Continuing Adventures Of Rosie The Roosevelt Island Turkey, Spotted Taking An Afternoon Coffee Break At Roosevelt Island Starbucks

Taking an afternoon coffee break from stressing over the Presidential election results with Rosie the Turkey today at the Roosevelt Island Starbucks.

Almost 2 Thousand Roosevelt Island Residents Cast 2024 Early Voting Ballots At RIVAA Gallery - Last Chance For Roosevelt Island To Vote On November 5 Election Day At PS/IS 217

Almost 2 thousand Roosevelt Island residents cast their early voting ballots at RIVAA Gallery this past week. Dozens of first time voters cast their ballots including this young woman  

who told me how proud she was to cast her first ballot as a recent American citizen.

Roosevelt Island Early Voting and Election Day Coordinator Judy Berdy reports:

WHAT DID 1979 ISLANDERS DO LAST WEEK? THEY VOTED EARLY!! 

The last week had been invigorating, interesting, exhausting and definitely not boring.

Islanders showed up in numbers that surprised us. There were dozens of who were first time voters, all of whom got a round of applause from the poll workers and other voters.

The hours are grueling, 96 open to the public plus opening and closing times. Luckily most of our team live on the island so the commute is minimal. Our team is great, every day every one of our 24 poll workers were at the poll-site.

Mommies, daddies, babies, grannies and grandpas all came to vote in all modes of transport!!!

Thanks to our great community for turning out. The comment I got the most from off islanders is what a small town this is!!!

I will be up at 4 a.m. tomorrow to open the school pollsite at 5 a.m. and welcome voters at 6 a.m.

THANKS TO RIVAA FOR USE OF THE GALLERY FOR OUR EARLY VOTING SITE. THANKS TO MARGIE SMITH, CAT AND JIM FOR MAKING US WELCOME IN THIS WONDERFUL SPACE!

Roosevelt Island election day voting tomorrow, November 5, is at PS/IS 217 (645 Main Street).

As previously reported, in the 2020 Presidential election:

... Joe Biden received a total of 1832 Roosevelt Island votes, 1637 on the Democratic Party Line and 195 on the Working Families Party line.

Donald Trump received a total of 381 Roosevelt Island votes, 354 on the Republican Party Line and 27 on the Conservative Party line....

for a total of 2213 votes.

In the 2016 Presidential election:

... Hillary Clinton received 2229 Roosevelt Island votes and Donald Trump received 331 Roosevelt Island votes...

for a total of 2560 votes. 

In 2008:

... 2,873 Roosevelt Islanders voted, 2418 for President- Elect (that sounds good) Barack Obama, 424 for Senator John McCain and 31 for others....

and:

... In the 2004 Presidential election, 2373 Roosevelt Islanders voted, Kerry received 1973 votes, Bush 380 and Nader 20.... 

Hopefully, we'll have the results of the 2024 Presidential election soon.

Come Give Your Thoughts On The Roosevelt Island Tram Overcrowding, Service/Speed Reductions And Potential Solutions At Community Board 8 Roosevelt Island Committee Virtual Meeting 6:30 PM Monday November 4

You're invited to attend the the Monday November 4 Manhattan Community Board 8 (CB 8) Roosevelt Island Committee meeting via Zoom starting at 6:30 PM.

According to CB 8 Roosevelt Island Committee Chair Paul Krikler:

Come give your thoughts on the Tram problems.

Here's the full Agenda for tomorrow's CB 8 Roosevelt Island committee meeting.

Click here to attend the Zoom Meeting.

During the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) October 22, 2024 Board of Directors meeting public session, resident Alexis Benson spoke about her petition seeking to reverse the recent changes to the Roosevelt Island Tram operations.

According to the Petition:

The abrupt decrease recently introduced to the Roosevelt Island Tramway services are gravely affecting the residents of our island. As many New Yorkers know the beautiful views of the skyline have introduced more tourists to the tram as social media has created an explosion of interest in recent years. Decreasing service at this time has put enormous strain to an already stressful and taxing commute. The tram now runs slower and at a decreased frequency during rush hour and weekends when it’s at its highest capacity of commuters and tourists.

The unilateral decisions made by the Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation, seemingly in response to a New York Post article, have disrupted the life of everyday individuals rather than being driven by genuine resident complaints.

Consequently, at a time when our bus services are stalling due to mechanical breakdowns, these ill-considered alterations have only compounded transport issues within our community. Impacting students, full-time employees, and in particular those trying to navigate during rush hour, the inconvenience and hardship caused are substantial.

Furthermore, the failure to consider synchronicity with the bus schedules when they are operational, and the lack of posted schedules for these new tram services, only intensify the issue at hand. This must be addressed. It's vital to remember that public transport is a right, not merely a service - this dispute is not just about trams, but ensuring available and fair transportation for all.

The voice of the islanders deserves to be heard and respected. Demand that the tram changes are reversed, and that any future amendments are made in collaboration with those who bear the impact. Sign the petition.

Click here to sign the petition.

Ms Benson and several other residents spoke at the October 22 RIOC Board Meeting Public Session about the Roosevelt Island Tram problems referenced in the Petition. Also, a representative from the Tram operator, Poma-Leitner, spoke about the problems. He explained that the NY State Department of Labor mandated the Tram speed slowdown in order to reduce the instances of sudden Tram stoppages causing the cabin to swing back and forth in mid air.

Watch the full 30 minute discussion at beginning of this video.

A Roosevelt Island senior reported the following and I confirmed with RIOC Public Safety Chief Kevin Brown and Deputy Chief Anthony Amoroso that it is accurate:

Fellow Roosevelt Islanders: Please be reminded: Seniors and Disabled have PRIORITY, and MAY board trams FIRST. Here's how:

1. Put your MetroCard through the reader at the gate, swing turnstile around so no one else can enter on your card,(or in Manhattan, you can put the card in the reader by the gate, near the Tram overseer stall),

2. Then go to the DISEMBARKATION side of whichever tram car you're waiting for.

3. When the incoming tram riders are done disembarking that car, the Tram operator will let you on before he/she opens the doors for regular boarding. RIOC/TRAM employees know this is the method devised to help older and/or mobility challenged residents, but

4. RIOC NOW needs to now consider this boarding method for ALL regular residents as well, and THEN,

5. board the tourists after we residents have all gotten on. And, if necessary, there should be adequate staff available to make sure this happens in an orderly fashion.”

I asked Chief Brown and Deputy Chief Amoroso if this boarding preference would be available to all residents and workers. They answered no.

Also, be advised that several Roosevelt Island seniors and disabled residents have reported that some Tram employees are not aware of RIOC's Tram boarding preference for Seniors and Disabled residents policy and did not allow them priority boarding.

Is Someone In Your Life Planning To Vote For Trump Or Thinking About It, Please Ask Them To Watch These Videos From Jimmy Kimmel And Anthony Scaramucci, It May Change Their Vote - Roosevelt Island Early Voting This Saturday & Sunday, Election Day Tuesday

Please share the video of late night TV host Jimmy Kimmel's October 29 monologue with any undecided or Trump voters you may know, particularly if they live in one of the 2024 Presidential election battleground states.

According to Jimmy Kimmel:

Tonight’s monologue is for Republicans. If you have someone in your life who is either planning to vote for Trump or thinking about it, please send this to them. Ask a Republican you love and respect to watch this. The whole thing. As a personal favor to you. We are a week away from the election so make sure to get out and vote on Tuesday, November 5th.

Former Trump supporter and Trump White House Communications Director Anthony Scaramucci adds:

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Anthony Scaramucci (@scaramucci)

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Anthony Scaramucci (@scaramucci)

As of 6 PM tonight, 1606 Roosevelt Island early votes have been cast at RIVAA Gallery (527 Main Street). Saturday and Sunday are the last 2 days of early voting from 8 AM to 5 PM.

Election Day is Tuesday November 5.

If you lived in New York, just moved to Roosevelt Island and were a registered voter, you can come to the RIVAA Gallery during early voting or at PS/IS 217 on election day to re- register with your new Roosevelt Island address and cast your ballot.

Sunday Is Now Pop Up Bagel Day At Roosevelt Island's Mediterranean Eatery - Come Get Your Fresh Baked Tasty Bagels Made On Premises, A Variety Of Flavored Spreads And An Ice Coffee Slushee

Among the pleasures of living in New York City that has been missing on Roosevelt Island is a good neighborhood bagel store. 

But no longer, at least for one day a week.

Mediterranean Eater owner Alon Kruvi has great news for Roosevelt Island bagel lovers.

Mr Kruvi says Mediterranean Eatery will now be open 9 AM - 12 PM every Sunday  

selling fresh baked bagels made on premises, a variety of flavored spreads and a sweet ice coffee slushee. 

I tried the bagels last week and they are delicious. Give it a try.

There are few things New Yorkers like to argue about more than bagels, and the options here these days seem to be endless. We set out on a quest to find the best bagels in the city. https://t.co/lItiLIe323 pic.twitter.com/ABZjZg7xB3

— The New York Times (@nytimes) October 26, 2024

Who knows, maybe Roosevelt Island's ME bagels will make the next NY Times NYC Best Bagel list.

UPDATE 11/3:

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Roosevelt (@rooseveltislander)

Sponsored Post - Atlantic Hurricane Season Extends Through November, It Only Takes One Storm To Change Everything - Know Your Roosevelt Island Hurricane Zone, Be Prepared And Ready Says NYC Emergency Management

It's Atlantic Hurricane season until the end of November, and there are still opportunities for storms to come our way. 🌧️🌪️🌊

It only takes one storm to change everything.

Visit https://t.co/Auh07Ho9Ha to make your plan and know your coastal evacuation zone before hurricane… pic.twitter.com/R2OlXZ8Bq7

— NYC Emergency Management (@nycemergencymgt) September 9, 2024

According to the NYC Emergency Management Department (NYCEM):

Coastal Storms & Hurricanes: Know Your Zone!

If a coastal storm or hurricane hits NYC, would you know what to do?

Know Your Zone!

If a big storm hits, The City may order residents in certain zones to evacuate depending on the hurricane's track and projected storm surge. Knowing your hurricane evacuation zone in advance can prevent stress and evacuation delays if you are asked to evacuate because of an incoming hurricane or coastal storm.

The Hurricane Evacuation Zone Finder will let you know if you’re located in a zone and will show you your nearest evacuaton center. You can also call 311 (212-639-9675 for Video Relay Service, or TTY: 212-504-4115) to find out if you live in a zone.

The Hurricane Evacuation Zone Finder also shows City evacuation centers which are all pet friendly.

Note: FEMA Flood zones are used to determine flood insurance requirements and building code. Residents should not use FEMA’s flood zones to determine the need to evacuate during coastal storms. The City will determine which of the hurricane evacuation zones (from zone 1 up through zone 6) should be evacuated based on the characteristics of an actual storm as it is approaching the city. For more information about flood zones, visit www.floodhelpny.org.

Roosevelt Island residents live in both Zones 2 

and 3 

depending upon the location of your building. As shown in the NYC Hurricane Evacuation Zone Finder below, the Roosevelt Island buildings colored in brown are in Zone 2 and those colored in Yellow are in Zone 3. The nearby Evacuation Centers are shown too.
 

The Octagon, Manhattan Park, Westview, Island House, Roosevelt Landings, Cornell Tech, Coler Hospital and Riverwalk 480, 475, 460 and 430 Main Street buildings are in Zone 2.

Riverwalk 405, 425, 455, 465 and Rivercross (531) buildings are in Zone 3.

Click here for the NYCEM Hurricane Zone Finder and Sign Up Here to get hurricane and other emergency alerts from NYCEM.

Here's some scenes of what Roosevelt Island looked like during Hurricane Sandy in October 2012

 Westview Promenade Image Courtesy of Brian Dorfman

 Roosevelt Island Lighthouse Park Under Water From Hurricane Sandy Via Kate Williams Tweet

and a report on Roosevelt Island damage caused by Hurricane Sandy.

Click here for more emergency hurrincane planning information from the NYC Emergency Management Department.

Today marks 12 years since Superstorm Sandy, a storm that forever changed New York City. We remember the devastation it brought, but also the extraordinary resilience of New Yorkers. At NYC Emergency Management, we reflect on the lessons learned from Sandy, which continue to… pic.twitter.com/JjWSVerqcF

— NYC Emergency Management (@nycemergencymgt) October 29, 2024

Be prepared and ready. Know Your Roosevelt Island Hurricane zone, evacuation zone and have a plan.

RIHS Invites You To A Lecture Presentation About The Beginnings Of Roosevelt Island As A Residential Community - Northtown 50 Years Later, The Ongoing Quest Of Historic Preservation

The Roosevelt Island Historical Society (RIHS) invites you to a very interesting talk about the beginnings of Roosevelt Island as a residential community.

According to RIHS:

The Roosevelt Island Historical Society Presents: Redeveloping Roosevelt Island 

NORTHTOWN 50 YEARS LATER

 

THE ONGOING QUEST OF HISTORIC PRESERVATION 

On April 25th, 1975, the first resident of Roosevelt Island moved into Eastwood. That was almost 50 years ago now. By 1978, a population of 5,500 had arrived to call Northtown home.

Constructed based on the principles of Philip Johnson and John Burgee's visionary 1969 master plan, Roosevelt Island was an experiment in American urban planning. Despite its positive reception, the plan fell short and Phase 1, known as Northtown, was the only original portion completed. 2,100 units beckoned families back to the city offering the comforts of small-town living, right in the middle of New York City. Today, Northtown represents one of the most diverse zip codes in all of New York City. 

Join us for a presentation hosted by The Roosevelt Island Historical Society, led by Hunter College graduate student Dylan Brown. Brown will explore the history and intricacies of Northtown and raise the question of whether Northtown should now be preserved an an historic example of American urban planning. Come join the open conversation about the future of preservation on Roosevelt Island. 

NOVEMBER 19TH, 6:30PM @ THE ROOSEVELT ISLAND NYPL BRANCH, LOCATED @ 504 MAIN ST.

Last March 19, RIHS hosted Mr Brown at the Roosevelt Island Public Library for a fascinating presentation about the development of Roosevelt Island.

Here's video of the presentation

and the accompanying

slideshow.

Sponsored Post - NYC Voters Will See 6 Ballot Proposals In 2024 General Election, Remember Flip Your Ballot On The Other Side To Vote

Meat 🍔 you at the voting booth this November 🗳️.

AND while you're there, don't forget to FLIP your ballot! There are six important proposals on the back!

Learn more at https://t.co/QLhT9gJuLH pic.twitter.com/f5UJk6c7v2

— City of New York (@nycgov) October 18, 2024

Remember to Flip Your Ballot when voting at the polls this November. Important proposal will be on the other side.

Click here for more information.

Roosevelt Island RIVAA Gallery Election Early Voting Polling Site Very Busy So Far With 858 Votes Already Cast - NYC Mayor Eric Adams Urges New Yorkers To Vote And Make Your Voices Heard

Early voting has begun on Roosevelt Island at the RIVAA Gallery (527 Main Street).

As of 6 PM tonight, 858 Roosevelt Island early votes have been cast at RIVAA Gallery and according to the site's poll workers they are:

Very, very busy.

New York City Mayor Eric Adams submitted the op-ed article below about voting to local NYC community media including Roosevelt Islander Online. According to Mayor Eric Adams:

Polls are Open!

October 28, 2024

 

Voting is the bedrock of our democracy — it shapes the kind of city, state, and nation we become. The stakes of this year's election could not be higher, and New Yorkers have the chance to make their voices heard on Tuesday November 5^th.  The polls will be open from 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM on Election Day. If you can’t make it on Tuesday the 5^th to vote, you can vote early in-person! Early voting has already started at 155 locations in New York City, and polls will be open through Sunday, November 3^rd. Your poll site may have changed, so it’s important to check your location and its hours before you vote online at nycvotes.org.

 

The outcome of these elections will affect you and your family’s future, our economy, education, health care, and so much more. And in every single race, your vote matters — from president and vice president to your members of Congress and state representatives. We’re deciding who will lead us into the future, and what kind of future we want for our children and grandchildren. Also, six ballot proposals are on the back of your ballot, so remember to flip your ballot and vote on these important initiatives.  

 

I’ve made my plan to vote — it’s critical that you do, too. And not just for yourself; bring your friends and family along. All U.S. citizens aged 18 and older who have registered are eligible to vote. Let’s get to the polls, vote, and ensure we are putting our city first.

 

For more information on where and how to vote, as well as who and what issues are on the ballot, check out nycvotes.org. All New Yorkers have the right to vote in their language. The Civic Engagement Commission will also be providing interpretation services in select languages and at poll sites on Saturday, November 2^nd, on Sunday, November 3rd, and on Election Day, Tuesday, November 5^th. For more information on interpretive services, please visit participate.nyc.gov. And if you run into any problems when you try to vote, call 311.

 

Our administration is determined to ensure that the election process is safe and secure, and that every New Yorker can exercise their right to vote in the safest big city in America. To protect the integrity of our electoral process, there will be an increased security presence at polling places and other key sites throughout the city. This includes uniformed NYPD personnel at every single one of the 1,211 polling places in New York City. While the city will respect and protect people’s right to peacefully protest, we will not tolerate those who violate the law, impede traffic, or engage in voter intimidation.

 

Voting is a sacred right that so many Americans have struggled and died for, and it is one that we will protect here in New York City. Our democracy relies on individuals with different opinions coming together to find solutions. Working toward a more perfect city and union is never easy. It takes all of us engaging in good faith conversation, expressing our views, and casting our ballots. So, make your voices heard, New York City, and get out and vote. See you at the polls.

Early voting hours at RIVAA Gallery are:

Election day is 

Tuesday, November 5 at PS/IS 217 (645 Main Street).

Sponsored Post - Check Out The Roosevelt Island Café At Cornell Tech October 28 Weekly Menu For Breakfast, Lunch, Salad Bar, Coffee, Smoothies, Ice Cream, Wifi For Your Laptop & Much More - How Are We Doing? Send Your Feedback By Email Too

Check out the October 28 weekly menu at the Roosevelt Island Cornell Tech Café.

We want to hear from you. 

Feel free to email us with any questions or concerns. Thank you for taking the time to let us know how we are doing. Any feedback can be emailed to thecafefbservices@tech.cornell.edu 

The Cornell Tech Café is a great spot on Roosevelt Island for breakfast, Daily Hot Lunch Meals, Specialty & Grab and Go Sandwiches, 

Make Your Own Salads, Flatbread and Neapolitan Pizza, Salads, Soup, Coffee, Smoothies, beer, wine, 

ice cream, Sushi Thursday and more.

Bring your laptop if you wish. 

The Cafe has very good wi-fi connection and very relaxing outdoor patio seating.

See you soon at the Cornell Tech Café.