Roosevelt Island Resident Makes Obscene Gesture At RIOC Motorgate Helix Camera Says Public Safety Department, Also Alleges Resident Broke Camera - Now Under Arrest

Roosevelt Island Public Safety Department Director Keith Guerra reports:

On November 30, 2010 at approximately 10:53PM, a male subject approached a camera owned by the Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation located at the top of the helix.  Said subject made an obscene gesture and proceeded to break said camera, causing $3700 in damages.  Said subject must not have realized that his image was captured by the camera system, and that he was known to the Roosevelt Island Public Safety Department due to a prior arrest in 2007.

On December 3, 2010, {Name and address of Roosevelt Island resident deleted}, was apprehended by the Roosevelt Island Public Safety Department and charged with Criminal Tampering 1st degree, Criminal Mischief 2nd degree and Obstructing Governmental Administration 2nd degree. His arrest was completed at the 114th Precinct, and he was transported to Manhattan Central Booking.  He was arraigned on December 4, 2010, and remains in custody awaiting an indictment by the Grand Jury.

Kudos to the PSD officers involved in this investigation and arrest, and thanks to P.O. Fernandez for his assistance as well.

Note that I deleted the name and address of the suspect because there has been no conviction or admission of guilt.

Roosevelt Island Day Nursery Registration Starts Today For January - June 2011 Program

Are you the parent of a two year old Roosevelt Islander? If so, you may be interested in the the following information from the Roosevelt Island Day Nursery (RIDN):

Announcing.........

a NEW program for the NEW YEAR!

Half Day Two's is a 5 morning class (9 am-12 noon) for 2 year old children born between April and December 2008.

Registration will begin on December 7th! 

According to the RIDN:

The Roosevelt Island Day Nursery (RIDN) is an international school whose population reflects the rich ethnic, cultural and racial diversity of the Roosevelt Island community. The Day Nursery provides infant, toddler, preschool and Universal PreK programs for children ages 3 months through 5 years.

RIDN is located in two sites offering views of the East River the Queensboro Bridge and the NYC skyline. Each school provides opportunities for year round outdoor play in well equipped playgrounds and beautiful green lawns.

A 2009 Main Street WIRE article has more on the RIDN:

After more than 30 years in one location, the Roosevelt Island Day Nursery will soon be adding a second facility. The addition will be located in Building #6 of the Riverwalk project, and will be known as the Roosevelt Island Day Nursery at Riverwalk. The age group served there will be three months to three years. (After age three, children can attend the present facility at 4 River Road. When a student reaches age five, a parent has two options ?the Day Nursery for a year of kindergarten, or a transfer to kindergarten at PS 217.)...

Roosevelt Island Constituent Office Hours With NY State Senator Jose M. Serrano's Office Today, 4-7 PM - Remember To Bring Copies Of Any Necessary Paperwork

Image From State Senator Jose Serrano

Today is the first Tuesday of the month so representatives from State Senator Jose Serrano's office will be holding Roosevelt Island constituent service hours at RIOC Headquarters (591 Main Street) beginning at 4 PM this afternoon until 7 PM.

If you have any questions to ask Senator Serrano's staff or are in need of any assistance that may require the help of your elected representative stop on by RIOC HQ. Also, bring photocopies of any paperwork related to your situation so that the Serrano staff can effectively and efficiently address the issue.

Be Glad You Were Not Stuck In The Roosevelt Island F Train Subway Elevator During Yesterday Morning's Rush Hour - That's Why I Take The Stairs Or Escalalators

Image Of Roosevelt Island F Train Subway Elevator To Manhattan Platform

The Roosevelt Island F Train Subway elevator got stuck during yesterday morning's rush hour. Kittylexy, a trapped Roosevelt Island F Train subway rider,  tweeted:

Trapped in RI elevator.60 min n counting

Then

MTA elevator stuck 60min and counting w/15 adults 2 kids 1 baby. Inspection fail. MTA useless. We called 911. Fire dep here

and were finally rescued.

Finally out of the elevator and at work. Thanks to NYC's bravest! The #NYFD rock! Take notes #MTA. Don't leave ppl stranded in elevators!!

Hope you were not one of the unfortunate people stuck in the elevator

Roosevelt Island Public Safety Director Keith Guerra adds:

At approximately 8:25AM, an FDNY vehicle responded to the Train Station. Our PSD units responded as back-up and were informed by FDNY personnel, who were called by the MTA, that 8 people were stuck in the elevator. The individuals were removed from the elevator by FDNY. No injuries were reported.

Interested in knowing what it's like to be stuck in an elevator over a prolonged period of time without actually having to go through the experience? Then check out this previous post that includes a time lapse video of a man stuck in an elevator for over 40 hours.

UPDATE 2:45 PM -Gothamist provides a complete first hand account from the stuck Roosevelt Island subway elevator passenger. An excerpt:

... Seconds into its descent the inside door opened and caused the elevator to stop about 20 to 30 feet below ground level. The man nearest the door tried shutting it a few times; it popped back open twice before closing. The elevator didn’t move after that so we called for “help.” Time in elevator: 10 min (8:15am) The MTA person on the other end came through garbled at best, but offered no real help anyway. The person said they would call the engineer. Ok fine. There was grumbling, one person louder than others, but overall no one was particularly panicked. Ten more minutes go by and it’s getting hot in there. There’s one small vent near the front which is clogged with dirt and who knows what.

We jam the bell button, bang on the door and yell into the call button. One woman was particularly vocal, and who could blame her. It was tightly packed in there, getting stuffier by the moment and there was NO communication from the MTA. When the MTA rep gets back on the speaker, they say, “The engineer is on his way. 10 minutes.” We’ve been stuck about 30 minutes at this point and patience is wearing thin. I think the baby was the most unperturbed of the lot of us. Aerosmith’s “Love in an Elevator” looped in my head, but I thought singing it would be in bad taste....

and a You Tube video of the FDNY's arrival.



 Of the Roosevelt Island subway station and it's escalators, the stuck passenger adds:

 ... The escalators there are perpetually broken as well. My mom was on one when it suddenly stopped. If she wasn’t holding onto the rail she would have been thrown back. I saw another person get his jacket snagged on a section without paneling. He had to keep climbing while he freed himself. When it rains, the place is soaked with water. No one mops. I was being super careful because of that but I slipped and cracked my shins anyway. Did I mention the doors have been broken for months? Yeah, the Roosevelt Island station is a mess and the MTA staff that work there are rude and useless. I’ll take my chances with the tram. At least if that gets stuck I watch YouTube....

 Gothamist's full account of the incident is here.

Update On 30 New West Drive Parking Spots In Southtown - Does Roosevelt Island Need More Street Parking Or Should Cars Be Discouraged?

New 2 Hour Parking Spots On Southtown's West Drive

Received an update from RIOC concerning the new West Drive parking spots in Southtown . According to this RIOC Advisory:

RIOC is in the process of conducting a parking pilot project in the Riverwalk section of town. We have designated approximately 30 parking spaces on the West Drive. Streetline has installed sensors in each of the spaces designated along West Drive, which will enable residents who choose to download the application the ability to ascertain an available parking space. This program will also give the Public Safety Department the ability to detect if vehicles are parked in the spaces longer than the allotted amount of time. Meters will be installed shortly to begin this pilot project. Until then, we are extending a two hour parking courtesy to those interested in parking their vehicles in those designated parking spaces. The two hour parking courtesy will be strictly enforced by the Public Safety Department. Those wishing to park for more than two hours are encouraged to use the Motorgate Parking Garage. Another advisory will follow as soon as the meters are installed.

Thank you for your cooperation in this matter.

The West Drive parking spots extend from the backs of 405 - 425 Main Street (pictured above) to 455 - 475 Main and

up to the Blackwell Turnaround.

RIOC has also installed new traffic signage at the Blackwell Turnaround instructing drivers approaching the Turnaround to stay left unless making a U-Turn and not to head south on the new one-way northbound West Channel Road.

Are these new parking spots good for Roosevelt Island and Southtown? As the comments to this post illustrate, there is a great difference of opinion among Roosevelt Island residents. For instance, readers opposed to the West Channel parking spots write:

... Those 30 spots are a very poor use of those areas. A long and beautiful vista is a high price to pay for 30 spots (and the ugly gaps for fire hydrants etc.) and more foot traffic to trample on public lawn and plantings. There are so much more space that can be used north of the steam station (across/south of the Fireman's Field) and all around the back of the hospital facing Queens.

and:

I get the sense that people think they are entitled to parking spaces for their cars. Yes, we live in NYC and since when does it mean in this city that more buildings mean more offerings to park your car?

We are talking about changing something that used to be nice to just another street in NYC. Bring on the cars. Yeah! We can't have enough metal and steel littered all around.

and:

RIOC's unilateral idea of changing half of the West Road south of the circle is an abomination.
PSD has not been able to enforce parking restrictions on Main Street so probably will not do so on West Road.
The whole concept also calls into doubt any consideration of creating a nice promenade around the is-land for pedestrians and bicyclists (which would be a another tourist attraction).
The walk to/from the subway and tram stations has become like a walk on a Manhattan Street.
RIOC should lower the price of short time parking at Motorgate and simplify/enforce the short term street parking rules instead of putting vehicles all over the Island.
If this is not done it means
"Riverwalk Interests Overrule Community"

West Channel Parking supporters counter:

Actually the spaces are for short term parking. Sensors are being installed to make sure they are used for that. Also I read here that they want to lower the prices in motorgate to encourage parking there as well. The hardest thing for businesses is having no short term parking. Its a death sentence. Try inviting a family with a car for a bite to eat on RI. Try inviting anyone to this oasis for anything and the RI parking tax at the garage or lack of parking anywhere makes it impossible. You can have a family of 5 park somewhere else and pay a cab or take a subway but that adds 20 bucks either way. As a result you have a ghost town for shops in an already bad economy and current businesses threatened. Also lets remember it was changed to one way for safety reasons as the area near the subway was an accident waiting to happen.

and:

Complain all you want. The extra short term parking is here to stay, so just deal with it. Remember, it's short term parking for loading, unloading or getting a bite to eat or something.

Plus, the spaces are not only for island residents but visitors who wish to patronize the businesses here.

and:

nYC businesses haven't adapted to not having parking. They have millions of local people around them. RI is landlocked and apparently filled with anonymous people who are sure about everything but know very little. But you are right we should plant more trees and rollerskate to work and pay for life with unicorns and rainbows. The automobile was invented a long time ago. I suggest you get used to it. You live in shadow of the one of the largest power plants on planet earth and you are concerned with the automobile. Hilarious.

This is not an issue of Roosevelt Island newcomers versus old timers or Riverwalk residents versus WIRE building residents. There are plenty of Riverwalk residents and newcomers to Roosevelt Island who are against this additional parking.  It's more an issue between those who don't want to encourage the use of more cars on Roosevelt Island and those who do.

I think encouraging the use of cars on Roosevelt Island by adding 30 additional parking spots at Roosevelt Island's public transportation hub which is only steps from the subway and tram is ridiculous.  The reasons advanced for the West Channel Parking don't hold up to scrutiny.

Short term parking to load and unload packages does not require 2 hours of parking nor do I think that Riverwalk businesses such as Duane Reade, Starbucks, Nonno's, Fuji East and the Riverwalk Bar & Grill will benefit from patrons driving to their stores enough to justify burdening the rest of us with their cars. Come on, how many people from outside of Roosevelt Island will really drive here to patronage these businesses? Don't think many will.  I fear that this is just the first step in eventually allowing unlimited parking in Southtown which is favored by some Riverwalk car owners who don't like parking their cars in the Motorgate Garage.

The wireless parking sensors are a good idea but get rid of the West Channel parking and use the wireless parking technology for Main Street parking spots and the Motorgate Garage. Here's how the Streetline wireless parking system works



and prior posts on same topic.

UPDATE 12/7 - The Riverwalk buildings have a driveway cut out in front of their buildings for loading and unloading

 Car Pick Up and Drop Off Area At 455 Main Street

with a 20 minute limit.

 20 Minute Parking Sign For Loading and Unloading In Front Of Riverwalk Building

Now that the Tram is back in service, when will the temporary parking priveleges for Tennis club patrons at the Southtown field opposite the Riverwalk Commons during the Tram outage be revoked. There is no reason why tennis club patrons should be given special parking status on Roosevelt Island - is there?

Incredible Video Of Remote Control Plane Flying Over Statue Of Liberty, Brooklyn Bridge And Exploring New York City

You Tube Video Of Remote Control Plane Flying Over NYC

We think the views from the Roosevelt Island Tram are fantastic but nothing compares to the views of New York City seen from this remote controlled plane flying over lower Manhattan. According to Ars Technica:

The video is absolutely stunning: a remote-controlled plane flies over and around the Brooklyn Bridge, buzzes the Statue of Liberty, and explores New York from a point of view even "real" airplanes rarely see. While the police were curious about what was happening, no arrests were made, and the creators of the video praise the police and the TSA for their professionalism.
This is the story of how one group of enthusiasts made flying a plane around New York City fun again...

The pictures are amazing but the natural concern is of the potential for damage caused  by those who wish us harm using such devices. Hope the NYPD and other professionals learned some lessons from this incident.

What Was Roosevelt Island Like In 1982? Some Answers From NY Times and You Tube

A little bit of Roosevelt Island history before the arrival of the subway. A reader sends in this link to a 1982 NY Times article titled:

IF YOU'RE THINKING OF LIVING IN:; ROOSEVELT ISLAND

A few quotes from the article:

... It is an island of baby strollers and children playing fearlessly in the street, sparkling vistas of Manhattan and refreshing breezes. It is also an island of silent nights, little street life and none of the pulsating activity to be found just across the river. For people who seek proximity to the city but prefer a relatively safe and quiet place to make their home, Roosevelt Island may be a good choice...

...The island is accessible to cars via a small bridge that connects it to Queens at 36th Avenue. When the tram is out of service, residents must cross this bridge by bus and then travel to Manhattan - where most work - by a circuitious route. Cars are allowed on the island, but may park only in the Motorgate Parking Garage...

... The Rivercross complex has 375 deluxe co-ops and some of the finest views in the city. Because it was built under the state's Mitchell-Lama subsidy program, resale prices are legally limited to recouping the price of the original investment. Apartments sell for $15,000 to $30,000 and monthly maintenance costs, which are partly tax deductible, range from $500 to $1,200. Here, too, the turnover is moderate, with about three sales a month.
Illegal co-op sales have been made at Rivercross in the past, with shareholders charging more than the legal maximum. As a result, the co-op board instituted a stringent system of appraisal...

... Many residents cite a lack of diversity in shops and their relatively high prices as the island's greatest drawback. As a result, some shop for food and staples in Queens. On the island there is only one supermarket, a mom-and-pop store, a pharmacy, a pizzeria, and a deli. For frills, diversity or particularly attractive sales, residents have to look elsewhere.

For more on Roosevelt Island from 30 years ago, take a look at this You Tube video of Roosevelt Island - An Island Place, showing what the Roosevelt Island Experiment was like for some of the first residents to move here in the late 1970's and early 1980's.

Roosevelt Island Christmas Trees On Sale At Motorgate Plaza

Are you looking to buy a Roosevelt Island Christmas Tree like Jane, the reader of this 2009 post, who asks when the local Boy Scout troop will start their annual Christmas Tree sale at Motorgate Plaza next to Gristedes?

Is this happening again this year? Anyone know when it starts. Was expecting to see them set up this morning at the farmers market - maybe the Christmas tree lighting just got me too excited too early! ;)

Jane may have looked a bit too early this morning, because I saw the Boy Scouts selling Christmas Trees at Motorgate Plaza this afternoon.

The Roosevelt Island Boy Scout Christmas Trees can be bough Fridays from 6 - 8PM, Saturdays 10 AM - 6 PM, Sundays 1 - 6 PM and Monday December 20 from  6-8 PM.

Also, now that the Tram is back in service, it should be easy to buy a tree at one of the many vendors on Second Avenue and bring it back to Roosevelt Island on the Tram.

Jane is right about the Tree Lighting Ceremony - it was terrific.

Image From Jonathan Kalkin

and so was Santa

Image From Senator Jose Serrano

Saturday Night Roosevelt Island Romantic Jewels Concert Presented By Rosemarie & Robin Russell Family Concert Series - Beethoven, Prokofiev, Schuman, Ysaye & It's All Free

Image from R&R Concerts

This Saturday night our very own local Rosemarie & Robin Russell Family Concert Series will be presenting a free evening of classical music at the Good Shepherd Community Center starting at 8 PM.

R&R Concerts presents

Ralph Allen, violin
Geoffrey Duce, piano

Romantic Jewels

8:00 PM Saturday, December 4, 2010

Good Shepherd Center
543 Main Street, Roosevelt Island, NY

Beethoven: "Spring" Sonata

Prokofiev: Five Melodies

Schumann: Marchenbilder (Fairy Tales)

Ysaÿe: Rêve d'Enfant

Admission is FREE

And on December 18:

The Holiday Concert

Here's a taste of Beethoven's Spring Sonata for violin and piano.



More information on the R&R concert series from previous posts. All reports from previous concerts are that if you go, you will have a great time.

Santa Claus Is Coming To Town For The Annual Roosevelt Island Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony Tonight & Tomorrow The Roosevelt Island Chanukah Menorah Lighting Ceremony Will Take Place - Can't Take All This Excitement!!!

Roosevelt Island Reindeer Card

Can Roosevelt Island residents take any more excitement this week? First, there was the re-opening of the Tram and later this evening comes the annual Tree Lighting Ceremony at Blackwell Park

Image of 2009 Roosevelt Island Holiday/Christmas Tree At Blackwell House Plaza

with a visit from the Big Man In The Red Suit - Santa Claus

Santa Clause Arrives For 2007 Roosevelt Island Tree Lighting Photo by Alexis Villafane

From RIOC:

You are cordially invited to join the Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation at the Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony. The festivities will take place at Blackwell Plaza on Friday, December 3rd at 7 PM.  Santa will make a special appearance to receive wishes from the Roosevelt Island Community. Join our musical guests as they lead the audience with up-beat carols and a dance-inducing live performance.  Warming winter treats such as hot cider and hot chocolate will also be served.  Kids can look forward to small holiday gifts and a photo with Santa.

Bring your holiday cheer for a celebration you would not want to miss!

More holiday excitement to enjoy Saturday with the Roosevelt Island Public Menorah Lighting Ceremony.

 

 There will be Music, Hot Latkes and donuts, Hot Drinks, Dreidel’s and Chanukah Gelt and Gifts for everyone starting at 6:30 PM.

Image of Roosevelt Island Chanukah Tram At Riverwalk Landing

My head is spinning from so much Roosevelt Island excitement!!!!!

You Tube Video Of Hannukah Lights

Hopefully, will know soon weather the Roosevelt Island Tram Reindeer Cards will be available for sale this year.

Last, but not least, here's Neil Diamond's version of Adam Sandler's classic Chanukah Song



and Bruce Springsteen's Santa Claus is Coming To Town.

UPDATE 2:25 PM - CNN reports on the lack of good Chanukah songs:

 Face it: Good Hanukkah songs are hard to come by.
For decades, school children performing in holiday concerts have droned on about that dreidel, dreidel, dreidel they've made out of clay....

but here's a new one from the Maccabeats
 

Operational Kinks And Minor Glitches Being Worked Out On The New Roosevelt Island Tram System, But It's Still Great To Have It Back In Service - More Scenes From the Tram's Grand Opening Celebration

Image From Duc Le

There are still a few kinks in the new Roosevelt Island Tram system that need to be worked out. A Roosevelt Island resident sent in this video last evening just after 6 PM and is heard asking

Are you sure you want to get on this thing

and reported:

Tram stalled just now.

I followed up a little later asking if it was still stuck and received this reply:

it just was stopped for about 10 minutes, I asked and the operator just said there are still a few kinks in the system.

Some residents also experienced problems on Tuesday's evening commute home, the night of the Grand Opening Celebration (Video of the new Tram's maiden voyage over the East River is here). One Roosevelt Island resident reported:

As an Islander, I am keenly disappointed in my first experience with the new tram.  Shortly after 6:30PM, I boarded the north car which stopped 3 times shortly after leaving the loading dock.  We dangled over 2nd Ave. for a few minutes, then finally, the car resumed moving, but at a truly glacial pace, crawling across the bridge for a journey that probably lasted 12-15 minutes.  The south car was traveling at normal speeds and passed us twice, once in each direction.  It was very tense and uncomfortable for us passengers in the car, which was only exacerbated by the incompetent, ignorant tram operators who had no communication skills whatsoever. They never indicated what was happening, nor why we were traveling at such a slow speed. 

I had truly been looking forward to my first ride back, but RIOC needs to make sure all of these kinks are worked out in the system, and to hire competent, confident tram operators.

Another resident wrote this comment to Tram Service Resumption post:

Does a stoppage make news? this evening at around 6.40 pm, the Island bound cabin came to a sudden halt about 2 tram lengths away from the Manhattan side, actually an emergency stop. Their were two operators in the cabin , along a with about 50% load. The two operators had no clue as to what was going on and even admitted it.They fiddled with controls and were finally told on the radio not to do anything. After a five minute wait, they hit the start button and it lurched to an emergency stop again. Next it was a 10 minute wait with no communication to the passengers. All this time the tram cabin was over 2nd ave. Passengers requested that they return to the dock, which was quite close by. REquests were ignored. (dint we hear that the cabins could move independently ?) The tram then crawled, yes crawled over the river with frightened passengers worried that it would come to a halt again. Still not a word from the operator and his buddy. finally it docked on Roosevelt Island with no word of explanation.Apparently the tram personnel claim it was a deliberate sabotage by someone who was pressing an emergency stop button. This was validated by public safety radio which was crackling about the issue , and the arrival of PSD cars. Did the tram people take an unnecessary risk by continuing to try and operate after the sudden stops ? What is the real story ?

I asked Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) VP Of Operations Fernando Martinez about the Tuesday evening incident. Mr. Martinez replied:

With any major infrastructure system, despite extensive testing and inspections, it is normal to experience very minor glitches at the start of operations.  This particular incident  was caused by a dirty filter.  It was immediately addressed, and the Tram was returned to service.   The reaction and comments made by the Tram employees are unacceptable.  I have already addressed my concerns with Poma.  Poma will provide additional training to the employees.

As far as the second day of operation, the Tram operated without interruption.  The Tram was not affected by the wind gust of up to 55 mph.  It was able to operate as designed and remained in service through the entire wind event.  The Tram operated at 4 meters per second or half speed and occasionally slower speeds were needed at the tower crossings.  The old tramway would have  closed at 40 mph.  The new system performed as designed.

I understand that these minor kinks are to be expected, hope that's all it is and am very glad that the Tram is back in service.

Following up last Tuesday's post on the Grand Re-Opening of the new Roosevelt Island Tram and it's resumption of service for residents and visitors, here's some more scenes from the festivities.



The morning began with lots of media coverage and an inaugural ride back and forth for selected dignitaries and members of the press. For the record, I was included in the latter category.

Before the inaugural ride, the champagne bottles were made ready

and the passengers gathered anxiously for their first ride.

Some experienced passengers were relaxing before take-off including former Mayor and avid Roosevelt Island Racquet Club player David Dinkins who reminded riders to hold on for their safety as we began our journey.

Roosevelt Island Historical Society President Judy Berdy greeted Greg, an original Tram Cabin Attendant from it's inception in the late 1970's

right before Greg pushed the button to start the Tram Cabin on it's first scheduled trip across the East River to the Manhattan Station

with RIOC personnel, NYC officials and representatives from Poma, the contractor and operator for the new Tram on board.

We made it safely and quickly to the Manhattan Tram Station

and were greeted by high ranking officers of the NYPD and FDNY

as well as Assembly Member Micah Kellner and Council Member Jessica Lappin.

Then the POMA representatives popped the Champagne, after having a bit of trouble with the cork,

and RIOC President Leslie Torres made some brief welcoming and congratulatory remarks.

Then we got back on the Tram

headed to Roosevelt Island

to be welcomed by a brass band

and crowds waiting for their turn on the first new Tram Ride open to the public.

David Kramer, Southtown's Riverwalk Developer and bidder for the Main Street retail Master Leasehold,was also present for the Roosevelt Island Tram Re-Opening Day festivities.

 

But before the public could ride the Tram, came the Grand Opening Ceremonies with remarks by RIOC President Leslie Torres (statement is here), POMA representatives, Borough President Stringer, Assembly Member Micah Kellner, State Senator Jose Serrano and City Council Member Jessica Lappin. Their statements are at the end of this post.

Image From RIOC's Facebook Page

Then the ribbon cutting ceremony

 Tram Ribbon Cutting Image From Duc Le

and after 9 long months, the Roosevelt Island public entered the new cabins to journey on their first trip on the new Roosevelt Island Tram.

At the Manhattan Station we exited the Tram

and then either stayed in Manhattan or returned on the next Tram with another long time attendant Dave

as RIRA President Matt Katz was being interviewed on New York 1

and we enjoyed our East River view.

 

Upon our return to Roosevelt Island, RIOC Director Jonathan Kalkin was interviewed by the BBC,

RIOC General Counsel Ken Leitner had some fun with the ribbon cutting scissors

and others dug into this Roosevelt Island Tram cake

provided by Alphonse and the other good folks at the Riverwalk Bar & Grill.

Finally, evening arrived and the end of the new Roosevelt Island Tram's first day of service.

There were some kinks as described above, some people tripped over this bump in front of the Tram cabins and the cabins did sway more than I expected near the Tram Towers

 but I sure am glad that the Tram is back in service.

There was one person missing who was instrumental in getting this new Tram approved and that was former RIOC President Steve Shane.

 Image of Steve Shane On March 1, 2010 At Beginning Of Modernization Project

During the Tram ride back from Manhattan to Roosevelt Island, I asked RIOC's VP Of Planning and Intergovernmental Affairs Rosina Abramson if Mr. Shane was invited to the Grand Opening Ceremonies. Ms. Abramson replied that Mr. Shane was out of town playing in a Bridge Tournament. I asked again if Mr. Shane was invited and Ms. Abramson said that she was not involved in the invitation process. I asked her who was and she responded by saying that she did not want to talk further about this subject.

Here's some more scenes from the Roosevelt Island Tram's Grand Re-Opening Day.



Our elected officials had this to say about the Roosevelt Island Tram Grand Re-Opening. From Borough President Scott Stringer:

 The Roosevelt Island Aerial Tram is a New York City landmark that has been sorely missed for the last nine months.

Since opening more than 30 years ago, the tram has become a true icon along the East River skyline

By moving over 2 million passengers between Manhattan and Roosevelt Island each year, the tram has proven to be a critical component to Roosevelt Island's transportation infrastructure

And now with the completion of the Four Freedoms Park on the horizon, the tram is sure to bring even more New Yorkers to the Island

With its increased efficiency, stability and a new State-of-the-Art design, the new tram will provide an enhanced transit experience for Roosevelt Island residents, commuters and tourists alike

We are delighted to welcome the Roosevelt Island tram back into rotation!

Assembly Member Micah Kellner:

Thank you Leslie. Good morning everyone.

I'm so glad this day has finally arrived. Roosevelt Island without the Tram is like Brooklyn without the Bridge. While most New Yorkers struggle to push onto crowded subways and buses each morning, Roosevelt Islanders can once again fly to work every day with the greatest city in the world spread out at their feet.

Originally the Tram was meant to be only a temporary solution until a subway connection to the Island could be completed.

But the Tram became more than just a stopgap measure—it is the defining symbol of Roosevelt Island, a unique form of transportation for a unique community.

While the skyline below has been transformed with time, the Tram remains an icon of New York, immortalized in films like Woody Allen's Manhattan—taking off to the tune of Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue—and from Sylvester Stallone saving the day in Nighthawks to Spiderman rescuing Mary Jane, the Tram has been at the center of so many high wire action films. It has even become a fashion statement—you can buy your very own Tram earrings at the Roosevelt Island Historical Society kiosk just a few steps away from here. An accessory no woman should go without.

But after 30 years of service the Tram needed a reboot. And now we have version 2.0—faster, steadier and more reliable than ever before.

I'm particularly proud to have preserved the funding for the Tram upgrade over several budget cycles—ensuring that New York State keeps its commitment to Roosevelt Island's infrastructure.

Roosevelt Island is an extraordinary place. Riding the Tram, you can hear people of all ages talking in half a dozen different languages about small-town life in the middle of the big city. When visitors ride the Tram to the Island, I hope they know they’re landing in a community like no other in the world.

I congratulate all those who worked so hard to make this project a success, and I’m especially happy to welcome back the great men and women of the Operating Engineers who make the Tram run each and every day.

City Council Member Jessica Lappin:

 The Roosevelt Island tram is a New York City icon.  It’s been in movies and TV shows – but for New Yorkers, and Island residents, it’s more than that: it’s a vital transportation link to Roosevelt Island.

Millions of people depend on the tram each year.  And now it’s modern, safer, and better than ever.  I’m glad this overhaul is complete and the tram is back in service, particularly because the Island is so starved for transportation options.

I want to congratulate Leslie Torres, Fernando Martinez and the entire team at RIOC for all of their hard work making this day happen.

Now we will all be able, once again, to enjoy the unique views the tram offers.  It makes for one beautiful commute.

 and State Senator Jose Serrano:

 As the Roosevelt Island community continues to expand, it is important that its facilities and services reflect that growth. The extensive improvements to the tramway system will greatly benefit New York, as they will continue to ensure a safe, fast, and reliable ride for both residents and visitors of the island for years to come. We have all been anxiously anticipating this inaugural ride, and I would like to thank the RIOC Board and its President, Leslie Torres, for all of their labors, which have made it possible for commuters and tourists to now enjoy the increased efficiency of the modernized Tram."

Here's coverage of the Roosevelt Island Tram Grand Re-Opening from the Main Street WIRE.