Roosevelt Island One Lane Traffic Jam This Morning From Main Street Over Roosevelt Island Bridge To Long Island City - Resident Asks Con Ed To Stop High Pressure Gas Upgrade Work During Morning And Afternoon Rush Hours

Resident Frank Farance reports on Roosevelt Island traffic jam this morning stretching from Main Street, the Helix Ramp, Roosevelt Island Bridge and into Long Island City. Mr. Farance share this email message and photos below sent today to the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC). According to Mr. Farance:

Con Ed has one lane 24 hours a day, this does not work. You need to have them take two 2-hour breaks: 6:30-8:30 in the mornings, 2:30 to 4:30 in the afternoon. There is so much traffic in the morning, everything was blocked on the Island, including emergency service vehicles, and blocked into LIC back to 34 Ave and out to 11 St. Furthermore, Cornell trucks are delayed (which causes more problems).

Here are the details:

6:30-8:30
- Hospital shift change at 7 AM
- Other school buses on Main Street at 7:20-7:45
- Child school buses around 8 AM
- Inflow of school kids and drop-offs at 8:00 to 8:30

2:30-4:30
- Hospital shift change at 3 PM
- Child School buses around 2:45 to 3:15
- PS/IS 217 pick-ups around 3:00-3:30
- Other school buses around 3:30-4:30

The photos show the massive traffic jam. If Con Ed says they need 24 hour access, tell them they need to take 2-hour coffee breaks and put the plates back during that time.

Really, too much congestion and, already, hazards with emergency vehicles getting through (see photo of ambulance having difficulty).

Full view, showing traffic jammed on top of Helix and down on Main Street (inset: Main Street at construction)

Ambulance with sirens on, having difficultly making way through congestion, which was on both sides of street

Congestion complicated be school drop-off just before construction

Congestion complicated by school bus drop-off at Child School

Looking north on Vernon Blvd and 36 Ave, traffic congested

Congestion on Vernon Blvd continues as far as 34 Ave

Looking west on 36 Ave, traffic congested as far as 11 St

Looking west, traffic not moving on RI Bridge

Looking east, traffic congested from Vernon Blvd to Helix upper level

Looking south, traffic not moving down Helix ramp

Looking south from Motorgate, upper level Helix is congested

Cornell delivery truck delayed

I asked Mr. Farance:

When were these pictures taken?

Was today's traffic problems typical during the Con Ed construction or just a one time problem?

Mr Farance replied:

This morning between 8:00 and 8:30.

There are three phases of work.  The first phase, which is already completed, was laying the pipe in the street.  This was done during daytime, but not during rush hours.  This did not cause too much of a problem.

The second phase, connecting the riser, has always been done at night, typically 8-9 PM or later.  There have not been issues at night.  The third phase is energizing the new gas main and switching over service in the buildings (not yet started).

Today is the first day they were doing construction during the AM/PM rush hours.  I don't expect this to be a one-time problem because we (people like me and others) have already studied the traffic patterns and these rush hours are really bad times.  I think DOT has a study, too, on bridge traffic which is consistent with my reporting on the peak hours.  I expect the same problems tomorrow morning.

Con Ed is currently working on the Roosevelt Island High Pressure Gas Line Upgrades.

RIOC issued the following parking and traffic advisories for this week.

Due to continued Con Edison Gas Main Riser work on Main Street, for the week of Monday, May 16th, 2016 through Friday, May 20th, 2016, there will be “No Parking, No Stopping or No Standing” in front of 591-625 Main Street (Westview Buildings) beginning 12:00AM, Monday, May 16th, 2016 through 11:00PM, Friday, May 20th, 2016.

Vehicles parked in this area during this time will be summonsed and/or towed.

Further, the sidewalk on the East side of Main Street, in front of Capobianco Field, will be closed to pedestrian traffic. Pedestrians may cross over to the West side of Main street either at the crosswalk near 591 or 625 Main Street.

Con Edison will continue to provide RIOC with a projected work schedule, which will be made available to residents and merchants in future Everbridge Advisories.

Thank you for your cooperation during this time.

And:

Urban American Management has advised that due to building facade work, Main St. will be reduced to one lane of traffic between 575 Main St. (Island House Bldg.) and 599 Main St. (Westview Bldg.), DAILY beginning Monday, May 16th, 2016 THROUGH Friday, May 20th, 2016, from 8AM to 6PM.

In order to facilitate this work, there will be NO PARKING, NO STOPPING, OR NO STANDING on the West side of Main St. between 575 Main St. (Island House Bldg.) and 599 Main St. (Westview Bldg.), Monday THROUGH Friday from 7AM - 7PM.

Flag persons will be on site to redirect traffic during these times.

Further, during this work, from 8AM to 6PM the crosswalk at 580 Main Street will be closed to pedestrian and vehicular traffic; please utilize the crosswalks at 560 or the temporary crosswalk located opposite 595 Main Street.

Thank you for your cooperation during this time.

I asked RIOC for comment on the matter earlier today. Have not heard back yet but will update with any response from RIOC. Will also ask Con Ed for comment as well.

On Again Off Again Con Ed Roosevelt Island High Pressure Gas Infrastructure Upgrade Work Back On Again Starting December 17 At Fire Station And Continuing South Along Main Street - Expect Street Excavation And Traffic Diversions Says RIOC

Image From Con Ed

The on again off again Con Edison Roosevelt Island High Pressure Gas Line upgrade infrastructure project appears to be on again after much delay. According to this Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) advisory issued yesterday:

Con Edison will commence Gas Main work on Main Street beginning Thursday, December 17, 2015 between the hours of 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. (Monday through Friday). This work, which will begin in the vicinity of 750 Main Street (FDNY Special Operations Building), will continue south along Main Street requiring street excavation and traffic diversions.

On Thursday December 17, 2015 and Friday December 18, 2015, there will be “No Parking” opposite 750 Main Street and/or adjacent to 40 River Road AND “No Parking” opposite 688 Main Street to accommodate the southbound Bus Stop at 40 River Road, which will temporarily be relocated opposite 688 Main Street during these times.

Con Edison will provide RIOC with a projected schedule, which will be made available to residents and merchants in future Everbridge Advisories.

Here's Google Street View of starting work area and



more on the Roosevelt Island Con Ed High Press Gas Project from previous posts including July 23 2015 Town Hal meeting on subject.

Below is Roosevelt Island Con Edison High Pressure Gas project RIOC permit (scheduled to start August 3, 2015 and end no later than January 8, 2016) including:

• work schedules,
• street closures,
• penalties,
• noise mitigation,
• air monitoring,
• asbestos abatement
• parking,
• mitigation strategies and
• more.

Roosevelt Island Con Ed Gas Upgrade Permit

UPDATE 12/17 - From Con Edison:

Work Notice Update

Wednesday, December 16, 2015

Con Edison will begin preliminary work on the gas infrastructure on Main Street starting as early as Thursday, December 17, 2015. Crews will be working from 8am to 4pm, weekdays, through late February 2016. The work will start at the north end of Main St., near the FDNY facility, and will continue south, in sections, along Main St. We will continue to provide updates as this work progresses.

This schedule is subject to change. There will be no service disruptions to customers associated with this work. We apologize for any inconvenience. For more information, contact Manhattan Public Affairs at ManhattanPA@conEd.com.

Con Ed Re-Starting Roosevelt Island High Pressure Gas Line Infrastructure Work Friday November 27 - Beginning Near Firehouse And Working South On Main Street

Image From Con Ed

As reported last August 27, Con Ed temporarily suspended work on installation of the new Roosevelt Island high pressure gas line:

... Con Edison has temporarily suspended the work that crews had started earlier this month on Main Street, Roosevelt Island. After the initial excavation revealed some unanticipated conditions, Con Edison will revise its work plan and schedule....

and:

...Work will be suspended thereafter until the revised work plan and new schedule are developed....

Apparently, Con Ed has developed a new schedule starting the day after Thanksgiving. According to Con Ed:

Work Notice Update

Tuesday, November 24, 2015

Con Edison will begin preliminary work on the gas infrastructure on Main Street starting as early as Friday, November 27, 2015. Crews will be working from 8am to 4pm, weekdays, through late January 2016. The work will start at the north end of Main St., near the FDNY facility, and will continue south, in sections, along Main St. We will continue to provide updates as this work progresses.

This schedule is subject to change. There will be no service disruptions to customers associated with this work. We apologize for any inconvenience. For more information, contact Manhattan Public Affairs at ManhattanPA@conEd.com.

Map of Work Area:

More on the Con Ed Roosevelt Island high pressure gas line installation from previous posts.

RIOC President Charlene Indelicato Says Roosevelt Island Construction Permits At Record High, RIOC Seeks To Minimize Residents Inconvenience And Prods Utilities To Get Permits

Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) President Charlene Indelicato reported to the October 22 RIOC Board of Directors meeting on current construction projects

 Image of Main Street Con Ed Riser Construction Work Taking Place Past Summer

 taking place on Roosevelt Island including:

• Local Law 11 building facade work scaffolding on Main Street,
• Cornell Tech,
• Con Ed High Pressure Gas Line and Risers,
• Emergency and regular maintenance work on Transformers and 
• Verizon High Speed Internet Connection To Sportspark

Ms. Indelicato said:

...  I feel like an Air Traffic Controller because we have so many things going on and all of it has to be coordinated.

I know that it impacts the residents. I am very, very concerned, as is the rest of RIOC staff, that the various construction, which has to be done, is done in a manner that is least intrusive. That takes alot of work.

Permits were not required when I first got here.... since change is very hard, we are still in the process of sometimes discussing with various utilities, sometimes prodding various utilities, sometimes threatening various utilities into getting permits that in the rest of the world is as of course.

... We take complaints about the trucks and flag people and we appreciate people telling us what the issues are so we can address them.... PSD has gone above and beyond in the escorting and traffic control to make sure that it is as least intrusive as possible...

Here's RIOC President Charlene Indelicato's October 22 Board of Directors report .

Con Edison Roosevelt Island High Pressure Gas Line Work Temporarily Suspended After Initial Excavation Revealed Some Unanticipated Conditions

Image From July 23 Con Ed Roosevelt Island Gas Line Upgrade Power Point Presentation

According to Con Edison:

Image From Con Edison

Work Notice Update

Thursday, August 27, 2015

Con Edison has temporarily suspended the work that crews had started earlier this month on Main Street, Roosevelt Island. After the initial excavation revealed some unanticipated conditions, Con Edison will revise its work plan and schedule. We will conduct some minor excavation work on Main St on Thursday night August 27th to allow crews to perform additional inspections on Friday night, August 28th. Work will be suspended thereafter until the revised work plan and new schedule are developed.

We will continue to provide you with updates as this work continues, and once the daytime gas main work commences in the coming weeks. Schedule is subject to change. There will be no service disruptions to customers associated with this work. We apologize for any inconvenience. For more information, contact Manhattan Public Affairs at ManhattanPA@conEd.com.

I asked a Con Edison spokesperson:

What was the unanticipated conditions that Con Ed found requiring temporary suspension of the work?

The Con Edison spokesperson replied:

Some of the pipe configuration was different than what we expected.

Image Of No Standing Sign For Con Ed Work Between 591 - 625 Main Street

The Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) adds:

... An advisory will be issued once Con Edison issues a new work schedule. No Parking regulations along the work area will remain in effect until Saturday, August 29, 2015....

Roosevelt Island Con Edison High Pressure Gas Upgrade Evening Work Begins Tonight Near Capobianco Field, No Weekday Nighttime Parking In Area - Main Street Traffic Disruptions Warns Public Safety Department Director

The Con Edison Roosevelt Island High Pressure Gas Upgrade project begins nighttime work this evening on Main Street near Capobianco Field. As a result, there is no weekday evening parking in the area for several months.

According to the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC):

There will be No Parking, Stopping or Standing on the West side of Main Street between 591-625 Main Street effective Monday, August 17, 2015, Monday– Friday from 5 PM to 8 AM, until further notice.

Vehicles not moved by 5 PM will be summonsed and/or towed.

This area will be reduced to one lane of traffic Monday- Friday from 7 PM to 7 AM.

The sidewalk on the east side of Main Street, in front of Capobianco Field, will be closed to pedestrian traffic. Pedestrians may cross over to the west side of the street either at the crosswalk near 591 or 625 Main Street.

Parking rules will be strictly enforced in the Commercial Loading Zone in front of 575 Main Street (Island House), as all deliveries will be directed to unload at this location.

We appreciate your cooperation during this project.

Image Of No Parking Area From 591 -625 Main Street

Con Edison adds:

Work Notice Update

Friday, August 14, 2015

Starting on Monday, August 17, Con Edison will begin working at night associated with the gas riser infrastructure upgrades on Main Street in front of the Capobianco Field. Crews will be working at this location from 7PM to 7AM for the remainder of the riser project. We will continue to provide you with updates as this riser work continues through the fall, and once the daytime gas main work commences in the coming weeks. This entire gas upgrade project is expected to be complete in December. Schedule is subject to change.

There will be no service disruptions to customers associated with this work. We apologize for any inconvenience. For more information, contact Manhattan Public Affairs at ManhattanPA@conEd.com.

Below is Roosevelt Island Con Edison High Pressure Gas project RIOC permit including:

• work schedules,
• street closures,
• penalties,
• noise mitigation,
• air monitoring,
• asbestos abatement
• parking,
• mitigation strategies and
• more.

Roosevelt Island Con Ed Gas Upgrade Permit

RIOC Public Safety Department Director Jack McManus discussed Main Street traffic disruptions caused by the current Con Ed Gas Upgrade and ongoing building facade work during August 11 Roosevelt Island Residents Association (RIRA) Public Safety Committee meeting.

Director McManus said that:

... past experiences with Con Ed is that they need alot of attention...

... it's going to be a busy time and an inconvenience...

Also discussed were insuring that ambulances, other emergency vehicles and Access A Ride vans have access to serve Roosevelt Island residents during the construction.

Here's the discussion.



More information on Roosevelt Island Con Edison High Pressure Gas Project at previous post showing video of Town Hall meeting on subject.

Con Edison Begins Roosevelt Island High Pressure Gas Upgrade Monday August 10, Staging Area Work Began Today - No Parking Or Walking On Portions Of Main Street August 10 -14

Get ready for the some more Main Street traffic headaches starting Monday morning as Con Edison begins work on the Roosevelt Island High Pressure Gas upgrade.

Image Of Roosevelt Island Main Street No Parking/Standing Site For Con Ed Gas Project Work

According to the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC):

No Parking- Con Edison Gas Project Work

There will be No Parking, Stopping or Standing on the West side of Main Street between 591-625 Main Street beginning Monday, August 10, 2015 at 12 AM until Friday, August, 14, 2015 at 3 PM. This area will be reduced to one lane traffic Monday - Friday from 9 AM to 2:30 PM.

The sidewalk on the east side of Main Street, in front of Capobianco Field, will be closed to pedestrian traffic. Pedestrians may cross over to the west side of the street either at the crosswalk near 591 or 625 Main Street.

Parking rules will be strictly enforced in the Commercial Loading Zone in front of 575 Main Street. Island House, as all deliveries will be directed to unload at this location.

We appreciate your cooperation during this project.

Con Edison contractors apparently did not wait until Monday to start work

Image of Site Where Will Begin Work On Monday, August 10 From 7/23 Con Ed Town Hall

as they were setting up a staging area today

underneath the Roosevelt Island Bridge Helix ramp.

More information on the Con Edison Roosevelt Island High Pressure Gas upgrade here and full video of Town Hall meeting on matter here.

At the same time there is ongoing building facade work going on at Roosevelt Landings

causing more Main Street traffic interruptions south of the Con Edison work between 505 and 543 Main Street.

Oy.

UPDATE - From Con Edison:

Con Edison Roosevelt Island High Pressure Gas Infrastructure Upgrade Begins Monday August 10 - No Service Disruptions And Project Completion Expected This Fall Says Con Ed

Image of Con Ed Gas Upgrade Work Schedule Updated 8/10

As previously reported:

Con Ed will soon begin removing the aging Roosevelt Island gas lines beneath Main Street and replacing them with High Pressure Gas Lines. At the same time, Roosevelt Landings, Island House and Westview will be doing building facade work. The combination of Con Ed Gas line upgrade, building facade work and Cornell Tech construction deliveries will make for a great deal of disruptions on Main Street....

Con Edison announced today:

Starting on Monday, August 10, Con Edison will begin upgrading gas infrastructure on Main Street in front of the Capobianco Field. Crews will be working from 9AM to 2:30 PM for the first five days, and then from 7PM to 7AM for the remainder of the project. This project is expected to be complete in the fall. Schedule is subject to change. We will continue to provide you with updates.

There will be no service disruptions to customers associated with this work.

Here is the site where Con Edison will begin work on Monday, August 10.

During July 23 Town Hall Meeting, Con Edison Energy Service Manager John Romano followed by Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Director Michael Shinozaki summarized the High Pressure Gas Upgrade project.



More information on the Con Edison Roosevelt Island High Pressure Gas Upgrade, including full video of July 23 Town Hall meeting on subject, at this previous post.

An additional phase of the project is scheduled to start in Spring 2016.

Con Ed High Pressure Gas Line Upgrade Coming To Roosevelt Island, Main Street Construction Starting Very Soon - Watch Con Ed Reps And Residents Discuss Gas Upgrade At July 23 Town Hall Meeting

As previously reported, Con Ed will soon begin removing the aging Roosevelt Island gas lines beneath Main Street and replacing them with High Pressure Gas Lines. At the same time, Roosevelt Landings, Island House and Westview will be doing building facade work. The combination of Con Ed Gas line upgrade, building facade work and Cornell Tech construction deliveries will make for a great deal of disruptions on Main Street.

Prior to issuing any permits for the Con Ed gas line uprade, Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) President Charlene Indelicato insisted that Con Ed hold a Town Hall Meeting to inform the Roosevelt Island community about:

... the timelines of the scheduled work , benefits of the projects to be undertaken and most importantly the safety issues

Residents will be given the opportunity to ask questions. ....

Last Thursday, July 23, Con Edison representatives spoke to approximately 20 Roosevelt Island residents about the upcoming High Pressure Gas Upgrade.

Image From July 23 Con Ed Roosevelt Island Gas Line Upgrade Power Point Presentation

Con Ed Director of Manhattan Public Affairs Caroline Kretz promised to keep disruptions to a minimum and added that Roosevelt Island residents have no better advocates than RIOC.



According to the Con Ed representatives:

Click On Image To Enlarge

Con Edison will be upgrading the gas system on Roosevelt Island:
• Replace existing gas risers
• Install new gas mains along Main Street
• Connect existing and new services

Project Benefits
• Improves system reliability
• Replaces aging infrastructure
• Reduces future maintenance for gas facilities
• Increases gas capacity for current and future gas demand

Project Schedule

All start dates are subject to RIOC’s approval

Phase 1 (risers)
• Start Date: Late July 2015
• Duration: 2 - 3 months
• Hours: 7PM to 7AM*, Monday - Friday
* For the first five days, crews will be working from 9AM to 2:30PM.

Phase 2 (gas main)
• Start Date: Early August 2015
• Duration: 3 - 4 months
• Hours:
– North and south of PS 217: 8AM to 4PM, Monday - Friday
– In the vicinity of PS 217: 9AM to 2:30PM, Monday – Friday

Phase 3 (tie-ins)
• Start Date: Spring 2016
• Duration: Periodic work throughout the Spring

Schedule is subject to change. We will notify the community of any changes.

Click On Image To Enlarge

1. Riser replacement work will start in late July and is estimated to be completed by Fall 2015.
2. Gas main work will start in early August in front of the FDNY building and move south.
3. Work will be performed around planned school activities.
4. Work will resume from the south in front of Blackwell House and move north towards the risers. This is estimated to be completed by Winter 2015.

Next Spring, we will be back to tie the new gas facilities in.

Mitigation Strategies
• 2 traffic lanes will be maintained for most sections of Main Street
• Noise panels/barriers
• Alternatives to back-up alarms for vehicles
• Flag men for pedestrians and vehicles
• Steel plates for open excavations
• Wetting down of dust
• Air monitoring

Communications Efforts
• Work notices
• Residents
• Building representatives
• RIOC
• Elected officials
• Community Board 8
• Other stakeholders

Here's video of the July 23 Roosevelt Island Con Ed Gas Upgrade Town Hall Meeting.

Part 1 - Ms. Kretz introduced the presentation and gave an overview.



Part 2 - Con Ed Gas Engineering rep Tom Femia, Construction Manager Michael Lombardi and Energy Services Manager John Romano described the project. Mr Femia reports that Con Ed will replace gas line coming from Queens, add a second gas line from Manhattan and upgrade 3 thousand feet of gas pipes underneath Main Street.



Part 3 -Mr Romano talked about the schedule of work asserting that the gas upgrade work had to be completed by October 2015. Several residents were skeptical that the October deadline was necessary and worried that the gas line upgrade schedule combined with the building facade work and other construction would cause unnecessary disruptions for the Roosevelt Island community.

Mr Romano said that multiple Roosevelt Island customers were seeking the gas upgrade but other than the Octagon building, declined to name those customers.



Part 4 - RIOC Director Michael Shinozaki was in the audience and summarized the project.



Part 5 - Con Ed reps answered questions about safety, air quality and employee parking issues due to the gas line upgrade construction work. Also, methods for future communications with the community.



Here's the Con Ed Roosevelt Island High Pressure Gas Upgrade Power Point presentation.

ConEd Roosevelt Island Gas Upgrade

The Roosevelt Island Con Ed High Pressure Gas upgrade will not begin until permit is issued by RIOC.

Con Ed High Pressure Gas Line Upgrade Roosevelt Island Town Hall Meeting Thursday July 23 - Gas Upgrade Construction Work Starting Soon, Expect Great Deal Of Main Street Disruptions Says RIOC President

Reported April 23:

Con Ed will soon be removing Roosevelt Island's aging gas lines beneath Main Street and replacing them with High Pressure Gas Lines. The work is scheduled to begin June 1. At the same time, Roosevelt Landings, Island House and Westview are scheduled to begin building facade work....

Image From Staples

and:

... A community Town Hall meeting is being planned for early May and will include all stakeholders who will address the timelines of the scheduled work , benefits of the projects to be undertaken and most importantly the safety issues.

Residents will be given the opportunity to ask questions....

and expect:

... there to be a great deal of disruptions on Main Street during this time....

Image Of Roosevelt Island Main Street During Roosevelt Landings Facade Work

It looks like the Roosevelt Island Con Ed High Pressure Gas line upgrade construction work on the west side of Main Street is about to begin very soon. According to this July 20 advisory from the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC):

This Thursday, July, 23, 2015 Con Ed representatives will discuss the upcoming gas line upgrade and replacement project, the project timeline, benefits of the upgrade and answer questions from the community. The meeting will take place at the Good Shepherd Community Center, 543 Main Street, at 6:30 PM. 

During June 22 RIOC Operations Advisory Committee meeting (full audio web cast of meeting), RIOC President Charlene Indelicato and CFO Frances Walton reported that they have been waiting weeks/months for information from Con Ed about the High Pressure Gas Line. Also, RIOC would not grant any permits until that information is provided and Con Ed holds a town hall meeting with residents to explain the project.

Here's what Ms. Indelicato and Ms Walton told the RIOC Directors at June 22 Operations Advisory Committee meeting



and more about the project from Ms. Indelicato during April 16 RIOC Board of Directors meeting.



It's unfortunate that such short notice was given to the community about the date for the Con Ed High Pressure Gas line meeting, only 3 days, but good that a meeting on this important subject is being held.

RIOC President Charlene Indelicato Reports On Roosevelt Island Cultural Center Clean Up Practices, July 4 Festivities, Con Ed Gas Line Town Hall & More During May 21 RIOC Board Of Directors Meeting

Image Of Cultural Center Entrance

Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) President Charlene Indelicato's report to the May 21 RIOC Board of Directors (full video web cast of Board meeting here) includes:

• Thanking Directors for approving new General Counsel (despite reservations of Board Members on the process - more to come on this subject),
• Urges users of the newly renovated Cultural Center to keep the premises clean (she noted the RIOC Board Meeting took place at the Cultural Center on the set of upcoming Main Street Theater & Dance Alliance's Little Shop Of Horrors set which was more preferable set to their previous show - Urinetown),
• Says Con Ed Town Hall Meeting on New High Pressure Gas Line has not been scheduled because Con Ed has not presented a doable plan yet and
• July 4 Fireworks on East River will be a challenge for RIOC but Public Safety and 114th Precinct will be ready (She did not specifically say whether Southpoint Park will be open to public or not).

Here's the RIOC President's Report from Ms. Indelicato.



During May 14 RIOC Real Estate Advisory Committee meeting agenda item on the Roosevelt Island Cultural Center (full audio web cast here), I asked about the fee policy for Roosevelt Island groups that could not afford to pay for its use. RIOC's Chief Financial Officer Frances Walton and Permits Director Donna Masly said they thought the fee policy was reasonable for all.



Here's the full May 14 RIOC discussion on Roosevelt Island Cultural Center.



and Cultural Center fee schedule.

Image From RIOC

RIOC Cultural Center permit info here.

Roosevelt Island Main Street Construction Disruptions About To Start - Con Ed Installing High Pressure Gas Line And 3 WIRE Buildings Doing Extensive Facade Work At Same Time Starting In June Says RIOC

Image From Staples

Con Ed will soon be removing Roosevelt Island's aging gas lines beneath Main Street and replacing them with High Pressure Gas Lines. The work is scheduled to begin June 1. At the same time, Roosevelt Landings, Island House and Westview are scheduled to begin building facade work.

According to Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) President Charlene Indelicato:

Con Edison, along with Urban American, RY Management and Cornell Tech, have already begun working with us to coordinate the upcoming work along Main Street that will involve the installation of high pressure gas lines and extensive facade work for three of the WIRE buildings. A community Town Hall meeting is being planned for early May and will include all stakeholders who will address the timelines of the scheduled work , benefits of the projects to be undertaken and most importantly the safety issues.

Residents will be given the opportunity to ask questions.

Ms Indelicato expects there to be a great deal of disruptions on Main Street during this time.

She spoke about the upcoming High Pressure Gas Line installation and building facade work during the April 16 RIOC Board of Directors meeting.



A spokesperson for Cornell Tech added:

This is vital infrastructure for the campus and the island, and like with all construction impacting our campus we are working closely with RIOC, Con Ed and the community to limit disruption.

Ms Indelicato and RIOC Engineering Director Jim Mortimer briefed the RIOC Operations Advisory Committee in greater detail during an April 15 meeting (audio web cast here). Mr. Mortimer noted that the work on the gas pipeline will be done on the West side of the street only and that parking spaces will be removed in those areas during that period.

Here's the discussion.



More background on the Con Ed Roosevelt Island High Pressure Gas Line issue from this April 2012 post.

Cornell Tech Roosevelt Island Construction Update, Academic Building Excavation Begins - Demolition, Abatement, Barging, Trucks, Air Quality And More

 Image Of April 1 Cornell Tech Roosevelt Island Campus Construction Site

Here's the latest

Image From Rosanna Ceruzzi

on the demolition of Roosevelt Island's

Image From Rosanna Ceruzzi

Goldwater Hospital

Image From Rosanna Ceruzzi

to make way

Image From Rosanna Ceruzzi

for the new Cornell Tech campus.

According to the Cornell NYC Tech Roosevelt Island construction update:

March 20 - April 3 Look Ahead

Demolition work continues in the Phase II area. Building E is progressing with approximately 10% of the building rubble to still be sorted. Once completed early the week of March 23rd, foundation removal will begin, working from the north to the south.

Building A is in the final stages of backfill and grading. The building will be complete early in the week of March 23rd.

Once Building A is finished, equipment will move to Building B. As with the other buildings, balcony and window removal must occur prior to any façade removal. This work is scheduled to take place during the week of March 30th.

In terms of sitework, Cornell has completed the installation of the new water main and utility ductbank. Con Edison crews will continue to work within and around the Cornell site as they finish splicing cables. Excavation has begun on the First Academic Building (FAB) and Central Utility Plant (CUP) in the Phase I area.

Below is Cornell NYC Tech March 2 presentation (PDF Format) to the Roosevelt Island Community and Construction Task Force

Cornell Tech March 2 Update


and video.

Part 1. Cornell Tech Director of Capital Planning Andrew Winters provides an overview of the demolition and abatement work..



Part 2. Utility and Site Work described by Tishman's John DiCapua.



Part 3. Excavation of first academic building described by Tom LePage of Barr & Barr.



Part 4. Barging, Trucking of materials and air quality described by Andrew Winters.





Part 5. Questions on Air Quality, Helix Repair, High Pressure Gas Lines, emergency access, coordinating concrete pouring trucks and more.



The next meeting of the Roosevelt Island Cornell Tech Community and Construction Task Force is April 27. The meetings are open to the public.

RIOC Approves Agreement For Main Street Theater & Dance Alliance Use Of Roosevelt Island Cultural Center Space For Rest Of Year - Also Upcoming Construction Projects, New Con Ed High Pressure Gas Line & Community Volunteer Efforts

The Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Board of Directors approved an agreement with the Main Street Theater & Dance Alliance (MST&DA)

Image Of MST&DA Cultural Center Entrance

for the use of the newly renovated Cultural Center space

Image Of Cultural Center Entrance

during last evening's March 26 Board meeting (full webcast of meeting here).

RIOC President Charlene Indelicato reported that the agreement is a non exclusive use of the theater space by MST&DA until the end of 2015 at which time a Request For Proposals (RFP) will be issued for the space. Ms Indelicato noted that the history of MST&DA will be considered in evaluating the Cultural Center RFP.

Here's what Ms. Indelicato said:



Ms Indelicato also reported on the Cultural Center fee schedule, upcoming construction projects from Cornell, Riverwalk Building 7 and new Con Ed High Pressure Gas line to be installed as well as community volunteer efforts.



RIOC Director Howard Polivy provided more info about the construction projects, including Con Ed Gas Line, and asked for community patience during the needed work.



RIOC Community Relations Specialist Erica Spencer-El added:

...last night the board approved a non-exclusive license agreement for use of portions of the Cultural Center (the theater, workshop and theater storage room) at no cost in exchange for MST&DA to operate and maintain the space. MST&DA will be required to pay the non-profit hourly rate (see below) for areas outside of the agreed license.

Ms. Spencer-El also provided the Cultural Center Fee Schedule below

and this list of organizations interested in using the Cultural Center Space:

1) Zalman Duchman,
2) Nina Lublin
3) RI Jewish Congregation
4) RI Explorers
5) Hope Church
6) Islamic Society of RI
7) Assembly member Seawright
8) RI Parents Network
9) Ashley Heart on behalf of a local Japanese group
10) Island Kids.

Here's the new Roosevelt Island Cultural Center Theater,

Dance floors

and dressing room.

More on the MST&DA agreement with RIOC at this previous post.