Roosevelt Island Subway Station Bike Rack Thursday 5/14 5:30 PM
RIOC has decided that the Roosevelt Island Bike Racks are not to be used overnight during the hours of 2 - 5 AM and issued the following advisory.
Bike Rack Advisory
For All Bike Racks On Roosevelt Island There Will Be No Bicycle Storage Between the Hours of 2:00AM and 5:00AM. Bicycles Found In Violation Will Be Removed By The Roosevelt Island Public Safety Department.
I inquired of RIOC President Steve Shane:
I have been hearing alot of complaints about the new bike rack policy of removing bicycles found chained to Roosevelt Island bike racks betweeen 2-5 AM. I understand there is an issue with abandoned bikes chained to the racks but why change such a longstanding practice going back many years, particularly the bike racks on River Road by Manhattan Park.
Does the policy include River Road bike racks as well?
Mr. Shane replied:
The managing agents at all housing groups have no problem. The bikes stored outside are rusty and unsightly. Since we did not want to be discriminatory, intended to make it Island wide. However, we will post signs and advisories by the Tram and Subway and will enforce there only, until further notice.
So, let RIOC and your building management know if you object to this new policy or have any ideas on how to keep the overnight bike storage but remove the unsightly and abandoned bikes.
You Tube Video of Leonard Cohen Performing Hallelujah In Dublin 2008
Looking for fun or interesting things to do on Roosevelt Island or in some other part of New York City this weekend? Here are some suggestions.
The third 2009 Rosemarie & Robin Russell Family Concert Series will be held tonight, 8PM at Roosevelt Island's Chapel of the Good Shepherd (543 Main Steet) with a free classical music program of Bach, Mozart & Brahms. The musicians performing are:
...the Rooftop Films season officially begins Friday night. Head to the top of New Design High on the Lower East Side for a screening of short films, music from Cymbals Eat Pandas and an afterparty (with free beer!) at Fontana’s. If you want it enough, summer will eventually come.
On Sunday afternoon, take a historical walking tour of Roosevelt Island with Bernie. According to Cititour:
ROOSEVELT ISLAND Walking Tours History May 17 2:00pm to 4:00pm $15
Tour this unusual Island Once called Blackwells Island, Welfare Island. A Place were the city's Undesirables were sent.
He was here in February, but hallelujah, he's back. Legendary singer, songwriter and Renaissance man Leonard Cohen, who turns 75 in September, will perform at Radio City Music Hall tomorrow and Sunday at 8 p.m. It's part of his first American tour in 15 years. Tickets are $69.50 to $254.50 at radiocity.com; Sixth Avenue at 50th Street, 212-247-4777
Click here for some You Tube videos of Leonard Cohen performing First We Take Manhattan, Hallelujah, Democracy and others great songs.
On Roosevelt Island this weekend, in addition to tonight's classical music concert, the Roosevelt Island Health and Fitness Day will take place on Saturday. Also, the Farmers Market is open as usual on Saturday as is Gallery RIVAA, the Roosevelt Island Visual Arts Association which is exhibiting the final weekend of Art From The Heart featuring the works of Coler-Goldwater Hospital patients. Another suggestion - 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.
The MTA is reporting no Queens Bound Roosevelt Island F Train subway service this weekend so plan accordingly.
F 179 St-bound trains run on the from 47-50 Sts to Roosevelt Av Weekend, 12:01 AM Sat to 5 AM Mon, May 16 - 18
There will no Queens bound F service to Roosevelt Island this weekend. According to the MTA service advisory page:
F 179 St-bound trains run on the V from 47-50 Sts to Roosevelt Av
Weekend, 12:01 AM Sat to 5 AM Mon, May 16 - 18
For service to 57 St, take the F to 53 St-5 Av and walk.
For service to Lexington Av-63 St, take the F to Lexington Av-53 St and transfer to a Woodlawn-bound 4 or Pelham Bay Park 6 to 59 St and walk.
For service to Roosevelt Island and 21 St-Queensbridge, take the F to Roosevelt Av and transfer to a Coney-Island bound F.
For service from 57 St, Lexington Av-63 St, Roosevelt Island, and 21 St-Queensbridge, take a Coney Island-bound F to 47-50 Sts and transfer to a 179 St-Jamaica-bound F.
Tomorrow is Roosevelt Island Health & Fitness Day. Go out and have some healthy fun! Events include Rock Climbing, Obstacle Course, Three on Three Basketball and Ping Pong Tournaments as well as a bunch of other good things like water polo and swimming with the Roosevelt Island Marlins.
You Tube Video of Senator Jose Serrano Congratulating Elected RIOC Board Members From 2008
The RIOC Operations Committee met Wednesday afternoon regarding the following agenda items:
1. discuss the construction projects to be presented at the May 14, 2009 meeting of the RIOC Board of Directors; 2. discuss the Red Bus operations; 3. receive an update on the Tram Modernization Project; and 4. receive an update on the Green Rooms/Wild Garden Project.
The webcast of the meeting will be available soon and I will have more specific information on the meeting later. Among the items discussed at the meeting were:
the use of an electronic card system for the Red Bus, similar to a subway Metro Card, that would allow quick entry using both the front and back of bus,
whether residents prefer a more predictable, fixed Red Bus Schedule with greater time delays between buses or less predictable continuous loop schedule that would service a greater volume of people,
the Amalgamated Bank is seeking approval for taking over the NYNB and exercising an additional 5 year lease extension option,
Master Plan for the new Blackwell Park may include re-purposed Tram Parts from replaced system as part of a science oriented area,
the Franklin & Eleanor Roosevelt Institute (FERI) will be making another public presentation regarding the proposed Kahn/FDR Memorial on May 26 at the Good Shepherd Community Center and
There will be a groundbreaking ceremony at Southpoint Park for the Green Rooms/ Wild Gardens Park project as well as a Presentation of the Renwick Ruins Smallpox Hospital Stabilization efforts on May 28.
It was also disclosed at the Operations Committee Meeting that Howard Polivy, who was elected by the Roosevelt Island residents as a Nominee to the RIOC Board, was finally confirmed by the NY State Senate and subject to being sworn in will take his seat for the May 14 RIOC Board of Directors meeting.
The May meeting of the RIOC Board of Directors will take place this afternoon at 4:30 PM in the Good Shepherd Community Center. Following the Board Meeting will be a Town Hall meeting in which residents can comment or ask questions of the RIOC Board and management. The Agenda for the meeting is as follows:
AGENDA
MAY 14, 2009 MEETING OF THE ROOSEVELT ISLAND OPERATING CORPORATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS THE GOOD SHEPHERD CENTER, 4:30 P.M.
I. Call to Order II. Roll Call III. Approval of Minutes
1. March 26, 2009 Board Meeting (Board Action Required)
2. April 22, 2009 Board Meeting (Board Action Required)
IV. Old Business
V. New Business
1. Authorization to Enter into Contract for Exterior Rehabilitation of the AVAC Building (Board Action Required)
2. Authorization to Enter into Contracts for Engineering Design and Landmark Consulting Services for the Good Shepherd Center's HVAC System (Board Action Required)
3. Authorization to Enter into Contract for the Design and Installation of a Fire Alarm System at Sportspark (Board Action Required)
4. Authorization to Enter into Contract for Swimming Pool Resurfacing at Sportspark (Board Action Required)
5. Authorization to Enter into Contract with a Landscape Architect for the Development of a Master Plan for the Blackwell Park Open Space Area (Board Action Required)
6. Ratification of Extension of Contract with Doppelmayr CTEC, Inc. for Operation and Management of the Roosevelt Island Aerial Tramway (Board Action Required)
7. Authorization to Consent to Contract Involving Former Employee of the Corporation (Board Action Required)
8. Committee Reports
a. Audit Committee
b. Governance/Operations Advisory Committee
c. Real Estate Development Advisory Committee
9. Public Safety Report
10. President’s Report
VI. Adjournment
A “TOWN HALL” STYLE FORUM SHALL IMMEDIATELY FOLLOW THE ADJOURNMENT OF THE RIOC BOARD MEETING. The Town Hall Meeting is not part of the RIOC Board Meeting.
On Monday, May 18, the Real Estate Committee of the RIOC Board of Directors will meet to discuss commercial space rent arrears and receive a report on the status of the Main Street retail study.
A webcast of these meetings will be available soon thereafter at the RIOC web site.
New Main Street Repaving In Front of Roosevelt Island's Riverwalk Buildings
The Pavement Reconstruction of what's being called the New Main Street in Southtown adjacent to the Riverwalk buildings was taking place yesterday. It will be nice not having to climb up and over the large curb side ditches from now on. Hopefully this will keep for a while.
Bach, Mozart, Brahms Cello Image from R&R Concerts
The third 2009 Rosemarie & Robin Russell Family Concert Series will be held this Friday, May 15, 8PM at Roosevelt Island's Chapel of the Good Shepherd (543 Main Steet) with a free classical music program of Bach, Mozart & Brahms. The musicians performing are:
Ralph Allen, violin
Geoffrey Duce, piano
Their previous Roosevelt Island concerts have been excellent and well attended. Among the comments from prior concert goers:
"...the program choices are great, the performers energetic and the space is great for chamber music." 3 viewers betw ages 20 to 59.
"Wonderful music and musicians. It's rare to hear string trios; that was a real treat. I like the balance of Baroque, classical and contemporary pieces. Church acoustics were just right - not too echoey for the selection they played. And it was free! Great turn out; great flyers; great musicians! Thank you!!". From 2 visitors from New Jersey ages 20 to 59.
"This event is comparable to a performance at Carnegie Hall or Lincoln Center! Thank you for sharing such a wonderful concert with our community." From 3 local people betw ages 0 to 59.
Over the course of the past 10 months the students in the Master's of Urban Planning program at Hunter College have been working on their final studio projects. On Thursday, May 14, an event is planned to acknowledge the work of one studio with a presentation of their final report to elected officials.
AccessRI is an urban planning studio commissioned by New York State Senator Jose M. Serrano to conduct an accessibility study for Roosevelt Island.
"My office has been working closely with the studio group from Hunter College, and we are proud to see them present the fruits of their labor," said Senator Serrano. "It really is an inspiration to see such a talented group of urban planners tackle the issues that most concern residents of Roosevelt Island, everything from accessibility to governance."
The goal of the studio is to identify and address the key access issues of the Roosevelt Island community in a community-based plan. The accessibility plan will address transportation on and off the island, but will also consider the community's access to government, health, emergency services, retail and recreation.
The collaborative studio is made up of ten (10) graduate students from the Department of Urban Affairs and Planning at Hunter College under the guidance of Professor Laxmi Ramasubramanian, M.Arch, MCP, PhD. The students widened their definition of accessibility to include issues verbalized by the community through numerous public meetings, focus groups and interviews. The revised scope includes issues of access to a viable retail corridor, effective governance, and public spaces for residents of Roosevelt Island of all abilities.
Over the course of the semesters, students hosted community forums and open houses to meet with the Roosevelt Island community. They attended countless meetings of various organizations on the island. Their outreach efforts specifically targeted three special populations on the island: seniors, youth and differently-abled residents. They launched a blog to remain in contact with the community, organized an open review of their recommendations, and hosted a youth planning charette with the island's Girl Scout Troup. As part of their continued engagement strategy, the students set up an Advisory Committee of community stakeholders to guide the planning process. Members of this community will be invited to attend the event on May 14.
"This is a fantastic way to show those who may not be familiar with Roosevelt island just what it has to offer, and to show those who work and live on the island what it's capable of offering," said Serrano.
The event will be held on May 14, 2009 at 11am in the President's Conference Room at Hunter College, 17th Floor of Hunter's East Building.
For more information, please check out the studio blog at accessri.blogspot.com. Pictures from the most recent events and information about the plan are updated regularly.
Roosevelt Island's NYC Council Member Jessica Lappin is encouraging all interested parents to attend the May 14 Open House at PS/IS 217. Ms Lappin press spokesperson sends the following message:
At Council Member Jessica Lappin’s request, the Department of Education (DOE) has announced the launch a new gifted and talented program at PS/IS 217 on Roosevelt Island. If there is sufficient demand for seats, the program is set to open for the 2009-2010 school year and will accommodate children in Kindergarten and First grade.
“We desperately need more gifted and talented seats in Manhattan,” Lappin said, “and Roosevelt Island is a natural place to add a program. We have capacity and, I believe, we have the demand. Now, parents won’t have to take their kids off the Island to enroll in a top-notch gifted and talented program.”
The school held its first open house on May 7 and will be holding a second open house at 9 a.m. on Thursday, May 14. Parents interested in the program are encouraged to attend. All students who scored in the 90th percentile or better on the gifted and talented placement exam are eligible to apply for placement at the school.
The official launch of the program is contingent on sufficient numbers of students enrolling in the school.
“I hope that Roosevelt Island parents take advantage of this great opportunity,” Council Member Lappin said. “We’ve been talking about this possibility for years and I’m so glad that we’ve finally made it a reality.”
and adds:
It is correct that the launch depends on having enough kids enroll in the program. The way the system works is that parents can apply to different G&T programs throughout the district. Then, in mid-June they’re offered specific seats and can opt whether or not to accept them. Regardless of how many kids on Roosevelt Island (or anywhere else) are eligible for G&T, if they choose to go to programs elsewhere, it will be bad for 217’s program.
Roosevelt Island is in District 2. The NY Times reported:
... In District 2, which covers the Upper East Side and parts of Lower Manhattan, including TriBeCa, 26 percent more children took the tests, and 51 percent more passed, bringing the total to 586....
And:
...While the city said, for example that it would accommodate the increase by opening as many as 24 new district gifted programs in September and creating up to 150 new kindergarten seats in more selective citywide gifted programs, many parents are unwilling to send their children to new or untested gifted programs....
Which may be a problem for Roosevelt Island's PS/IS 217 as expressed in this City Room Blog article:
...Noting that several of the programs were far from the overcrowded schools on the Upper East Side, he said, “A school bus to Chinatown or Chelsea or Roosevelt Island is an hour in the morning at rush hour...
Last week, I asked the Principal of PS/IS 217 for comment about the Gifted & Talented Program but received no answer to date.
The above picture is what the current Roosevelt Island Manhattan side Tram Station looks like.
And below are two sketches of what it will look like come December 2009 following the completion of the Roosevelt Island Tram Modernization Program.
Both Sketches Are Provided By RIOC
I inquired of RIOC President Steve Shane if there were any renderings of the Roosevelt Island side Tram Station and he replied:
Not yet. Will be less of an architectural statement and more focused on function.
The architect Renzo Piano was originally contemplated to design the Tram Station. As reported in the Main Street WIRE's RIOC Column:
...Preliminary sketches of Renzo Piano's design were presented by Mr. Piano himself on January 20. When further developed, the plans will be shared with the community. We expressed our concerns to Mr. Piano that function be the principal guide, to be accomplished within budget and on time....
... With the withdrawal of Renzo Piano, Thornton Tomasetti has undertaken architectural work in addition to its previous structural engineering engagement....
Image of Roosevelt Island Readership Statistics From September 2007- April 2009 From Statcounter
The Roosevelt Islander Blog is fast approaching the end of it's second year, having started July 4, 2007 with a rant against RIOC charging $18 to view the Fireworks celebration at Southpoint Park. According to Statcounter, since readership statistics started to be kept on September 11, 2007 there have been 161,699 unique visitors to this site thru yesterday.
Last month saw the largest number of visitors. For the last 6 months, unique visitor statistics have been as follows:
Thanks to all the readers, those who comment and lend their expertise on particular subjects as well as those who send in their tips, suggestions and messages. Please continue to do so.
There will be no rant this year against RIOC's charging to view the Roosevelt Island July 4 Fireworks Celebration at Southpoint Park since the event has been canceled due to the City's decision to move the celebration from the East River to the Hudson River in honor of the 400th Anniversary of Henry Hudson's sail.
... has been a most generous and valuable friend to the dog owning community of Roosevelt Island. In less than a year, Michael has: -installed a seating bench at the dog run -installed a double gated entry at the dog run -extended the dog run to make it longer -installed (at the dog run) a special poop bag dispenser and trash can with a lid...
If you are a Roosevelt Island dog owner you should check out your own specialized blog. It is a valuable resource.
New York State and New York City animal control laws are intended to safeguard the health and safety of the public.
A dog control policy for Roosevelt Island intends to safeguard the health and safety of Island residents and visitors.
It is the intent of the Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation (RIOC) to have a policy that is consistent with the regulations of the City and State of New York. As such, it is the policy of RIOC that responsible dog owners on Roosevelt Island will:
� Have their dogs actively vaccinated against the disease of rabies and be able to provide proof of such vaccination;
� Obtain a license for their dog from the City of New York (New York City Dog License Law, Chapter 115 of the Laws of 1894 as amended);
� Attach a dog license tag to the dog�s collar when the animal is in a public place (New York City Health Code �161.04);
� Hold the dog on a leash no longer than six feet when the dog is in a public place (New York City Health Code �161.05);
� Remove their dog�s feces from any public areas (New York City Health Code �161.03 and New York Public Health Law �1310);
� Utilize only designated dog walk area(s) for off leash roaming of their dog.
Effective immediately, Public Safety Officers will enforce this policy and issue notices of violations to dog owners who are not in compliance.
Roosevelt Island teens discuss jobs, the economy and recession.
Very nicely done!
As I was walking past PS/IS 217 the other day, I noticed this sign for Summer Jobs through the Roosevelt Island Youth Program. Unfortunately, according to the sign, the deadline for applying for these jobs has passed - May 8 and there is no further information on these jobs at the RI Youth Program web site.
Governor Patterson announced last week that some of the money from the Federal Stimulus Funds would be used to increase the number of summer jobs available for New York State and City teenagers. According to the NY Times:
...Citing the soaring unemployment rate among New York teenagers and young adults, state and city officials announced on Saturday that money from the federal stimulus program would be used to expand the number of summer jobs.
Gov. David A. Paterson said $18.5 million would be directed to the city so it can offer 51,000 jobs, an increase of 8,000 from last year.
“Spring is job-hunting season,” said Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg, who joined Mr. Paterson and other elected officials at a news conference in Midtown Manhattan to provide details of the jobs program. “But as we know, these are not the best of times when it comes to landing work.”...
Let's hope that some of that stimulus money for Summer Youth Jobs comes to Roosevelt Island so that these kids can work and earn some money.
Main Street Turn To River Road Blocked For Repaving
I was walking by Manhattan Park on Sunday and saw an unwelcome but familiar site. The turn from Main Street to River Road was blocked off again just as it was last December. This time the reason for the road closure was not to repair an underground water leak but to continue the Main Street Pavement reconstruction. According to RIOC:
Pavement Reconstruction Advisory
Weather permitting, contractors will continue working around New Main Street. The work will take place for the week of May 4th and buses will have to be re routed for a day or two around Sports Park.
Also the continuation of Main Street Pavement Reconstruction from 40 River Road/Main Street to the Octagon Soccer Field Comfort Station entrance.
One lane will be created and the work will be performed in two halves, first half will be on the North bound lane for two weeks and second half will be on the south bound lane for two weeks as well.
While the work is in progress 40 River Road bus stop will have to be relocated .
As reported last week, RIOC will be instituting a new fixed Roosevelt Island Red Bus Schedule during the non-rush hour morning weekdays. As explained by RIOC President Steve Shane:
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.
Mr. Shane also informs us that:
The Red Bus schedule experiment is planned for the week of 5/18-22. Of course we will advertise the schedule (see snide comments).
The "snide" reader comment follows:
I can only hope the RIOC in their brilliance with the bus schedule actually PUBLICIZE the fact it is now on a schedule.....
Will RIOC finally have a starter in "midtown" checking actual performance versus schedule?
And:
It seems most delays/congestion do not occur during off-hours but rather during the rush hours
We need to experiment with what it takes to service all residents without bunching during rush hours.
It's is a good idea to experiment with this approach and see how it works. I think extending the experiment to include the weekend of the 23-24 would be wise as well.
Five RIOC Board Candidates Speak Tuesday Night at 7:00
Five residents have now entered the race for community nomination to the Board of Directors of the Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation. They are: Lee Edelman Tammy Jackson Michael Shinozaki Margie Smith Lorraine Williams They are schedule to speak tomorrow evening (Tuesday, May 12) at 7:00 p.m. at Candidates Night at the Good Shepherd Community Center.
More information on the RIOC Board Nomination election available here.
Any candidate who wishes may publish a statement on this blog.
Roosevelt Island is a mixed income, racially diverse waterfront community situated in the East River of New York City between Manhattan and Queens and is jurisdictionally part of Manhattan. The Roosevelt Island Tramway, which connects Roosevelt Island to the rest of Manhattan, has become the iconic symbol of Roosevelt Island to its residents.
The Purpose of this Blog is to provide accurate and timely information about Roosevelt Island as well as a forum for residents to express opinions and engage in a dialogue to improve our community.
