Man Punched In Face And Bloodied Outside Of Roosevelt Island Starbucks On Sunday Afternoon, Second Incident In Area During Past Week - Continued Silence From RIOC, What Happened To Promised 100% Transparency?

A Roosevelt Island eyewitness Tipster reported yesterday, August 13, at approximately 5 PM:

An older gentleman sitting outside of Starbucks got punched pretty hard by a young man. The two continued to  argue with the younger man retreating to the subway. I didn't see the whole thing but Public Safety arrived right away and spoke to both. NYPD is here too.

He got punched really hard because there is blood all over his chin.

The August 13 RIOC PSD Blotter reported:

08/13/23 – 1645 – 455 Main St – Juvenile Related – PSD and EMS responded – Report filed.

The RIOC PSD Blotter says nothing about a man being punched in the face and bloodied.

Yesterday, I asked Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Public Safety Department Chief Kevin Brown and Assistant Vice President of Communications Akeem Jamal:

...  Does RIOC have any comment to the Roosevelt Island community on this incident and any more details of what happened?.

There has been no response from RIOC.

Today, I asked the NYPD:

Yesterday, August 13 at approximately 4:30 pm an older male was punched in the face by a younger male at the Starbucks outdoor patio on Roosevelt Island 455 Main Street. The younger man escaped into the subway. I'm told that NYPD 114 officers arrived, spoke to the victim and took a statement.

Do you have any info on this incident?

Also on Thursday August 10 at approximately 9 AM a teenager was robbed by a masked wearing suspect at 465 Main Street (which is nearby to the Starbucks) and ran into the subway as well. The 114 precinct responded and took statements.

Do you have any info on this incident? Are the incidents related?...

The NYPD spokesperson replied:

There are no complaint reports on file with information you’ve provided.

A Starbucks worker confirmed today that an older man was punched in the face by a younger man yesterday outside Starbucks and that the victim's face was bloodied and scratched. 

RIOC has still not commented on the August 10 morning robbery of teenager near the subway.

During the July 25 PSD Community Engagement meeting, Chief Brown said that PSD:

... will address issues when they come before us and we will do 100% to be transparent... 

Unfortunately, answering public safety questions from the local Roosevelt Island press in a timely, or at all, is apparently not part of RIOC's transparency definition.

Roosevelt Island Starbucks, Jupioca & Granny Annie's Glass Door Windows Smashed In And Premises Broken Into Overnight - $5 Thousand Stolen Says NYPD

Early this morning at approximately 2 AM, the Roosevelt Island Starbucks, 

Jupioca juice bar 

 and Granny Annie's restaurant 

Image From Rachel Dowling

had their doors smashed in and premises broken into.

According to a NYPD spokesperson:

• 2 unknown suspects attempted burglary at Granny Annie's by breaking the glass door window and removing cash from the register draw which was empty. 
• There was a burglary at Jupioca where 1 unknown suspect broke the glass door window and removed $5 thousand in cash.
• No information on the Starbucks break in at this time.
  

The break-ins are currently under investigation by NYPD.

                                                              Images By Rachel Dowling

There was no response to my inquiry for information from Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) about the incident.

Sad News, Bill King Passed Away - Touched Many On Roosevelt Island As A Powerful Actor With MST&DA And Friendly RI Starbucks Barista

Very sad news to report. Bill King passed away January 30. Bill was known to Roosevelt Island residents as a very talented actor at the Main Street Theatre & Dance Alliance (MST&DA) and as a long time friendly and popular barista at the Roosevelt Island Starbucks.

Bill's niece, Megan Courtney shares this photo of Bill 

 and tells us:

... my Uncle Billy passed away peacefully. His heart was so big and his passion for acting, film and theater was the great love of his life. He inspired many, myself included.  

We loved him so much and all of us (The King family) were so glad to tighten our bonds over the years, especially the last. 

Here is his lifetime of highlighted roles and plays/musicals he starred in:

• Kulygen in The Three Sisters 
• Vanya in Uncle Vanya 
• Speed in The Two Gentlemen of Verona 
• The actor in The Lower Depths 
• Richard Nixon in Rum and Coke 
• Harvey Fierstein in Forbidden Broadway's Greatest Hits vol. 1 
• Pete in Creeps 
• The Bald Soprano 
• Strepsiades in The Clouds. 
• 90 Plays and Musicals RIP 

Uncle Billy, I love you so much!

Roosevelt Island resident Mihaela Mihut directed Bill in several theater productions and was his acting teacher. Ms Mihut expresses the sorrow of those who knew Bill:

I am so sad for the passing of my dear friend, extraordinary actor, kind human being William King who always said ‘I love you’ when we parted or finished a phone conversation. He was a powerful actor who gave his soul to his roles, and made me and everyone around him want to give of ourselves. I am grateful to have shared moments of his life, real and fictional . 

I love you, Bill. 

My deepest condolences to the family.

Ms Mihut adds:

An important role for Bill was Triletsky in ‘People of Platonovka’ by Anton Chekhov at MSTDA. He was amazing in it.

Bill's obituary

William “Bill” A. King of New York, New York and formally of South Ashburnham, MA, passed away peacefully in his residence on January 30, 2021. Born on April 1, 1952 to Rita E. McGregor and Calvin W. King, William attended and graduated from Oakmont Regional High School in 1970.

After graduation he attended Massachusetts College of Pharmacy, Boston for a year before departing for “The Big Apple” to pursue his true passions of theater, film, and acting. Bill has a long list of roles and characters he has portrayed in over 90 plays and musicals and continued with acting classes striving to better his skills. He was a long-time member of the Screen Actors Guild.

Besides his acting career he had been employed at Actofone Agency, Hard Rock Cafe, and up to his death, Starbucks.

He leaves his brother Robert “Bob” King and his wife Diane of Ashburnham. Bill adored his nieces and nephew; Meghan King of San Diego, California, Brittany Durante and her husband Sammy of Lamar, South Carolina, and Nolan King of Gardner, MA. He was predeceased by his parents and brother David King.

Bill had an extended network of friends who have all expressed Bill’s great sense of humor, kindness, knowledge and willingness to give and share. His work ethic was outstanding.

The family would like to thank everyone for their support and thoughts of kindness. In memory of Bill please light a candle and watch a movie. The show must go on!

To send an online condolence please visit www.mackfamilyfh.com.

Condolences to Bill's family and friends. He will be missed.

NYC Restaurant Indoor Dining Returns Today To Roosevelt Island With 25% Covid 19 Social Distancing Capacity Seating At Cornell Tech Cafe & Nisi Kitchen

NYC restaurant indoor dining returns today with 25% Covid-19 Social Distancing capacity seating.

Indoor dining is back today in New York City and we’re ensuring it happens safely.

🌡️ Temperature checks
📲 Contact info for each party for our #NYCTestandTrace
➡️ Tables spaced 6 feet apart
🚫 Bar tops closed
😷 PPE for all employees

— City of New York (@nycgov) September 30, 2020

On Roosevelt Island, the Cafe @Cornell Tech is open for indoor seating

View this post on Instagram

Indoor dining is back!!! #thecafeatct #nyc #cornelltech

A post shared by The Cafe @ Cornell Tech (@thecafe_cornelltech) on Sep 30, 2020 at 5:31am PDT

as is Nisi Kitchen, although owner Alex Razaghi told me this afternoon they may be open tonight but definitly will be open tomorrow.

View this post on Instagram

Nisi Kitchen now has indoor seating!

A post shared by Nisi Kitchen (@nisikitchen) on Sep 30, 2020 at 2:12pm PDT

I spoke with Cafe @Cornell Tech General Manager Christopher Lewis today about their indoor dining and he gave me a tour describing indoor seating procedures.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by @rooseveltislander on Sep 30, 2020 at 11:18am PDT

Granny Annie's Irish Bar & Kitchen is not yet open for indoor dining nor is Fuji East, Piccolo Trattoria and Starbucks.

More Roosevelt Island Covid Restart - Starbucks Patio Outdoor Seating Is Back, Can't Beat The View

Yay. Roosevelt Island ⁦@Starbucks⁩ patio outdoor seating is back. Can’t beat the view. pic.twitter.com/UXRZHH1wEB

— Roosevelt Islander (@Rooseveltisland) July 1, 2020

Roosevelt Island Starbucks Re-Opening Wednesday May 6, Take Out And Mobile App Payment Only During Coronavirus Pandemic - Attempted Burglary Of RI Starbucks Last Night Too

The Roosevelt Island Starbucks will re-open for business this Wednesday May 6

after being closed for more than a month due to the Coronavirus pandemic. Service will be takeout only, no indoor or outdoor patio seating and payment by their mobile app.



Last night there was a break-in at the Roosevelt Island Starbucks. According to Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Public Information Officer Terrence McCauley:

Overnight, there was an attempted burglary at Starbucks where the door was forced open and the cash register was damaged. No cash was removed and no other property was damaged. The NYPD responded and they are in charge of the investigation.

Roosevelt Island Take Out Food Options During Coronavirus Health Emergency - A Few Local Options, Doordash But No UberEats

Fuji East & China 1 closed until further notice. No delivery, no pick up. 🥺 pic.twitter.com/6REU52uvD8

— FinnYorker (@NYTTYTTYY) March 19, 2020

Roosevelt Island restaurant options have always been limited but even more so that our few restaurants are forced to close due to the Coronavirus Pandemic health emergency.Where can Roosevelt Island residents go locally for delivery and take out food?

Nisi Kitchen announced

We apologize if it seems we are taking extreme measures. We consider the safety of the community our first priority. Due to this, we have taken steps to ensure that the way we conduct business during the Coronavirus Pandemic continues to keep the coummunity and our staff safe.

Nisi will now be Cashless. We will only be accepting Credit Cards. We will be operating with Contactless Pick -up & Contactless Delivery Only.

For Pickup please Call your order in at (212) 752-1517 or order online at www.NisiKitchen.com or www.Grubhub.com

Pickup orders will be left on the table in the Vestibule between our two entrance doors, for customers to take without having to come into contact with anyone.

We will continue to do everything in our power to try and stay open to serve the community. We thank you in advance for supporting us during this crises.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to everyone.

Nisi

Uber Eats is not an option for Roosevelt Island

Read more »

Roosevelt Island Starbucks Closed Today - Don't Worry, It's Only Temporary Until Friday To Install New Air Conditioning Unit, You'll Be Glad This Summer

Not a good sign when you see the Roosevelt Island Starbucks closed and brown paper covering the windows.

The first thing one thinks is it's closing but fortunately that's not the case.

As sign on the window says our Starbucks is closing today for air conditioning repairs and will reopen on Friday April 11. That's a relief.

Oh where to get my chai fix now. No Bubble Cool or Starbucks for now #rooseveltisland #nyc pic.twitter.com/ZVNL1wO9BV

— mrs (@itsElizaRo) April 9, 2019

There have been times in the past when the Roosevelt Island Starbucks closed during very hot days in the summer due to no air conditioning.

Hopefully, that will not happen this summer.

In the meantime, try the Cornell Tech Cafe for your coffee,  bubble tea and more. Try the Mango Smoothies - they are very good.

Roosevelt Island Starbucks Barista Job Available - I'll Have An Iced Mocha Please

This #job might be a great fit for you: barista - Store# 10751, ROOSEVELT ISLAND - https://t.co/iIyC02jCUC #NewYork, NY #Veterans #Hiring

— NYC Jobs (@tmj_nyc_jobs) June 12, 2017

Click here to apply.

The Roosevelt Island Starbucks is great. Very nice people work there too.

Good luck.

Baby Birds Mooching Muffin From Roosevelt Island Starbucks Outdoor Table Patio Today - Pass The Latte Please

According to the Roosevelt Island Twitterverse:

Baby birds munching muffin from Roosevelt Island #Starbucks outdoor patio table today pic.twitter.com/Vn629UpBLk

— Roosevelt Islander (@Rooseveltisland) July 8, 2016

Help Your Green Roosevelt Island Neighbors (GRIN) Compost Starbucks Coffee Grounds At The Community Garden And Support Big Reuse Food Scrap Drop Off Site At Saturdays Farmers Market

Roosevelt Island Garden Club Compost Chair Anthony Longo reports:

Dear Green Roosevelt Island Neighbors (GRIN),

Calling all Roosevelt Islanders who care about the environment! We want to connect people and support greening initiatives of all kinds on Roosevelt Island. We are gardeners and Girl Scout leaders, restaurant managers and bloggers, producers and teachers, and more. We are an informal group of people working on varied kinds of service for Roosevelt Island and our environment.

Come work with us as we make our beautiful neighborhood even more "green!" We are currently looking for people for two specific projects. Students interested in community service are welcome. Long term or short term commitments welcome.

Here's how you can help GRIN.

Bring used coffee grounds to compost.

Every week, a group of us are already saving almost 10 5-gallon buckets

of used Starbucks coffee grounds from the landfill and hoping to add Main Street Sweets coffee to the program as well. Coffee raises the temperature

of the composting, breaking organic materials down faster

to create nutrient-rich compost for trees and plants

right here on Roosevelt Island! It also reduces methane gas by keeping the coffee out of the landfill. We could use more help getting the Starbucks Grounds for the Garden to the compost area and would be glad to share with other garden sites or composters as well.

Also, help support and promote our Roosevelt Island Food Scrap Drop Off site run by NYC Compost hosted by BigReuse

 on Saturdays at the Farmer's Market.

We could use your help to spread the word to get more people to collect food scraps, help set-up and take-down the compost table/bins, or give the staff a lunch/bathroom break. Through this program Roosevelt Islanders have already diverted more than 6 tons of food scraps from landfill in the past 7 months.

According to he Roosevelt Island Garden Club:

Grounds for the Garden is a corporate program that Starbucks began in 1995. We are fortunate that Ryan, manager of our Roosevelt Island Starbucks, and Anthony, RIGC Compost Chair, got together and formed a plan along with Julia, a member, and Aiesha, a new associate. After donating food grade buckets and covering them with our logos, we began making regular pick ups at Starbucks .... The coffee grounds go into our RIGC compost piles and provide nitrogen rich ph balanced ingredients that are working like magic!

Starbucks manager Ryan is seen below handing over buckets of coffee grounds to Anthony for composting.

Starbucks adds:

Starbucks serves freshly-brewed coffee to millions of customers each day. But many may not know they can also pick up a free bag of used coffee grounds to enrich their gardens and compost.

Starbucks started its Grounds for Your Garden program in 1995, which is offered on a first-come, first-served basis in participating stores where local codes permit. Even the packaging has been reused – baristas scoop spent coffee grounds into the empty bags originally used to ship espresso beans to stores....

More information on the Roosevelt Island Garden Club available at their web site.

Beautiful Day On Roosevelt Island To Enjoy Starbucks Outdoor Patio - But Tourists Leave Their Garbage Without Cleaning Up

@Rooseveltisland how about looking at the positive. It was nice day. And they may have come from a place where the restaurant picks up.

— scottie douglas (@scottie_douglas) April 17, 2016

@scottie_douglas I've seen this happen more than just an isolated incident. Perhaps @starbucks should put more garbage cans in area.

— Roosevelt Islander (@Rooseveltisland) April 18, 2016

@Rooseveltisland again. Tourists who expect when you pay $5 for shitty coffee that someone will pick up after you. Stop complaining.

— scottie douglas (@scottie_douglas) April 18, 2016

Outdoor Seating Returns To Roosevelt Island Starbucks Today

I was pleasantly surprised to find outdoor seating at Roosevelt Island's Starbucks available today.

 Roosevelt Island Outdoor Seating Available Today

As previously reported, Roosevelt Island Southtown restaurants have not been allowed outdoor seating under scaffolding during the Local Law 11 facade work being done on the Riverwalk buildings.

Image Of Riverwalk 455 Main Street Facade Work

Who @RelatedRentals closed @Rooseveltisland park/patio cafes during Spring? #dumb @HPSLiving @NYDNRealEstate @nypost pic.twitter.com/xxBwrB0r7H

— Billy Mark (@HighonHillcrest) May 19, 2015

I am told the outdoor seating at Riverwalk Bar, Fuji East and Pizza place should open soon as well.

Outdoor Seating At Roosevelt Island Riverwalk Restaurants During NYC Local Law 11 Building Facade Work Discussed By RIOC Operations Advisory Committee Yesterday - What's The Deal?

As previously reported, the Roosevelt Island Riverwalk Building are surrounding by scaffolding to protect passerbys from falling debris as Local Law 11 facade work is done on the exterior of the buildings.

Image Of Riverwalk 455 Main Street Facade Work

According to Habitat Magazine:

New York City's Façade Inspection Safety Program (FISP), also called Local Law 11, requires that owners of buildings with more than six stories undergo an exterior inspection every five years....

and the Department of Buildings:

... created and implemented the law in 1980 — then called Local Law 10 — in response to the 1979 death of Barnard College student Grace Gold when she was struck by masonry falling from a building façade in Manhattan. More recently, on August 1, 2013, Jennifer Rosoff fell to her death from her 17th-floor condominium at 400 East 57th Street after the 78-year-old aluminum railing on her balcony gave way. The railing was installed in 1931 without welded rivets, and the non-welded rivets popped out....

The facade work has meant that outdoor seating at Riverwalk restaurants

is not available or limited to certain times upsetting some residents.

Who @RelatedRentals closed @Rooseveltisland park/patio cafes during Spring? #dumb @HPSLiving @NYDNRealEstate @nypost pic.twitter.com/xxBwrB0r7H

— Billy Mark (@HighonHillcrest) May 19, 2015

The NY Times reported yesterday on a tragic incident Local Law 11 facade work is intended to prevent. According to the NY Times:

... On Sunday morning, Susan Frierson, 60, was outside the building with her granddaughter, Greta Greene, 2, when a piece of decorative terra-cotta windowsill broke free eight stories above. Both were struck, Greta most seriously. After hours on the operating table at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical Center, doctors could not save her. She was pronounced dead on Monday.

New York has a strict facade-inspection law, but Greta’s death was a reminder of that law’s limits,...

During yesterday's (May 18) Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Operations Advisory Committee (full audio web cast of meeting), RIOC Director Margie Smith asked about the status of Riverwalk restaurants outdoor seating during the local law 11 facade work.. RIOC President Charlene Indelicato said that she was told by a Hudson Related Representative that for safety reasons outdoor seating would not be available at Riverwalk restaurants under the scaffolding

 Image of Riverwalk Bar & Grill Seating Under Scaffolding From Several Weeks Ago

during the time facade work is being done but can be available after 4:30 on weekdays and on weekends.

Here's the discussion.



Recently, I have noticed that the seating is not available under the scaffolding.

Roosevelt Island Starbucks WiFi Internet Access Returned Yesterday, Finally Fixed After Broken For Weeks - When Will Building Facade Work Be Done So Restaurant Outdoor Patio Seating Available?

Wi-Fi internet access returned to the Roosevelt Island Starbucks yesterday

after being out of service

for more than a month causing some Roosevelt Island Mocha, Latte, Frappucino drinkers to tweet their unhappiness.

@Starbucks how come the residents and guests of #rooseveltisland don't have access to wifi as the other #starbucks??

— ErikaMontoya (@ErikaMontoya) April 9, 2015

Why can't @Starbucks fix chronic problems a Roosevelt Island store? Wi-fi is STILL broken! @TheCoffeeBean PLEASE COME SOON! @Starbucksnews

— Carly Santana (@VillaBlancUH) April 10, 2015

Still no wi-fi but tons of ridic excuses at #rooseveltisland @Starbucks! @Starbucksnews @StarbucksUK @starbucksgold @StarbucksJobs @nypost

— Billy Mark (@HighonHillcrest) April 12, 2015

After weeks not working, Roosevelt Island @Starbucks wifi finally on today.

— Roosevelt Islander (@Rooseveltisland) May 13, 2015

Hopefully, the Southtown Riverwalk buildings Local Law 11 facade work

Image Of Riverwalk 455 Main Street Facade Work

will finish soon so that the Starbucks patio outdoor seating

will soon return.

Image Of Starbucks Patio Spring 2014

Who's responsible for asinine decision to schedule building maintenance in Spring, shutting down park & restaurant patios? @Rooseveltisland

— Billy Mark (@HighonHillcrest) May 4, 2015

Outdoor seating at the Rivewalk Bar, Pizzeria and Fuji East, but not Starbucks, was available for a time under the facade work sidewalk shed

but seems to have stopped over the last few days.

Too Hot For Roosevelt Island Starbucks To Remain Open This Afternoon Without Air Conditioning - Thirsty Customers Turned Away

The temperature read 88 degrees today

at about 4PM which proved to hot for the Roosevelt Island Starbucks to handle.

Thirsty and hot customers faced locked doors

and were reluctantly turned away

by our Roosevelt Island Starbucks Baristas who were working without air conditioning in the 455 Main Street Store. The air conditioning at the Roosevelt Island Starbucks is frequently out of service during hot weather.

Those who bought their Starbucks before it closed were able to enjoy their drinks

outside on the patio, which was cooler than inside the store.

Despite the lack of air conditioning and temporary closure today, in my view, the Roosevelt Island Baristas do a great job serving our community

It's World Book Day - Roosevelt Island Is A Great Place To Read Outside

From the Roosevelt Island Twitterverse:

#WorldBookDay Joy of reading a good book again is priceless. At #RooseveltIsland pic.twitter.com/lhPMeN9oii
— Maxy Sosa (@MaxySosa_) April 23, 2014

Roosevelt Island's Meditation Steps is a great place to read a book. Do you have a favorite spot? I like the outdoor patio at Starbucks but there are many others.

Yesterday's Spring Temperature and Sunshine Brings Return To Outdoor Seating At Roosevelt Island Restaurants

The spring like weather yesterday brought the outdoor seating back to Roosevelt Island restaurants at Nonno's,

Starbucks

and the Riverwalk Bar & Grill.

Not much of a chance to enjoy the outdoor seating with today's dreary weather or freezing temperatures expected to return tomorrow. However, spring will soon be here with sunshine, warmer weather and the opportunity to eat and drink outdoors.

Looking forward to that.

Roosevelt Island Mommy & Me Playtime At Starbucks 10 AM Wednesday March 12 - Please Bring Crayons, Notebook Or Small Toy To Share

Roosevelt Island Mom Susy Del Campo Perea organized a Mommy & Me Playtime at our local Starbucks two weeks ago. According to Ms. Del Campo Perea:

During the winter it is very hard for kids to be inside all the time, and it's harder for parents to keep them entertained! And with no indoor place to go in Roosevelt Island it's even harder.

So I pair up with Starbucks to do a Mommy & Me time in our local store. The manager, who is a sweetheart, loved the idea. She reserved the space at the back for us, treats us with cookies, has one staff member in the back helping us with strollers, getting our beverages, with our kids (like not letting them go down the stairs) while we reach them.

It was a great success with 8 moms and 9 kids attending.

Roosevelt Island Starbucks Mommy & Me Playtime

Let's do it again!!!

Our kids had a great time ( and we did as well) and Starbucks wants us back!!!

Mark your calendars next Wednesday March 12th at 10am we will be at Starbucks RI for a special Mommy and Me playtime.

Everybody is welcome, Starbucks has reserved for us the whole back sitting area, there will be treats to eat and a staff person to help us out with our drinks, strollers, kids, messes and to make us feel at home!!! All provided by Starbucks!!

No RSVP necessary!!

Just bring crayons, notebook and/or small toy to share!!

See you there!

Roosevelt Island Squirrel Snacking At Local Starbucks Outdoor Patio

This squirrel was courteous enough to stay on the ledge and grassy areas.

I have seen other squirrels very aggressively jump on the chairs or tables looking for food.