Report From RIRA President On RIOC Board Nominations, Red Bus Schedule, Blackwell Park Input, Blood Drive & Pick Up Softball

Image From March RIRA Meeting

RIRA President Frank Farance sends the following report to Roosevelt Island residents. Mr. Farance addresses issues on the RIOC Board Nominations, Red Bus Schedule, Blackwell Park Resident Input, Blood Drive and Adult Pick - Up Softball games.

1. RIOC Board Nominee Elections. Congratulations to Margie Smith and Mark Shinozaki in the elections. Thank you to Lee Edelman and Tammy Jackson for participating in the election process.

2. Progress on RIOC-RIRA collaboration on red bus schedule. Because of some scheduling anomalies during the week of May 22, we decided to postpone the red bus schedule experiment to the week of June 1. In short, this experiment only applies to the segment #2: late morning, approximately, 9:50 to noon. Although the initial schedule for the Octagon local is for buses to leave at 9:55, 10:10, 10:25, 10:40, 10:55, 11:10, and 11:25, I recommend that you arrive 5 minutes early during this experiment. The goal of this experiment is to see if we can have a reliable bus schedule that also meets the tram departure.

3. RIOC wants your input on the new Blackwell park. RIOC architects to hear from residents on Blackwell Park at RIRA June 17 Town Hall meeting. The RIOC is developing a master plan for the new park and it would like to identify the stakeholders of the park. More to come on this meeting.

4. RIRA Blood Drive on June 6, Roosevelt Island Day. RIRA volunteers will be at the green market on Saturdays, so please sign up!

5. Adult Softball: Unfortunately, given the low turnout, this year looks like it will be informal, pick-up games. Hopefully, we'll still have fun on Sunday mornings at Capobianco field. With Nonno's new sports bar, maybe we'll have a watering hole to better organize.

The RIRA President's message was also published as the RIRA column in the 5/30/09 Main Street WIRE (PDF File).

Roosevelt Island On The Web Links

Roosevelt Island on the Web Links as appearing in the May 30 Main Street WIRE.

New York One - Renwick Ruin at Southpoint Park
Roosevelt Islander - Should FDR Memorial Honor Overcoming Disabilities Or Kahn?
Roosevelt Islander - Summer Jobs For Students
Roosevelt Island 360 - Happy 33rd Birthday Roosevelt Island Tram
Coler Goldwater - Executive Director Supports Disabled FDR Memorial
Roosevelt Island Dogs - Animal Rescue Site Needs Food
NBC NY - Lappin Explain's What The Deal Is With Roosevelt Island
Gothamist - MTA's Worst Escalators
Streetsblog - No More Overnight Storage at RI Bike Racks
Budget Travel - Weird Fun On Roosevelt Island
Daily News - Queensboro Bridge Birthday Bash
Gizmodo - Dragonfly Vertical Farm Proposed For Southpoint Park
Fryers Club - Says Good Bye & Misses Roosevelt Island
Greenville Online - Former Residents Happy In North Carolina
Scienceline - TB Researcher Inspired By Smallpox Hospital
WABC- Swine Flu Case Closes RI Child School
S & W Marathon Training - Running Roosevelt Island
Improv Everywhere - MP3 Experiment Comes To Roosevelt Island
Megan Kalmoe - Recaps RI MP3 Experiment
Chronicles of Chris - Explains What Happened at RI MP 3 Experiment
You Tube - Improv Everywhere At Southpoint Park
You Tube - Wolf Gets Beat At Improv Everywhere
Trust Movies - RI Movie, A Necessary Music To Play Anthology Film Archive
Mr. NYC - Takes The Roosevelt Island Tram
WELS Missions - NY Amazing Race Ends At Lighthouse Park -
Robersphotosnyc - Resident Photo Album of Roosevelt Island -

Things To Do This Weekend In New York City & Roosevelt Island - Beach Burlesque, Roosevelt Live Concert, Grucci Fireworks & Tweetup Photoshoot

You Tube Video of Alex Battles & Whiskey Rebellion at Johnny Cash Birthday Bash

Looking for fun or interesting things to do on Roosevelt Island or in some other part of New York City this Memorial Day weekend? Here are some suggestions.

For Friday night, Newyorkology suggests heading to Coney Island for:

Burlesque At The Beach:The Great Fredini and Bambi present:
OLD SKOOL BURLESQUE & VAUDEVILLE
9PM THURSDAYS & 10PM FRIDAY NIGHTS ALL SUMMER LONG!
At Sideshows by the Seashore!!

Every Thursday & Friday during the Summer season, The Great Fredini & Bambi The Mermaid present our popular Burlesque on the Beach program- A revival of the most glorious and notorious of the "girlie revues" in Coney Island history. The sumptuous decor, fabulous bubble machine and swell girls make burlesque one of Coney's hottest attractions! Every week brings all new shows with outrageous acts in Teaser's Wine Baths. A blend of old style burlesque, sideshow freaks, strange women, new vaudeville and toe tappin' music... its fireworks after the fireworks!

There is no other place to be on Saturday afternoon at 4 PM than Roosevelt Island for the Roosevelt Live Concert Series on the Riverwalk Commons. Performing will be Alex Battles & The Whiskey Rebellion and Dock Oscar & The Ambassadors Of Love.. Both bands sound pretty good and the event is a Don't Miss according to Free NYC.

Despite the Macy's July 4 Fireworks show being moved this year to the Hudson River, we can still enjoy some East River Fireworks by the Grucci Family on Sunday night and celebrate the Queensboro Bridge Centennial Birthday.

“Fireworks by Grucci New York”

Sunday, May 31 at 9:15PM
Where: from the tip of Roosevelt Island.

Viewable from the FDR Drive Promenade and Pavilion Park in Manhattan; Roosevelt Island, in Queens at Gantry Park, and Water Taxi Park and the Greenpoint and Williamsburg waterfront in Brooklyn.

On Roosevelt Island this weekend, in addition to the Roosevelt Live Concert on Saturday afternoon and Sunday's Queensboro Bridge Centennial Celebration Grucci Fireworks, the Farmers Market is open as usual on Saturday as is Gallery RIVAA, the Roosevelt Island Visual Arts Association which is exhibiting a celebration of the Queensboro Bridge Centennial - Connecting Islands and Generations. An opening reception will be held on Sunday from 2 -7 PM. 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.

Also on Sunday, Roosevelt Island 360 reports:

The ONGOING word on Twitter is that this Sunday May 31st there will be an "AdoramaPix Tweetup/Shootout" here on Roosevelt Island....

The MTA is reporting no Manhattan Bound Roosevelt Island F Train subway service this weekend so plan accordingly.

F Coney Island - bound trains run on the E line from Roosevelt Av to 42nd Street
Weekend, 12:01 AM Sat to 5 AM Monday, May 30 - June 1.

RIOC is not reporting any Tram service advisories for the weekend but expect larger crowds due to the lack of Manhattan bound subway service. Also, the passenger elevator is out.

Please be advised there was a malfunction of the mechanical equipment on the Manhattan Tram Station passenger elevator. The wheelchair lift will be in operation until the service to the passenger elevator is restored.

Check out some other ideas on what to do in New York City this weekend from the NY Times Urban Eye and Spare Times, Free NYC, NY Post Weekend Calendar and Newyorkology.

Another Weekend Without Manhattan Bound Subway Service From Roosevelt Island - Be Prepared For Crowded Trams

According to the MTA service advisory page, there will no Manhattan bound F service to Roosevelt Island again this weekend. This will make for another crowded Roosevelt Island Tram weekend, particularly on Saturday afternoon with the Roosevelt Live Concert event and the Sunday Night Grucci Fireworks celebrating the Queensboro Bridge Centennial.

From the MTA:

F Coney Island - bound trains run on the E line from Roosevelt Av to 42nd Street then on the to Jay St
Weekend, 12:01 AM Sat to 5 AM Monday, May 30 - June 1

Plan accordingly.

This is what it was like after last Saturday's MP3 Improv Everywhere event.

You Tube Video of MP3'ers taking Tram back to Manhattan

Or you can wait with the pigeons for the next train to Queens and then double back to Manhattan.

Improv Everywhere MP 3 Experiment On Roosevelt Island - The Battle For Southpoint Park, Who Will Win?

You Tube Video of Battle For Southpoint Park

No, this battle for Southpoint Park was not between the opponents and supporters of the proposed Kahn/FDR Memorial or a scene from a new updated sequel to Braveheart. It was part of Improv Everywhere's MP3 Experiment that took place last Saturday afternoon on Roosevelt Island. As explained by blogger The Chronicles of Chris who came all the way from New Hampshire for the event:

... As 4:00 rolled around, everyone began putting their headphones on, and we all pressed play. After a few minutes of catchy music, Steve (The Omnipotent Voice From Above) began speaking. He started us off with some simple exercises, such as stretching our necks and greeting our neighbors. There was this one guy in a green shirt participating from a wheelchair, which I thought was really awesome.

After playing some little games, dancing with eachother, following strangers around, and taking spontaneous naps on the ground, we set off on a rather long walk to the southernmost tip of the island. Here we were split into teams and given inflatable weapons. After pounding on eachother for a while, a big bad wolf appeared in the distance and we were questioned why we were fighting with eachother. We turned our army of up to 2,000 people on that one wolf, and he got taken down because I even got a whack....

The NY Times was there as well:

... Through all of this, you couldn't stop laughing. Part of it was the weirdness of seeing 3,000 people acting in perfect unison, even though externally, there wasn't a sound. Part of it was the cleverness of the script, and Steve's complete irreverence. ("Did you know that the art of square dancing was invented right here on Roosevelt Island? It probably wasn't, but we're going to square dance anyway.")...

I asked Improv Everywhere creator Charlie Todd what he thought about the Roosevelt Island experience and he replied:

We had a fantastic time on Roosevelt Island. I was personally thrilled when Roosevelt Live asked us to stage an event on the island. I've been a fan of RI for years, and getting to stage a massive event at South Point was an incredible opportunity. We were really excited to be able to show our participants such a unique and often over-looked spot.

Over 2,000 people attended the event (some guess it was close to 3,000.) The finale had the entire crowd battle each other with enormous inflatable bats and hammers at South Point. We got lots of smiles and high fives from local residents. Hopefully everyone on the island had a good laugh and our massive crowd didn't delay anyone's travel to and from the island too much. It was unfortunate that the F train wasn't running on the Manhattan-bound track, but the ROIC was nice enough to run the tram on rush-hour service.

You can read comments from our participants and follow links to photos on our site: Mp3 Experiment Six - Thanks!

We will have a complete recap with video up in a few weeks.

It is a shame that such a fun and crazy event like the MP3 Experiment that utilizes the open space and panoramic 360 views of the NYC skyline and East River waterfront currently available from Southpoint Park is in danger of being lost forever if the proposed sterile, concrete mausoleum like Louis Kahn/FDR Memorial is approved to be built at Southpoint Park.

You Tube Video of Improv Everywhere at Southpoint Park Roosevelt Island

Manhattan Parents Not Considering Roosevelt Island's PS/IS 217 Gifted & Talented School Program - Nightmare To Get To Says One

Image of PS/IS 217 From Geocities

A New York City School District 2 parent whose child got accepted into the Gifted & Talented program blogs under the name NYC Gifted And Talented and searches for the best program in which to enroll the child This particular parent did not think much of Roosevelt Island's PS/IS 217 Gifted & Talented Program although it does not appear that this parent ever visited the school. The Blogger writes:

... Overall, the parents we spoke with LOVED P.S. 77 Lower Lab school on the UES. For us, it just had to do with logistics and getting to the UES in time for school to begin. Even in a cab, it would take 20-25 minutes minimum to get up there – and that’s on a good day. We didn’t meet any parents for the NYC G&T program that visited P.S. 217 on Roosevelt Island. Let’s get for real, would I really want to go through the nightmare that it would take to get to Roosevelt Island? Pardon my ignornance, but I didn’t even realize Roosevelt Island was part of Manhattan. I was a little shocked to see that particular school on the list....

I recently asked Roosvelt Island's PS/IS 217 Principal Mandama Beckman about the school's G & T program:

I understand that a Gifted & Talented School Program will be established at Roosevelt Island's PS/IS 217 during the next school year and that tours of the school will be held for interested parties on May 7 and 14.
If you care to comment on this development, I would be happy to post your thoughts on Roosevelt Islander blog.

Ms. Beckman replies:

My apologies for not communicating with you sooner.

PS/IS 217 held successful Gifted and Talented tours over the past two weeks. We had many families visit the school and we spoke to several families over the phone.We are looking forward to having the Gifted and Talented program at PS/IS 217 and are hopeful that enough families will select PS/IS 217 as their first choice. Our school's high achievement is based on our talented teaching staff, engaged students, wonderful facility, dedicated families and support from Council Member Lappin and Assembly Member Kellner. PS/IS 217 is a neighborhood school and a Gifted and Talented Program would be a wonderful addition to many opportunities that we offer.

The Roosevelt Island Tram being out of service for the first half of the school year is certainly not going to help Manhattan parents feel comfortable sending their kids to PS/IS 217.

Amalgamated Bank To Take Over From New York National Bank Starting July 20 - Will This Bank Be Able To Stay In Business On Roosevelt Island?

Click On Image To Read Letter

RIOC President Steve Shane forwards the above letter from NY National Bank. According to the letter, Amalgamated Bank will assume the Main Street lease of NY National Bank and open a branch starting July 20 subject to regulatory approvals. The Roosevelt Island NY National Bank will close on July 17.

It will be interesting to see if the new Amalgamated Bank Branch will offer any services not offered by previous Roosevelt Island banks all of whom eventually closed up shop. As I recall, there was a Manufactures Hanover, Chemical and Chase Bank all of whom chose to leave the same Roosevelt Island location prior to the latest decision by NY National. Hope Amalgamated can do better.

Breaking News - Roosevelt Island Tram Modernization Program Postponed Until September - Will Remain Open For Summer

Image of New Tram Design From RIOC

BREAKING NEWS regarding Roosevelt Island Tram. The Tram will remain in service throughout the summer. The Tram modernization program and shutdown of service originally scheduled to begin July 6, 2009 has been postponed until September 2009.

I had been hearing rumors of possible delays in the Tram Modernization schedule so I inquired of RIOC President Steve Shane:

At the last Operations Committee meeting you indicated that Poma might be having some difficulties meeting the planned July 6 start date for the Roosevelt Island Tram Modernization Project. You also indicated that you would be meeting with them to learn the status of the project. What happened?

Subsequent to the Ops meeting, I have heard from several individuals that Poma is having difficulties meeting the schedule and that the start date for cessation of Tram Service and the beginning of the Modernization Project has been postponed to August.

Is that true? Has the start date been postponed from July 6 and if so what is the new date and how does this impact the entire project?

Mr. Shane repllied:

See my column. As of today, tentatively postponed until September, to reopen February. Will finalize decision tomorrow. All parties are here in our office for progress meeting.

Excerpt from his column that will appear here later in week and in the May 30 Main Street WIRE below:

3. Tram: The birthday of the Tram was celebrated on Monday afternoon, May 18th. Cake was served and a videographer interviewed residents for Tram stories. The kids did their own signboard birthday card. Overhaul: The schedule for a July 2009 shutdown and December reopening seems to be shifting. The Contractor, POMA, has requested sliding the window of closure to accommodate redesign changes in the structural elements, principally the tower heads and the necessary bracing. Design and fabrication of the various elements is well advanced. Spools of cable have been shipped from Europe. Final details of cabin design are completed and fabrication is underway. Scheduling of tower reinforcing and top replacement, cable pulling, street and park closures, crane locations, etc. with permitting for everything is ongoing, but is dependant on the schedule as established. My best guess is a shutdown in September and a reopening in February. Better coordination with architectural work at the two stations will result. I met again with Community Board 8 on May 5. Architectural work for Tram stations is proceeding. A preliminary sketch of the Manhattan and Island stations will be posted as it is an evolving concept....

I always wanted to say BREAKING NEWS!

UPDATE - 5/30 - Mr. Shane adds:

Pretty sure will be closing after Labor Day and reopening early February. More precise details as available. No closure July 6. Same aperture of closure.

Roosevelt Island Public Library Needs Your Help To Prevent Severe Budget Cuts - Lend Your Voice To City Council Hearing Thursday Afternoon

Roosevelt Island Library Branch Image From NYPL

Roosevelt Island Residents Association (RIRA) Common Council Member Isabel Perez sends the following message to all Roosevelt Island residents, particularly those who use the Library, regarding severe budget cuts to the Library.

Dear all,

The New York Public Library is facing stiff cuts for its budged this year. I have been contacted by the Island' s librarian to attend a hearing in search of public support of the Institution TOMORROW THURSDAY (see bellow). I can not attend the hearing, though, and I wonder if anybody could go. Keep in mind that we do not have many cultural options in our Island so is important for all sectors of our community (children, adults, seniors) to have this free service running at capacity. Thanks so much for your consideration!

The request for assistance from the NY Public Library is below:

Mrs. Perez: Petra Kolokotronis told me that you might be able to help us out by testifying at next Thursday's City Council hearing downtown at City Hall. If you were able to do that, it would be great. The hearing is before the City Council's committe on Cultural Affairs and Libraries and is a crucial step in the process of making sure our message about the importance of libraries is delivered to the City Council. As Petra has told you, the Library is facing an overwhelming reduction in our budget for the next fiscal year. We appreciate everyone's support and help on this. The hearing will be at 3:30 in the City Council chamber at City Hall. I will be there and can meet you there at 3:15 and show you where it is and how to sign in. Each person's statement can be short. Let me know if you think you're able to do this or if you have additional questions. The Library is closed the next three days for the Memorial Day weekend, but I will be in the office on Tuesday May 26 so we can touch base then and discuss this further if you'd like. Again thank you for considering this and for your ongoing support of libraries.

Bob Bellinger


Robert J. Bellinger
Associate Director for Government and Community Affairs
The New York Public Library
Office of Government and Community Affairs

It is very difficult, nearly impossible, for most people to attend such an afternoon hearing but if at all possible please try to lend your support to the NY Public Library, particularly the Roosevelt Island Branch.

More information on what else you can do here, here and here.

Roosevelt Island Public Safety Reports 5/6 Thru 5/26 - Credit Card Identity Theft, Dog Waste, BBQ, Distressed Vessel, Gang Graffiti & More

Identity/Credit Card Theft Image From Lafayette County Sheriffs Office

RIOC is posting the most current Daily and March 2009 Monthly Roosevelt Island Public Safety Incident reports on their web site. Also, available is a breakdown of Roosevelt Island Public Safety incidents by location and category (the Blotter) for the month of March 2009. The Monthly Public Safety Reports for April have still not yet been posted. Will link to them as soon as they are available.

Below are the Roosevelt Island Daily Public Safety Reports for May 6 - May 26 , 2009. Incidents include:

• Computer Stolen From Thrift Store (5/7)
• Dog Waste Left In Building Lobby (5/8)
• Unsecured Door At Nursery School (5/9)
• Helped Disoriented Resident (5/10)
• Stuck In Roosevelt Landings/Eastwood Elevator (5/11)
• Chinese Restaurant Window Broken (5/12)
• Lost Dog (5/13)
• Gang Graffiti (5/14)
• Reckless Skating Arrest (5/15)
• Cell Phone Thrown In Water (5/16)
• Electrical Wires Exposed (5/17)
• Water Balloons Thrown From 10th Floor (5/23)
• No Permit For Filming At Lighthouse Park (5/24
• Distressed Vessel In East River (5/25)
  
• Investigation of Portable BBQ Grill At Dog Run (5/25) and
• Identity Theft Use Of Master Card (5/26)
  

5/6/09-7:00 AM to 5/7/09-7:00 AM

Investigation- Motorgate exit gate malfunction. PSD assisted with traffic build up. The system was put on manual and later repaired.

Aided- An ill person was taken to the hospital by EMS.

Alcohol/Open Container- PSD arrested the subject.

Trespass- 3 youths escorted to PSD. They were released to their guardian.

There's More!




0700 hrs 05/07/08 - 0700 hrs 05/08/09

Aided - PSD responded with EMS to apartment for male aided. Aided had seizure and was transported to hospital.

Hazardous Condition - Super requested officer to enter into apartment because cover to air condition was hanging causing possible hazard. Super corrected condition.

Found Property - Anonymous female found keys in mail box and turned into PSD. Keys returned to owner.

Hazardous Condition - Super requested officer to enter apartment because cover to air condition was missing and air condition may fall out causing possible hazard. Super corrected condition.

Missing Property - Employee from Thrift store states computer was possibly stolen from store. Reporter doesn't know who took it. Refused NYPD.

0700 hrs. Friday May 8th 2009 - Saturday May 9th 2009

Aided - PSD Officer responded to apartment. Mother called 911 son having seizures, transported to Hospital.

Investigation - Tenant reports unknown subject walking with a dog left dog waste inside rear lobby. Super notified.

Verbal Dispute - Butcher from Gristedes Supermarket reports disorderly female. PSD Officers responded. Female left area. On going condition. NYPD Refused.

Verbal Dispute - PSD Officers responded to location. Owner stated male subject entered store after he was caught stealing in the past. Subject was advised not to enter. NYPD refused.

Arrest - PSD Officer observed male subject with open container. Summonsed and released.

Harassment - PSD Officer responded to tenant apartment. Female stated two male subjects banged on her door and left.

Aided - PSD Officer responded to manhattan park area for an unresponsive male appeared to be intoxicated. Transported to the hospital.

Aided - PSD Officer responded to male apartment having stomach pain, transported to the hospital.

Unsecured door - Female reports nursery school maybe broken into. PSD Responded search made all appears in order. door secured. Security guard stated he was not aware.

5/9/09-7:00 AM to 5/10/09-7:00 AM

Harassment- 2 Males knocked on tenant's door and awoke her. Males left. PSD responded. Search conducted with negative results.

Aided- An ill person was taken to the hospital by EMS.

Unsecured Door- At a Nursery School. PSD responded. search made with negative results. All in order. PSD locked and secured the door.

Aided- An ill person was taken to the hospital by EMS.

Traffic Stop/ Moving Violation- Motorist disobeyed 2 stop signs and passed 2 vehicles unsafely. PSD apprehended and issued summons.

Intoxicated Aided- Male lying on the ground. EMS responded. Male got up and refused transport to the hospital.

Aided- An ill person was taken to the hospital by EMS.

Aided- An ill person was taken to the hospital by EMS.

Unlawful Poss. of Marijuana/Alcohol/ Open Container/Trespass- 2 Subjects arrested by PSD.

Alcohol/Open Container-Subject arrested by PSD.

Intoxicated Persons/Aided- 2 Females. One was an Island resident and escorted home. the sister of the other was notified and came and escorted her home. EMS refused.

5/10/09-7:00 AM to 5/11/09-7:00 AM

Criminal Mischief-Cylinder ring around lock at Light House Comfort station is loose. It appeared that it was tampered with. All other bathroom in order. Search for the subject yielded negative results. RIOC notified.

Property Damage- A large grassy area north of the Fire House was torn up. It appeared that a large truck caused the damage. There were large tire tread marks. Other grassy areas on the island are in order. RIOC notified.

Unsecured Vehicle- Rear window open. Central Parking personnel notified the owner. The owner later removed the vehicle fro the garage.

Unsecured vehicle- Central Parking notified the owner. The owner later secured the vehicle.

Verbal Dispute- Between Mother and Son. No injuries. PSD responded. The matter was resolved. NYPD refused.

Aided- Elderly male was confused and disoriented wondering on Main Street. No identification on him. EMS transported him to the hospital.

5/11/09-7:00 AM to 5/12/09-7:00 AM

Aided- Male was stuck in the Eastwood elevator. FDNY and Urban American elevator contractor responded. Male was removed and refused EMS.

Aided/Disabled Wheelchair- Coler Hospital patient with a disabled motorized wheelchair. He also had an oxygen tank which was almost empty. PSD assisted him and ecorted him to Coler Hospital.
He was not in distress.

Aided- An ill person was taken to the hospital by EMS.

Unlicenced Operator/Disorderly Conduct- Motorist without a seat belt. He was also unlicenced, and became disorderly with Public safety. Subject arrested by PSD

5/12/09-7:00 AM to 5/13/09-7:00 AM

Hazardous Condition- Elevator cameras and inter-com System to one of the buildings is out of service. UA notified and contacted repair company.

Criminal Mischief- Unknown Subject broke the window of the Chinese Restaurant. Search for the subject yielded negative results. RIO boarded it up. The Owner was notified.

Investigation- Police Investigation on incident off Island.

Aided- An ill person was taken to the hospital by EMS.

Harassment- Between 2 neighbors over noise and stalking. One tenant will go to NYPD on her own and file a report. On going situation for past few years.

Minor Vehicle Accident- Owner of a parked vehicle believes that a RIOC Bus may have caused damaged to her side mirror while vehicle was parked. RIOC Buses checked and nothing consistent with her vehicle damage. No injuries. Owner to go to NYPD on her own and file a report.

Investigation- Island resident stated the store manager was disrespectful to her. Female requested a report.

Aided- Female fell on an electrical wire on the 36 th Ave bridge. NYPD refused. Aided will go to her private doctor. EMS refused.

Possession of Graffiti Instrument-Subject arrested by PSD.

5/13/09-7:00 am TO 5/14/09-7:00 am

Gas Leak- In apt from stove. PSD responded. UA corrected condition and shut off stove.

Domestic Dispute/Verbal- Between Boy friend and girlfriend in a store. PSD responded. Adult male subject had already left. No injuries. NYPD refused. Search for the subject yielded negative results.

Unauthorized Move Out- At Westview. Super responded and took information tenant has not paid rent for a few months. Matter to be referred to RY Management.

Lost Dog- Island resident lost her dog. Flyers made and distributed on the Island.

Graffiti- Rear of a building. PSD responded and conducted a search for the subject with negative results. UA painted over it. NYPD refused.

0700 hrs 05/14/09 - 0700 hrs 05/15/09

Found Property - Officer found bag in park. Property secured in PSD.

Noise Complaint - Tenant states unknown person banged on her door and left. Search of area was made with negative results.

Aided - PSD and EMS responded to apt for aided. Aided suffering from high blood pressure and feeling weak. Aided transported to hospital.

Gang Graffiti - PSD officer observed gang graffiti in park. Search was made with negative results. Photos taken.

Unsecured Steam Tunnel Door - PSD officer observed door open. Search was made and found to be in order. Door was secured.

Open Apartment - PSD found open and conducted search. Apartment was vacant and management was notified and secured door.

Investigation - Anonymous female reported to PSD that she heard screaming coming from unknown apartment. PSD made search and found apartment. Officer spoke to parent and advised to keep noise down.

0700 hrs. Friday May 15th 2009 - Saturday May 16th 2009

Noise Complaint - Tenant reports neighbor woke her up at 5:30 A.M. by banging on her door.

Found Property - Anonymous caller reports black bag at north town park property secured in PSD.

Found Property - RIOC personnel hand over a found wallet to PSD Officer. Property returned to owner by Officer.

Car Stop - PSD Officer while on patrol heard unreasonable noise coming from vehicle. Officer requested Driver License. Driver unable to produce requested documents. Summonses Issued.

Aided - Anonymous female entered PSD Office to report 7 yr. old child having a seizure. PSD responded met with mother who stated child hit the fence with his head. Transported to Hospital.

Arrest - PSD Officer reports two male subjects skating recklessly. Officer told males to disperse from area various times and refused. PSD Officer requested Back up. Males summonsed for disorderly conduct.

Arrest - MTA worker reports five males inside south gate at 0116 hours. PSD Responded and escorted males to PSD office, summonsed and released them.

Missing Person - PSD responded to Mother apartment who stated 15 year old daughter last seen around 1600 hours on 5/15/09. who has not returned. Search made of island with negative results.Mother filed a report with NYPD 114 pct.

5/16/09-7:00 AM to 5/17/09-7:00 AM

Missing Person-Female Youth. Search yielded negative results. NYPD report filed.

Lost Property- A Wallet. Reporter to go to NYPD and file a report.

Aided- Injured youth taken to the hospital by EMS.

Petit larceny- Clothing from laundry room. NYPD refused.

Investigation- Youths threw another youth's sneakers into a dumper. They also threw a cell phone into the river. Sneakers retrieved. Search for the youth with negative results. NYPD refused.

Trespass- Subject arrested by PSD.

Criminal Poss. of Marijuana- Subject arrested by PSD.

Aided- Male fell from a chair in apt. EMS responded. Transport was refused.

Found Property- A wallet. Cit bank will notify the owner. Wallet secured in PSD.

5/17/09-7:00 AM to 5/18-09-7:00 AM

Unsecured Vehicle- Driver's window left open. NYPD notified. But owner address was a PO box off island. PSD conducted periodic checks of the vehicle.

Aided- Male was suffering from hypothermia. EMS responded. Male refused transport to the hospital.

Flood- Tenant accidently left the kitchen faucet on which caused the kitchen to be flooded. UA responded and corrected the condition. No damage to property.

5/17/09-7:00 AM to 5/18/09-7:00 AM

Vehicle Accident- Vehicle struck a pedestrian who was crossing the street. Person sustained
bruise to leg. PSD, FDNY, EMS and NYPD responded. Aided taken to the hospital by EMS. NYPD filed a report.

Criminal Mischief- Burnt piece of carpet and debris left in front of an apt
Search for the subject yielded negative results. UA corrected the condition. NYPD refused.

Unsecured Premises- MTA substation. PSD conducted a search of the building. All in order and no one inside. MTA notified to secure the building.

Aggravated harassment- Tenant reported for about 2 years a male has been harassing her. NYPD notified. Complainant refused to press charges and left before NYPD responded.

Small Fire- Elderly tenant fell asleep and burned food on the stove. PSD responded. Hazardous conditions were observed and Senior Citizen Socia worker notified.

Theft of Services- Motorgate customer refused to make payment for parking fee. PSD responded and he wanted to pay with a credit card. Method of payment not accepted. Customer parked the vehicle and will make payment later.

5/19/09-7:00 AM to 5/20/09-7:00 AM

Water Leak- In apt. Tenant not home. No key on file. UA cleaned up the hallway and will enter when tenant is home.

Aided- An ill person was taken to the hospital by EMS.

Hazardous Condition- Light Pole was removed leaving wires and metal prong exposed. PSD placed a cone over it and contacted RIOC.

Aided- Male fell from a wheelchair. EMS responded and assisted him up. No injuries. Transport to the hospital was refused.

Aided- Female fell from her chair in apt. UA and PSD responded and assisted her back into chair. No injuries. EMS was refused

5/20/09-7:00 AM TO 5/21/09-7:00 AM

Investigation- Report of a child that consumed some debris in a bag up against a building one 5/19/09, which was reported the next day. RIOC notified. PSD checked and the bag was removed.

Aided- An ill person was taken to the hospital by EMS.

Aided- Male accidently cut his finger. RISAR provided first aid he refused EMS.

Alleged Shots fire (Off Island) - Coming from the Queens bridge area. NYPD responded and conducted an investigation and determined shots were not fired. It may have been fire works.

Escort- PSD escorted an unwanted visitor from a tenant's apt without incident.

Smoke Condition- A tenant accidently burnt food on the stove. Tenant put it out. No injuries or property damage. UA notified.

Alcohol/Open Container- 2 adult subjects arrested by PSD. 2 youths were escorted to PSD and released to parents.

Disorderly Conduct/Investigation- 4 youths threw safety cones into traffic lanes. No injuries and no property damage. Their information was taken and they were warned and admonished.

Unsecured Door- The Good Shepard Community Center door was open. PSD conducted a search of the building. All in order. It was locked and secured by PSD.

Aided- An ill person was taken to the hospital by EMS.

5/21/09-7:00 AM TO 5/22/09-7:00 AM

Investigation- RISAR radio PSD office to report 4 male subjects throwing cone from bridge plaza. PSD warned and admonished no injuries or damage.

Unsecured door- PSD officers responded to Chapel. Search made all appeared in order.

Aided- PSD observed EMS by 560 Main St. Female tenant reports she is having difficulty breathing, NYPD on scene. Aided transported to hospital.

False Alarm- Handyman requested PSD for alarm from ADT. Tenant was called and gave permission to enter search made, all appears in order,

Arson- PSD observed three male subjects rear of 540 courtyard lighting papers and leaves on fire. Officers escorted subjects to PSD, youth were released to parents.

Smoke Condition- PSD Officers observed NYFD at subway. FD reports fire on track between Manhattan and Queens tunnel that filtered into station. No injuries or damage.

Suspicious Male- Concierge request PSD for a male who entered building without permission. Search made with negative results.

5/22-23 /09 Not Provided By Public Safety Department

5/23/09-7:00 AM to 5/24/09-7:00 AM

Aided- Officer sustained minor injuries when he fell from a segway. He was transported to the hospital by EMS.

Urinating in public- Subject arrested by PSD.

Reckless Endangerment- Water balloons thrown from 10 Th floor of a building. No injuries. Search for the subject yielded negative results. NYPD refused.

Unlawful Poss of Marijuana/Trespass- 2 Subjects arrested by PSD.

Missing- Parent reported teenage son was missing. PSD conducted a search and found youth. He was fine and escorted to PSD. Father responded to PSD and retrieved the son.

5/24/09-7:00 AM to 5/25/09-7:00 AM

Criminal Mischief-Scratches on the Light House Comfort Stations. Search yielded negative results for the subject. Referred to RIOC.

Trespass- Subject arrested by PSD.

Domestic Dispute- Between a male and a female. Both sustained scratches. EMS and NYPD refused. Both refused to press charges.

Investigation-A large group arrived the Light House Park with a television video camera. PSD responded. They had no permit. Group left voluntarily.

Found Property-Island resident found money and turned it over to PSD. It was locked and secured.

5/25/09-7:00 AM to 5/26/09-7:00 AM

Distressed Vessel- Boat on the East River( East Channel) was disabled due to mechanical problems. FDNY, EMS, Harbor patrol and Special Operations responded. Passenger was fine. Harbor patrol notified Sea Tow.

Criminal Mischief- Cables wires belonging to Time Werner were cut. NYPD refused. Cables replaced. PSD to patrol area. Search for the subject yielded negative results.

Investigation- A Resident wanted to have a portable barbeque grill by the dog run for a large group. Resident was advised that per RIOC regulations open portable barbeques are not allowed.

False Alarm- At the RIOC Office. PSD responded and checked the premises. All was in order. The alarm was reset and it was locked and secured.

Aided- Officer sustained minor injuries on the segway. EMS transported Officer to the hospital.

Hazardous Condition- Metal protruding from the ground by the Blackwell House playground. A cone was placed over it. RIOC notified to remove it.

Found property- A cell phone. It was locked and secured.

Vehicle Accident- Motorist had a bicycle on the rack above the vehicle and entered the Motorgate Garage. There was not enough clearance and he damaged the rack. No damage to the garage. He refused EMS. Central Parking was notified.

5/26/09-7:00 AM to 5/27/09-7:00 AM

Identity Theft- Unknown Subject illegally used a master card debit card of a resident. She will go to NYPD on her own.

Criminal Mischief-Holes in wall of a building. UA notified. Search for the subject yielded negative results. NYPD refused.

Elevator room small fire/Aided- male stuck in the elevator. Tram employees removed him from the elevator. No injuries and EMS was refused. Tram employees extinguished the small fire.

Lost Property- A wallet. Search made with negative results. Reporter will go to NYPD on his own.

Vehicle Accident- Between 2 private vehicles. No injuries. EMS and NYPD refused. Damage minor and parties will resolve the matter on their own.

Aided- An ill person was taken to the hospital by EMS.

Aided- An elderly female fell in apt and sustained laceration and swollen forehead. EMS transported her to the hospital.

Public Urination- Subject arrested by PSD.

Shop Lifting/Trespass- At Grestides Supermarket. PSD responded subject issued a trespass notice. Subject warned the next incident will result in arrest. Store Manager did not want to press charges.

Disorderly Conduct/Active Warrant-Subject trespassing in a building and acted in a threatening manner towards officer. A warrant check revealed that he also had a warrant. PSD arrested the subject.

Unsecured Premises- The outside gates were ajar at the Day Spring Church. PSD responded and conducted a search of the perimeter. All doors and windows were locked. No one in area. PSD closed the gates.

Aided- An ill person was taken to the hospital by EMS.

Domestic Dispute- Between mother and adult son. PSD responded. Son was rude, disrespectful towards mother. NYPD responded and prepared a domestic incident report. Son left apt.

Should Roosevelt Island's FDR Memorial Honor and Recognize Overcoming Disabilities Or Architect Louis Kahn - Meeting 5/27 To Discuss

Image of FDR Memorial Wheelchair in Washington DC from Ability Unleashed

RIOC President Steve Shane reports that the Frankin & Eleanor Roosevelt Institute (FERI) will be giving a public presentation regarding their proposed Southpoint Park Roosevelt Island memorial to the architect Louis Kahn, regularly mischaracterized as a memorial to President Franklin D. Roosevelt, on Wednesday May 27, 7PM at the Good Shepherd Community Center.

Kahn FDR Memorial Sculpture Room From Village Voice Runnin Scared

From RIOC President Steve Shane:

We have just posted on our website under the Community Information tab the FDR Four Freedoms Park SEQR EAF & Environmental Assessment with its exhibits. Please be advised that it has not been reviewed or acted upon, but is for information and question, to make sure that the "hard look" required bySEQRA has been accorded by RIOC's Board, including such issues and questions as the community may have. Please feel free to copy and disseminate further.

As you know, FERI is going to be making a presentation of the whole project, again, including all that is contained in the EAF, on Wednesday evening at the Good Shepherd, 7 PM.

Roosevelt Island Doctor Jack Resnick will also be making a presentation at the meeting in support of the Roosevelt Island Disabled Association's (RIDA) idea to truly honor President Roosevelt as a man and President with a disability who overcame tremendous challenges to become a great leader. The RIDA Board Of Directors issued the following statement explaining why it is so important to publicly recognize that FDR was disabled with Polio and used a wheelchair:

On behalf of the Roosevelt Island Disabled Association and it's many disabled members we want to voice our opposition to a glaring deficit in the current proposal for the FDR Memorial to be built at the Southern tip of Roosevelt Island.

President Roosevelt was disabled by Polio before he was elected President of the United States and used a wheelchair almost exclusively. A statue of President Roosevelt sitting in a wheelchair or standing with the help of his crutches would be most appropriate here on an Island where many disabled people reside, both in apartments and in the two chronic care hospitals. In the same manner that our first black president, Barack Obama, has inspired so many school- aged black children to aspire to higher achievements, once thought to be impossible, such a memorial would have the same effect on the disabled community when viewing a statue of one of our most beloved presidents and realizing that he, too, was disabled and was able to overcome his disability and be elected to the highest office in the country. What an inspiration that would be for the multitude of disabled visitors, especially our wheelchair bound war veterans returning from Iraq, to visualize that despite their disability anything is possible. The memorial, as shown in the artist's sketches. does not portray FDR as disabled and we feel that this is an injustice to us all. It is said that “A picture is worth a thousand words.” In this instance, a statue of FDR depicted as our first disabled President would speak volumes to the millions of visitors, disabled and non-disabled who will be visiting The FDR Memorial for generations to come.

Roosevelt Island Disabled Association Board of Directors and it's members

Dr. Resnick proposes:

... The FDR Memorial on this Island should focus on the President’s strength in conquering his disability. Many possibilities come to mind. For instance, he should not be memorialized with a bust. We should see a greater-than-life-sized statue of him sitting in a wheelchair – and he should face north toward Goldwater and Coler Hospital...

The Executive Director of Roosevelt Island's Coler Goldwater Hospital has lent his support to achieving a Roosevelt Island FDR Memorial:

... particularly one acknowledging the tremendous goals he achieved in spite of his disability - a major factor in a large part of the President's life.

The full text of statement is below.

Coler Goldwater Chief Supports Disabled FDR Memorial For Roosevelt Island

The decision as to what a FDR Memorial on Roosevelt Island will ultimately be is in the hands of the Roosevelt Island Board of Directors, of which 7 of the 9 are residents of Roosevelt Island. As stated in the February 6, 2009 Conditional Designation Letter for the proposed FERI supported FDR Memorial below:

... RIOC retains all rights at any time to revoke this Agreement and the FDR Project will be subject to approval by RIOC's Board of Directors...

A vote of the RIOC Board may be scheduled for the June 25 meeting.

There's more here.

RIOC Board Nominee Election Results Roosevelt Island Building By Building - What's The Next Step?

Click on the image for the Nominees to the RIOC Board of Directors election voting results by particular buildings on Roosevelt Island or view the results from this link.

Top vote getter Margie Smith decisively won every single building with a total vote of 578. 2nd place winner Michael Shinozaki won in a close race with Lee Edelman by a vote of 318 to 287

Assembly Member Micah Kellner issued the following statement:

Assembly Member Kellner Congratulates Margie Smith and Michael Shinozaki, Winners of Resident Election for RIOC Board
Statement by Assembly Member Micah Z. Kellner

“For decades, residents of Roosevelt Island have expressed that the RIOC Board of Directors has not truly represented their interests. Taking matters into their own hands, on May 19, 2009, the Roosevelt Island Residents Association has, for the second time, held an island-wide referendum to recommend to the Governor and the Mayor the residents’ choices for filling two Board seats.

“I am proud that I was able to help partially pay for this referendum so that Islanders could express their democratic will, and I am thrilled to offer my congratulations to Margie Smith and Michael Shinozaki on winning Tuesday’s election. I have worked with both Margie and Michael for many years, and I know that they are the kind of people who will be passionate and responsive voices for all residents of the Island.”

According to RIOC President Steve Shane the next step for Ms. Smith and Mr. Shinozaki is:

Their CVs will be forwarded to the Appointments Office which will then begin the process of sending out the State forms, contacting the Mayor's office, ordering up the State Police investigation and finally, arranging the interview with the Commissioner (which might be earlier in the process) in preparation for the Governor's nomination and forwarding to Senate for confirmation.
Process is at the whim of the legislative calendar also.

Memorial Day Message From President Barack Obama and Buglers Across America - Thank You To The United States Military For Your Service!

You Tube Video from WhiteHouse.gov

Please take a moment sometime today to remember those men and women who served and died in the United States Military as well as those currently serving.

You Tube Video of Buglers Across America

Here's some additional information on Memorial Day and Buglers Across America.

Thank you all for your service!