Roosevelt Island Good Samaritan Helps Another Resident Retrieve Stolen Iphone - Good Job!

Iphone Thief Image From Maximum PC

The 4/6 - 4/ 7 Roosevelt Island Daily Public Safety Report included this incident:

Robbery- Two male subjects forcible took an I phone from a female in the street. Witness ran after them. The cell phone was thrown on the ground. The witness returned the phone to the owner. PSD responded and conducted a search for the subjects with negative results. PSD crime unit to file a police report.

Roosevelt Island Public Safety Department Chief Keith Guerra provides some additional details:

The Good Samaritan was a male who witnessed the I-phone being snatched out of the woman's hand. When he yelled and started chasing the subject, the I-phone was immediately dropped to the side by the fleeing subject. The Good Samaritan picked it up and returned it to the woman - who suffered no injuries. Our Ant-Crime Officers are looking further into the matter.

Mr. Guerra adds the incident occurred:

Yesterday, April 6th at approximately 9:35PM in front of 400 Main St. (Train Station).

Roosevelt Island Residents Association April Common Council Meeting Tonight 8 PM - Come Find Out What Is Going On & Ask Questions

Image of December 2009 RIRA Meeting

The Roosevelt Island Residents Association (RIRA) Common Council will be meeting tonight at the Good Shepherd Community Center's Lower Level Room at 8 PM. The RIRA Common Council is composed of residents elected from each of the Roosevelt Island buildings. If you are interested in learning what's going on here on Roosevelt Island - Come On Down!

Prior to the start of the meeting there is an opportunity for the public to question and present any issues of concern to the Council.

Have not received the Agenda yet but will post when I do.

UPDATE 6:30 PM - Here's the April RIRA Common Council Agenda:

AGENDA

Date: Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Time: 8:00 P.M. - Finish
Place: Good Shepherd Community Center, 543 Main Street
1. Public Session (8:00)
- Vision 2020: A New Comprehensive Waterfront Plan
- Cornell University Study
- Vendors from Saturday Market

2. Roll Call (8:35)
X 3. Approval of Agenda (8:40)
4. Approval of Minutes (8:45)
X - March 3 minutes
5. Treasurer’s Report (8:50)
- Report
6. President's Report (8:55)
7. Committee Reports (9:05)
Planning - M. Katz
Communications - E. Erickson
Government Relations - A. Barfield
Public Safety - E. Feely-Nahem
Housing - J. Mincheff
Social, Cultural and Educational Services - N. Leopold
Island Services - A. Hamburger

8. Old Business (9:45)
9. New Business (10:00)
X - RIRA Blood Drive
X - RIRA Elections
- Discussion of RIOC user fees for Island residents
X - Donation for advertisement in Main Street Children and Teen Theatre program

10. Adjourn
X Agenda items requiring action
Town Hall Meeting for March RIOC Board Meeting: Wednesday, April 28, 2010, 8-9:30PM
Next Meeting: Wednesday, May 5, 2010 (Mailing Deadline: April 30, 2010)
Future Meetings: June 2, Septmber 15, October 6, November 3

RIOC Wins Award From Construction Women For Tram Modernization Project As Work Proceeds, Old Parts Stored & New Uses Sought For Cabins

Image From Professional Women In Construction

The Roosevelt Island Tram has been shut down and out of service for the last 5 weeks as it undergoes it's Modernization program which just won one of The Future In Progress Awards from the Professional Women In Construction. The award will be presented to Roosevelt Island Operating Corp. (RIOC) President Steve Shane today although the Tram is not scheduled to resume operation until late August/Early September 2010.

Image From Professional Women In Construction (Click Image To Enlarge)

How is the Tram Modernization project proceeding? Mr. Shane reports (Item 2) on the project's status:

Tram:
A. After 4 weeks since shutdown on March 1, the construction is proceeding apace, on schedule. We are monitoring closely.

On April 2, Paul Sahner (who writes the excellent NYC Grid photoblog) passed by the Tram Station and tweeted:

The support and drag cables for the Roosevelt Island Tram have been removed from their tracks and are hanging from the middle of the towers

but before the ropes came down another person spotted a:

Man tight rope walking on the now defunct roosevelt island tram. Can you spot him?

Image from Yfrog by Lydia Leavitt

Click on the image to enlarge and you will see him.

Anyone curious about what happened to the old Roosevelt Island Tram parts? Some parts, including the yellow gears


and red rescue buckets


are being stored in a Southtown fenced construction pen and the Tram Cabins are resting comfortably

Image of Trams At Motorgate by Judith Berdy

or not

Image of Tram Graveyard by Mike Patterson

in the Motorgate area.

What will become of the Tram Cabins. Nobody knows for sure yet but during the March 24 RIRA Town Hall Meeting Mr. Shane

Image of March 24 RIRA Town Hall Meeting

mentioned two possible uses for the Roosevelt Island Tram Cabins. One idea is to use at least one of the cabins as a cafe to be situated in Southpoint Park. Another possibility is to put the tram cabin on a flat bed truck

Image by Judith Berdy

and use it to transport riders

Image by Judith Berdy

from the new Tram to Southpoint Park

Image by Judith Berdy

All Aboard!!

Late Saturday Nite Disturbance On Roosevelt Island's Riverwalk Commons After Party - Public Safety Present To Keep The Peace

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Any Roosevelt Island Southtown residents hear a commotion Saturday night between 1 - 3 AM on the Riverwalk Commons? I heard about such a late night disturbance and asked Roosevelt Island Public Safety Director Keith Guerra:

I received several messages about a disturbance early Saturday morning 1-3 AM in front of the Riverwalk Commons with several Public Safety Department vehicles and a Segway officer responding to groups of people hanging out in the area.

There was nothing in the 4/3 -4/4 Daily Public Safety Report that I could see about this incident.

Can you provide any information as to what, if anything, happened?

Mr. Guerra replied:

No Incident Report was filed for any disturbance. Our blotter did indicate that there was some sort of party at the Bar & Grill that ended when the bar closed at 2:00am. Folks were outside but not unruly. PSD was present to Keep the Peace.

NYC Vision 2020 Waterfront Planning Meeting Thursday April 8 - Help Plan The The Future Waterfront & Make Roosevelt Island's Voice Heard

Image of NYC Waterfront From Metropolitan Waterfront Alliance

As we are all aware, Roosevelt Island is located between Manhattan and Queens, surrounded by water, in the East River. If you are interested in learning about and helping to plan the future of New York City's waterfront, including Roosevelt Island, this message from the Metropolitan Waterfront Alliance is for you.

Help Plan the City’s Waterfront

The Department of City Planning is currently preparing Vision 2020: The NYC Comprehensive Waterfront Plan, and we want your help. This plan will establish the city’s long range vision for a 21st Century waterfront, identifying opportunities for improvement and the strategies needed to realize this new vision. Visit our website, www.nyc.gov/waterfront, for plan updates, workshop announcements and to share your ideas and comments with us.

A kick-off citywide public meeting to discuss the process and solicit feedback will be held on:

APRIL 8, 2010
6:00 PM - 8:30 PM
MURRY BERGTRAUM HIGH SCHOOL
411 PEARL STREET
LOWER MANHATTAN

Here's an excerpt from MWA's excellent City of Water Documentary

"City of Water" trailer from MAS on Vimeo.

It's important that Roosevelt Island residents participate in this process and get involved because so often waterfront advocates and decision makers are unaware of our issues so they do not get addressed.

Roosevelt Island's Good Shepherd Plaza Renovation - What's Happening? RIRA Common Council Meeting Wednesday 8 PM

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Received the following Good Shepherd Plaza renovation update from Roosevelt Island Residents Association (RIRA) Planning Committtee Chair Matt Katz.

I have put together some notes on our meeting and I’m sharing them with you prior to presenting them to the RIRA Common Council on April 7. They are not based on a recording or transcript and so, may reflect a somewhat different perspective than your recollections. I hope I have touched on the high points. RIRA Council Members will have an opportunity to discuss the meeting on April 7; others may address the project during the Public Access portion of the Council agenda.

Below is Mr. Katz's report.

Good Shepherd Plaza Renovation Project
Town Meeting – March 25, 2010

Attending: RIOC: Rosina Abramson, Tom Turcic; Santo Verta; RIOC Board of Directors: Fay Christian, Howard Polivy, Margie Smith; RIRA Planning Committee: Ashton Barfield, Dolores Green, Matthew Katz (Chair), Joyce Mincheff, Ellen Polivy, Lynne Shinozaki; Rivercross: Marianne Russem; RIHS: Judy Berdy; WIRE: Dick Lutz; Resident Community: Helen Chirivas; arriving late: Paco Bozzano-Barnes (RIRA), Vicki Feinmel, Nurit Marcus, Fernando Martinez (RIOC).

Katz welcomed the group, saying that, while the meeting was under the auspices of the RIRA Planning Committee, a formal sub-committee had not been formed and that the meeting was, at least at present, an ad hoc response to Abramson’s request to discuss the Good Shepherd Plaza renovation project with community stakeholders. He noted that the invitation list included management and tenant representatives from the building complexes abutting the Plaza; RIOC, RIOC Board and RIRA reps; as well as organizers of the events that use the space. Approximately half of those invited were attending.

Turcic, RIOC Chief Engineer, presented the plan. He said there was little change involved, and that the proposed HVAC upgrade was the only element that requires approval from the Landmarks Preservation Commission. The cooling tower in the Chapel belfry is to be replaced by a ground-level condenser just west of the side entrance that will be covered by a wooden barrier. The red slate pavers are to be replaced, drainage will be reconfigured, bench locations are to be reconsidered and the tall lights will be replaced by ten-foot lights similar to the ones on Main Street and with new eight-foot lights at the west entrance doors. Russem said the Plaza is dim and asked if three lights each on the north and south sides would be sufficient to make the area brighter.

Turcic indicated that subsidence has caused drainage problems. The north-south-running drains on the east and west sides of the Chapel will remain, but the other north-west-running drain, located near the back of the Chapel, would be replaced by east-west-running trench drains where the concrete stripes now break up the red tile pattern. In addition, the squared-off concrete apron at the eastern (apse) end of the structure would be rounded to conform to the shape of the building. Chirivas asked if there would be any interior Chapel work and Turcic responded, “No.”

Christian asked what color the proposed herringbone brick would be. Turcic said it could match the present color with concrete pavers, still broken up by concrete stripes. Smith asked why the present red pavers would be replaced using a small herringbone pattern. Turcic said that the interlocking pattern would last longer. When asked about existing stocks of z-brick, Turcic said there was none left and that it was no longer manufactured. He said that the Plaza sub-base was crushed concrete covered by sand, and noted that two-inch bricks would replace the existing, more fragile one-inch pavers.

Mincheff advocated placing a bocce court in the Plaza; Turcic suggested perhaps using another venue. Turcic mentioned that the sixteen existing concrete bollards are in poor condition and questioned whether they should be replaced or removed. Green advocated removing them. Russem said she was concerned about the bench placement blocking performance sight lines for audiences and suggested placing concrete chess/checkers tables with permanent seating in appropriate spots.

Russem advocated using larger, more substantive planters around the Plaza and Marcus asked if built-in irrigation could be channeled to raised planters. Turcic noted that moveable planers could be moved to accommodate specific functions and events. Shinozaki asked whether a disabled ramp could be installed at the west entrance noting that the side-door elevator often breaks down. Turcic cited the extreme slope at that entrance and the involvement of the Landmarks Preservation Commission that this would require. Berdy noted that the side-door steps and ramp are “shot,” and Turcic said that door would be replaced.

Turcic said that Alex Herrera of the Landmarks Conservancy was assisting in the choice of a wooden barrier to camouflage the HVAC installation. Reflecting an idea proposed by RIRA President, Frank Farance, Katz asked if this potentially noisy machinery could be installed on the Island House side of the north plaza and connected to the Chapel ductwork using conduits underneath the pavers. Turcic thought the condenser assembly wouldn’t add to the noise, either on the Plaza or in the community room abutting it. It was noted that the garbage dumpster adjacent to Island House is “offensive,” and Martinez said that the Trellis needs to keep up with collections. Mincheff thought the Trellis fencing should be the same as the HVAC fencing.

Bozzano suggested canopies to provide shade on the Plaza similar to those used in Spain. Turcic said these had not been considered so far. Bozzano asked if alternatives to air conditioning might be considered that would not use energy and thus, would not add to global warming. Turcic said the air conditioning upgrade already had been put out to bid, and noted that the current Chapel cooling tower is not operational and therefore, Good Shepherd will not be cooled this summer. Katz said he would alert the Island concert promoters to this situation. Turcic noted that the existing cooling system was inefficient and would be replaced by a more efficient method that can be directed to the level where people are congregating. He said the new system would cut energy costs by half.

Russem asked who controlled the concrete seating area directly adjacent to Rivercross. Nobody knew.

Katz asked the group to consider next steps. Abramson suggested another meeting to discuss design elements such as herringbone brick (or another surface), planters, moveable furniture and so on. She noted that construction would probably start in the fall (September? October?) so as not to disrupt summer activities and would require about three months to complete. Katz noted that the Fall for Arts performances would need another venue in this case. Turcic said that bids are expected back April 5.

The April RIRA Common Council meeting will be held on Wednesday, April 7 at the Good Shepherd Community Center (8 PM). Prior to the start of the Common Council meeting there is Public Session providing an opportunity for the public to present any issues of concern to the Council.

Roosevelt Island Grog Liquor Shop Auction Tomorrow - RIOC Real Estate Committee Meeting Today On Main Street Master Leaseholder & Tennis Club License

Roosevelt Island Grog Shop Seizure Sign on Window

Several readers have pointed out that an auction of the former Roosevelt Island Grog Shop's contents will be held on Tuesday. From Caspert Autioneers and Appraisers:

RETAIL LIQUOR STORE -By Order of New York State Department of Taxation & Finance-

Auction Date: Tuesday, 06th of April 2010 @ 11:00 am (Inspection 10:00 am)

Place of Auction: ROOSEVELT ISLAND WINES & LIQUORS, INC., 605 Main Street, Roosevelt Island, NY

Auction Details: Fine Red & White Wines & Brand Name Spirits Such As Voldka, Whiskey; Brandy & Cognac, Together With a Computerized Register System & Security System Will Be Offered at Public Auction!

Roosevelt Island Operating Corp. (RIOC) President Steve Shane reported on the status of the Grog Shop (Item 10):

Grog Shop: The New York State Department of Taxation & Finance has shuttered the Grog Shop for non payment of franchise and sales taxes. I have been in touch with the attorney representing the estate of Archie Seale and have referred to him the several inquiries as to possible new store operators. If they can make a deal for assignment of the existing lease, could reestablish the operation after getting State Liquor Authority licensing approvals. We are well aware of the loss of an important service establishment and will do everything possible to facilitate a favorable resolution for Island residents.

At 5 PM this afternoon, there will be a meeting of the RIOC Board's Real Estate Advisory Committee. The Agenda items include the proposed Main Street retail master lease. From RIOC:

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that a meeting of the Real Estate Development Advisory Committee of the RIOC Board of Directors will be held on Monday, April 5, 2010 at 5:00 p.m. at the RIOC administrative office, 591 Main Street, Roosevelt Island, New York. The Committee will meet to:

1. discuss with Jones Lang LaSalle Americas, Inc. the RFP for the Main Street retail master lease;
2. receive an update on the Grog Shop lease status; and
3. review the Roosevelt Island Racquet Club license agreement.

Before any attempt is made to assign the Grog Shop's lease, it might be prudent to see how that might impact any potential Master Lease Agreement.

Also, glad to see the RIOC Board members are looking into the Roosevelt Island Racquet Club license agreement. Back in earlier 2007 post, I wrote about what appeared to be a questionable deal by RIOC to extend the Racquet Club License Agreement from 2031 to 2048 for no apparent beneficial reason to RIOC and which a reader characterized as being fishy.

Image is from supersubsonic.com

For instance, how much is the License fee paid to RIOC by the Tennis Club? The 70,000 square foot Roosevelt Island Racquet Club is paying $225,000 annual license fee as well as a potential additional $60 -70,000 in percentage rent.

Compare this deal RIOC negotiated with the Roosevelt Island Racquet Club to a recent one NYC Parks Department completed with the Sutton East Tennis Club just across the River on 59th and York Avenue. From the NY Times City Room Blog:

... According Mr. Scolnick, the Parks Department would receive 35 percent of the revenue from September through April, with a guarantee of at least $2.5 million over the next eight years and 25 percent of the revenue for the rest of the months, with a guarantee of approximately $16 million over the same period....

At the time RIOC was negotiating the License Extension to the Roosevelt Island Racquet Club I asked Mr. Shane:

How does the license fee for the Roosevelt Island Racquet Club compare to other similarly situated clubs in New York City? Is it comparable in terms of fees and term? Is it even a relevant question?

Mr. Shane replied:

Other racquet clubs not relevant. We have ours. The property is devoted to recreational purposes in the GDP but unusable as "open" space because of the shower of auto parts from the bridge and is already under license to 2031, now as extended.

Needless to say, it might be an interesting RIOC Real Estate Advisory Committee meeting this afternoon.

More on the Roosevelt Island Racquet Club License Agreement available here.

An audio webcast of the meeting will be available on the RIOC web site within 2 business days.

No Roosevelt Island Manhattan Bound F Train Service Next Sunday April 11 From 12 AM - 12 PM

You Tube Video of Roosevelt Island Manhattan Bound F Train

Roosevelt Island residents will experience our first scheduled weekend subway service disruption during the Tram Shutdown this Sunday. From a RIOC Advisory:

Please be advised on Sunday, April 11, 2010 there will be no Southbound F Train service from 12:00 A.M. to 12:00 P.M. Red Bus service will run every half hour to Manhattan during the disruption period.

Thank you for your cooperation.

From the MTA service advisory page for April 11.

F Stillwell Av-bound trains run on the V from Roosevelt Av to 5 Av/53 St

Weekend, 12:01 AM to noon Sunday, Apr 11

Trains skip 21 St-Queensbridge, Roosevelt Island, Lexington Av-63 St, and 57 St.

For service to these stations, take the F to 47-50 Sts and transfer to a 179 St-bound F.

For service from these stations, take 179 St-bound F to Roosevelt Av and transfer to a Stillwell Av-bound F.

Note: Trains run express from Roosevelt Av to Queens Plaza.

Plan accordingly.

Happy Roosevelt Island Easter & Passover - Some Suggestions For Matzah Leftovers

Best wishes for a Happy Roosevelt Island Easter

You Tube Video of Easter Parade

and Passover.

Here are some suggestions for those with any leftover Matzahs.

You Tube Video of Things To Do With Matzah

Corporate & Zog Softball Teams Return To Roosevelt Island Playing Fields - Review Pony Field, Then Relax With A Nitecap At Riverwalk Bar & Grill

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Opening day of the baseball season returns on Sunday night at Fenway Park with the Yankees playing the Red Sox. Great way to start off the season. On Roosevelt Island, like MLB and the Swallows to Capistrano, the corporate and Zog softball players have returned as well.

A softball player from Brooklyn had this to say about playing on Roosevelt Island's Pony Field according to a Yelp review:

... Pony Field is one of three softball/baseball fields on Roosevelt Island and the farthest to get to. Hoof it on foot through the Soviet-era Russia-esque buildings "downtown," or take the bus for .25 cents. I'm not sure about parking around the field, as I think most may be by permit only.

This field is pretty decent as far as fields go. It used to be one of the most run down (read: weeds) and neglected fields on the island, but within the past few years it has been resurrected. There are new dugouts for players and aluminum tiered benches for fans. The infield is a sandy-dirt mixture and the outfield is fairly even and maintained. There are also nearby bathrooms, which are, ah, best described as "meh."

One thing that RI has going for it are the spectacular NYC skyline views and sunsets....which, after taking in, makes the long F train ride back to Brooklyn pretty okay in my book....

I spoke with a Yahoo softball player the other night at the Riverwalk Bar & Grill who told me the same thing as the Yelp reviewer and added that the field was comparable to others he played on including those in Central Park.

Some of the softball players and others were relaxing after a game last night at the Riverwalk Bar & Grill outdoor seating area.

More on Roosevelt Island playing fields from RIOC.

Use Roosevelt Island Public Safety Department's Air Pump To Inflate Your Bicycle Tires, Basketballs and Soccer Balls

The weather is turning nicer and this weekend is supposed to be sunny with the temperature in the 70's. Thoughts turn to outdoor activities such as bike riding and basketball. So, if you need to fill your bicycle or basketball with air, Roosevelt Island's Public Safety Department can help.

The Public Safety Department would like to offer the residents of the island the opportunity to come in and use our Bicycle Pump. Feel free to come in, say hello and meet an Officer. While you're here, you may fill a bicycle tire, a basketball or soccer ball.

Public Safety Director Keith Guerra adds that the pump is electric.

More Roosevelt Island Parking Problems - Spaces Removed From Street Opposite The Fire Station Near Octagon Park

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A reader of this post on parking problems in Southtown's Riverwalk area asks:

Why have they suddenly made street parking illegal in front of Octagon Park (across from the fire house)? It used to be metered parking. In fact, the meter machine is still there, but new "No Parking" signs have been erected there.

I asked RIOC VP Of Operations Fernando Martinez about what happened to the parking across from the Fire House and he promised to look into the matter and obtain an answer to the question.


UPDATE 4 PM - Mr. Martinez has the answer and solution:

The signs were changed to "No Parking" when we repaved the roadway from Manhattan Park to the Octagon Field. Unfortunately, the signs were not changed back to allow for parking in that area. The RIOC Engineering Department has been notified and will install the proper signs. Thank you for bringing this to my attention.

UPDATE 5:30 PM -According to RIOC:

Our Maintenance Dept. installed the signs yesterday morning, between 40 River Rd., Manhattan Park Building to the Octagon Field Comfort Station. Three (3) signs were installed on the light poles, the signs read 6 hour parking, $1.00 per hour.

Credit Card Payments Now Accepted At Roosevelt Island's Motorgate Garage - Will Farmers Market Be Next?

You Tube Video of Mr. Bean In A Garage

A post from last December included a request from a reader for acceptance of credit card payments at Roosevelt Island's Motorgate Garage:

I recently parked at the garage and there is no sign posted that they do not accept credit cards. Not even on the entrance. I have never gone to a parking garage that did not accept credit cards. The only place to get cash out is Gristedes. I would like to see the garage accept credit cards...maybe you can help!

Well reader, your good idea has now been implemented. RIOC President Steve Shane sent in the following message:

BTW, credit cards are now accepted at Motorgate.

The next step is to get the vendors at the Roosevelt Island Saturday Farmers Market to accept credit or debit cards.

UPDATE 11 AM - The 4/1 -4/2 Public Safety Report advises that two vehicles were found to have car windows broken in the garage:

Criminal Mischief/Petit Larceny - PSD officer observed two vehicles with broken windows in parking garage. PSD conducted search with negative results. Items were taken from both vehicles. NYPD responded and made a police report.

UPDATE 4PM - A reader of this parking post has an interesting take on Motorgate Garage:

As a new resident (who only occasionally has a car), I didn't realize understand the parking issues voiced here and in other places. Come on, there's Motorgate! Then I used Motorgate. It all makes sense now.

Roosevelt Island 2010 Census Information Assistance Available Thru April 19 - 10 Questions, 10 Minutes, 10 Years

According to ABC News:

Just in case you didn't know, the government has dubbed today National Census Day, the reference date for its once-a-decade attempt to count the country's population...

Do you have a question about the Census form. If so, you can visit the Roosevelt Island Census Questionnaire Center.

According to RIOC:

Census "Be Counted" Questionnaire Assistance Centers on Roosevelt Island

The Center will answer questions about the Census form, have forms available for residents who did not receive theirs and help people fill out their forms.

We have instructions in several different languages and will use those to help residents who do not speak English.

The schedule is as follows:

Opens today, March 19 through Monday April 19.

546 Main Street: lobby Mon, Tues, Thurs Fri, Noon - 4p.m.

Coler Goldwater Hospital 900 Main Street (north end of Island): Tues, Wed, Thurs, 5 p.m. - 8 p.m. Fri, 5 p.m. - 7 p.m.. Sat 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

The NY Times shows who turned in their Cenus Forms so far.

Image From NY Times

Click here if you want to see the Census participation rate for Roosevelt Island,then just put in zip code.

Lower East Side Ecology Center Holding Roosevelt Island Electronic Waste Recycling On Saturday April 3

You Tube Video of Union Square LESEC E-Waste Recycling

According to Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Community Relations Expert Erica Wilder, the Lower East Side Ecology Center will be holding a free electronic waste recycling event on Saturday April 3:

E-Waste RECYCLING EVENT

RIOC and the Lower East Side Ecology Center will be holding a free electronic waste recycling event just in time for spring-cleaning to help Roosevelt Island Residents un-clutter their homes of unwanted gadgets by disposing of electronics in an environmentally sound way. This year also marks the 40th Anniversary of Earth Day on April 22.

Residents are invited to bring their unwanted electronics to the Good Shephard Plaza 543 Main Street-Saturday, April 3rd, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.(Rain or shine)

The following items will be accepted: working and non-working computers (laptops, desktops, servers), monitors, printers, keyboards, mice, cables, TV’s, audio-visual electronic devices and cell phones.

According to an EPA study, 40% of the toxins in household garbage come from computers and electronics. Recycling electronics help keeps these toxins out of landfills, incinerators and the environment. By offering free electronics recycling events, the Lower East Side Ecology Center is hoping to stem the tide of all these highly toxic materials reaching the waste stream.

Click on images below for more information and additional locations for future electronic waste recycling events.


RIOC is advising:

Be advised that due to the E-WASTE RECYCLING EVENT being held at the Good Shephard Plaza (543 Main Street), there will be "No Parking" from 543 Main Street to 531 Main Street during the hours of 7:00am and 6:00pm on Saturday, April 3rd, 2010.

More on recycling electronic waste from NYC Waste Less.