Report From RIOC's President - RIOC Nominees Still Stalled, Tram Modernization Changes, Temporary Ferry Status & Other RI Issues

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RIOC President Steve Shane sends the following report to Roosevelt Island residents. Mr. Shane updates us on RIOC Board Nominees status, Tram Modernization Changes, FDR Memorial, Green Rooms/Wild Gardens, Re-opening of Sportspark Pool, Roosevelt Island Bridge Helix Ramp problem, temporary Ferry service during Tram outage, MTA F Train Subway Meeting, Public Purpose Funding application deadline approaching, RIOC 2010 -11 Budget, Blackwell Park and Happy Holidays.

December 9, 2009

1. Board of Directors: Meeting on December 10 at 4:30PM with Town Hall following. The agenda is full and a report should appear elsewhere in the WIRE. No action from the NY Senate on the nominations of Margie Smith, Dr. Grimm and Mike Shinozaki.
2. Tram: On schedule for shutdown March 1 and reopening by September 1, 2010. Because of the difficulties in isolating costs associated with the mechanical overhaul of the system and its component parts, we have agreed with POMA that it should go ahead with its work and when completed as indicated by the resumption of service, we will take stock of where we are and how much is left in the budget to address station improvements.
3. Southpoint:
(A) Green Rooms/Wild Gardens: Phase 1 essentially complete. Permitting and RFP for phase 2 nearing final readiness to be performed in the Spring.
(B) FDR Memorial: Legal work on City funding agreement continues with the FERI attorneys carrying the load. Oversight of construction by RIOC will be necessary, so an RFP for that function was issued with a dozen responses. The expense will be borne by FERI. I expect construction to start in the Spring. State Parks has not rescheduled the meeting to determine methodology for future maintenance, but continues to acknowledge responsibility, having developed the program and a budget. A $2 million endowment has been received by State Parks.
4. Projects: Sportspark pool is reopened and fully operational, ADA and code compliant. A quick rededication is scheduled for before the Board meeting. The gym floor is refinished and bleachers are on the way. Planning for mechanical system replacement, new weightlifting equipment and other refurbishing is ongoing. The RI community should be proud of this facility and make use of it with increased swimming participation by the Marlins, the disabled community, seniors, open swim, etc. The Youth Center will have greater access for basketball and soccer and adult leagues will have a place when the weather makes outdoor courts unplayable. The table tennis group is ever expanding. Watch for program announcements. The next big problem on the horizon is the status of the helix leading to the Island from the Bridge. Last repaired almost 20 years ago, we are having an engineering inspection done to determine the condition and to program the needed repairs. Long term wear and tear, with corrosion from salt in the wintertime, has taken its toll. Hopefully, there will not need to be complete rebuilding, with the attendant dislocation and cost, but the safety of the Island’s connection must be assured.
5. Ferry: It appears that a temporary service from the East channel oil dock during the Tram outage is possible, although usage and cost remain big questions. If all the morning rush hour Tram commuters opt for ferry service to 35th street and are willing to pay for a 2 fare zone, with bus connection to other bus and subway lines, then it is projected as a breakeven. Less than such participation will require a subsidy, presumably from RIOC, estimated to be on the order of $100,000 for the 6 months of the Tram shutdown. NYC EDC is participating in the discussions, but has not yet agreed to take up any of the financial burden. Stay tuned.
6. MTA: At the behest of RIRA and the Island’s elected officials, a meeting with the schedulers of the MTA was held on December 9 to discuss supplemental service during the Tram shutdown. The results of the meeting are published in this edition of the WIRE. Good job even getting such a meeting!
7. Public Purpose Fund: Applications for the 2010/11 cycle should be submitted immediately. See RIOC’s web site or call Erica Wilder for assistance. Completed applications will be delivered to RIRA for its review and recommendations to the Board.
8. Budget: The 2010/11 Budget is being assembled in draft and as proposed, will be posted on RIOC’s web site for public review and comment before being formally presented to the Board for adoption, as it may be amended, at the March meeting. RIRA and other interested parties are welcome to review, comment and raise questions as part of the process. We have tried to set forth the detail of the assumptions that are part of the exercise and have made the projections for 15 years, subject to the inevitable infirmities of far off estimates. Both operating and capital budgets have been set forth.
9. Blackwell Park: Community participation in the planning process is seemingly back on track.
10. Holidays: The traditional Christmas Tree lighting was held on December 3 with a great turnout, delightful weather and good cheer for all. Thank you Santa and all the supporters of this opportunity for the Island community to turn out and enjoy. The Menorah is to be lit and Kwanza to be celebrated. Good tidings, health and happiness to everyone.

This message was also published as the RIOC column in the 12/13/09 Main Street WIRE.