Roosevelt Island Public Safety Reports - 6/24 thru 7/6 - East River Rescue, Smoke Bomb, Dispersing Large Groups, Federal Arrest, Child Found & More

Image of Life Preserver From RIOC

I recently started a new feature on the blog. Every day, I am posting the current Roosevelt Island 24 hour Public Safety Report on the inside right sidebar, just below the RIOC Directors email address. You can now read a daily log of the incidents for which the Roosevelt Island Public Safety Department responded to the previous day rather than the previous compilation of aggregated reports, though I will continue to post the aggregate listings like those below from time to time.

RIOC is still posting the most current Daily and April/May 2009 Monthly Roosevelt Island Public Safety Incident reports on their web site. Also, available is a breakdown of Roosevelt Island Public Safety incidents by location and category (the Blotter) for the months of April/May 2009. The June Monthly Blotter and Incident reports are not yet on the RIOC web site. When they are, I will link to them.

Below are the Roosevelt Island Daily Public Safety Reports for June 24 - July 6, 2009. Incidents include:

• Verbal dispute between 2 employees (6/25)
• Smoke Bomb Thrown Into Window (6/25)
  
• (2) Public Consumption of Alcohol By Minor (6/26)
• Eviction (6/26)
  
• Possession of Marijuana (6/26,27)
• Drinking Alcohol in Public (6/26)
• Verbal Dispute Between 2 Groups (6/26)
• Open Container of Alcohol (6/26,27,28)
• Dispersal of large group in street (6/27)
• Water Rescue (6/27)
• Trespass - Youth entered yard without authorization (6/28)
• Trespass Footprints on patio furniture (6/29)
• Federal Agents placed subject under arrest (6/30)
• Fight in Park (7/1)
• Failure to clean up after dog (7/3)
• Purse Taken out of shopping cart (7/3)
• Public Urination (7/4) and
• Missing Child Found (7/5)
  

0700 06/24/09- 0700 06/25/09

Escort/ Lock-out - Victim responded to PSD, was escorted home by PSD, upon arrival victims dad let him in.

Noise Complaint- Tenant of Westview reports an unknown sound in courtyard, officer believes its coming from the AC, Westview door station notified.

Water Leak- Urban American requested PSD for a water leak, Tenant was not home, lock was drilled, door was secured by Urban American.

Aided- Male approximately 60 fell while stepping off curve, refused medical attention, victim has a scratch above left eye.

0700 hrs 06/25/09 - 0700 hrs 06/26/09

Found Property - Apartment keys turned into PSD. Tenant was not home and keys secured at PSD.

Escort - Housing management authorized former tenant to remove property from apartment that is under possession of the Marshall. PSD responded and tenant removed property without incident.

Verbal Dispute - PSD responded to management office for verbal dispute between employees. PSD escorted employee out of building at the request of management. One employee was escorted out without further incident. No physical contact between employees.

Shoplifting - Male subject ran from store without paying for item. PSD made search with negative results.

Found Property - Resident found bank card on street. Card was secured at PSD.

Smoke Bomb/Reckless Endangerment - Resident reported unknown subject threw smoke bomb into window. PSD responded and tenant advised that she was uninjured and no damages. Search was made with negative results.

Investigation - Resident reported to PSD that a small child threw toys onto her patio. PSD responded to apartment above and advised the grandmother of incident.

Stuck Elevator - Two people stuck in elevator. PSD and super responded. The two people were removed and refused medical attention. Elevator placed out of service.

Trespass - Five subjects were issued summonses for trespassing by PSD.

Lock Out Service - Female locked out of apartment. Super was called and let tenant back in. PSD was on scene.

There's More!



0700hrs 06/26/09 - 0700hrs 06/27/09

Possession of alcohol by minor/ Public consumption of alcohol- Minor drinking in public, PSD observed, two summons issued.

Lockout service- Female missed placed apartment keys, paid $140 for the super to open her door, keys will be available for her in the morning.

Court order eviction- City Marshall making an eviction, traffic obstructed PSD officer on traffic control.

DOA- Funeral home on island to recover a body for funeral arrangements.

Verbal Dispute- Customer of Card and Gifts bought a Boost phone card, scratched card to hard, upset because he cant read card numbers, Store is not liable he contacted Boost for compensation.

Underage consumption of alcohol / Drinking in public- Minor drinking in public, PSD observed, two summons issued.

Aided- Female not feeling well, EMS responded, aided transported to hospital.

Criminal Possession of Marijuana- Three males were observed smoking marijuana, placed under arrest, 3 zip lock bags of marijuana were found after subjects were searched, subjects were transported to 114th precinct for processing, then lodged at Manhattan central bookings.

Open container- Two males observed drinking in public by PSD, both were issued a summons and order to leave park.

Verbal dispute - Two groups got into a verbal dispute, PSD responded, upon arrival both groups separated and left.

Found Property- Male resident found a drivers license and turned it into PSD.

Found Property- PSD was notified of a ladies bag left on Main St, an officer brought bag into PSD, a Property log was made with items in bag.

0700 hrs 06/27/09 - 0700 hrs 06/28/09

Dispersing Group of People - PSD officers observed large group on street. As PSD approached the group, the group got into their vehicles. Witness stated she didn't see any physical contact between the group. Group left without further incident.

Found Property - Drivers License turned into PSD. Property was logged.

Open Container - Two male subject stopped by PSD for open container. Subjects were summonsed and released.

Criminal Possession of Marijuana - PSD arrested three male subjects for Criminal Possession of Marijuana. Taken to 114 pct. for arrest processing.

Found Property - Handbag turned into PSD. Property was turned over to owner.

Stolen Property - Truck driver made delivery and when he returned, hand truck was missing. NYPD responded and made report.

Domestic Dispute - PSD responded for dispute. Male subject left apartment. No physical contact between both parties.

Lost Property - PSD made a report for lost wallet. Owner will go to 114 pct. to file report.

Aided - Male aided not feeling well. EMS transported to hospital.

Water Rescue - PSD, EMS, and NYPD responded for man in the water. Man was pulled out of water and refused to be transported to hospital.

Trespassing - Male and female subjects issued summonses by PSD and released.

0700 hrs 06/28/09 - 0700 hrs 06/29/09

Vehicle Accident - Between two motorist. PSD and NYPD on scene. NYPD made police report. No injuries.

Investigation - Female driver reported to PSD that she sustained flat tire on R.I. Bridge. PSD responded and observed debris on bridge. Debris were removed. Reporter with flat tire was not on scene when PSD arrived.

Aided - PSD and EMS responded for aided not feeling well. Aided was transported to hospital.

Found Property - PSD found unattended bike and brought bike to PSD.

Graffiti - PSD officer observed graffiti at various locations. Search conducted with negative results. Management was notified.

Trespassing - Tenant reported youth entered her yard without authorization. Tenant chased youth away. PSD made search with negative results.

Petit Larceny/Criminal Possession of Stolen Property - PSD arrested male subject for shoplifting at store. Subject was taken to 114 pct. for arrest processing.

Burglary - PSD responded to Sports Park Pool for shattered rear door. PSD conducted search for subjects with negative results. It appeared that nothing was taken.

Criminal Mischief - Motorgate attendant reported that a vehicle broke access gate arm. PSD checked computer, but didn't show vehicle hitting arm. PSD made search for vehicle that entered last before gate broke with negative results.

Open Container - Male and female subject issued summonses for open container and released.

Aided/Assistance - PSD assisted aided off floor. Aided refused medical attention.

Unsecured Vehicle - PSD officer observed door to car open. Officer closed door and it appeared not to be tampered with. No damage to vehicle.

Aided - PSD and EMS responded for aided. Aided was not feeling well and transported to hospital.

0700 hrs 06/29/09 - 0700 hrs 06/30/09

Found Property - Unattended hospital wheelchair secured by PSD. Wheelchair turned over to hospital.

Trespass/Investigation - Two tenants reported to PSD that they saw foot prints on patio furniture indicating someone hopped patio fence. No entry to dwelling was gained and no missing property reported. NYPD refused.

Escort - PSD responded to apartment for tenant requesting visitors in her apartment to leave. Subjects were escorted out and left Island via cab.

Found Property - Cell phone turned into PSD. Phone secured at PSD.

Lights Out - In several areas of apartment building. Super stated condition will be corrected within a few minutes. PSD officer reports lights came back on and conducted vertical patrol of affected area.

Aided - Injured himself playing baseball. EMS transported aided to hospital.

Youths Running - Female reported to PSD that several youths running on seawall almost knocked her cart over. PSD responded and advised youths to go to the park.

Missing - NYPD brought victim to PSD and stated that victim was found in Manhattan and could not find her children after they walked away from her in Manhattan. Victim stated children maybe on R.I. PSD and NYPD conducted search with negative results. NYPD is handling case.

Trespass - Male and female subjects issued summonses by PSD and released.

0700 hrs 06/30/09 - 0700 hrs 07/01/09

Graffiti - PSD responded for report of graffiti. Conducted search with negative results. Super was notified.

Stuck Elevator - PSD responded with service for stuck elevator. Service corrected condition with elevator and placed back in service. Nobody was inside elevator.

Found Property - PSD officer found handbag. Owner was contacted and retrieved property.

Court Order - PSD responded with super for court order allowing tenant to retrieve personal property from apartment. Tenant picked up property and left. Super secured door.

Arrest -(other agency INS)- PSD and Federal Agents responded to apartment for arrest warrant. Agents placed subject under arrest.

Alleged Harassment - PSD responded for report of harassment. P`SD spoke to both parties and made report.

0700hrs 07/01/09- 0700hrs 07/02/09

Aided- Male not feeling well, transported to hospital.

Landlord/ Tenant Dispute- Tenant refused to let workers do a job, NYPD on scene, management advised to take matter to court.

Vehicle Accident- Truck hit a "DO NOT ENTER" sign, grounds supervisor notified.

Broken Park Apparatus- A swing hook detached from chain, PSD secured location, grounds was notified.

Fight- Two female youth had a fight in park, PSD stopped fight, escorted youth to PSD, notified parents, youths released to parents.

Found Property- A lost wallet was turned in, victim retrieved wallet from PSD.

Aggravated Harassment- Victim reports subject keeps calling her, NYPD on scene.

Investigation- Victim reports someone banging on their window, PSD responded, search made with negative results.

0700 hrs 07/02/09 - 0700 hrs 07/03/09

Aided - Fell on ground. PSD responded with EMS. EMS checked out aided, but aided refused to be transported.

Graffiti - PSD officer observed graffiti. Pictures were taken and management was notified. Search of area for subjects conducted with negative results.

Found Property - Resident turned over found property to PSD officer. Property was secured at PSD.

Found Property - PSD officer found bike in hallway. Bike secured at PSD.

0700hrs 07/03/09- 0700hrs/04/09

Lost property- RIOC bus operator found a phone on bus, PSD attempted to contact owner with negative results, phone vouchers and secured.

Disobey authorize vehicle only- Motorist driving in authorized vehicle only area, parked vehicle, walked dog, failed to clean up after dog, issued two summons.

Verbal dispute- Tenants had a verbal dispute over the volume of a stereo, PSD responded, tenant lowered volume.

Investigation- Female reports someone is continuously calling her and hanging, she is unable to identify the person making the calls, NYPD refused.

Aided- Female not feeling well, EMS responded to scene, aided refused medical attention.

Aided- Female not feeling well, transported to hospital.

Criminal trespass/ Resist arrest- While patrolling PSD observed a male subject trespassing, subject attempted to flee scene and resist arrest. Subject was arrested transported to 114th for processing and Central bookings for lodging.

Grand Larceny- Victim reports her purse was taking out her shopping cart while she was shopping, she did not observe who took it, NYPD responded to scene.

0700 HRS 07/04/09 TO 07/05/09 0700 HRS

LOST PROPERTY - RIOC BUS DRIVER FOUND CELL PHONE ON BUS TURNED INTO PSD UNABLE TO CONTACT OWNER PSD SECURED CELL PHONE.

AIDED/ASSAULT - RI TENANT ASSAULTED OFF ISLAND UNKNOWN INDIVIDUAL WALK INTO PSD 911 NOTIFIED TRANSPORTED TO ELMHURST HOSPITAL

FIRE/FLOOD -PSD RESPOND TO SMALL TRASH FIRE IN EASTWOOD AVAC ROOM,FIRE EXTINGUISHED BY SPRINKLER SYSTEM, SMALL FLOOD DUE TO
WATER FROM SPRINKLER SYSTEM URBAN AMERICA MGNT RESPONDED WITH WET VAC CLEAN AREA UP. NO PROPERTY DAMAGE..

PUBLIC URINATION - PSD OBSERVED MALE URINATING IN PUBLIC PLAINVIEW ( SUMMONS ISSUED )

UNSECURED DOOR - PSD OBSERVED DOOR TO ISLAND HOUSE POOL AREA UNSECURED SEARCH MADE ALL IN ORDER RY MGNT NOTIFIED DOOR LOCKED AND
SECURED

0700 hrs 07/05/09 - 0700 hrs 07/06/09

Property Damage - To RIOC property. PSD responded and made report. Photo taken.

Found Property - Resident found property and turned it into PSD. Owner was notified and retrieved property.

Missing Child - Mother reported her child was missing. PSD responded and found child. Child was returned to mother. No injuries were reported.

Lost Property - Owner came into PSD to report that she lost her purse. NYPD was notified and report was taken.

Unsecured Door - PSD officer found door open. Search of area was conducted and found to be in order. Door was secured by PSD.

Latin Dance Party Cruise Fundraiser For Roosevelt Island Based Orphans International Casa Ana Azua Dominican Republic Orphans Project July 9

Image From Orphans International

Roosevelt Island based Orphans International (OIWW) is holding a Latin Dance Party Cruise on Thursday July 9 to raise funds for OIWW's Casa Ana orphans project in Azua, Dominican Republic.

July 9 Latin Party Cruise of Manhattan Harbor only $10.

To benefit Orphans International – Dominican Republic

Aboard the Queen of Hearts

Board on Right Side of Pier #40

West Houston Street & West Side Highway

New York | NY 10003

212-987-9200

Thursday July 9

Boarding 6:00PM - 7:30PM We leave the dock at 7:30 sharp!

Sailing until 10:30PM

Image From Orphans International

More information is available here on Orphans International and the Casa Ana Orphans Project in Azua Domincan Republic. Click here to register for the event.

State Senator Jose Serrano Presents Roosevelt Island Seniors Health Workshop Tomorrow and Tries To Save Arts Education In NYC Public Schools

Double Click On Image To Read More Easily

A reminder from earlier post and Roosevelt Island Sidebar Calendar.

On Tuesday July 7, State Senator Jose Serrano, NY Presbyterian Hospital and the Roosevelt Island Seniors Center will be presenting a health workshop for Senior Citizens at the Good Shepherd Community Center - 543 Main Street. According to State Senator Serrano:

Take advantage of this opportunity to learn how to stay healthy! There will be an information session, healthy refreshments and a simple stretching workshop for you to take part in.

In addition to being the Chair of the NY State Senate Cultural Affairs, Tourism, Parks and Recreation Committee, Senator Serrano is also a member of the Committee on Aging.

Senator Serrano has written an op-ed in today's Gotham Gazette on Saving Arts Education from the political mess currently going on in Albany. Senator Serrano writes:

I fear arts education may become the next casualty of the Albany war.

Last week I came out in support of a bill to continue, but amend, mayoral control of the city's public schools. As a fierce advocate for arts in the classroom, I was moved by the bill's establishment of a citywide council to advise, comment and issue reports on arts-related policies in our school system. Unfortunately, with the lack of deliberation and dialogue in the capital right now, we might not have the chance to vote on the best legislative proposals....

... No one can deny that continued and positive exposure to the arts and New York's rich and multi-faceted cultural heritage is a sound investment for our children. Let's not use our current political and budgetary challenges as an excuse to deny them this opportunity.

Gateway To America - Preserving New York City's Ellis Island Presentation At Roosevelt Island Public Library - July 7, 6:30 PM

You Tube Video of Today Show Interview on Ellis Island Restoration

Received the following invitation from the Roosevelt Island Historical Society:

PRESERVING NEW YORK CITY’S SMALLEST ISLANDS: ELLIS ISLAND

More than 12 million of our grandparents and relatives gained entry to freedom and the opportunity to seek their fortune when they reached Ellis Island.

Learn the fascinating history of the gateway to America, in a presentation by Judith McAlpin, President of Save Ellis Island, Inc. The restored Ferry Terminal Building is only part of the island’s architecture. There were extensive hospital facilities, with two general hospitals housing doctors’ offices, operating rooms, fluoroscopy (predecessor to x-rays) rooms, contagious disease wards and other operational areas, and other buildings.

The presentation, sponsored by the Roosevelt Island Historical Society, will be held on Tuesday, July 7 at 6:30 pm at the Roosevelt Island Branch of the New York Public Library, 524 Main Street. The event is FREE

The presentation is the last in a series of four events, Preserving New York City’s Smallest Islands, which focuses on Hart, Roosevelt, Randall’s and Ellis Islands.

DIRECTIONS: Take the Tram at 59^th Street and Second Avenue or the F train to Roosevelt Island. Walk 10 minutes north on Main Street or take the red bus (25 cents)

More information available from the New York Public Library Roosevelt Island branch and Save Ellis Island.

Fishing The East River From Roosevelt Island - Not Healthy To Eat But No Legible Warning Signs

Image of Big Fish Caught on Roosevelt Island From Yfrog

We see them all the time - people fishing at Lighthouse and Southpoint Park as well as other areas of Roosevelt Island - and wonder do people really eat the fish they catch from the East River?

Image From Fly and Spincasting

Image from Kingfal

The Daily News reports that people are eating the fish they catch from the East River, more so now with the poor economy, and, surprise, it is not wise to do so. According to the Daily News:

... Want to know how much fish is safe to eat from polluted local waters? Good luck.
The Daily News, which reported on Sunday that the plunging economy has forced some New Yorkers to eat fish from polluted local waters, found crucial state health advisories missing from most fishing spots and clinics where officials claim they are available.

"It's shocking," said Hunter College public health expert Jack Caravanos. He wants officials to make sure people know the dangers of cancer-causing PCBs and mercury in local fish.

"The people who need to know about these warnings are not getting the message."...

The Daily News randomly checked several fishing areas for warning signs and found:

... The only sign The News found is at Lighthouse Park on Roosevelt Island - but it is so rusted and weather-beaten it is almost illegible.

"Nobody can read that sign," said angler Rafeal Knipping, 59, who was fishing near the barely decipherable warning.

"They need a big sign advertising the health concerns," he said. "Bring me a poster and I'll paint a sign."

Roosevelt Island Illegible Fishing Advisory Sign From Daily News

Will legible warning signs give people reason to pause before eating fish caught in the river? According to this 2008 story from NY 1 about a Roosevelt Island fisherman:

...Javier Garces comes in from Woodside Queens, looking for striped bass and bluefish.

“It’s a good place to fish,” says Garces. “I catch big fish here.”

And, says Garces, the fish are good enough to eat....

The Fourth Of July Is About The Declaration Of Independence - A Reading By JFK & South Park's Cartman Visits The Founders

Image of John Trumbull's Declaration of Independence from ushistory.org

A repost from last year.

There's more to the Fourth of July holiday than fireworks, bbq, burgers, beer and flag waving. What the Fourth of July is really about is the Declaration of Independence:

When in the course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the laws of nature and of nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.

We hold these truths to be self-evident:

That all men are created equal; that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights; that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness; that, to secure these rights, governments are instituted among men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed; that whenever any form of government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the right of the people to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new government, laying its foundation on such principles, and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their safety and happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shown that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same object, evinces a design to reduce them under absolute despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such government, and to provide new guards for their future security. Such has been the patient sufferance of these colonies; and such is now the necessity which constrains them to alter their former systems of government. The history of the present King of Great Britain is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations, all having in direct object the establishment of an absolute tyranny over these states. To prove this, let facts be submitted to a candid world.

The rest of the Declaration and historical background can be found at US History.org. Also, here is a You Tube video of a 1957 reading by then Senator John F. Kennedy of the Declaration of Independence.



On a slightly less serious note here's South Park's version of the decision by American colonists to declare independence and go to war against England.






And lessons learned from the Founding Fathers for present day America.



Here's a link to the full episode of I'm A Little Bit Country from southpark studios

Have a Happy Independence Day!

Things To Do This Weekend In New York City & Roosevelt Island- Fireworks, Free Concerts, Shakespeares's Lear On The Run & RI Tour

You Tube Video of July 4 2008 Fireworks at Southpoint Park Roosevelt Island

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 ideas:

Tonight there are a couple of free music concerts to choose from including the River to River Music Festival performance of Here We Go Magic at the South Street Seaport. According to Free NYC:

Free, summer, concerts roll on tonight as River to River kicks off their Seaport Music Festival on the East River tonight with a live performance by Here We Go Magic and Bachelorette. "Brooklyn's Luke Temple, a singer/songwriter with critical acclaim as a solo act, assembled Here We Go Magic to create groovy, pretty, psychedelic jams driven and shaped from melodies that can turn from gorgeous to challenging to a little scary and back again

Another option for a free Friday night of music is the Alice Smith School Children's Choir which will be appearing at Roosevelt Island's Good Shepherd Community Center at 8 PM as part of the R & R Concert Series.


Saturday is the Fourth of July and of course the big event is the Macy's Fireworks Spectacular. Remember that this year the fireworks have been moved from the East to the Hudson River so there is no opportunity to watch the fireworks from Roosevelt Island as in past years. New York Magazine reports on the best spots on the West Side to watch the Hudson River Fourth of July Fireworks.

The NY Times Spare Times feature reports that:

DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE, handwritten by Thomas Jefferson, on view through Aug. 1 at the New York Public Library, Sue and Edgar Wachenheim III Gallery, Stephen A. Schwarzman Building, Fifth Avenue and 42nd Street. Also on view: early printings of the document and a letter to George Washington from Benjamin Franklin. Holiday hours this Friday through Sunday: 1 to 5 p.m. (917) 275-6975; nypl.org.

as well as other Independence Day activities in the NY metropolitan area. More on Thomas Jefferson's Declaration of Independence draft at the NY Public Library here.

Although there will be no Roosevelt Island Fireworks Spectacular Celebration at Southpoint Park this year, there will be the Nonno's 4th Of July Festival held on Roosevelt Island's Riverwalk Commons with Kid's Rides, Dunk Tank, Burgers, Hot Dogs and other Fun Stuff.

On Sunday, head on down to Battery Park's Castle Clinton for the New York Classical Theater's presentation of King Lear on the run. According to the NY Times:

This poetic portrait of dysfunctional family dynamics may not be your idea of a child’s introduction to Shakespeare. But the setting is undeniably fun — Battery Park — and the actors, the members of New York Classical Theater, change locations with every scene, so audiences roam the night as much as the demented Lear (and no one grows bored). Picnicking is encouraged, and on Tuesday the company also offers preshow fun for aspiring actors 7 through 12: a free drama workshop, in which they will have a chance to perform from the script. Workshop from 5 to 5:45 p.m.; performances at 7 p.m.; meeting at Castle Clinton, Battery Park, Lower Manhattan , (212) 252-4531, newyorkclassical.org; free.

I saw a production they did in Central Park a couple of years ago and it was lots of fun.

Also, on Roosevelt Island this weekend, in addition to the Malaysian Choir and Nonno's July 4 Festival, the Farmers Market is open as usual on Saturday. Another suggestion - 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.

The MTA is reporting no Roosevelt Island F Train subway advisories this weekend and neither is RIOC with Tram advisories.

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

Flashback To Early Roosevelt Island - Reunion Of PS/IS 217 Kids From 1975-85 Held Last Saturday At Southpoint Park

You Tube Video of Roosevelt Island An Island Place

Last Saturday, Southpoint Park was the site for the "Rock Reunion" of 1975-85 Roosevelt Island kids who attended PS/IS 217.



It was a chance for those attending to renew friendships, exchange stories and see how, or if, everyone has changed over the years.

Images by Roosevelt Island Resident Vicki Feinmel

Watch the Roosevelt Island - An Island Place video above for a flashback to what life was like on Roosevelt Island in the days of the late 1970's early 1980's.

Image by Roosevelt Island Resident Vicki Feinmel

One person described taking the Tram back then as like drinking a Gin & Tonic. Another person said that the children at the time could play wholly unsupervised because parents didn't have to

worry about someone sticking a needle into them.

Although, according to the video, that led to an unusually high number of abandoned children for much of the day because parents were not worried about the safety of their son or daughter.

Image by Roosevelt Island Resident Vicki Feinmel

Image by Roosevelt Island Resident Vicki Feinmel

UPDATE - 8:30 PM - Here's a video that was put together of the Roosevelt Island Reunion.

You Tube Video of 2009 Roosevelt Island Reunion at Southpoint Park

Roosevelt Island Bridge Closure Advisory - July 7 -10, 12:30 AM - 5:30 AM

Click on image to read DOT Statement on Roosevelt Island Bridge Closure

According to RIOC President Steve Shane in Item 10 of his June 24 RIOC President's Report:

Bridge Closures: The NYC Department of Transportation has notified us that the reconstruction work will require complete closure of the bridge to vehicular and pedestrian traffic for four (4) nights, being the mornings of July 7 through July 10 12:30 AM until 5:30 AM. As was previously done, EMS, police and fire responders will be present on the Island with additional manpower at the Queens end of the Bridge. The Tram and red bus will run throughout the night. If it rains, additional nights will be required. Hope for no emergencies and no rain.

More information on the Roosevelt Island Bridge closure is available at the RIOC Advisory web page.

... The work planned includes the tensioning of the bridge's new counterweight ropes. The work is weather sensitive and inclement weather may result in rescheduling. Should this occur, additional notification of the revised schedule will be provided. NYPD Traffic Enforcement Agents and construction signage will direct motorists and pedestrians. Noise mitigation measures will be implemented to minimize impacts.

Alternate modes of transportation to and from Roosevelt Island during the bridge closure will include the MTA New York City Transit "F" train from both Queens and Manhattan and the Roosevelt Island Tramway from 59th Street and 2nd Avenue in Manhattan. The "F" train operates at all times. The Roosevelt Island Tramway, in addition to its normal schedule, will operate on a half hour schedule on the mornings of the bridge closure. The Roosevelt Island Surface Transit Bus will operate throughout the night.

The MTA New York City Transit Q102 bus from Queens will operate on a modified schedule, with no service to or from Roosevelt Island between the hours of 12:30 AM and 5:30 AM. NYCDOT is fully aware of the impacts this unavoidable closure may have on the adjacent communities and motorists; we apologize for any inconvenience. We strive to keep these impacts to a minimum. Questions regarding the bridge closure and the project in general may be addressed to Melissa Johnson, Community Liaison at 212-758-1060 or mjohnson@zetlin.com.

Plan accordingly.

No Fourth Of July Fireworks Viewing From Roosevelt Island This Year - But Here's What It Looked Like In 2008

You Tube Video of July 4 2008 Fireworks at Southpoint Park Roosevelt Island

Roosevelt Island is normally a friendly and welcoming community, but please, if you are planning on visiting Roosevelt Island on Saturday to view the traditional Macy's Fourth of July Fireworks Celebration - DON'T COME!!!

I write this not because I want to hog the great views just for those of us who live here but because the fireworks have been moved from the East to the Hudson River in honor of the 400 anniversary of Henry Hudson's exploration of the river that now bears his name. So there will be no traditional Fireworks viewing from Southpoint Park as in prior years. As reported in the Queens Gazette:

...NYPD Queens North Borough Commander Diana Pizzuti is telling residents that in recognition of the 400th anniversary of Henry Hudson's exploration of the Hudson River, Macy's officials have moved the 2009 July 4 fireworks extravaganza from the East River to the Hudson River.

In past years, crowds gathered at locations along the waterfront for a bird's eye-view of the fireworks, Pizzuti said. This year, the fireworks will be set off from barges located between 24th and 30th Streets on the Hudson River, completely removing any view from the Long Island City waterfront or Roosevelt Island.

Deputy Inspector Paul Vorbeck said, "Your local 114th Precinct would like to inform its residents that the annual Macy's fireworks display is moving across town in 2009. There will be no view from Roosevelt Island."...

New York Magazine reports on the best spots on the West Side to watch the Hudson River Fouth of July Fireworks.

Although there will be no Roosevelt Island Fireworks Spectacular Celebration at Southpoint Park this year, there will be the Nonno's 4th Of July Festival held on Roosevelt Island's Riverwalk Commons with Kid's Rides, Dunk Tank, Burgers, Hot Dogs and other Fun Stuff.

Nonno's and Riverwalk Bar Owners with 4th Of July Festival flyer. Probably another two weeks until the opening of Roosevelt Island's new sports bar and bagel/deli shop.

Another Restaurant Option For Roosevelt Island Residents -Bridge View Cafe, Just Across The Roosevelt Island Bridge

Image of Bridge View Cafe Interior From Yelp

A reader points out another option for Roosevelt Island residents looking for nearby restaurant options - the Bridge View Cafe located just across the Roosevelt Island Bridge on 36th Avenue and Vernon B'lvd in Long Island City. The reader writes:

I don’t know whether you post things like this but I would like to put in a plug for the new restaurant on the other side of our bridge at Vernon Boulevard.

It’s called the BRIDGE VIEW CAFÉ

Without Roosevelt Island’s patronage, I fear that it will meet the same fate as the restaurant it replaced.

A group of us ate there last night and were very pleased.

The food was good, nicely served and the prices are very, very reasonable.

They advertised once in the WIRE but didn’t get any response and can’t afford to continue advertising if it doesn’t bring them any results.

As it is another choice for us here on the island who are so restaurant starved – I think it behooves us to do everything possible to help them stay in business.

Their menu is here

Roosevelt Island Little League Celebration - Mending Fences And A Great Time For All! Plus A Game Winning Walk Off Hit Too!!!

Image by Adib Mansour (Bluebeard)

Adib Mansour (aka Bluebeard), the Little League parent who organized last Saturday's A Day of Celebration to:

...honor the kids for their passion and love for baseball, as well as their undisputed friendships....

and:

mend hard feelings and a start of island bonding.

provides the following recap on the day's events.

The day Saturday was as perfect as could be. The weather cooperated, the fields were ready on time, the children played beautifully, the parents enjoyed the games and the company, officials mingled with the residents... and it went on ALL DAY LONG. The day started at 8AM and ended at 7pm, the only complaints I heard were the parents that sat too long in their seats, or the kids that didn't have enough!

The first game for third and fourth spots, between the Green and Purple teams, was one for the books. It kept going back and fourth between the leads of the Green and Purple teams, and culminated in a big push by the Green team at the end of the last inning, securing their win. Both teams celebrated the game together, got their trophies and ate barbecued food.

The second game, between the Red and Blue teams, for 1st and second spots, was an exhilarating game. We saw kids batting like they've never batted before, and runs that have broken previous records. The children's knowledge of the game was so obvious, something the coaches have been diligent about. The young ones played their hearts out, the older ones mastered their game. The red team kept their push to win the first spot. Both teams celebrated with trophies, jumping in the air, chanting congratulatory songs as well as conciliatory words to each others.

The third game (also know as the Marathon ALL STARS game) went on and on and on for numerous hours. I felt like I were watching the major leagues. Roosevelt Island is truly blessed with a powerful team, one that should travel, win awards, and bring us pride. This game was filled with camaraderie, fun, and superb plays from everyone.

Brian King was in a "zen" zone during the All Stars game. Funny, witty and generous.

What a day! The community in general bonded: the children played full games with no interruptions, RIOC was there to help maintain the field in between games, Coaches cheered and directed their teams, the children played like pros, the parents enjoyed every moment, the umpires were meticulous, Public Safety directors enjoyed the games with their friends and family... and I took some nice pictures while resting on my blue recliner. I also saw a lot of parents texting the results to the loved ones that could not make it, play by play.

This day has become the standard for the people of Roosevelt Island.

The Youth Center's seasonal games are over until next fall, when Soccer starts again. In the meantime, I'd like us all to secure "free-time" for the children and their families during the summer -a time for the community to bond and get together, play, and have fun. I suggest that RIOC sets and publishes daily blocks of time that are dedicated to Roosevelt island's kids and families, times that are not rented to outside teams/leagues. Periods of time that are meant for the island to bond!

Mr. Mansour's suggestion of setting aside time for Roosevelt Island residents to be able to use at least one of the local ball fields rather than renting them all out to non-resident teams/leagues is a good one. I hope RIOC does as well.

Image by Adib Mansour (Bluebeard)

RIOC Maintenance workers getting Capobianco Field ready for the game. Roosevelt Island Public Safety Director Keith Guerra and Deputy Director Rene Bryan are watching.

There's More!













All images by Adib Mansour (Bluebeard)

As an extra Roosevelt Island Baseball bonus here is a walk off game winning hit during another game at Firefighters Field.

You Tube Video of Roosevelt Island Baseball Game