Report From RIOC's President - Updates On Various Roosevelt Island Issues & Solar Panels For Motorgate Roof Being Studied

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RIOC President Steve Shane sends the following report to Roosevelt Island residents. Mr. Shane updates us on RIOC Board Nominees, FDR Memorial, Green Rooms/Wild Gardens, Renwick Stabilization, Tram Overhaul, various construction projects, paperless RIOC Board meetings and other issues of concern to Roosevelt Island. Mr. Shane also indicates that RIOC is studying solar panels for the roof of the Motorgate Parking Garage.

September 9, 2009

Back to school after Labor Day, marking the unofficial end of summer:

1. Board of Directors: Next meeting scheduled for September 17th at 4:30 at Good Shepherd, with a Town Hall style meeting to follow. This meeting will be our first where we have tried to do away with the antiquated and costly “Board Books” and replace them with electronically disseminated materials. The nominations of Margie Smith and Mike Shinozaki to the Board and the re-nomination of Dr. Grimm have been made by the Governor and forwarded to the NY State Senate for confirmation. At this writing, it seems unlikely that the State Senate will act on the confirmations before the next Board meeting, but RIOC has asked both the Governor’s office and the elected representatives to try to expedite the process.
2. Southpoint:
(A) Renwick Ruins: Stabilization completed and building secured.
(B) Green Rooms/Wild Gardens: The contractor continues rough grading, paths and stone walls. Phase 2 to complete the park, including finish grading, capping, and utilities, fencing and planting to follow when protocols for permitting with City are determined.
(C) FDR Memorial: Following Board Project approval in June, RIOC is working with the State and City Parks Departments on funding mechanics for the $4 million State appropriation, the matching $4.5 million from the City and at least $8 million from FERI as necessary for Phase I. DEC permitting being integrated with GR/WG. Legal work on finalizing development relationship is in the pipeline.
3. Tram Overhaul: The schedule remains for shutdown March 1, 2010 and reopening end of August 2010. See renderings of the proposed Tram stations on our web site. We continue to have regular monthly progress meetings with architects, engineers, POMA, expediters, City and State agencies, etc., all to move to an orderly execution of the project.
4. Projects: Work is ongoing on many projects and others are being completed. New Public Safety space should be done by September 15. Motorgate lighting trials continue. Resurfacing and waterproofing work has been contracted for, but awaits finalization of asbestos abatement plan. AVAC fencing completed and enclosure work under way. Repair of ramp on the helix finished, but there will be further long term repairs needed. Swimming pool at Sportspark will be closed for repairs after Labor Day to be reopened 6-8 weeks later. Rehabilitation of the gym (bleachers, flooring and padding) and installation of a fire safety system also underway. Sidewalk and paver repairs being accomplished, with restoration of grass area in Blackwell Park West. RIOC is studying solar panels for rooftop of Motorgate. Octagon sewer connection restoration from the water tunnel to begin, allowing reopening of the comfort station. Octagon field back in operation with natural surface, pending final conclusions about artificial surfaces.
5. Bank: Amalgamated Bank’s takeover of the NYNB space is completed and the branch opened as of July 20. Official dedication scheduled for October 1.
6. Southtown Buildings 5 and 6 have commenced occupancy. Landscaping for tram turnaround fountain is coming.
7. Bridge: The NYC Department of Transportation is now conducting sporadic testing of the bridge resulting in short closures. For those out late needing access, watch for the advisories from DOT. Good to see that the pedestrian access is almost completed. RIOC is planning to extend the enhanced railing on the Island side.

This message was also published as the RIOC column in the 9/12/09 Main Street WIRE.