Thursday, December 31, 2020

Best Wishes From Roosevelt Island For A Happy And Healthy New Year In 2021 - Good Riddance 2020, Next Year Will Be Better!!!!!

Let's start 2021 with hope for a much better year.

 Best Wishes to you all for A Happy and Healthy New Year in 2021. 

The Wall Street Journal shows how 2021 New Year's celebrations are different this year all over the world.

Here's a live Times Square webcam video.

Hopefully,next year we'll be able to celebrate the New Year and end with a traditional last song from Southside Johnny & the Asbury Jukes together with Bruce Springsteen & the E Street Band .

We're havin' a party
Everybody's swinging
Dancing to the music
On the radio
So listen, Mr. DJ
Keep those records playing
'Cause I'm having such a good time
Dancing with my baby

NEXT YEAR WILL BE BETTER111

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!!!!!

Wednesday, December 30, 2020

Roosevelt Island FDR Hope Memorial Depicting President Franklin D Roosevelt As A Disabled Person Sitting In Wheelchair Greeting Young Girl Standing On Crutches Completed - Soon To Be Unveiled At Southpoint Park Says RIOC President

While walking in Southpoint Park last Sunday, I noticed the Roosevelt Island FDR Hope Memorial
 

is almost ready for unveiling.

The FDR Hope Memorial depicts President Franklin D. Roosevelt sitting in his wheelchair greeting a young girl standing on crutches. According to the FDR Hope Memorial Committee:

Celebrating Franklin D. Roosevelt's perseverance despite the paralysis of his legs, the FDR Hope Memorial provides inspiration to those struggling with the extraordinary personal challenges of all forms of disability. The memorial is located near the southern top of Roosevelt Island in NYC—with the United Nations within FDR's view....

There have been many delays and setbacks since the FDR Hope Memorial was first proposed in 2009,

as a protest by the Roosevelt Island Disabled Association (RIDA) and others, of the then proposed Louis Kahn designed FDR Four Freedoms Park failure to recognize FDR as a disabled person .

As reported in 2015:

... The efforts to build a memorial on Roosevelt Island depicting President Roosevelt in a wheelchair began in 2009 when RIDA opposed and protested the Louis Kahn FDR Four Freedom Park design proposal for not portraying in any manner President Roosevelt as a disabled person.

RIDA and the FDR Four Freedoms Park organizers subsequently reconciled and have been working together to bring the FDR Hope Memorial to fruition....

During last evening's Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Board Of Directors meeting, Acting RIOC President Shelton Haynes reported that:

...the FDR Hope Memorial is now completed and we hope to have unveiling very soon, weather permitting and social distancing permitting....

Here's a 2012 interview with FDR Hope Memorial Sculptor Meredith Bergmann and former RIDA President/FDR Hope Committee Chair Jim Bates (now deceased) at an early design mock-up presentation of the FDR Hope Memorial. (At the time of interview, the Memorial included  FDR's desk which was not included in final design)


Also, in 2015 former RIDA President Virginia Granato, who was very involved in early stages of the project before she passed away, described what the FDR Hope Memorial meant to her.

RIOC took over the FDR Hope Memorial project and has brought it to completion and a soon to be scheduled unveiling.

Tuesday, December 29, 2020

Roosevelt Island Public Comment Session During This Evenings RIOC Board Of Directors Meeting - Questions About Holiday Lights, Firefighters Field Comfort Station, Public Safety, Bike Ramp, Budget & More. But No Answers

During this evening's Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Board of Directors Meeting Public Session, RIOC Director Michael Shinozaki noted that by law, RIOC Directors are not required to have "interactive feedback" with the public during these Public Sessions and that allowing the public to comment or question is a "courtesy". 

Bellow is video from tonight's Public Session.

More info on tonight's RIOC Board meeting at post yesterday.

UPDATE 12/30 -  During the Board Meeting following the Public Session, the Bike Ramp authorization was removed from the Agenda. Here's video of the RIOC Board discussing the proposed Motorgate Bike Ramp.


Stay tuned for more on this subject.

Monday, December 28, 2020

NYPD Emergency Services Rescues Dog Stuck In Roosevelt Island Bridge Grating Under Walkway Above East River This Morning

A Tipster reported this morning NYPD activity on the Roosevelt Island Bridge and in the East River below.

I asked Roosevelt Island Public Safety Department Chief Kevin Brown

What is happening at the Roosevelt Island Bridge this morning 

Chief Brown replied:

There was a dog rescue on the bridge by NYPD Emergency service unit . A small dog was stuck in the grating. The dog was rescued with no injuries and traffic is flowing normal.  

The dog had a tag on but no owner was anywhere to be found. The NYPD took custody of the dog and is attempting to locate the owner. 

 I followed up asking the NYPD:

This morning, the NYPD Emergency Services Unit rescued a dog stuck in grating on the Roosevelt Island Bridge. Do you have any more info on what happened? Was the dog with it's owner, lost or a stray? What type of dog? Do you have a picture of the dog rescue? Was traffic disrupted - how long?

                                                                                                Image From NYPD Special Ops

A  NYPD spokesperson replied:

Please be referred to the following:

UPDATE 12/29

Roosevelt Island Operating Corp Board Of Directors Meeting Tuesday December 29 - Approval Of RIOC 2021-22 Budget, Authorization To Place Bike Ramp Within Motorgate Helix And Riverwalk 8 Developer $1 Million Payment For Firefighters Field Bathrooms To Be Used Instead For Other RIOC Projects

The Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Board of Directors will meet 5:30 PM Tuesday, December 29 via video conference. You can watch the Board meeting here and ask questions or share concerns about Roosevelt Island during the opening Public Session before the start of the meeting. Sign up to submit your remarks. 

The meeting was postponed from December 17.

Among the meeting Agenda Items are:

According to the Proposed RIOC 2021-22 Budget (Pages 1-2):

... The Proposed Budget FY 2021‐22 projects capital improvements in the amount of $11,910,000, a decrease of $27,882,000 over the Approved Budget FY 2020‐21 amount of $39,791,000....

Also:

...  RIOC’s Proposed Budget FY 2021‐22 projects revenues of $32,809,000, a decrease of $2,766,000 or 7.78% over the Approved Budget FY 2020‐21 amount of $35,575,000....

.... Commercial rents are projected to increase by $46,000 or 2.78% due to contractual escalations. 

Tramway revenues are projected to remain at same level as the Approved Budget FY 2020‐21.... 

... For grant and community support, the Proposed Budget FY 2021‐22 includes an extraordinary expense of $1,340,110, an increase of $172,519 over the Approved Budget FY 2020‐21 amount of $1,167,591. This is mainly due to increased costs for community service and the allocation of youth center personnel cost to support such service....
RIOC attributes most of the decrease in capital improvement spending to the completion of various projects, rescheduling of Sportspark renovation to fiscal year 2022-23 and the postponement of work on Dayspring Church and Motorgate Plaza/Atrium (RIOC Budget Page 1). Not sure what work on Dayspring Church was scheduled since it is now The Sanctuary, a private Events Space/future restaurant.

The proposed budget does not address impact of Coronavirus Pandemic on commercial rent and Tramway revenue.

Another item on RIOC Board Agenda for tomorrow is an Amendment to Riverwalk Building 8 Ground Lease which releases the developer, Hudson Related (Tenant), from constructing a Comfort Station at Firefighters Field and:

... instead have Tenant pay RIOC the sum of $1,000,000 in full satisfaction of its obligation under the Building 8 Lease with respect to the Comfort Station Work, so that RIOC will have those funds available for other construction projects on Roosevelt Island.

More details below.


Also on the Agenda for tomorrow's RIOC Board meeting is authorization to place a bike ramp 

                                                                                                   Image From RIOC

within the Motorgate Helix as shown below.

 According to the RIOC 2021-22 Proposed Budget (Page 2):

... projected receipt of a grant for TAP Funds for the bike ramp in the amount of $2,964,000 being delayed to FY’s 23 & 24....

More details on the bike ramp below.

 Full December 29 RIOC Board Agenda is below.

UPDATE 12/29:

Reaction from Roosevelt Island Historical Society President Judy Berdy and Roosevelt Island Residents Association President Rossana Ceruzzi. 

From Ms Berdy, deliberately all in CAPS:

YOU ARE HOISTING FRAUD ON THE ISLAND AGAIN. MEETINGS WITH NO PUBLIC INPUT ARE A SHAM 

TEARING DOWN OUR CHERRY TREES TO BUILD A BIKE RAMP IS A JOKE. WE HAVE SEEN BIKERS DO NOT GIVE A DARN ABOUT SAFETY AND WILL STILL GO DOWN THE HELIX!! 

WE GET A FEW DOZEN BIKERS ON A WEEKEND. THERE IS NO GROUNDSWELL OF BIKE RIDERS HERE. 

LOOSING ANOTHER GREEN AREA IS SHOWING THE CONSTANT REMOVAL OF GREEN FOR CEMENT AND UN-NECESSARY PROJECTS.. 

WE HAVE NOT SEEN ANY RENDERING OF PLANS IN A YEAR, PRINCE SHAH...WHERE ARE THE PLANS IN A PUBLCI PLACE? 

WE DEPERATELY NEED BATHROOMS AT FIREFIGHTERS FIELD. THE ONE BATHROOM AT THE TRAM CANNOT SERVICE THE DOZENS OF TOURIST AND ATLETES WHO NEED TO RELIEVE THEMSELVES. I ASSUME RIOC'S RESPONSE IS TO USE THE TREES AS TOILETS. 

THIS PANDEMIC HAS LEAD TO AN EPIDEMIC OF BAD DECISIONS BY RIOC. OUR PUBLIC SAFETY LEADERSHIP IS M.I.A. 

WE HAVE NEW, INEXPERIENCED OFFICERS, WHO KNOW LITTLE OF THE ISLAND AND HAVE NOT BEEN TAUGHT HOW TO DEAL WITH THE PUBLIC. THEY ARE BODIES, BUT NO SOUL FOR THE JOBS......ROBO-OFFICERS. WHERE IS TRAINING AND INTERPERSONAL INSTRUCTION KEVIN? 

SHELTON- TIME TO BE OPEN AND HAVE PUBLIC COMMENTS AT THE FAUX-MEETINGS. TIME TO TAKE OFF YOUR MASKS AND BE OPEN AND PUBLIC.

From Ms Ceruzzi:

This is an open statement expressing opposition to the “Bike ramp” as listed in the 12/29/20 RIOC Board of Directors Agenda under “New Business”.

While it is always important to treat the community with respect, it is very important to do so when controversial plans are being discussed. This project it's yet another rush through job that has NOT been presented to the community for consideration and when residents feel ignored or pushed around, dialogue becomes difficult. This is another project that will chop down trees in exchange for a bike ramp. Do we have any alternatives? What is the purpose of it? Who will it serve? Why has the escalator been out of service for over a decade? Escalators that would provide service to seniors, disabled and alleviate the congestion on the elevators at Motorgate? 

Most importantly the idea that RIOC is holding Board meetings where the public or Island representatives cannot speak up is unacceptable. Why were the public sessions stopped?

How can the community participate in the formulation of plans if no public session is held?

The pandemic should not be used as "the" excuse not to have public sessions in fact, Elected Officials have been holding Town Halls via Zoom platform regularly.

RIOC needs to be accountable to the community and the bottom line is that communicating with the community is a crucial attribute for the successful outcome of any venture.

We urge RIOC to reconsider this plan.

UPDATE 6:30 PM:

The Bike Ramp authorization was removed from RIOC Board Agenda tonight for further study.

UPDATE 9:30 PM - The RIOC Budget and Riverwalk 8 Lease Amendment were approved. Firefighters Field comfort station deferred. 

$1 million allocated for Comfort Station to be used by RIOC for "Health & Safety" projects instesd. RIOC staff  did not say what are Health and Safety projects and none of the Board Directors asked.

UPDATE 12/30 - Here's video of the RIOC Board discussion about the proposed Motorgate Bike Ramp.

Stay tuned for more on this subject.

Sunday, December 27, 2020

And The Winners Of Roosevelt Island Nisi Kitchen Snowman Building Contest Are ...

As previously reported, following last week's snowstorm, Nisi Kitchen invited Roosevelt Island residents to show off their snowman building skills and the top 3 creators would win Nisi Gift Certificates.

Here are the winning Roosevelt Island snowmen courtesy of Nisi Kitchen.

Nisi Kitchen is currently open for delivery and take out orders only since indoor dining has been ended due to the Coroanavirus Pandemic. Here's the menu.

Saturday, December 26, 2020

24 Days Left In Trump Administration Displayed By Long Island City East River Waterfront Countdown Clock Seen Today From Roosevelt Island FDR Four Freedoms Park

Across the East River from Roosevelt Island, on Long Island City waterfront, is an outdoor digital clock counting the days remaining until the end of the President Donald Trump  nightmare.

Today the clock displayed only 24 days left until end of Trump administration seen from the Roosevelt Island FDR Four Freedoms Park.

According to the Queens Post

A large digital clock on the Long Island City waterfront makes it clear that President Donald Trump’s days are numbered. The clock located by Anable Basin has been counting down the days until Trump’s term in office comes to an end–and for many residents that day can’t come soon enough. The timepiece was put up on the front of Sound River Studios, located at 4-40 44th Dr., more than three years ago by Matthew Barney, who operates out of the building, along with fellow artists such as Brandon Stosuy....

Click here for the Queens Post story about the Trump Countdown Clock.

Friday, December 25, 2020

Best Wishes For A Roosevelt Island Merry Christmas - Songs From Beacon First Graders, Ramones, RUN DMC, Dropkick Murphy's & Great Big Sea And Chinese Food For Some Too

 Merry Christmas Roosevelt Island.

                                                       Image Of 2019 Roosevelt Island Christmas Holiday Tree

Here's the Roosevelt Island Beacon Program First Graders wishing you all a Merry Christmas during the November 30 2018 Tree Lighting Ceremony.

Despite the Coronavirus Pandemic this year, hope you are having a peaceful and enjoyable day, unlike the Ramones version of a Merry Christmas (I Don't Want To Fight Tonight)

 Enjoy a Christmas In Hollis with RUN DMC

 

Something for those who eat Chinese Food on Christmas. A funny satirical video.

  

 The Dropkick Murphys remind us of loved ones no longer with us this Christmas.

Merry Christmas Everyone,  

from Great Big Sea and Roosevelt Island!

Next year will be BETTER!

Roosevelt Island Transportation This Weekend - Subway, Tram, Ferry And Citibike - Temporary Red Bus Manhattan Shuttle Daily Until Further Notice Due To Tram Elevator Outage Says RIOC

The MTA reports there will be Roosevelt Island F train service to and from Manhattan this weekend. E train service to and from Manhattan from Roosevelt Island too.

According to the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC):

While we continue to follow social distancing and align our operations with New York Forward guidance, we also continue to incrementally increase the number of passengers permitted on the Tram. Tram capacity will increase on Sunday, November 1st, from 20 to 35 passengers per cabin, and we will continue to assess and gradually increase in phases. 

We understand the need for this mode of transportation, however, the health and safety of our riders and operators are our priority. We appreciate your cooperation.

Also:

Due to an elevator service outage at the Manhattan Tram Station, the RIOC Red Bus will provide special shuttle service to and from Manhattan for those with limited mobility. Schedule information is below:

ROOSEVELT ISLAND TO MANHATTAN

Departs hourly from the Tramway, making all Northbound local stops to Capobianco Field (opposite PS/IS 217). The first trip will depart at 11 AM. Last trip will be at 7 PM.

MANHATTAN TO ROOSEVELT ISLAND 

Departs on the half hour from the Southwest side of 2nd Avenue, between 58th & 59th Street and will make all Southbound local bus stops (starting with 591 Main Street) to the Tramway. The last trip will depart Manhattan at 7:30 PM. Please note, that there is no shuttle bus service from 3 PM – 4 PM daily. 

The Tram Shuttle will run seven days a week until further notice.

Thank you for your patience.

Here's the NYC Ferry Roosevelt Island Astoria Route Schedule which now extends to East 90th street on the Upper East Side. 

Also, Roosevelt Island Citbike docking stations.

Sponsored Post - Check Out Roosevelt Island Foodtown Supermarket December 25 - December 31 Holiday Items, Product Offerings, Specials & Sales - Online Shopping, Delivery Options, Digital Coupons & Social Media Facebook Too - Wishing All A Very Merry Christmas

The Roosevelt Island Foodtown Supermarket  

invites you to check out their December 25 - Dcember 31 Weekly Flyer  for Product Offerings, Specials and Sales Items

Click here to visit the Roosevelt Island Foodtown Supermarket web site for online shopping, delivery options, digital coupons, weekly flyer and more.  

Follow Roosevelt Island Foodtown Supermarket on Facebook.




Thursday, December 24, 2020

It's Christmas Eve, Santa Claus Is Coming To Town Tonight - On The Roosevelt Island Tram Cabin Sled? Bruce Asks If You've Been Good This Year And Time For Fairytale Of New York With The Pogues And Kristi MacColl

Reports are coming in of Santa Claus sightings from all around the world. You can even follow Santa moment by moment as he travels around the world with the aid of Norad's Santa Tracker.

Santa will arrive on Roosevelt Island in a few hours. When he does, it may be on his specially designed, Reindeer powered, Roosevelt Island Tram Cabin sled.

                                      Roosevelt Island Tram Reindeer Cards from Marty Atkins

 Info on getting your own Roosevelt Island Tram Reindeer memento here.

 Do you remember Santa arriving last year and lighting the Roosevelt Island Tree?

Unfortunately, the Roosevelt Island Tree lighting was cancelled this year due to the Coronavirus Pandemic.

But Santa is still coming.

Hope you've been good this year.


It's Christmas Eve, so time for  Fairytale of New York with the Pogues & Kirsty MacCol


Merry Christmas Roosevelt Island

Roosevelt Island Saturday Farmers Market Closed This Week And Next, Reopening January 9 - Haki Food Scrap Composting Drop Off Site Will Be Open At Motorgate Plaza And You Can Order Online From Farmers Market Vendor Soup Lady Too

As reported last week, the Roosevelt Island Saturday Farmers Market is closed December 26 and January 2. According to Roosevelt Island Farmers Market operator Israel Wengerd:

We are planning a family trip to Kenya during the Christmas and New Years Holidays to be with our son John who is there with our church drilling wells for people who live out in the villages. (2 year term). 

We will be ... back Saturday January 9 at the Roosevelt Island Farmers Market.

But you still can order your favorite soup online&nbsp from Farmers Market vendor the Roosevelt Island Soup Lady.

Also, the Roosevelt Island Food Scrap Drop Off Site will be open both Saturdays that the Farmers Market is closed on December 26 and January 2. According to the Haki Compost Collective:
While the Roosevelt Island farmers market will be closed the next two weekends, food scrap collection continues! Bundle up and stop by the food scrap drop-off site during our normal hours of 9am to 2pm.

Sponsored Post - Happy Holidays From All Of Us At The Roosevelt Island Residents Association (RIRA)

The Roosevelt Island Residents Association (RIRA) wishes the Roosevelt Island community Happy Holidays and a wonderful New Year.


Stay tuned for some forthcoming announcements from RIRA in 2021.

Wednesday, December 23, 2020

Trapped On Roosevelt Island Today - Subway Signal Problems Strand Riders At Roosevelt Island And Cause Long Lines At Tram Due To 30 Passenger Social Distancing Cabin Limit

Long lines at the Roosevelt Island Tram this afternoon were caused by subway riders stranded on Roosevelt Island because of signal problems at the Roosevelt Island F train subway station.

Subway passengers were stranded on Roosevelt Island looking for a way off.
Some tried the Roosevelt Island Tram which caused long lines due to the 30 passenger social distancing limitations per cabin. Reports from residents waiting on line indicate only 1 Tram Cabin was initially operating until the lines grew so long that the second tram cabin was put in service.