope that does not happen again tomorrow.

Tomorrow is a very important election. Come out to vote and encourage everyone you know to vote as well.

Don't forget the Roosevelt Island Residents Association (RIRA) Common Council elections on Tuesday - open to all residents 18 and over, even if not a U.S. citizen.

UPDATE 3:30 PM:

NY 1 has more on NY elections.



UPDATE 11/6:



Sponsored Post - On Tuesday November 6 Re-Elect Rebecca Seawright Assemblymember 76 District For Roosevelt Island, Upper East Side And Yorkville


Dear Friends and Neighbors,

It is my honor and pleasure to represent the 133,488 people in my district for the past 4 years. If re-elected, I will continue to fight for the Upper East Side, Yorkville and Roosevelt Island in Albany. I am asking for your vote this Tuesday, November 6. Polls are open from 6:00 am until 9:00 pm. You can find information on your poll site and the contents of your ballot at vote.nyc.

I am deeply committed to effectively advocating for and assisting our constituents to gain access to the help they need to address their issues and concerns, and to fight on for the progressive ideals that we, as Democrats, and New Yorkers, hold dear to our hearts.

I have been a lifelong advocate for women’s rights, quality public schools, support for seniors, environmental protection, affordable housing and health care, social justice, criminal justice and election reform, and transparency in government. I am the lead sponsor of 27 bills that have passed and co-sponsor of over ten dozen more in coalition with progressive colleagues.

Just this past legislative session, the Assembly passed my Equal Rights Amendment bill, giving women protections in the New York State Constitution from discrimination on the basis of their sex. I led the passage of the Women’s Website Bill, which creates a public database showing female representation in policy-making positions. I sponsored and obtained passage of the bill requiring insurance companies to cover 3-D mammogram costs needed to detect breast cancer in women and men. It is now the law of New York State and a model for states across our nation.

I developed and helped pass legislation requiring the state to implement air quality tests and health studies to protect our community from the negative impact of a waste transfer station at East 91st Street. We fought for increased funding to help prevent asthma throughout Manhattan. And I fought for and obtained passage of health insurance coverage for certain small business employees.

Over the past three and one-half years, I have secured over $7.5 million in funding for infrastructure and critical programs at our libraries, public schools, parks and important non-profits in our district.

At our district office, I have hosted numerous community events, including over fifty forums and clinics on issues from tenants rights, consumer protection to public safety and transportation concerns to raise awareness around issues that are important to constituents in the district. Our events included regular shred-a-thons, workshops for senior citizens, and educational panels and seminars. My office remains deeply engaged in the community. We work closely with the elected officials, Community Board 8 and other organizations that represent and serve our neighborhoods.

There is a lot more to accomplish ahead of us. As we face the threat of a hostile federal government, I am committed to fighting for the passage of strict gun control legislation, ethics reform, greater protection of a woman's right to choose and transgender rights, and needed criminal justice reform, among key priorities. I hope I can count on your vote, so you can count on me to be your voice in our community and in Albany. Thank you!

Sincerely,

REBECCA A. SEAWRIGHT

Sunday, November 4, 2018

Floating East River Electronic Billboard Says NYC Marathoners Run Better Than The Government

East River electronic billboard message seen floating past Roosevelt Island today during the NYC Marathon says:

You Run Better Than The Government

Here's the billboard a little further south on the East River near Williamsburg Bridge.

Vote Tuesday, November 6 For Roosevelt Island Residents Association Common Council - Watch Video Of RIRA President & Vice President Candidates And Statements From Building Representatives Too

The Roosevelt Island Residents Association (RIRA) Common Council is holding its 2018 election for President, Vice President and Building representatives on Tuesday, November 6.

All Roosevelt Island residents 18 years of age and older, regardless of citizenship can vote. Absentee ballots can be picked up at Public Safety Department (550 Main Street).


RIRA is recognized by local public officials and the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) as the elected representatives of Roosevelt Island residents. Though RIRA has no formal decision making power on Roosevelt Island, they do sometimes have persuasive influence on specific issues with those that do have the power.

RIRA hosted a Meet The Candidates Forum on November 1. Many new faces volunteered to represent their respective building residents. All expressed the desire to help make Roosevelt Island a better place to live for their neighbors.

Lynn Strong-Shinozaki is running unopposed as RIRA President. Ms Strong-Shinozaki spoke to the November 1 Meet the Candidates Forum.



Frank Farance and David Lawson are running for RIRA Vice President.

Mr Farance



and Mr. Lawson



also spoke to the November 1 Meet the RIRA Candidates Forum and answered questions.



Below are statements submitted by RIRA Building Candidates.