Saturday, October 13, 2018

Roosevelt Island Residents Arriving Home On Tram Greeted By Wonderful RI Jazz Collective - Let's Have More Music At Tram Plaza And Lose The Giant RI Monument Eyesore

Enjoy some local Roosevelt Island Jazz this Saturday evening.

Last Tuesday. October 9, Roosevelt Island residents arriving home on the Tram were greeted by our local Roosevelt Island Jazz Collective playing some very good music.



The Roosevelt Island Jazz Collective is made up of musicians Mark Hynes, Susheel Kurien, Bruno Razafindrakoto & Francois Alghisi.

Watch the video and enjoy the music. Don't miss Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) President Susan Rosenthal getting in the groove of the moment with some dancing moves.

The entertainment was part of RIOC and Hudson Related

 RIOC's Susan Rosenthal And Hudson Related David Kramer Posing By Giant RI Monument

introducing the Giant RI monument ntended to welcome residents and visitors to the Island.

Roosevelt Island resident Scott Pirro gives a positive review of the Giant RI Monument:

From my observation, most people, other than RIOC and Hudson Related staff were either indifferent or disliked the Giant RI Monument.

Instead of wasting money on the Giant RI Monument Eyesore to welcome residents and visitors, much better to pay our local musicians to play frequently at the Tram Plaza instead.

Friday, October 12, 2018

Roosevelt Island Is Getting A Brand New Bigger & Better NY Public Library Branch Opening By End Of 2019 - Take A Look At Scenes From Today's Groundbreaking Ceremony

In July 2012, New York Public Library (NYPL) President Tony Marx and Roosevelt Island's then NYC Council Member Jessica Lappin

Image of NYC Council Member Lappin, NYPL President Anthony Marx and Roosevelt Island Kids

announced plans for the relocation of the existing small and water leaking Roosevelt Island Branch Library to a much larger, brand new space on the first floor of 504 Main Street.

This morning, a little over 6 years later, Mr Marx

Image From NYPL

and Ms Lappin returned to the site of the new Roosevelt Island Public Library branch for its construction groundbreaking ceremony.
which is promised to open in late 2019.

According to this NYPL press release:

SPONSORED POST - Roosevelt Island Luxury Waterfront Apartments Available At Riverwalk Crossing & Riverwalk Point - Contact Related Rentals For Leasing Information

Are you looking for a luxury apartment rental on Roosevelt Island? Check out the current Roosevelt Island apartment being offered by Related Rentals at Riverwalk Crossing (405 Main Street)


and Riverwalk Point (480 Main Street)


Studio, 1, 2 & 3 bedroom apartments with gorgeous waterfront views are available.

According to Related Rentals:
Fall opens the door to an entirely new New York. Changing leaves, crisp air, and a long list of seasonal activities and things to do on Roosevelt Island.

In response to the cooling weather, take your workout inside and work up a sweat at the indoor tennis court on the south end of the island. For fantastic waterfront views, pay a visit to the North Point Lighthouse.


Bold, vibrant foliage isn’t restricted to Central Park (although if you wanted to witness it, the tram or F train could have you there in a few minutes.) The lush greenery of Roosevelt Island turns a colorful hue as we progress into fall. Bring a picnic and a blanket, and immerse yourself in the season.



After experiencing all that Manhattan and Roosevelt Island have to offer, head home to your luxurious refuge from the city. With high ceilings, spacious rooms, and generous natural light, you might forget you’re in New York. But the moment you look out the floor-to-ceiling windows and take in the panoramic views of the skyline, it will take your breath away.


The Related lifestyle brings luxury and convenience to the enchanting community on Roosevelt Island.
Contact Related Rentals for more leasing information.

Roosevelt Island Weekend Transportation - No Roosevelt Island F Train Service From Manhattan This Weekend, Both Tram Cabins At Full Capacity And NYC Ferry New Fall RI Service Schedule - F Train Weekend Schedule On RIRA Committee Agenda


There is no Roosevelt Island F Train service from Manhattan this weekend. According to the MTA:
SIGNAL IMPROVEMENTS 11:45 PM Fri, Oct 12 to 5 AM Mon, Oct 15 F Jamaica-bound trains are rerouted via the E after 47-50 Sts in Manhattan to Roosevelt Av in Queens

No Jamaica-bound service at Lexington Av/63 St, Roosevelt Island and 21 St-Queensbridge.
Also:
... STATION ENHANCEMENTS | Until December 2018 57 St F Station is closed...
Both Tram Cabins operating at full capacity.

There is Roosevelt Island ferry service on the Astoria Route. Here's the new Fall Schedule for Roosevelt Island ferry service.

Last Friday, a Roosevelt Island resident tweeted this message in response to post about no Roosevelt Island F Train service from Manhattan.

Among the items on Agenda for Roosevelt Island Residents Association (RIRA) Island Services Committee October 19 meeting is:
F train schedule and weekends

Sponsored Post - Check Out Roosevelt Island Gristedes October 19 To October 25 Product Offerings, Specials & Sales Items - Grab And Go Prepared Items Too

The Roosevelt Island Gristedes Supermarket


invites you to check out their October 19 - October 25 Product Offerings, Specials & Sales items.

And Grab & Go Prepared Items too.


Don't forget the 10% Roosevelt Island Seniors Discount on Tuesday and Sign Up for the Gristedes Diamond Loyalty Rewards Program.

More Gristedes Supermarket information available at their web site, Facebook Page and Twitter feed

Wednesday, October 10, 2018

After Years Of Delay, Relocated Roosevelt Island NY Public Library Branch Construction Begins - You're Invited To Groundbreaking Ceremony Friday October 12

In July 2012, plans were announced for the relocation of existing Roosevelt Island Public Library
 


to new premises on the first floor at 504 Main Street


and in July 2013 the NYPL announced the signing of a lease for the space with Main Street Retail Master Leaseholder Hudson Related. The new library was expected to open in 2017.

Unfortunately that timetable was delayed several times but the good news is that construction has begun on the new Roosevelt Island library, scheduled to be completed in Winter 2020, and a groundbreaking ceremony is taking place 10 AM Friday, October 12.

You're invited to the Groundbreaking Ceremony.

According to the NYPL:
Roosevelt Island Library Groundbreaking Ceremony

Join The New York York Public Library to celebrate the groundbreaking of the new Roosevelt Island Library. The new home of Roosevelt Island Library—a short walk from the existing branch—will be more than double the size to better accommodate the growing community, with more space for reading, programs, and computers.

The NYPL Capital Projects web page adds:
The New York Public Library is outfitting a new, larger building to replace the existing branch. The new 5,200-square-foot building, which will add much-needed public programming space, will more than double the size of the current building. Construction is scheduled to start in the Fall of 2018.

Key Updates
  • Dedicated community room
  • Teen space
  • ADA accessibility
Status: Construction
Total Budget: $7.8 million
Expected Completion Date: Winter 2020
Below is NYPL January 2016 presentation on the new Roosevelt Island branch library


including video of the community meeting.

Also, NYPL 2015 presentation to the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp.

Roosevelt Island Winter Preparedness Review, Tram Elevator Project, Lighthouse Park Repairs, Traffic And Parking Study, Roadway Repair & More On RIOC Operations Committee Meeting Agenda For October 11

The Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Operations Advisory Committee is meeting tomorrow.


According to RIOC:
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that a meeting of the Operations Advisory Committee Meeting of the RIOC Board of Directors will be held on Thursday, October 11, 2018 at 5:00 P.M. at RIOC Administrative Office, 591 Main Street, Roosevelt Island, New York.

AGENDA:

1. Review Projects and Open Business:

a. Sprinkler/Standpipe Maintenance Services

b. On-Call Plumbing Services

c. On-Call HVAC Maintenance Services

d. AVAC Engineering Consulting Services

e. Elevator and Vertical Conveyance Consulting Services

f. Traffic and Parking Study

g. Roadway Repair & On-Call Services

h. Blackwell Park Improvements Project

i. Lighthouse Park Repairs Project

j. Lighthouse Restoration Project

k. Southpoint Park Seawall Reconstruction Project

l. Motorgate Garage Repairs Design

m. Helix Ramp and Flat Plaza Repairs Project

n. Tram Elevator Project

o. Purchase of Biodiesel Fuel

2. Monthly Focus Topic: Winter Preparedness Review with Operations, Grounds and Engineering

3. Any Other Committee Business that May be Brought Before the Committee

Tuesday, October 9, 2018

What's The Safety Status Of Roosevelt Island Drinking Water Fountains? RIOC Invites Public To Water Quality Test Results Follow Up Meeting Wednesday Morning October 10

According to the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC):

Community Update

The Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation (RIOC) is hosting a follow-up meeting Wednesday, October 10 at 10:30 a.m. to discuss the recent water test results of various Roosevelt Island drinking fountains.

This meeting is a follow-up to an initial meeting, held September 14 with the Roosevelt Island Residents Association, to answer additional questions about the testing results the public felt were unanswered.

WATCH the video of the first meeting here:





Dr. Roger C. Sokol, director of the Division of Environmental Health Protection, NYS Department of Health (available by teleconference); and various RIOC senior officials will be presenting information about the testing, the results and potential remediation plans.

The meeting will be held at the RIOC offices at 680 Main Street (just east of Gristedes supermarket).

If you wish to ask questions, please send your name and contact information to Alonza Robertson at alonza.robertson@rioc.ny.gov or via telephone at 212.832.4540.
 Image From Frank Farance

Tomorrow's meeting is a follow up to the September 14 RIOC meeting with representatives of the Roosevelt Island Residents Association (RIRA). The local press and other members of the public were not allowed to attend the September 14 meeting.

On September 21 RIOC added:
It appears that certain members of the Roosevelt Island community are misinterpreting data from our two recent laboratory tests of water samples from Island drinking fountains and are causing undue alarm.

After reviewing a second round of Roosevelt Island outdoor fountain water laboratory test results, a health official from the NYS Department of Health, in a statement we released August 8, said the water is up to standard.

“With the exception of Capobianco Park, the review of water quality results - analyzed the second time by a New York State Department of Health Environmental Laboratory Approval Program certified laboratory (Long Island Analytical Laboratory Inc.,) are consistent with the water quality being delivered by the New York City water system and meet all applicable drinking water standards,” said Roger C. Sokol, Ph.D., director of the Division of Environmental Health Protection, NYS Department of Health....
RIRA sent the following September 24 letter to RIOC President Susan Rosenthal regarding the September 14 meeting:
Re: September 14 Meeting re Quality Concerns of RIOC Maintained Public Fountains

After our meeting on Sept. 14 to discuss the Roosevelt Island drinking fountain water testing results, it came to our attention that the full 79-page water testing report completed by Long Island Analytics was never disclosed to us. While you gave us two double-sided copied pages from that report with the "Volatiles" results of the Capobianco fountains buried inside, there was no executive summary attached as a face page and we were not afforded an opportunity to look thoroughly at these pages, either in preparation for or during, the session. Nor was it fully disclosed to us that the Healthy Buildings report which was provided at the meeting was the first and not the second set of testing. Neither the "Volatiles" results nor the findings that there were coliforms in fountains in Southpoint Park and Lighthouse Park were discussed at all.

The purpose of the meeting was for RIOC to fully disclose and report to us and the community as to RIOC's findings regarding the water systems and water testing. It was not to be an exercise where community attendees were to sift through the reports on the spot, identify all the problems, and ask questions about them. Based on what had happened during the meeting and what we understand now, the community can only surmise that RIOC did not want to discuss and fully disclose the aforementioned results with the public. It is small wonder that the bloggers on the Island believe that RIOC has deliberately kept the most damaging information from us and the community, especially since that is exactly what happened.

With regard to the total coliforms positive tests, during the session Dr. Sokol of the New York State Department of Environmental Protection stated that it was not unusual for total coliforms to be high when pipes had been turned off for a significant period of time and there was standing water in them. In July, however, after RIOC released an announcement saying the fountains had been turned off, both of ourselves, Rossana Ceruzzi and Mickey Rindler, visited Southpoint Park on behalf of the Island Services Committee and found that, in fact, the fountains were on and operational. The water fountains were never turned off as represented. Therefore, we demand that the fountains with positive coliform tests in both parks be turned off immediately and that they be retested for bacteria next spring before they are commissioned for public use. Similarly, we insist that the fountain at Blackwell House not be turned back on until it is retested and certified as safe.

Concerning the high levels of methylene chloride found in the fountains at Capobianco Field, Dr. Sokol, in his letter of August 17, also indicated that the detected levels were likely coming from glue to connect plastic piping, which we assume was what was used to construct or repair the water system in this field. This is very alarming to us because, if that is the case, then the sprinkler system water had the chemical as well and copious amounts of it were disseminated onto the field regularly. Hence, we are extremely concerned that even those using the field who did not drink from the water fountain were also exposed to this volatile potential carcinogen which can enter the body through the skin and, since it is volatile, the lungs. Moreover, chemicals generally leech out in an exponential fashion over time, meaning that the levels being measured now are, no doubt, much, much lower than those that were present soon after the actual contamination commenced.

In light of both recently discovered information, the results of our meeting and the above, we demand that
  1. RIOC identify the source of the methylene chloride and inform RIRA and the public. If it is determined to likely be the glue used to connect pipes we demand to know when the work was performed and who did it.
  2. RIOC inform RIRA and the public as to how and when you plan to correct the problem or replace the water system and what steps will be taken to prevent such contamination in the future.
To say that we and the community are severely disappointed with the disposition of our meeting and the actions of RIOC, and that all of our and the community's questions were answered during the September 14 meeting, is a severe understatement. Categorizing our September 14 meeting and the events that have transpired after as truthful and comforting is nothing more than pure spin on the part of RIOC on an already worsening and alarming situation.

We await your prompt response on these matters.

Sincerely,

Rossana Ceruzzi & Mickey Rindler Co-Chairs, RIRA Island Services Committee

Jeffrey R. Escobar
President, Roosevelt Island Residents Association
RIOC has not responded to RIRA's letter.

More info on this matter at prior post.

Roosevelt Island Retail News Update - Liukoshui Hot Pot Restaurant Opening On Main Street By End Of Year, Pass The Chongquing Beef Noodles And Chun Chun Sichuan Skewer Please

Reported last week that:

A Roosevelt Island Noodle Shop will be opening at 568 Main Street


next to the Nail Salon before the end of the year.

I'm told the Noodle Shop is intended to be part of a new chain of restaurants and the Roosevelt Island location will be the first to open...
An update from this Hudson Related press release:
Liukoshui will open by the end of 2018 at 568 Main Street

Hudson Related Retail LLC today announced the signing of hot-pot restaurant Liukoshui to a 10-year, 505-square foot lease at 568 Main Street, located along Roosevelt Island’s Shops on Main retail corridor. The addition of Liukoshui will add to the growing eclectic mix of dining options at the Shops on Main, which also include Mexican restaurant Onda and bubble tea shop BubbleCool. Soon, Shops on Main visitors will be able to enjoy the increasingly-popular hot pot experience, where guests prepare food in boiling broth at their tables. The Shops on Main also feature a salon, dry cleaner, wine shop, diner and Chinese restaurant, all of which add to the variety of retail along the corridor.

“We are excited to add another eat-in dining establishment to the Main Street retail corridor and look forward to Liukoshui adding to the vibrancy of Roosevelt Island,” said Alexandra Kaplan, Project Manager at The Hudson Companies Inc.

“Hailing from one of the great food capitals of China, Liukoshui is excited to bring Chongqing Hot Pot Noodles to the U.S.,” said Yiliana Wu, Assistant Project Manager of Liukoshui. “Authentic flavors and signature dishes, such as our Spicy Chongqing Beef Noodles and Chun Chun, a traditional Sichuan Skewer, have been developed by us over many years. We look forward to see you at Liukoshui, Roosevelt Island!”

Lisa Management Inc. represented Hudson Related Retail LLC, and Cushman Wakefield represented Liukoshui in the deal.

In March Lisa Management, the property management arm of The Hudson Companies, Inc, took over all marketing and leasing for the remaining available spaces on Main Street. These include 2,000 square feet at 521 Main St., 2,229 square feet at 563 Main St., and 2,172 square feet at 544 Main St. As property managers of the Shops on Main since 2002, Lisa Management is building on its extensive knowledge of Roosevelt Island retail in this expanded role.

Sponsored Post - Roosevelt Island Bubble Cool Bubble Tea Cafe End Of Summer Menu Special Promotion, Buy 1, Get ! Free October 9 To 14 - Try The Delicious Milk, Fresh Fruit Or Cheese Foam Bubble Tea, Chinatown Ice Cream Factory Flavors Too


If you haven’t tried Roosevelt Island's Bubble Cool Bubble Tea Café’s delicious summer menu, this week would be the perfect time to try it since Bubble Cool will be doing “Buy 1 Get 1 Free” promotion from Oct 9 – Oct 14 before switching to winter menu.


Bubble Cool Caf̩ is located at 559 Main Street, the store opens 7 days, 11am Р10pm from Sunday РThursday, 11am Р11pm Friday & Saturday. Besides the traditional milk bubble tea & fruit tea, Bubble Cool also serves fresh fruit tea, cheese foam tea, slush & ice cream.

Bubble tea is a Taiwanese tea-based drink invented in Tainan and Taichung in the 1980s. Recipes contain tea of some kind, flavors or milk, as well as sugar. Toppings, such as chewy tapioca balls, popping boba, fruit jelly, grass jelly, agar jelly, and puddings are often added.


Besides traditional milk tea, we also have fresh fruit tea made from fresh fruits. Our fresh fruit tea includes: Signature Fruit Tea, Strawberry Sunset, Blackberry Solo, and Watermelon Refreshing.


If you have never heard about cheese foam tea, you get the chance to try it at our store. Cheese foam tea is currently the most popular drink in Asian. Cheese foam tea is basically cheese foam on top of bubble tea.


We also serve ice cream from Chinatown Ice Cream Factory,



which is rated as one of the best ice cream in New York City. Ice Cream favor includes: Taro, Black Sesame, Mango, Lychee, Vanilla, Mango, Pineapple, and Pistachio, etc.


We will change to winter menu in a couple of weeks. With winter menu, you can enjoy most of the drink as hot drink. We will add more interesting and delicious drinks and desserts to our winter menu.

Also, we will start serving American drip coffee and espresso coffee soon. Then you can enjoy unlimited drip coffee and great discount on espresso coffee with our membership plan. Non-member can also purchase our drinks at regular price.

Most importantly, we are doing “Buy 1 Get 1 Free”promotion from Oct 9 – Oct 14. Don’t miss it.


Please come stop by the Roosevelt Island Bubble Cool Bubble Tea Cafe at 559 Main Street.

Monday, October 8, 2018

Giant RI Monument On Display At Tramway Plaza, Tell RIOC What You Think Of It Tomorrow From 5-7 PM - Roosevelt Island Historical Society President Gives Giant Thumbs Down To Eyesore And Urges Removal Soon

What do you think of the Giant RI Monument sign at the Roosevelt Island Tram Plaza?


You can tell Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) representatives tomorrow if you like the Giant RI letters or if you think it is an eyesore meant only for tourists to take photos. According to RIOC:
Stop by the new RI Welcome Sign next Tuesday October 9, say hi, enjoy some jazz and get a free gift.

From 5 p.m. - 7 p.m., the R.I. Jazz Collective will perform some tunes as residents and visitors get a chance to ask officials questions and share their opinions about the new 10-foot-monument of red letters which rests on the lawn in front of the Roosevelt Island Tram Station. New York City cultural photographer Angie Vasquez will capture the moments in photos and will be sharing gifs (animated files of the compressed images) to post on social media.

The Roosevelt Island Operating Committee’s Real Estate Committee voted February 27 to move forward on the sign’s fabrication. The monument is set to be displayed for a three-month trial period to allow a lengthier time, than the previous two one-day displays last winter, to gauge public opinion and comments.

In addition to the welcome sign, the much-needed and often-asked for wayfinding signs and information kiosks – which offer visitors additional information and directions to Island businesses and landmarks beyond the Tram – have also been installed.
Roosevelt Island Historical Society (RIHS) President Judy Berdy gives the Giant RI Monument a Giant Thumbs Down.




On the other hand:
Hopefully, this Gigantic Eyesore, initiated by Roosevelt Island real estate developer Hudson Related, and opposed by the Roosevelt Island Residents Association, will be removed at the end of the 3 month trial period.

UPDATE 10/10 - Resident Janet Falk reports:
A reliable source said the tram operators have observed children climbing on the RI monument AND parents placing children on the monument. Then the parents take photos.

Who has liability insurance for the inevitable fall and broken body part?

Sponsored Post - You're Invited To Weill Cornell Medicine & NY-Presbyterian Free Health & Wellness Fall 2018 Seminar Series - October 9 Optimizing Breast Health, October 16 Optimal Bone Health, October 23 Your Gut And You, October 30 Guidelines For Safe Swallowing

You're invited to the Weill Cornell Medicine & NY-Presbyterian Free Health & Wellness Fall 2018 Seminar Series.

October 9 - Optimizing Breast Health: Perspectives from a Breast Surgeon and a Breast Radiologist.

Lisa Newman, MD
Elizabeth Kagan Arleo

October 16 - Optimal Bone Health: Preventing Osteoporosis and Bone Loss At Your Age

Joseph Lane, MD
Patrica Donohue, NP

October 23 - Your Gut And You: Tips to keep your Gut Healthy and Happy

Meria Abramowitz, MD
Danielle Staub RD

October 30 - Sip, Savor, Swallow: Guideines for Safe Swallowing

Anais Rameau MD
Anne Weisenburg, SLP

All seminars are FREE and open to the public. Seating is available for 250 people on a first-come, first-served basis.

For more information on the Health & Wellness Series please visit our website.

American Sign Language interpretive services will be provided at all seminars.

If you require a disability-related accommodation please call 212-821-0888 and leave a message.

Time: 6:30 - 8PM

Place Uris Auditorium
Meyer Research & Education Building
Weill Cornell Medicine
1300 York Ave., (at 69th St)

Sunday, October 7, 2018

Sponsored Post - FDR Four Freedoms Park Celebrates 1 Million Visitors Yesterday And Are Thrilled To Be Part Of Roosevelt Island Community - Congrats

Roosevelt Island's FDR Four Freedoms Park celebrated it's 1 millionth visitor yesterday afternoon during the annual Roosevelt Island Fall For Arts Festival.

FDR Four Freedoms Park Conservancy CEO Howard Axel announced the 1 millionth visitor and led the crowd in celebration

 Image From Cory Antiel

with  confetti tossing.



The six year old Roosevelt Island FDR 4 Freedoms Park was dedicated on October 17, 2012.


According to the FDR 4 Freedoms Park:
Fall and Winter Park Hours at Franklin D. Roosevelt Four Freedoms State Park.

WHAT: Park hours will change from October - March.

WHEN: October 1st – March 31st, 9:00am - 5:00pm

WHERE: Franklin D. Roosevelt Four Freedoms State Park, Roosevelt Island, NY

About Franklin D. Roosevelt Four Freedoms State Park

Franklin D. Roosevelt Four Freedoms State Park is the first memorial dedicated to President Roosevelt in his home state of New York. Located on a triangular four-acre plot at the southern tip of Roosevelt Island in the East River, the Park, designed by Louis I. Kahn, includes walkways lined with trees, waterfront promenades, and a portrait bust of President Roosevelt created by artist Jo Davidson. Carved in the ‘Room,’ the Four Freedoms described in Roosevelt’s historic January 6, 1941 State of the Union address: freedom of speech and expression; freedom of worship; freedom from want; and freedom from fear.

First announced in 1973 by Governor Nelson Rockefeller, Mayor John Lindsay, and other visionary urban planners, the monument’s design was the last work of the late Louis I. Kahn, an iconic architect of the 20th century. Dedicated on October 17, 2012, the Park is operated in partnership with New York State by the Four Freedoms Park Conservancy. For more information on FDR Four Freedoms State Park, please visit: www.fdrfourfreedomspark.org.

Here's more on the Roosevelt Island FDR Four Freedoms Park from PBS Channel 13 Treasures of New York.



Congrats on 1 Millionth visitor.