The Fourth Of July Is About The Declaration Of Independence - A Reading By JFK & South Park's Cartman Visits The Founders

Image of John Trumbull's Declaration of Independence from ushistory.org

A repost from last year.

There's more to the Fourth of July holiday than fireworks, bbq, burgers, beer and flag waving. What the Fourth of July is really about is the Declaration of Independence:

When in the course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the laws of nature and of nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.

We hold these truths to be self-evident:

That all men are created equal; that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights; that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness; that, to secure these rights, governments are instituted among men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed; that whenever any form of government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the right of the people to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new government, laying its foundation on such principles, and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their safety and happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shown that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same object, evinces a design to reduce them under absolute despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such government, and to provide new guards for their future security. Such has been the patient sufferance of these colonies; and such is now the necessity which constrains them to alter their former systems of government. The history of the present King of Great Britain is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations, all having in direct object the establishment of an absolute tyranny over these states. To prove this, let facts be submitted to a candid world.

The rest of the Declaration and historical background can be found at US History.org. Also, here is a You Tube video of a 1957 reading by then Senator John F. Kennedy of the Declaration of Independence.



On a slightly less serious note here's South Park's version of the decision by American colonists to declare independence and go to war against England.






And lessons learned from the Founding Fathers for present day America.



Here's a link to the full episode of I'm A Little Bit Country from southpark studios

Have a Happy Independence Day!

Things To Do This Weekend In New York City & Roosevelt Island- Fireworks, Free Concerts, Shakespeares's Lear On The Run & RI Tour

You Tube Video of July 4 2008 Fireworks at Southpoint Park Roosevelt Island

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 ideas:

Tonight there are a couple of free music concerts to choose from including the River to River Music Festival performance of Here We Go Magic at the South Street Seaport. According to Free NYC:

Free, summer, concerts roll on tonight as River to River kicks off their Seaport Music Festival on the East River tonight with a live performance by Here We Go Magic and Bachelorette. "Brooklyn's Luke Temple, a singer/songwriter with critical acclaim as a solo act, assembled Here We Go Magic to create groovy, pretty, psychedelic jams driven and shaped from melodies that can turn from gorgeous to challenging to a little scary and back again

Another option for a free Friday night of music is the Alice Smith School Children's Choir which will be appearing at Roosevelt Island's Good Shepherd Community Center at 8 PM as part of the R & R Concert Series.


Saturday is the Fourth of July and of course the big event is the Macy's Fireworks Spectacular. Remember that this year the fireworks have been moved from the East to the Hudson River so there is no opportunity to watch the fireworks from Roosevelt Island as in past years. New York Magazine reports on the best spots on the West Side to watch the Hudson River Fourth of July Fireworks.

The NY Times Spare Times feature reports that:

DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE, handwritten by Thomas Jefferson, on view through Aug. 1 at the New York Public Library, Sue and Edgar Wachenheim III Gallery, Stephen A. Schwarzman Building, Fifth Avenue and 42nd Street. Also on view: early printings of the document and a letter to George Washington from Benjamin Franklin. Holiday hours this Friday through Sunday: 1 to 5 p.m. (917) 275-6975; nypl.org.

as well as other Independence Day activities in the NY metropolitan area. More on Thomas Jefferson's Declaration of Independence draft at the NY Public Library here.

Although there will be no Roosevelt Island Fireworks Spectacular Celebration at Southpoint Park this year, there will be the Nonno's 4th Of July Festival held on Roosevelt Island's Riverwalk Commons with Kid's Rides, Dunk Tank, Burgers, Hot Dogs and other Fun Stuff.

On Sunday, head on down to Battery Park's Castle Clinton for the New York Classical Theater's presentation of King Lear on the run. According to the NY Times:

This poetic portrait of dysfunctional family dynamics may not be your idea of a child’s introduction to Shakespeare. But the setting is undeniably fun — Battery Park — and the actors, the members of New York Classical Theater, change locations with every scene, so audiences roam the night as much as the demented Lear (and no one grows bored). Picnicking is encouraged, and on Tuesday the company also offers preshow fun for aspiring actors 7 through 12: a free drama workshop, in which they will have a chance to perform from the script. Workshop from 5 to 5:45 p.m.; performances at 7 p.m.; meeting at Castle Clinton, Battery Park, Lower Manhattan , (212) 252-4531, newyorkclassical.org; free.

I saw a production they did in Central Park a couple of years ago and it was lots of fun.

Also, on Roosevelt Island this weekend, in addition to the Malaysian Choir and Nonno's July 4 Festival, the Farmers Market is open as usual on Saturday. 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 Roosevelt Island F Train subway advisories this weekend and neither is RIOC with Tram advisories.

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.

Flashback To Early Roosevelt Island - Reunion Of PS/IS 217 Kids From 1975-85 Held Last Saturday At Southpoint Park

You Tube Video of Roosevelt Island An Island Place

Last Saturday, Southpoint Park was the site for the "Rock Reunion" of 1975-85 Roosevelt Island kids who attended PS/IS 217.



It was a chance for those attending to renew friendships, exchange stories and see how, or if, everyone has changed over the years.

Images by Roosevelt Island Resident Vicki Feinmel

Watch the Roosevelt Island - An Island Place video above for a flashback to what life was like on Roosevelt Island in the days of the late 1970's early 1980's.

Image by Roosevelt Island Resident Vicki Feinmel

One person described taking the Tram back then as like drinking a Gin & Tonic. Another person said that the children at the time could play wholly unsupervised because parents didn't have to

worry about someone sticking a needle into them.

Although, according to the video, that led to an unusually high number of abandoned children for much of the day because parents were not worried about the safety of their son or daughter.

Image by Roosevelt Island Resident Vicki Feinmel

Image by Roosevelt Island Resident Vicki Feinmel

UPDATE - 8:30 PM - Here's a video that was put together of the Roosevelt Island Reunion.

You Tube Video of 2009 Roosevelt Island Reunion at Southpoint Park

Roosevelt Island Bridge Closure Advisory - July 7 -10, 12:30 AM - 5:30 AM

Click on image to read DOT Statement on Roosevelt Island Bridge Closure

According to RIOC President Steve Shane in Item 10 of his June 24 RIOC President's Report:

Bridge Closures: The NYC Department of Transportation has notified us that the reconstruction work will require complete closure of the bridge to vehicular and pedestrian traffic for four (4) nights, being the mornings of July 7 through July 10 12:30 AM until 5:30 AM. As was previously done, EMS, police and fire responders will be present on the Island with additional manpower at the Queens end of the Bridge. The Tram and red bus will run throughout the night. If it rains, additional nights will be required. Hope for no emergencies and no rain.

More information on the Roosevelt Island Bridge closure is available at the RIOC Advisory web page.

... The work planned includes the tensioning of the bridge's new counterweight ropes. The work is weather sensitive and inclement weather may result in rescheduling. Should this occur, additional notification of the revised schedule will be provided. NYPD Traffic Enforcement Agents and construction signage will direct motorists and pedestrians. Noise mitigation measures will be implemented to minimize impacts.

Alternate modes of transportation to and from Roosevelt Island during the bridge closure will include the MTA New York City Transit "F" train from both Queens and Manhattan and the Roosevelt Island Tramway from 59th Street and 2nd Avenue in Manhattan. The "F" train operates at all times. The Roosevelt Island Tramway, in addition to its normal schedule, will operate on a half hour schedule on the mornings of the bridge closure. The Roosevelt Island Surface Transit Bus will operate throughout the night.

The MTA New York City Transit Q102 bus from Queens will operate on a modified schedule, with no service to or from Roosevelt Island between the hours of 12:30 AM and 5:30 AM. NYCDOT is fully aware of the impacts this unavoidable closure may have on the adjacent communities and motorists; we apologize for any inconvenience. We strive to keep these impacts to a minimum. Questions regarding the bridge closure and the project in general may be addressed to Melissa Johnson, Community Liaison at 212-758-1060 or mjohnson@zetlin.com.

Plan accordingly.

No Fourth Of July Fireworks Viewing From Roosevelt Island This Year - But Here's What It Looked Like In 2008

You Tube Video of July 4 2008 Fireworks at Southpoint Park Roosevelt Island

Roosevelt Island is normally a friendly and welcoming community, but please, if you are planning on visiting Roosevelt Island on Saturday to view the traditional Macy's Fourth of July Fireworks Celebration - DON'T COME!!!

I write this not because I want to hog the great views just for those of us who live here but because the fireworks have been moved from the East to the Hudson River in honor of the 400 anniversary of Henry Hudson's exploration of the river that now bears his name. So there will be no traditional Fireworks viewing from Southpoint Park as in prior years. As reported in the Queens Gazette:

...NYPD Queens North Borough Commander Diana Pizzuti is telling residents that in recognition of the 400th anniversary of Henry Hudson's exploration of the Hudson River, Macy's officials have moved the 2009 July 4 fireworks extravaganza from the East River to the Hudson River.

In past years, crowds gathered at locations along the waterfront for a bird's eye-view of the fireworks, Pizzuti said. This year, the fireworks will be set off from barges located between 24th and 30th Streets on the Hudson River, completely removing any view from the Long Island City waterfront or Roosevelt Island.

Deputy Inspector Paul Vorbeck said, "Your local 114th Precinct would like to inform its residents that the annual Macy's fireworks display is moving across town in 2009. There will be no view from Roosevelt Island."...

New York Magazine reports on the best spots on the West Side to watch the Hudson River Fouth of July Fireworks.

Although there will be no Roosevelt Island Fireworks Spectacular Celebration at Southpoint Park this year, there will be the Nonno's 4th Of July Festival held on Roosevelt Island's Riverwalk Commons with Kid's Rides, Dunk Tank, Burgers, Hot Dogs and other Fun Stuff.

Nonno's and Riverwalk Bar Owners with 4th Of July Festival flyer. Probably another two weeks until the opening of Roosevelt Island's new sports bar and bagel/deli shop.

Another Restaurant Option For Roosevelt Island Residents -Bridge View Cafe, Just Across The Roosevelt Island Bridge

Image of Bridge View Cafe Interior From Yelp

A reader points out another option for Roosevelt Island residents looking for nearby restaurant options - the Bridge View Cafe located just across the Roosevelt Island Bridge on 36th Avenue and Vernon B'lvd in Long Island City. The reader writes:

I don’t know whether you post things like this but I would like to put in a plug for the new restaurant on the other side of our bridge at Vernon Boulevard.

It’s called the BRIDGE VIEW CAFÉ

Without Roosevelt Island’s patronage, I fear that it will meet the same fate as the restaurant it replaced.

A group of us ate there last night and were very pleased.

The food was good, nicely served and the prices are very, very reasonable.

They advertised once in the WIRE but didn’t get any response and can’t afford to continue advertising if it doesn’t bring them any results.

As it is another choice for us here on the island who are so restaurant starved – I think it behooves us to do everything possible to help them stay in business.

Their menu is here

Roosevelt Island Little League Celebration - Mending Fences And A Great Time For All! Plus A Game Winning Walk Off Hit Too!!!

Image by Adib Mansour (Bluebeard)

Adib Mansour (aka Bluebeard), the Little League parent who organized last Saturday's A Day of Celebration to:

...honor the kids for their passion and love for baseball, as well as their undisputed friendships....

and:

mend hard feelings and a start of island bonding.

provides the following recap on the day's events.

The day Saturday was as perfect as could be. The weather cooperated, the fields were ready on time, the children played beautifully, the parents enjoyed the games and the company, officials mingled with the residents... and it went on ALL DAY LONG. The day started at 8AM and ended at 7pm, the only complaints I heard were the parents that sat too long in their seats, or the kids that didn't have enough!

The first game for third and fourth spots, between the Green and Purple teams, was one for the books. It kept going back and fourth between the leads of the Green and Purple teams, and culminated in a big push by the Green team at the end of the last inning, securing their win. Both teams celebrated the game together, got their trophies and ate barbecued food.

The second game, between the Red and Blue teams, for 1st and second spots, was an exhilarating game. We saw kids batting like they've never batted before, and runs that have broken previous records. The children's knowledge of the game was so obvious, something the coaches have been diligent about. The young ones played their hearts out, the older ones mastered their game. The red team kept their push to win the first spot. Both teams celebrated with trophies, jumping in the air, chanting congratulatory songs as well as conciliatory words to each others.

The third game (also know as the Marathon ALL STARS game) went on and on and on for numerous hours. I felt like I were watching the major leagues. Roosevelt Island is truly blessed with a powerful team, one that should travel, win awards, and bring us pride. This game was filled with camaraderie, fun, and superb plays from everyone.

Brian King was in a "zen" zone during the All Stars game. Funny, witty and generous.

What a day! The community in general bonded: the children played full games with no interruptions, RIOC was there to help maintain the field in between games, Coaches cheered and directed their teams, the children played like pros, the parents enjoyed every moment, the umpires were meticulous, Public Safety directors enjoyed the games with their friends and family... and I took some nice pictures while resting on my blue recliner. I also saw a lot of parents texting the results to the loved ones that could not make it, play by play.

This day has become the standard for the people of Roosevelt Island.

The Youth Center's seasonal games are over until next fall, when Soccer starts again. In the meantime, I'd like us all to secure "free-time" for the children and their families during the summer -a time for the community to bond and get together, play, and have fun. I suggest that RIOC sets and publishes daily blocks of time that are dedicated to Roosevelt island's kids and families, times that are not rented to outside teams/leagues. Periods of time that are meant for the island to bond!

Mr. Mansour's suggestion of setting aside time for Roosevelt Island residents to be able to use at least one of the local ball fields rather than renting them all out to non-resident teams/leagues is a good one. I hope RIOC does as well.

Image by Adib Mansour (Bluebeard)

RIOC Maintenance workers getting Capobianco Field ready for the game. Roosevelt Island Public Safety Director Keith Guerra and Deputy Director Rene Bryan are watching.

There's More!













All images by Adib Mansour (Bluebeard)

As an extra Roosevelt Island Baseball bonus here is a walk off game winning hit during another game at Firefighters Field.

You Tube Video of Roosevelt Island Baseball Game

Roosevelt Island Featured On NYC Grid Block By Block Photoblog - Take A Look

Image From NYC Grid

Paul Sahner, a former Roosevelt Island, resident has created a great New York City neighborhood photo blog called NYC Grid. He sends in the following message.

I just wanted to drop you a note to let you know that all this week, starting today with a post on the Tram, I'll be featuring Roosevelt Island on my photoblog, NYC Grid. Over the next 5 days I'll be posting over 400 photos covering South Point Park, Southtown, Northtown, and Octagon & Lighthouse Parks.

A little background, NYC Grid is a photo blog I started last year dedicated to exploring and discovering The City of New York block by block and corner by corner. I update it every weekday, and have each post cover a new block with a focus on the mundane and ephemeral. So far I've documented nearly 150 individual blocks – with no end in sight!

Mr. Sahner introduces Roosevelt Island:

Welcome to Roosevelt Island. A misunderstood place where time slows down, weather patterns change, and 25¢ will still get you a decent bus ride. This week's posts are going to present you with a cross section of Roosevelt Island – from the southern most tip, all the way up to Lighthouse Park.

Image from NYC Grid

More Roosevelt Island photos from NYC Grid are here. Take a look!

Roosevelt Island's 10044 Zip Code 3rd in New York City Population Growth & 7th In Population Growth Rate Projections - Very High In Diversity Too

Image of Fastest Growing NYC Zip Codes From Crains

The blogger Queens Crap was kind enough to forward this link to Crains New York Business showing New York City zip codes projected to have the largest population growth rate for the years 2009-2014 and guess what? Roosevelt Island's 10044 zip code came in seventh city wide in growth rate and third in population gained. Among the top three New York City zip codes in population gained, Roosevelt Island's 10044 was the most diverse (defined below). According to Crains, Roosevelt Island population statistics are as follows:

2009 diversity index: 80.2
2009 median household income: $77,042
2009 median age: 42.7
2009-2014 projected increase: +1,025
2009 population: 11,949

(Diversity index: the likelihood that two people chosen at random from the same area belong to the same race or ethnic group; 0= no diversity; 100= complete diversity.)

The top two New York City zip codes in projected population growth according to Crains are 10309 in Prince's Bay Staten Island:

Diversity index: 33.7
2009 median household income: $87,317
2009 median age: 37.1
2009-2014 projected increase: +2,362
2009 population: 32,247

(Diversity index: the likelihood that two people chosen at random from the same area belong to the same race or ethnic group; 0= no diversity; 100= complete diversity.)

and: 10036 in Hell's Kitchen:

2009 diversity index: 78.9
2009 median household income: $60,194
2009 median age: 39.8
2009-2014 projected increase: +1,460
2009 population: 22,725

(Diversity index: the likelihood that two people chosen at random from the same area belong to the same race or ethnic group; 0= no diversity; 100= complete diversity.)

Roosevelt Island 2000 Census Data is available here and from Zip Skinny.

Fun Time At Last Night's Roosevelt Island Summer Outdoor Movie - More New York City Outdoor Movies Scheduled To Come

After two prior postponements because of rain, last night's Roosevelt Island Summer Outdoor Movie showing of the Transformers was a great success. The weather cooperated, the movie was good, popcorn tasty and a nice time was had by all. RIOC Community Relations Specialist Erica Wilder reports that, according to her counter, 292 people attended the event. Good job by RIOC.


The remaining schedule for the Roosevelt Island Summer Outdoor Movie Series is as follows:

Films will begin at sundown (8:45pm. 8:05pm for screenings in August), but patrons are invited to come early, bring a picnic basket, spread out a blanket, grab some popcorn and enjoy an awesome evening at Firefighters Field! Also, be sure to book the following dates for the remaining films:

Sunday, July 19th- 50 First Dates
Monday, July 27th- Kung Fu Panda
Saturday, August 8th- Forrest Gump
Monday, August 17th- Hairspray

Mommy Poppins and Time Out New York list of other free outdoor movies in New York City this summer.

Report From RIOC's President - Main Street Traffic, Little League Arrest Report, Amalgamated Bank, Southpoint Park, Red Bus & Other RI Issues

Logo from RIOC

RIOC President Steve Shane sends the following report to Roosevelt Island residents. Mr. Shane addresses issues on Southpoint Park, Amalgamated Bank takeover, Tram Turnaround Fountain, Bike Racks, Red Bus Schedule, Roosevelt Island Bridge Closure, Main Street Traffic, Public Safety Report on Little league arrest incident and other issues of concern to Roosevelt Island. The item regarding the Tram overhaul was written before the decision to postpone the September commencemt of the modernization project.

June 24, 2009

1. Board of Directors: Meeting was held at 9:30 AM on Thursday the 25th. As it was the last scheduled meeting of the Board for the traditional summer hiatus, an extensive agenda, reported on elsewhere in the WIRE was considered, including a number of required compliance reporting items, projects, the SEQRA required action on the FDR project and project approval for Phase I in accordance with the Conditional Designation Agreement.
2. Southpoint: As to the projects:
(A) Renwick Ruins: Stabilization work is complete and the entrances to the building are being gated to secure the interior and prevent trespassing.
(B) Green Rooms/Wild Gardens: The contractor is completing Phase 1 rough grading, paths and stone walls. An RFP for Phase 2 will be issued to complete the park, including finish grading, capping, utilities, fencing and planting.
(C) FDR Memorial: Assuming Board approval, RIOC has been in consultation with the State’s Division of the Budget and Parks Department and the City to work out funding mechanics for the $4 million State appropriation, the matching $4 million from the City and at least $8 million from FERI as necessary for Phase I.
3. Tram Overhaul: The schedule is for a September 8, 2009 shutdown and February 2010 reopening. Finalization is expected at this month’s progress meeting. Architectural work for the two stations proceeds with concept drawings posted.
4. Projects: Work is ongoing on many projects and others are being completed. Our engineering department is very busy! With the weather finally clearing, striping of Main Street is underway. With the thermoplastic application, should last much longer and be more visible.
5. Bank: Amalgamated Bank’s takeover should be approved at the Board meeting and the new operation will commence in July. Meanwhile, Amalgamated has been staffing a desk in NBNY to facilitate transfer of accounts.
6. Southtown Buildings 5 and 6 moving toward completion. Landscaping nearly complete, Tram turnaround fountain under construction.
7. Bicycles: The bike racks at the subway station and tram were cleared of derelict bikes so commuter bike space is again available in the racks. Anyone needing to park their bike overnight should register with Public Safety. Anyone’s bike removed by Public Safety may be reclaimed by going to Public Safety and making an identification within a week of its removal.
8. Red Bus: The joint experiment with RIRA in AM scheduling is ongoing through the first week of July to gauge the effect of school buses on Main Street when the summer session starts. The Octagon Local buses are scheduled to leave Octagon southbound at 8:55, 9:25, 9:55, 10:15, 10:35 and 10:55. Fire House Local buses will depart the Comfort Station southbound at 9:10 and 9:40. Buses arriving at the Tram before 10 will run continuously. A bus will meet the 10:00 Tram and each Tram thereafter before heading north. A 45 minute loop is built in to account for unpredictable events along the way. As the data are reviewed, we have expanded the experiment into the next earlier rush hour. We are going to meet with the MTA’s bus scheduling department to access their expertise.
9. Public Safety: While the unfortunate events of May 30 on the ballfield are now receding into history, I would like to make clear that the matter has been thoroughly investigated and vetted internally. To answer concerns about RIOC’s possible prejudice looking into its own actions, we have invited an independent member of the community, RIRA’s former head of its public safety committee, to conduct an outside review of the matter. RIRA, unfortunately, has declined this offer, citing the gentleman's former law enforcement officer status (thus being familiar with arrest procedures) resulting in his potential prejudice. RIRA prefers instead to have such inquiry undertaken by the present head of its public safety committee, who has no law enforcement experience and had recently been personally involved in a dispute involving a member of her family with Public Safety. RIOC has respectfully declined such a review.
10. Bridge Closures: The NYC Department of Transportation has notified us that the reconstruction work will require complete closure of the bridge to vehicular and pedestrian traffic for four (4) nights, being the mornings of July 7 through July 10 12:30 AM until 5:30 AM. As was previously done, EMS, police and fire responders will be present on the Island with additional manpower at the Queens end of the Bridge. The Tram and red bus will run throughout the night. If it rains, additional nights will be required. Hope for no emergencies and no rain.
11. Traffic Enforcement: Some residents have expressed dismay at violators of speed limits, yield to pedestrians in crosswalks, stop sign and other vehicular controls. While no significant incidents have occurred, congested Main Street with elderly, handicapped, children and a generally busy scene is a potentially hazardous situation. Obstructed views do not help. Public Safety does what it can, but our thin blue line cannot be everywhere at all times. RIOC has asked the security detail at the two hospitals to remind their employees that they share Main Street with Island residents. Too often, at shift change or when otherwise occupied, cars seem so anxious to depart the Island that the law is often observed more in the breach. Since most Public Safety officers are on foot, chasing violators is not easy. Stationing an officer at every crosswalk is not possible within the limitations of three shifts, duties other than traffic enforcement and budget priorities. Please note that the newer officers, who have not yet attained Special Patrolman Status from the NYPD Police Commissioner, can not issue summonses even when they observe infractions. That being said, in 2007 PSD officers wrote approximately 746 moving violation summonses and in 2008, that number increased to 890. In the 1st 5 months of 2009, PSD wrote 280, with the summer months still ahead when numbers typically go up. Approximately 25% of the summons were written for disobeying the Stop Signs and Yield to Pedestrians. The other 75% were written for U-Turns, Yield to School Busses, Driving on Sidewalk, Unsafe Passing and Driving while on the cell Phone. Statistics of summons issued indicate a trend to higher enforcement, or is it only because of greater flouting of the law? In any event, Public Safety will continue its efforts. If a violator may be identified by license plate and that information is conveyed to Public Safety, warnings can be given to the owner and awareness should be heightened.
12. Summer movies: Rain has shuffled the schedule, but Firefighter’s Field should dry out for Sunday evening the 28th. See our ad in this week’s WIRE for the rest of the summer.
13. Motorgate: As part of our ongoing audit efforts, we ask people to respond to the questionnaire in the WIRE as to your parking charges and issues, if any. Please help us to verify that the appropriate record keeping is being done. Any questions, please call our CFO Steve Chironis at 212-832-4540 x 350.

This message was also published as the RIOC column in the 6/27/09 Main Street WIRE.

Rescue At Roosevelt Island Subway Pier - Man Jumps Into East River For Swim and Is Sucked Underneath Dock

On Saturday afternoon, Main Street from the subway to Blackwell Turnaround was filled with NYC Emergency Service Vehicles.


Crowds were gathered on the Subway Pier and a Police Boat was cruising the area as well.



I asked what was going on and was told that a Goldwater Hospital patient decided the day was too hot, took off his clothes and jumped into the East River from the Subway Pier for a swim.

The tide was very strong and the man got sucked underneath the Pier.

Fortunately, the man was saved due to the efforts of two Roosevelt Island Public Safety Officers together with the NYPD and FDNY.

Normalcy soon returned to the Subway Pier area.


The 6/27-28 Roosevelt Island Public Safety Report describes the incident as follows:

Water Rescue - PSD, EMS, and NYPD responded for man in the water. Man was pulled out of water and refused to be transported to hospital.

Roosevelt Island Public Safety Director Keith Guerra provides some additional details Saturday's water rescue:

Today was a good day. In addition to watching a couple of well played baseball games by our local Little Leaguers, there was also a well attended Roosevelt Island Reunion at South Point Park.

The excitement didn't end there as we also had a Goldwater Hospital Patient jump off the dock into the East River. Sgt. Raul Hernandez led the rescue effort by the Public Safety Department. Det. John Malone lowered him onto the rocks because they couldn't see the jumper. Apparently, he was trapped under the dock. The officers were able to throw a Life Ring to him and attempted to pull him to safety. He was a bit incapacitated and could not be pulled out, so Officer David Vernet maintained control of the line while Sgt. Ramon Azular held onto Sgt. Hernandez. They maintained control of him until members from the NYPD and FDNY could respond to complete the save. All in all, it was a great job by the Public Safety Officers, who aided the other agencies in the rescue. I had left the island, but received many calls complimenting the job the officers performed. I'm very proud of them for putting themselves in harm's way to rescue the hospital patient.

Excellent job by Roosevelt Island Public Safety officers, NYPD and FDNY and all others who participated in the rescue!