Tuesday, April 7, 2009

Kimono Dressing Class Dream Blossoms On Roosevelt Island

Image of Roosevelt Island Kimono Class from NY Times

Who would have thought that of all the unique neighborhoods in New York City the place where you can learn Kimono Dressing would be right here on Roosevelt Island. According to the NY Times:
...Putting on a kimono without help is almost impossible. The kimono with all its accessories can include a dozen components, and the type of fabric used and the manner in which the kimono is folded vary, depending on the occasion and the wearer’s social status.

Hiromi Asai, 28, who emigrated a year ago from Japan, has stepped into the void, offering her services as a kimono dressing instructor in her Roosevelt Island apartment....
Ms. Asai writes about all things Kimono and her experience being interviewed by the NY Times in her blog, Beauty Of Kimono, and concludes:
...My class is in Roosevelt Island, in the small corner of Manhattan. I am very pleased that one of my dreams from Japan blossoms in The New York Times.
Thank you for finding my dream, Emily!
A video on how to put on a kimono titled " The Art of Kimono Dressing" after the jump.

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You Tube Video of the Art Of Kimono Dressing

Roosevelt Island New Amesterdam Soccer League To Play At Firefighters Field - Has Room For 3 More Teams

Image of Firefighters Field from Leonard Zelig

A reader of this post seeking names for a Roosevelt Island Soccer Trophy asks:
Hey:

I read about the proposed league.. it's about time someone organizes something like this on the island.. what are the details? i'd like to put a team in.
Here's some information on the co-ed New Amsterdam Soccer league that plays at Roosevelt Island's Firefighters Field. I am advised by the organizer of the New Amsterdam Soccer League that:
... we still have 3 Team Spot available in our league, maybe we could create a Roosevelt Island Team!
And an aerial view of Roosevelt Island's Firefighters Field after the jump.

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Aerial View Image of Firefighters Field From New Amsterdam Soccer

Roosevelt Island Road Closure Advisories For Pothole Repairs and Repaving


According to RIOC:

Road Closure Advisory
Please be advised of the upcoming road closures and temporary re-routing for Main Street and Tramway Road.

1. Starting on Tuesday April 7, 2009, RIOC's Asphalt contractor will be on the island repairing potholes starting from Coler Hospitals main entrance to South Point tackling all necessary potholes, which will take place for the most part of the week. The contractor will have Flag Men to assist with the traffic, we will start after rush hour and try to finish before the evening rush.

2. Starting April 13, 2009, Hudson Related's Asphalt contractor for South Town will be Asphalting the top layer (Finish Coat) around South Town's New Main Street, Tram Roadway finishing to the West Drive, the work will take place throughout the week. Contractor will have Flag Men, the buses will have to be re routed for a day or two around Sports Park. We will have confirmation on which day the rerouting of the buses will occur by the 13th.

3. Also starting on Monday April 13,2009, RIOC�s contractor will be starting the Main Street Pavement Reconstruction from 40 River Road/ Main Street to the Octagon Soccer Field Comfort Station entrance. The traffic lanes will be reduced to one lane creating two way traffic on one lane with channelizing Devices and Flag Men during construction hours, during the evening only channelizing devices will be in place. This work will be performed in two halves, the first half will be on the North bound lane for two weeks and the second half will be on the south bound lane for an additional two weeks. During this work the 40 River Road bus stop will have to be relocated to accommodate the traffic flow.


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Monday, April 6, 2009

RFP Issued For Southpoint Park July 4 Fireworks Spectacular - Come Organize Roosevelt Island's Biggest Party!


You Tube Video of 2008 Fourth of July Fireworks from Roosevelt Island

Do you want to organize and manage the biggest party on Roosevelt Island - the annual July 4th Fireworks Spectacular Celebration at Southpoint Park? If so, hurry and reply to RIOC's Request For Proposals (RFP) seeking a Production Company to oversee the event. As described in the RFP:
... The Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation of the State of New York (“RIOC”), a New York state public benefit corporation, is seeking the service of a Production Company to implement, oversee and manage the July 4th event with emphasis on additional events for 2009. RIOC will require bidders to submit original concepts for special events, arrange and manage the production of such events which will meet the following criteria of enhancing Roosevelt Island’s public image and promoting goodwill with the Roosevelt Island community and the City of New York. Implementation of such projects to include:

The Annual Fourth of July Fireworks Spectacular 591 Main Street ...
Roosevelt Island's Fourth of July Fireworks Celebrations holds a special place in the life of the Roosevelt Islander Blog because it was the subject of the first post and the reason it came into being - my objection to RIOC charging $18 to gain entry to a public park to view the fireworks when other public venues to do not charge a dime. Here's more on the Good, Bad & Ugly of previous Roosevelt Island July 4 Fireworks Spectacular Celebrations including the fantastic fireworks display, overcrowding, long lines, problems with General Admission Seating, Free VIP Seating, financial accounting and South Park on Independence Day.

The deadline to apply to this RFP is a bit confusing since it lists two deadline dates - April 1 and 13. I inquired of RIOC President Steve Shane as to the correct date and he replied that April 13 is the correct deadline date.

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Mr Shane:
April 13 is the correct date. We are filing a correction in the Contract Reporter and changing our website notice.
Thank you for picking the item up and bringing it to our attention.
First was posted 3/23/09.

Report From RIOC's President - Budget Adopted, Southpoint Park Developments, Tram Update, Public Purpose Funds & Other Roosevelt Island Issues

RIOC logo image from RIOC

Starting a new feature and hope it will continue. RIOC President Steve Shane sends the following report to Roosevelt Island residents. This message was also published as the RIOC column in the 4/04/09 Main Street WIRE. Mr. Shane addresses issues on RIOC's Budget, The Tram, Renwick Ruins Stabilization, Green Rooms/Wild Garden and FDR Memorial among several other items of importance to Roosevelt Island.
1. Board of Directors: Regular Meeting March 26, 2009. The Budget for Fiscal Year 2009/10 was adopted. Public Purpose Fund allocation recommended by RIRA was tabled after discussion and was the subject of a Governance Committee meeting on 3/31/09. See below. See netcast of the meetings at RIOC’s homepage.

2. Southpoint: As to projects:

(A) Renwick Ruins: Stabilization work to be completed by the end of April. The building will then be boarded up to secure the interior and prevent the trespassing which seems to be created by our very own attractive restoration. Something about the Spring, moonlight and teenagers. Unfortunately, two of our Public Safety Officers were injured, one with a fractured ankle, chasing some kids in the Ruin.

(B) Green Rooms/Wild Gardens: The contractor, Coppola Paving & Landscaping Corp., has executed and delivered its contract and bonds and will start with mobilization, rough grading, paths and stone walls. Phase 2 will be the finish grading and capping of the site, utilities, fencing and planting.

We are planning a combined ceremony for the groundbreaking for GR/WG and completion of the Ruins stabilization in early May. Stay tuned for details.

(C) FDR Memorial: FERI is working on engineering and permitting with DEC, Army Corp. of Engineers, Coastguard, etc. FERI has dug test pits and taken cores for environmental and structural analysis and delivered soils analysis for review, to be part of the SEQRA process. The State Budget includes a $4 million capital appropriation to RIOC for the FDR Memorial project, conditioned on a matching $4 million from the City and at least $8 million in the possession of FERI as necessary to complete phase 1. Much remains to be worked out.

3. Tram: Work is underway on design and fabrication. Meeting with Community Board 8 Transportation Committee scheduled for April 7 at the NY Blood Center. On schedule for July 6, 2009 shutdown and December reopening. With the withdrawal of Renzo Piano, Thornton Tomasetti has undertaken architectural work in addition to its previous structural engineering engagement. As soon as designs and sketches are available, will make available to the community. I hope to have something available for the CB8 meeting next week.

4. Red Bus, Tram and Subway: Faced with the announcement of late night F train shutdown during the week by MTA for emergency track work, in the interim, RIOC is running the Tram and Red Bus service until 5AM until MTA restores service on or about April 10.

5. Projects: Grounds cleanup underway. Lighting at Motorgate (we are experimenting by installing two alternative types to test efficacy), replace the exterior of the AVAC building, install replacement chambers for AVAC and start on the improvements to PSD. Public Safety has temporarily relocated to 504 Main Street while the work is being done. Flowers for Main Street are coming.

6. Public Purpose Fund: As part of the budgeting cycle, RIOC received applications from the several entities applying for allocation of the $100,000 of public purpose funding, forwarded them to RIRA and after RIRA’s review, and received a recommendation for action at the March Board meeting. The matter was tabled for further review by the Governance Committee. The Governance Committee met on March 31 and looked into the process by which the RIRA recommendations were made. The Committee will report to the Board on the matter. RIOC conducted an audit (both financial and function) on the recipients of last year’s awards and presented the results to both the Board and RIRA’s review committee.

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7. Sportspark Swimming: In response to requests, effective March 9, morning weekday adult swim hours is extended to 11 AM to accommodate those with child care responsibility. We hope for ever greater participation.

8. Bank: RIOC received a notice from NYNB that it intends to close its branch at 615 Main Street on June 6, 2009, saying that the business does not justify maintaining its operation. Banking is very important to the Island’s population, especially the seniors, handicapped and merchants who do not have easy access to either online or mainland banking. We have written to NYNB and the various governmental agencies supervising bank operations expressing our dismay and calling their attention to lease provisions to which they will be held. We have met with another institution encourage it to come to the Island, and while trying to drum up business for a bank is not exactly within RIOC’s charter, we are trying to facilitate.

9. Main Street Commercial: The Real Estate Committee, chaired by Board member Charlee Miller, met with the consultant doing the study to review preliminary findings and recommendations. Many RIRA members also participated, led by Margie Smith.

10. Southtown Buildings 5 and 6 moving toward completion. Landscaping being done and interior finishes and fixtures being installed (see refrigerator deliveries). Our agreement for deferral of Ground Rent increase has been finalized and will be executed when supporting documentation is obtained from the building loan lender, attorneys, title company, etc.

11. 36th Avenue Bridge: On April 1, we met with representatives of Skanska and DOT to discuss mandatory bridge closings to replace buffers and cables. They are not kidding. The Bridge will be closed the nights of April 15 & 16 (and if it rains on either, then also on the 17th) between the hours of 12:30AM and 5:30AM. No vehicles will be able to cross during that time. A similar closing is scheduled for June 29 & 30. We are coordinating with emergency services to station fire, police and EMS responders on Island and to plan for transport and response if necessary. We will run the Tram during the period of closure to make sure that there is access and egress. We have lived through this situation before, are well aware of the potential difficulty and will do our best to mitigate the disruption. PLEASE MAKE PLANS ACCORDINGLY.

Saturday, April 4, 2009

RIRA Public Purpose Committee To Review Recommended Allocations Of Public Purpose Grant At April 7 Meeting.

Pile of Money Image from KR Connect

I received the following message from the Roosevelt Island Residents Association (RIRA) Communications Committee Chair regarding the scheduling of a meeting by the Public Purpose Funds Committee to review the allocations in Public Purpose Funds previously made.
At Wednesday's RIRA meeting, RIRA voted to ask the RIRA PPG subcommittee to reconsider the allocations proposed to RIOC. The decision to reconsider was based upon some of the feedback at Tuesday's RIOC Governance committee and the expression of the appearance of conflict-of-interest and/or the appearance of unfairness. The PPG subcommittee will meet:
  • Where: Good Shepherd Community Center, lower level
  • When: Tuesday, April 7, 8PM
The subcommittee will include those RIRA Common Council members who volunteered AND only those who have no conflicting relationship (officer, director, employee, ownership) with the PPG applicants. The seating arrangement will be like RIRA meetings (tables in the center, observers on the side) so it is clear who is part of the committee. RIRA President, Frank Farance, will chair the subcommittee. The meeting will be videotaped. This is an open meeting and the public is welcome to observe.

Assuming we reach agreement on Tuesday night, RIRA will do an E-mail ballot of the revised allocations. With this, RIOC will have either a revised allocation, or if no changes are deemed necessary, will issue a statement that the original allocation was not the result of any conflict of interest. It is RIRAs intention that this will yield a process that is free from any appearances of conflict or unfairness.
A summary of the guidelines for approving Public Purpose Funding Applications as promulgated by RIOC are as follows:

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Public Purpose Funds should be allocated to community applicants to benefit Roosevelt Island residents, enhancing their quality of life through education, artistic and cultural enrichment, improved health or a better environment....
Factors to be considered are:
... a) Proportion of recipients who are residents of Roosevelt Island

b) Amount of services delivered to the economically disadvantaged

c) Frequency of need – Is this a one-time request or is it expected to recur ?

d) Proven history of service to the community

e) Extent of volunteerism in the organization – how much of the group’s needs
are filled by donated time or materials ?

f) Availability of “matching” grants or services – will a RIOC grant improve the
chances of receiving additional monies or services form outside groups?

g) Efforts to secure grants from other sources
UPDATE - 4/8 - The Public Purpose Funds Subcommittee met last night and reaffirmed their previous allocation of funds. Members of the various Island organizations seeking funds were in the audience but their participation was limited to presenting new information not previously known or correcting false information.

Roosevelt Island On The Web Links

Roosevelt Island on the Web Links as appearing in the April 4 Main Street WIRE:

Roosevelt Islander - Soccer Trophy Name Suggestions Sought
Roosevelt Island 360 - Why Fear Back of Red Bus
RIOC - Board of Directors Web Cast On Public Purpose Funds and Budget
RIOC - Governance Committee Web Cast on Public Purpose Funds Meeting
You Tube - Senator Serrano Congratulate Elected RIOC Directors
NY Times - Octagon Developer Starts New Haven Yale Project
Access RI - Bike Sharing For Roosevelt Island?
NY Times Metropolitan Diary - Roosevelt Island Main Street Part of Manhattan
Micah Kellner - And Jessica Lappin Demonstrate With Coler Goldwater Nurses
Time Out New York - Odd Little Roosevelt Island Summer Concert Series
NY Press - Summer Concert Series At Riverwalk Commons
The Unemployment Benefits - Overcomes Language Barrier To Help Newcomer
Crains - Profiles Young Riverwalk Developer
Time Out NY - Date A Roosevelt Islander
Jaunted - Southpoint Park Movie Shoot

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On Location Vacations - Salt, w/Angelina Jolie Filming at Coler Goldwater
Newsday - $300 Monthly Transit Costs To Hofstra University from Roosevelt Island
NY Times - Queensboro Bridge Originally Named Blackwell's Island Bridge
The Bowery Boys - Blackwell's Island Bridge
NY Social Diary - View of Southpoint Park From Sutton Place Apartment
Infrastructurist - Roosevelt Island Green Water Power From Verdant
New York Daily - Roosevelt Island Marymount Student Stressed
You Tube - Inside the Renwick Ruins

Friday, April 3, 2009

Access RI Holding Community Review Of Proposals To Improve Roosevelt Island On Saturday Morning 10 A.M.

Image from Access RI

Don't forget that the Hunter College Access RI Studio Team will be holding the second community review of their proposals for improving Roosevelt Island on Saturday Morning. From Access RI:
Tuesday, March 31 from 7-9:00pm and Saturday, April 4 from 10:00am- 12 noon at the Senior Center, AccessRI will be holding a community review of the accessibility plan underway. Open to all!
The Senior Center is at 546 Main Street.

You can still take the Roosevelt Island Community Survey and review the Comments Map.

New Shiny F Train Subway Cars But No Queens Bound F Train Service To Roosevelt Island This Weekend

Image of new F train Subway Cars From AM New York

An attentive reader forward a link to this AM New York article describing the new subway cars on the F train serving Roosevelt Island. According to AM New York:
... Finally, F train riders have something to celebrate.

New digital trains started rolling out on the F last week, adding some automated enjoyment to the much-maligned line....
Unfortunately these new F train subway cars will not be making Queens Bound stops at Roosevelt Island this weekend. The MTA is reporting no Queens Bound F Train subway service to Roosevelt Island this weekend. The F Train will be running on the E track so in order to get to Roosevelt Island from Brooklyn or Manhattan by subway take the F to Roosevelt Avenue and then take the Coney Island bound F Train back to Roosevelt Island. For service to Queens from Roosevelt Island, the MTA suggests taking the Q102 Bus to Queens Plaza for the E and the R train or the F from Roosevelt Island to West 4 and then the uptown F train running on the E line.

Happily RIOC is not reporting any Tram service advisories for the weekend but expect the Roosevelt Island bound Tram to be more crowded due to the F train service disruptions.

Thursday, April 2, 2009

Things To Do This Weekend In New York City & Roosevelt Island - Rhythm In The Kitchen, Pillow Fight, Stargazing, Cyclone RollerCoaster & RI Tour


You Tube Video of Ride On Coney Island Cyclone

Looking for fun or interesting things to do on Roosevelt Island or in some other part of New York City this weekend? Here are some suggestions

On Friday or Saturday night partake in the Hell's Kitchen Cultural Center's Rhythm In The Kitchen Festival. According to the NY Post:
Tonight and tomorrow's Rhythm in the Kitchen Festival is more than a jazz fest -- the participants reach beyond traditional instrumentals by using electronics, turntables or ukuleles, and add elements of rock, pop, classical and even noise to the mix
Saturday afternoon is New York City Pillow Fight Day. According to Free NYC:
Feathers fly and fake cash soars as we converge on Wall Street for a massive urban pillow fight! Swing and whack as you evade pillow-wielding bank executives. Bring a pillow to Wall Street and wait for the signal. Pillow fight! This year's pillow fight is timed to coincide with pillow fights in cities all over the world as part of World Pillow Fight Day...
Later Saturday night check out the 100 Hours of Astronomy Project with the Columbia University Astronomy Outreach team.
The 100 Hours of Astronomy project is a star party taking place April 2nd-5th on sidewalks all across the globe. Our outreach team will be manning telescopes at 125th and Adam Clayton Powell Blvd in Harlem on the clear-weather nights of Thursday, Saturday and Sunday (NOT FRIDAY). We will provide everyone with free looks at Saturn and the Moon, as well as astronomy swag. There is also rumor that the AMNH portable museum will show up for hands-on astronomy activities.
Ultimate Roller Coaster is reporting that Sunday will be opening day for the Coney Island Cyclone.
Coney Island's world-famous Cyclone roller coaster will kick off its 2009 season Sunday, April 5. The first 100 people in line on Sunday will be treated to a free ride on the roller coaster.
According to the NY Post:
Come the weekend you'll be able to ride the Cyclone - and soon even "Shoot the Freak" - just like you did last summer as Coney Island bounces back for at least one more season before a massive overhaul....
Free NYC adds:
Did you miss the chance to enjoy Coney Island in it's heyday? Perhaps even its recent nostalgic yet run down Renaissance? Well don't fear. While Brooklyn's little playground by the sea is undergoing a Disnification, you can still learn all about its grand and sorted past at the new Coney Island History Project Exhibition Center. Each weekend throughout the summer, they will spin yarns of yesteryear under the rickety old Cyclone for you wax poetically about. Today is their kickoff event with a photo exhibition and free Cyclone rides to the first 100. All ages.
On Roosevelt Island this weekend,
the Farmers Market will be open as usual on Saturday as is Gallery RIVAA, the Roosevelt Island Visual Arts Association which is exhibiting a group show titled Vernissage 8. Also, RIOC has produced a great self guided tour map (PDF File) of Roosevelt Island for any visitor or resident looking to stroll the Island and learn something more about it.

Not so good weekend transportation news. The MTA is reporting no Queens Bound F Train subway service to Roosevelt Island this weekend. The F Train will be running on the E track so in order to get to Roosevelt Island from Brooklyn or Manhattan by subway take the F to Roosevelt Avenue and then take the Coney Island bound F Train back to Roosevelt Island. RIOC is not reporting any Tram service advisories for the weekend.

Check out some other ideas on what to do in New York City this weekend from the NY Times Urban Eye and Spare Times, the NY Post Weekend Calendar and Newyorkology.

Roosevelt Island Tram Cabin Design Possibilities - Will Robots Be Operating The Tram?


A reader forwards the following Roosevelt Island Tram Cabin design images sent from POMAGALSKI S.A. and their subsidiaries to RIOC President Steve Shane and Mr. Shane's request for comments from Roosevelt Islanders. From POMAGALSKI S.A.:

SIGMA has been working last week to design the cabin in accordance to our last meeting in RIOC two weeks ago.

Here attached you will find a set of images that we would like to present to you in order to get your approval in terms of aspect (taking apart any technical point). This is necessary to avoid a loss of time and to make sure that we are in the good directions before going further in the design procedure.

I would appreciate if you come back to us as soon as possible.
Mr. Shane sends the following to his Tram Cabin Focus Group.
My instant focus group. If I've left anyone out, I apologize in advance. Please feel free to inquire of your circle and get back to me with comments by COB tomorrow, April 2 so I can respond to the design team. Obviously, need poles to hang onto, cabin console, some provision for anchoring a wheelchair, roof hatch, signage, etc.



Other than the robot, who I am pretty sure will not be operating the Tram, what do you think of the designs?

Wednesday, April 1, 2009

Four RIOC Directors Standing Around Chatting About ...

Huddle of 4 RIOC Directors

What were these four RIOC Directors (not the guy in the shorts) talking about yesterday afternoon prior to the Governance Committee meeting on Roosevelt Island Public Purpose Funding?

I have no way of knowing but I think they were trying to decide on whether to go to Trellis, Starbucks, Nonnos or Fuji East after the meeting.

The Web Cast of yesterday's Governance Committe meeting will be available shortly. No decision was made by the RIOC Directors yesterday regarding the allocation of Public Purpose Funds. The Directors were primarily seeking to determine if the process RIRA used to allocate the funds among competing Roosevelt Island groups was not only fair but had the appearance of fairness as well.

RIRA Monthly Common Council Meeting Tonight 8 PM - Planning, Island Services, Communications Reports Below As Well As Proposed Resolution

Image of Previous RIRA Common Council Meeting

The Roosevelt Island Residents Association (RIRA) Common Council will be meeting tonight Wednesday, April 1, 8PM at the Good Shepherd Community Center (543 Main Street). Prior to the meeting, time is alloted for any resident to speak before the Council and air their views or issues of concern to Roosevelt Islanders.

The Agenda for the meeting is as follows:
AGENDA

Date: Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Time: 8:00 P.M. - Finish
Place: Good Shepherd Community Center, 543 Main Street
1. Public Session (8:00)
- No requests for public session

2. Roll Call (8:00)
X 3. Approval of Agenda (8:10)
X 4. Approval of Minutes (8:10)
5. Treasurer’s Report (8:30)
6. President's Report (8:30)
7. Committee Reports (8:40)
Government Relations - M. Smith
Communications - E. Erickson
- Committee report.
Public Safety - R. Schuppert
Housing - J. Micheff & L. Strong-Shinozaki
Social, Cultural and Educational Services - N. Leopold
Island Services - A. Hamburger
- Committee report.
Planning - M. Katz
X - Planning Committee Resolutions
- Status report on RIOC long-term budgeting.

8. Old Business (9:45)
9. New Business (9:45)

10. Adjourn

X Agenda items requiring action
Next Meeting: Wednesday, May 6, 2009 (Mailing Deadline: May 1, 2009)

Here is the Report of the RIRA Planning Committee.


Report of the Planning Committee – March 24, 2009

Present: M. Katz (Chair), A. Barfield, P. Bozzano-Barnes, R. Baranov, H. Chirivas, F. Farance, J. Kalkin, J. Mincheff, E. Polivy, H. Polivy, S. Marcus

Absent: William Buckley, Linda Maynard-Hall, Lynn Strong-Shinozaki

1. Katz discussed the ongoing efforts by the two graduate classes at Columbia University and Hunter College to address Island issues, especially transportation. He reminded the committee of the two dates scheduled by the Hunter group to present their data: March 31 and April 4.

2. Community Board 8 Member, Ellen Polivy, discussed the work of their Parks Committee to plan a Citywide forum in May on the appropriate commercial use of parks. CB8 has banned vendors from Tram Plaza, and Mincheff noted that their presence would act as a deterrent to vagrants as well as helping to maintain the site and provide refreshments to the Islanders who are primary users of the Tram. The Committee agreed to draft a resolution (under separate cover) to CB8 asking them to reconsider and to present it at the April 1 Common Council for their approval. The Committee agreed to draft another resolution (under separate cover) to RIOC encouraging them to provide refreshment services, either directly or through outside vendors, at our parks.

3. Farance noted that RIOC President Shane appears to have reversed his endorsement of a master leaseholder for the Northtown Main Street retail stores. The RIOC Real Estate Advisory Committee, chaired by Charlee Miller, is still supporting the plan, although they have yet to make recommendations to the Board. Kalkin said that RIOC VP, Rosina Abramson, has called for a study of the master lease proposal, as opposed to having RIOC or a hired consultant, fill the empty stores. Kalkin said he is investigating banks and credit unions that might take over the NYNB space when they leave in June. Mincheff noted how important a banking presence on the Island is, especially for seniors.

4. Farance, who proposed and convened a sub-committee of this Committee to investigate RIOC’s inadequate budget projections, reported that CFO Chironis has reneged on his guarantee to provide complete financial data. He was promised a database dump from 1991 that would include line-item actuals, and this has not been forthcoming. Farance noted in The WIRE RIRA column that RIOC’s five-year revenue projections don’t offer satisfactory assurances of solvency in the current economic atmosphere, especially with future Southtown ground lease revenues put on (what we can only hope will be) temporary hold. Farance has posited three scenarios for the future development of the Island, each of which results in RIOC’s insolvency sometime in the middle or distant future. Accurate data from RIOC could corroborate or refute these analyses and aid both RIRA and RIOC to plot a future course of fiscal action. Farance is pursuing various avenues, including Board members and local legislators, to acquire this information. Kalkin said he would try to get the data.

Respectfully submitted,
Matthew Katz
Chair, Planning Committee
The Report of the RIRA Communications Committee:
Report of the Communications Committee
March 27, 2009

The set-up of the website is still underway. As stated in the prior report, with only two members, this chair will be communicating with the committee via email as necessary, rather than holding formal meetings.

I have communicated with the Roosevelt Island Blogger who has generously agreed to post the agenda and the meeting materials on that site so that this information is accessible to the public.

As stated previously, I hope to eventually post the pictures of the Common Council members on the website as many tenants recognize faces rather than names and may improve communication between representatives and the tenants. Pictures will be taken during the April meeting.
The Report of the Island Services Committee:
RIRA – ISLAND SERVICES COMMITTEE (ISC)
REPORT TO COMMON COUNCIL MEETING – 4/1//09

Credit Card Theft
We have learned that in the last 6 months, there have been 35 cases of credit card theft on Roosevelt Island. These incidents are now under active investigations by the Post Office, the NYPD and the Secret Service. Since these cases are being pursued by the proper agencies, ISC will no longer be active on this issue. However, we will continue to closely monitor developments.

Red Bus – Morning Rush Hour Service
Red Bus morning rush hour service problems seem to have been relieved. However, at least one problem remains. From time-to-time, the local Red Bus will not pick-up passengers at the Good Shepherd and Island House bus stops due to overcrowding on the bus.
ISC will monitor the situation to determine how frequently the by-passing occurs. We will be asking residents at these bus stops to report to us on all incidents. Notices will be posted on appropriate Main St. kiosks requesting the information – date and time of each missed bus pick-up during the weekday period of 7 am – 9 am.

Disabled Accessibility to F train
In March, the MTA finally installed a ramp in the middle of both Roosevelt Island station platforms that will allow wheelchair and motorized carts to easily board the F train. This successfully close out the ISC ‘s interest in this important issue.

Public Library
Committee members and RI residents report that our branch library is not providing a variety of services expected from Manhattan libraries. Some examples: the RI library is not scheduling children’s reading groups, not cataloging and properly shelving the special collection of documents, reports and books relating to RI history, and not out-reaching to the community, especially to our schools.
ISC will gather additional information and then consider taking our concerns to the higher management of Manhattan libraries.

Bike Storage Racks At Subway Station
Many bikes seem to be permanently stored at the subway station racks. This prevents residents from using the the racks for their intended purpose – temporary storage of a bike while a resident is using the subway or tram to travel to another part of the City.
We are contacting the Public Safety Department to see if they can control the bike storage situation.

Aaron Hamburger, ISC Chair
And a proposed RIRA resolution to Community Planning Board 8 regarding lifting a ban on licensed vendors at the Manhattan Tram Plaza.
RESOLUTION OF THE ROOSEVELT ISLAND RESIDENTS ASSOCIATION
to MANHATTAN COMMUNITY BOARD 8
Whereas, Roosevelt Island residents are the largest group of users of the Roosevelt Island Tram and Tram Plaza, and

Whereas, this community, through its elected representatives on the Roosevelt Island Residents Association were not consulted regarding the banning of vendors from Tram Plaza, and

Whereas, the Tram Plaza is frequently used as a resting place for vagrants, homeless people and beggars, and

Whereas, our residents would feel safer in the Plaza if it were better trafficked, and

Whereas, our residents would like to see constructive activity and the possibility of services on the Plaza, and

Whereas, the presence of vendors on the Plaza is unlikely to impede foot traffic, or to have any other negative consequences,

Therefore, the Roosevelt Island Residents Association, representing 12,000 residents of our community, respectfully requests that Manhattan Community Board 8 reconsider its ban on the presence of licensed vendors in Tram Plaza.

Approved by the RIRA Common Council
April 1, 2009