Estimates of approximately 450 - 500 people attended this evening's Roosevelt Island Holiday/Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony on the Rivercross lawn. It was a wonderful evening.
Here's a small sammple - the arrival of Santa Claus and counting down to the Tree Lighting starting.
Click on the full screen icon at bottom right of video for better view.
The location of a new Roosevelt Island Dog run took another turn during the December 4 Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Real Estate Development Advisory Committee (REDAC) December 4 meeting. RIOC President Susan Rosental reported that RIOC had listened to some community opposition
about placing the new Dog Run in Blackwell Park and decided to cancel that plan and seek a location in Southtown.
Ms Rosenthal added that the new location being sought in Southtown requires approval by the building's condo board but did not reveal the specific site. I learned later from a reliable source that the site is located behind either 415-425
or 455-465 Main Street,
between Main Street and the building's hedges.
In the event that approval is not given, RIOC will try to locate the Dog Run in the public commons area between the under construction Building 8 and Building 9,, which has not started construction yet.
Also, Ms Rosenthal told the REDAC that RIOC will start from scratch regarding renovation of Blackwell Park including a new Request For Proposals.
After listening to public feedback, RIOC staff members and our partners at Hudson-Related are reviewing alternate locations for the proposed dog run at Blackwell Park.
One space under consideration will require co-operative board approval. We are also considering relocating the dog run back to the land between Riverwalk 8 and 9 where it was originally planned. While we continue to explore locations, we also intend to continue with previously announced improvements to the plaza at Blackwell House by replacing the pavers and by making incidental improvements.
RIOC will continue to keep the community informed on our progress.
Here's the REDAC Discussion of Dog Run issue.
Ms Rosenthal noted that the current Southtown Dog Run
will remain for a few more months because Riverwalk Building 9 construction has been delayed due to developer Hudson Related not yet ready to sign the Ground Lease. RIOC believes Hudson Related will be ready to sign ground lease by April. RIOC will collect a $1 million penalty from Hudson Related for not signing ground lease by end of this year.
Come join RIOC and the entire Roosevelt Island community at the island’s annual Tree Lighting Ceremony on Friday, December 6th, 7 PM at the lawn south of Rivercross.
Island residents will be able to enjoy a night of holiday music and celebration, featuring The Funktion band, island community performers, hot beverages, warm cookies, raffle prizes, goodie bags and maybe even a visit from a special guest from the North Pole!
Also, don't miss the Main Street Theatre & Dance Alliance Carolers at the subway station tomorrow evening and later at the Tree Lighting ceremony.
Last evening's Roosevelt Island Residents Association (RIRA) Common Council meeting was revealing of the long standing problems associated with the community organization.
For the third month in a row, the RIRA meeting lacked a quorum of members - only about 7 members showed up.
RIRA Common Council Alternate Frank Farance addressed those members present during the Public Session noting that there are problems with the organization that need to be addressed. He said December's meeting is the sixth this year without a quorum of Common Council Members present and added:
... we have to operate better....
RIRA President Lynn Strong-Shinozaki took strong exception to Mr. Farance's remarks blaming his behavior for the organization's loss of members and creating, what she describes as, a toxic atmosphere. Mr. Farance objected to Ms. Shinozaki's characterization and recited long standing complaints by him and others over lack of transparency, mismanagement of Cherry Blossom Festival and failure to properly inform RIRA members about recent financial mismanagement allegations
Following the contentious back and forth, Mr Farance left and Ms Shinozaki continued speaking with the remaining RIRA members, though this was not a formal meeting due to the lack of a quorum. Ms Shinozaki presented her President's report and various other issues including affordable housing and meeting with Roosevelt Landings new ownership/management.
RIRA is in real trouble and its a shame because despite much dysfunction, at times they do some worthwhile and important activities and representation for the Roosevelt Island community.
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WELCOME TO ROOSEVELT ISLAND
Welcome to the Roosevelt Islander Online!
Roosevelt Island is a mixed income, racially diverse waterfront community situated in the East River of New York City between Manhattan and Queens and is jurisdictionally part of Manhattan. The Roosevelt Island Tramway, which connects Roosevelt Island to the rest of Manhattan, has become the iconic symbol of Roosevelt Island to its residents.
The Purpose of this Blog is to provide accurate and timely information about Roosevelt Island as well as a forum for residents to express opinions and engage in a dialogue to improve our community.
