If you couldn't afford the recent Christie's art auction and its $14-million sales prices, a more reasonable art mart is in town. Many pieces are selling for just a few hundred bucks, and 75 percent of the work is priced under $5,000. The annual Affordable Art Fair runs today through May 10 at 7 W. 34th St., and art-loving moms get in for free on SundayOn Saturday Free NYC suggests the Crazy Joe Gallo Tour Of Red Hook.
...Relive the infamy of gangster-era Red Hook in a walking tour on the life and times of beatnik mobster Joey Gallo. Tom Folsom, author of The Mad Ones: Crazy Joe Gallo and the Revolution at the Edge of the Underworld, will lead the tour over the classic Gallo turf (the old docks, the shop-lined streets where Mondo the Midget walked Joey’s pet lion, the sites where the Gallo brothers “went to the mattresses” in a guerilla war against the Mafia, and the funeral home where he lay in state).Uh Oh. It looks like the Crazy Joe Gallo Tour of Red Hook is sold out for tomorrow but you can make reservations for future tours the following two Saturdays. So instead check out Bicycle Fetish Day in Williamsburg. According to the NY Times Spare Times:
...a block party for bicycle enthusiasts with art displays, bicycle beautification booths, food, information from related groups like Transportation Alternatives and other activities. From noon to 6 p.m., on Havemeyer Street, between Hope and Grand Streets, Williamsburg, Brooklyn. A party from 6 to 10 p.m. will follow in the backyard of the sponsor of the event, the City Reliquary Museum and Civic Organization, 370 Metropolitan Avenue.For Sunday, what better way to celebrate Mother's day then by eating healthy - lots of eating healthy- at the Tofu Takedown taking place at the Highline Ballroom.
You begged for it!!! For too long, vegetarians have been unhappily doggy paddling in a sea of comfort food. NO MORE.The most audacious takedown to date features TOFU, meat of the soy gods. Some may interpret this as a smack in the porky face of the previous bacon takedown!!! All it is, is another takedown!!! We expect to see brilliant and innovative renditions of this malleable fruit! Tofu chili! Tofu brownies! Tofu ice cream!Time Out New York Kids has more traditional suggestions for celebrating Mother's Day.
We invite you all to the OPENING RECEPTION THIS Saturday evening, May 9th from 6 - 8 PM. The Octagon Gallery is located on the ground floor of the Octagon Building at 888 Main Street, Roosevelt Island. The red bus stops in front of the building. Hope to see you there.Also, RIOC has produced a great self guided tour map (PDF File) of Roosevelt Island for any visitor or resident looking to stroll the Island and learn something more about it.
Folks-Play Ball!
I have the permits, based upon our discussions last Sunday.
Here's the summary:
- Co-ed league
- Slow pitch, 6-12 arc, 1-1 staring count
- Play at Capobianco Field (across from PS/IS 217)
- Sundays, 9AM-1PM
- May: 17, 31
- June: 7, 14, 21, 28
- July: 12 (championship)
Shortly, I'll have more information about team registration.
The economy is in the toilet, swine flu is sweeping the globe and a steady rain is ruining a spring day in New York.
What better time to celebrate World Laughter Day?More on World Laughter Day from Laughter Yoga.
... "There's nothing you can do about being late, so you might as well laugh," said Alex Eigorn, 48, of Roosevelt Island, who led the group.
Eingorn trained with Dr. Kataria, who told him it was the group's mission to create world peace.
"There's certain things you can't do while laughing: fighting, arguing, being mad," Eingorn said.
For two hours, the group convulsed with laughter, ignoring trivial problems like the economic crisis or the flu pandemic....
Below is an aerial view of what the area underneath the Queensboro Bridge on Roosevelt Island currently looks like. You can see the Bridge, Tram Station, Steam Plant and Tennis Bubble. The scene can best be described as drab, worn and shabby.
All slides are from the Columbia University Transportation Study of Roosevelt Island
... Landmark Status: While it's great that the Queensboro Bridge has achieved landmark status, this status should not override legitimate security and public health priorities. Rather it should ensure that any alteration harmonizes with the structure's aesthetics -- you know, the way the building that connected the island to the bridge for four decades did....And don't forgot those windmills on top of the Queensboro Bridge either.
At last night's RIRA Common Council meeting, it was disclosed that there will be a new Red Bus Schedule, with fixed timing rather than a continuous loop, that will be implemented on an experimental basis next month. Is that true and if so, can you provide some additional details as to what the schedule will be?Mr. Shane replied:
Also, it was stated during the meeting that RIOC Director Patrick Stewart will not be re-appointed to the RIOC Board. Is that true?
As to the experimental red bus schedule, we have agreed with Frank Farance to try a schedule from 9:55 until 11:30 AM which contemplates a 45 minute loop for the 3 buses in service, departing Octagon at 9:55, 10:10, 10:25, etc.Update - 12:30 PM - Advised by a reader that the 5/2 Main Street WIRE is available online in PDF file format. Also, if you have not read it yet, there is an excellent in-depth interview with RIOC President Steve Shane in that same WIRE issue marking Mr. Shane's two year anniversary as RIOC President. Happy Anniversary!
As to Patrick Stewart, I know that neither he nor anyone else has been nominated by the Mayor/Governor for the seat which he presently occupies and which, by statute, he continues to occupy until a successor is named.
RIOC has a powerful role in charting the course for the present and future of Roosevelt Island. Some of the functions RIOC performs include, but are not limited to, the following:More information is available here but remember if you want to serve on the RIOC Board, your nominating petition containing signatures from 50 adult residents of Roosevelt Island must be submitted by Sunday May 10.
- Protecting Roosevelt Island's open spaces – securing our parkland.
- Making determinations affecting the continuation of affordable housing and transition of Island buildings.
The Public Authorities Accountability Act requires public authority board members to understand and assume fiduciary control of the corporation. RIOC staff and consultants advise the Board on such matters.
- Overseeing expenditures for RIOC, including salaries, operations, and capital improvements.
- Setting policy on emergency planning, and overseeing its implementation.
- Planning for the present and increasing commutation needs of the expanding population, including interfacing with the MetropolitanTransit Authority, setting policy regarding the Tram and Red Buses (including purchase), and evaluating potential alternatives such as ferry service and Queensboro Bridge access.
- Determining the future transparency of RIOC's operations and interaction with the community.
Don't miss this special opportunity to put your mark on your community! The stakes are too great to sit on the sidelines. If you have what it takes, your community needs you, NOW!
RIRA Common Council MeetingDate: Wednesday, May 6th, 2009
Time: 8:00 P.M. - Finish
Place: Good Shepherd Community Center, 543 Main Street
1. Public Session (8:00)
- No requests for public session
2. Roll Call (8:00)
X 3. Approval of Agenda (8:10)
X 4. Approval of Minutes (8:10)
5. Treasurer’s Report (8:30)
6. President's Report (8:30)
7. Committee Reports (8:40)
Government Relations - M. Smith
Communications - E. Erickson
Public Safety - R. Schuppert
Housing - J. Micheff & L. Strong-Shinozaki
Social, Cultural and Educational Services - N. Leopold
X - request for funds of up to $300 to cover the cost of coffee, bagels and OJ on RI Day, 6/6/09.
Island Services - A. Hamburger
- Committee report.
Planning - M. Katz
8. Old Business (9:45)
Matt Katz to bring sign up sheet for the four Saturdays of the blood drive
9. New Business (9:50)
10. Adjourn
X Agenda items requiring action
Next (and Final 1st term) Meeting: Wednesday, June 3rd, 2009
RIRA – ISAND SERVICES COMMITTEE (ISC)
REPORT TO COMMON COUNCIL MEETING 5/6/09
Credit Card Thefts
There have been two more reported credit card thefts, this time at 455 Main St. (Riverwalk Place). Both victims have been interviewed by the Secret Service. Active investigation of credit card thefts on Roosevelt Island is on-going.
Tennis Club Parking In Southtown
ISC has investigated this issue and concluded it’s a reasonable deal between RIOC and the Tennis Club, with no adverse impact on the Roosevelt Island community. Council members wanting details should e-mail Aaron Hamburger.
Red Bus Morning Rush Hour Service
We continue to get reports of buses by-passing the Good Shepherd and Island House stops due to overcrowding on the bus.
Bike Storage Racks At Subway Station
After ISC contacts with RIOC officials, RIOC has begun to remove bikes which have either been at the racks for too long or are abandoned (as evidenced by flat tires and/or rusted chains). If RIOC is aggressive on this issue, we should see more spots available for legitimate short-term (less than a day) storage of bikes.
Aaron Hamburger
Chair, ISC
Roosevelt Island City Council Member Jessica Lappin takes a ride with NBC New York reporter and explains what's the deal with the Roosevelt Island Tram.
...There is an effort underway here on Roosevelt Island to garner support for a Gifted and Talented program here at PS 217. We are trying to collect signatures of residents here on the island that would be supportive of a G&T program- and bring this data to the attention of Chancellor Joel KleinAnother reader just informed me that a Gifted & Talented Program will be established at Roosevelt Island's PS/IS 217 in the upcoming school year. According to the NYC Dept. of Education's web site, tours of PS/IS 217 are scheduled for May 7 and 14. Call the school to RSVP.
I do not know how much knowledge you have of the current situation at PS 217. Presently, many parents send their children to G&T schools, private schools, or public schools (courtesy of a friend's address) in Manhattan to avoid what is considered by many to be a sub-par educational experience. PS 217 currently buses in students from other over-crowded schools to fill seats that sit empty at our school. PS 217 is not currently a reflection of our island make-up....
...One possibility being raised at a meeting tonight on the Upper East Side would have families living in the new luxury condominiums rising in Midtown East being sent to a school on Roosevelt Island or to a school for the deaf, rather than to the coveted P.S. 116 boasted about in brochures for the condo....This is good news for Roosevelt Island kids and their parents. Could also help Hudson/Related sell some Riverwalk Condos.
..."Frankly, telling a kindergarten parent that you're going to ship their kid to Roosevelt Island is not going to help you make friends and influence people," Ms. Silver said. "Why don't you send them to Princeton? It's crazy....
1. Board of Directors: Special Meeting was held April 22, 2009. Public Purpose Fund allocation recommended by RIRA, after reconsideration, was approved. Next meeting scheduled for May 14, 2009 at 4:30 PM with a Town Hall meeting to follow. Mr. Howard Polivy’s appointment by the Governor and Senate confirmation is scheduled for this week. Mr. Polivy will occupy the seat that has been held by Michael Shinozaki. Charlee Miller has announced her intention to retire from the Board at the end of her appointed term in June. Our thanks to both Mike and Charlee for their service to the Roosevelt Island community.
2. Southpoint: As to projects:
(A) Renwick Ruins: Stabilization work nearing completion. The entrances to the building will be boarded up to secure the interior and prevent trespassing.
(B) Green Rooms/Wild Gardens: The contractor, Coppola Paving & Landscaping Corp., has started with mobilization, rough grading, paths and stone walls. Phase 2 will be the finish grading and capping of the site, utilities, fencing and planting.
(C) FDR Memorial: FERI is working on engineering and permitting with DEC, Army Corp. of Engineers, Coastguard, etc. FERI has delivered its Environmental Analysis to RIOC as lead agency and our consultants are reviewing as part of the SEQRA process. The State Budget’s $4 million capital appropriation to RIOC, conditioned on a matching $4 million from the City and at least $8 million from FERI as necessary to complete phase 1 seems to complete the financing hurdle when finally committed. Even after permitting process, much remains to be worked out, including coordination of funding and supervision among State Parks Department, NYC Parks Department, RIOC and FERI before bringing the project back to the Board for further consideration.
3. Tram: Work is underway on design and fabrication. Spools of cable are to be shipped from Europe by early May. Scheduling of tower reinforcing and top replacement, cable pulling, street and park closures, crane locations, etc. with permitting for everything is ongoing. Met with Community Board 8 on April 7. On schedule for July 6, 2009 shutdown and December reopening. Thornton Tomasetti has undertaken architectural work in addition to its previous structural engineering engagement. As soon as designs and sketches are available, will make available to the community. Studies of present day code requirements (ADA, fire, electrical, lighting, access & egress, communications, security, HVAC and sprinklers for sub-grade rooms, wind, rain and snow barriers, etc.) as applied to both stations is in the works. Likely to reorient the approach to the Manhattan station to Second Avenue. The last Tram Emergency Evacuation Drill for this equipment is took place April 26. We are coordinating with NYPD and NYFD to develop familiarity with and establish protocols for the new system.
4. Red Bus, Tram and Subway: By running the Tram and a connecting Red Bus all night, the late night 36th Avenue bridge closures passed without incident. Hopefully, the last scheduled closures in late June will be similarly painless. Coordination with emergency services will be done again. Follow our website and notices from DOT for updates. MTA has put out notices that due to emergency track work, trains will be slowed down, reducing the rushhour schedule by two trains, increasing the degree of difficulty when the tram will be out of service from July 6 to mid December. Despite our questioning, there is apparently no good answer to the inconvenience and discomfort.
5. Projects: Replace the exterior of the AVAC building, install replacement chambers for AVAC, lighting at Motorgate, repaving portions of Main Street, façade at Sportspark and start on the improvements to PSD. Public Safety has temporarily relocated to 504 Main Street while the work is being done. Flowers for Main Street are here. The Board agenda will include upgrading the fire safety systems and resurfacing the pool at Sportspark and replacing the HVAC system for Good Shepherd. Enjoy the spring weather.
6. Sportspark Swimming: In response to requests, morning weekday adult swim hours are 6 to 11 AM especially to accommodate those with child care responsibility. We hope for greater participation. The synchronized swimming exhibition sponsored by the RI Seniors was an example for all.
7. Bank: RIOC received a notice from NYNB that it intends to close its branch at 615 Main Street on June 6, 2009. We met with Amalgamated to urge it to come to the Island and supplied a letter of support for application to the State Banking Department to allow opening a branch. Let us hope.
8. Southtown Buildings 5 and 6 moving toward completion. Landscaping being done and interior finishes and fixtures being installed. The roadway in front of the Tram is scheduled for paving. The Ground Rent Increase Deferral Agreement is no longer on the table as the lender would not agree to the terms.
9. Standing room only crowd for the R&R Concert April 18th. Wonderful.
10. The Mobile Van for Free Mammograms was on the Island April 18th, but was fully booked. There will be a return visit on May 30th. If interested in scheduling an appointment, call Erica Wilder at our office (212) 832-4540.
11. Blackwell Park Playground: In response to the request of some parents, we have emphasized the purpose of the tot playground by increased Public Safety presence to discourage inappropriate older people from hanging out at the area.
12. Bicycles: To clear what is becoming an increasing problem, the bike rack at the subway station will have notices posted that leaving bikes for more than 24 hours is not permitted. Public Safety will remove what appear to be permanently stored bikes to increase availability for those who utilize the space as intended.
13. July 4 Fireworks: Apparently, the City has decided to celebrate the 400th anniversary of Henry Hudson’s sail by moving the fireworks to the Hudson. RIOC’s annual July 4th celebration by fireworks watching is apparently not going to happen, but suggestions for alternative festivities are welcome.
14. Finally, the firearms incident on April 14th was determined by NYPD to have been in self defense. Thankfully, no one was injured.
The Free Mammogram event went better than expected. The mobile unit was booked completely but had room for a few walk ups. There were 36 appointments total. We will be providing this great service again on Saturday, May 30th from 8am to 5pm.Ms. Wilder advises that:
Women interested in receiving a free mammogram on Saturday, May 30th 8am to 5pm, can call 1-800-564-6868 for an appointment.Assembly Member Micah Kellner also reports on a Free Mammogram testing day.
Hosted by Project Renewal Scan Van Program (Formerly operating as Women's Outreach Network) in partnership with RIOC
My office, in partnership with the American-Italian Cancer Foundation, is coordinating a free mammography screening program on Saturday, May 9th from 10 am to 3 pm in front of Lenox Hill Neighborhood House, located at 331 East 70th Street between First and Second Avenues.Although the May 1 deadline has passed for the May 9 screening, perhaps exceptions may be made or walk ups accepted. The American Italian Cancer Foundation provides further information on mobile cancer screening awareness and a schedule of upcoming screening days.
...This service is available for any woman over 40 years of age who has not had a mammogram in the past 12 months, regardless of whether or not she has health insurance. Space is limited and appointments are necessary, so women who would like to take advantage of this opportunity should schedule their appointments as soon as possible by calling my office at 212-860-4906. All appointments must be made by May 1st....
