Acclaimed avant-garde ensemble Text of Light—composer and saxophonist Ulrich Krieger, guitarist and composer Alan Licht, turntablist and visual artist Christian Marclay, and Sonic Youth co-founder Lee Ranaldo—presents a live musical score to Berlin: Symphony of a Great City (Walter Ruttman, 1927), a feature-length “city symphony” film that captures urban life through a vibrant mix of documentary footage, abstract visual compositions, and impressionistic montage techniques...
... Museum exhibitions often aspire to theater, but the stagecraft of this show, “Traveling the Silk Road: Ancient Pathway to the Modern World,” succeeds with compelling vividness. Designed and produced by the museum, under the direction of David Harvey, vice president for exhibition, it is meant to suggest a journey over the Silk Road in its prime, covering “the entire distance from East to West — from Xian, the capital of China, to Baghdad, the heart of the Islamic world.”
The Silk Road, which has now become part of folklore, was a loose network of Central Asian trade routes that made up the most dangerous, exotic and economically valuable overland passages in the ancient and medieval worlds...
Two weeks after top-shape runners from around the world compete in the New York City Marathon, competitive New Yorkers from another set will gather at The Bell House in Brooklyn for an amateur culinary competition of delicious proportions. Organized by Theo Peck and Nick Suarez, and with help from Amanda Hesser and Merrill Stubbs of Food52, the Brooklyn Chocolate Experiment's Chocolate Cook-off will see chefs battling it out with chocolate creations that aim to woo the crowd and win over the celebrity judging panel. Bon Appetit's Andrew Knowlton and Ben Van Leeuwen of ice cream fame will be joined by Nick Fauchald and Richard Muszynskia as judges who will lend their foodie expertise to pick a winner....
On Roosevelt Island this weekend the Farmers Market is open as usual as is Gallery RIVAA, the Roosevelt Island Visual Arts Association which is exhibiting Duality - Photography of Alexander Movshovich
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.
Got alot of stuff you want to get rid of but don't want to throw it in the garbage? Sunday is America Recycles Day and blogger Brokelyn reports on how to do so:
... The city-run NYC Stuff Exchange offers a comprehensive directory, searchable by borough, for where to donate or sell nearly anything. The site is organized into 17 categories from your old beat up car to your child’s once cherished game of Battleship. NYC WasteLe$$ also has some handy tips for getting rid of your unwanted stuff....
I tried the NYC Stuff Exchange search directory for clothing and home furniture donations located within 2 miles of Roosevelt Island's 10044 zip code. Unfortunately, there were no listings for vendors located on Roosevelt Island but there were 20 listings across the East River on the Upper East Side and in Long Island City.
The Roosevelt Island Thrift shop was not listed in the search directory but the Roosevelt Island Public Library was listed as accepting books, CD's, DVD,s and Videos.
Image of Roosevelt Island Thrift Shop
A reader had this to say about the Roosevelt Island Thrift Shop:
For the 31 years I have lived here the St Frances Cabrini Parish has always had rent-free space for the use as a thriftshop.
This shop serves an important purpose of recycling articles, selling necessities at a low cost and supporting the parish activities.
The last few years the shop has been going down hill. It is a sorry site with clutter, dirty windows, and a general dirty appearance and odor about it. As the Eastwood Roosevelt Landings) public lobby areas are cleaned and refurbished the thrift store stands out for its messiness.
There are dozens of thrift shops in the city and Queens that are properly managed (as ours once was by Sr. Regina). The parish has a social responsibility to maintain a clean and attractive store, in exchange for not paying for rent or utilities. It is time to take this responsibility seriously.
The RIVAA Gallery, Orphans International organizations maintain attractive storefronts and they are not-for-profits. It is time for the thriftshop to emulate them.
The Real Deal recently reported on a Coney Island Mitchell Lama housing complex receiving $28 million from New York City and other sources in order to stay affordable:
City officials announced a $21 million deal today to renovate the Luna Park housing complex in Coney Island, under an agreement that would keep the apartments in the Mitchell Lama affordable housing program for another 20 years.
The agreement ends years of controversy about the Coney Island co-op complex. A number of shareholders at the 1,600-unit development had been actively considering a plan to go private, with some actively pushing for a feasibility study on whether to exit the Mitchell Lama program....
Issues of affordability are extremely important to residents of Roosevelt Island's Mitchell Lama buildings at Rivercross, Westview and Island House either in the context of an eventual privatization or keeping the existing rents affordable for middle income residents. That is why the comments from this post on Westview rent hike are so interesting.
I am an illegal subletter in Westview. I rent one bedroom in a 3 bedroom apartment, and I pay market price for my bedroom - 1000 dollars a month with very few rights. I am for example not allowed to receive anybody in the apartment, and have to follow rules that the landlady does not follow herself. Me and the other subletter together cover the whole rent for entire apartment, so that the landlady, who obviously has a $100k+ job, lives rent free.
Before moving into this apartment, I have visited a number of rooms available for sublet all in Westview and Eastwood, as well as what is now called Roosevelt Landings I believe. They all charged market price.
I totally understand that people will defend tooth and nails their entitlements and privileges, and I would do the same if I were in the position. As a taxpayer, I would probably want these apartments to be deregulated, because why would I subsidize people who make as much or much more than I?
Which elicited this response:
To the last poster- who is an Illegal subletter in Westview- Get Out- you shouldn't be doing that and the leaseholder should be kicked out.
This is against the Mitchell Lama Rules here!!!
I have been in WV for over 20 + years and we- my family and I have never broken ONE RULE.
If you can afford 1K for one bedroom, get your own apt. in Manhattan Park, or get on the waiting list like alot of other people.
If ever reported all the Illegal subletters, they would be kicked out and these apartments would be open to the people who have been on our waiting list for five years or more.
Stop Whining and Leave.
We are fighting for our apts.here to preserve some "affordability". Our WV Task Force is currently suing over the last Rent hike of 14.5%.
Whomever all you illegal Subletters are- you all need to be kicked off the Island.
Followed by:
To Anonymous at 10:06 PM who said "if you can afford 1K for one bedroom, get your own apt. in Manhattan Park."
No apartments at Manhattan Park at 1K. The rent for one bedroom is almost 2K (1.7K) plus extra for electricity. :-(
And finally some sympathy and understanding for the subletter:
To the last poster,
I am sorry, I know it is very hard here and everywhere in NYC.
I have been trashed here for voicing my opinions after more than 25+ years on this island and residing only in Westview.
We know of too many illegal sublets being done by Residents here in WV, Island House, Eastwood, etc.
The holders of the leases of these apartments that do this, the illegal subletting are at fault, not you.
We, my family and I about over 10 years ago wanted to get a subletter the Legal way, where you report anybody and everybody residing in your apt. on your Yearly "Income Affadavit" form required by any tenant in a ML, i.e. Mitchell Lama building, every April.
All the potential subletters did not want to do it, so we didn't get another roomate, instead, we downsized in apt. size.
I think personally in your case, it is disgusting to read that your landlady so to speak is making you and your other roomate pay the rent and they make 100K.
This Building was conceived for "Middle-Working" Class families.
WV was completed in 1977. That is why we have income guidelines, min. and max.
If a resident makes above a certain amount of income, they are surcharged.
My point is, that these people are taking up apartments originally meant for working-middle class families.
Now, WV over the last 15 years or more has all kinds of transplants from Manhattan Park, etc.
We have an outside waiting list that is at least 3-4 years long.
I have friends in Sloan-Kettering that wanted to move onto R.I., ie.-middle-working class and they cannot. They are native New Yorkers and they should be able to move here.
I know that MH-is expensive.
WV is going through alot right now, we are fighting for our homes here and who knows what will happen.
This Island has been destroyed in so many way for stupidity and GREED on part of NYS, the Landlords, etc.
Eastwood, "Roosevelt Landings" is now a disaster due to a horrible deal done there.
I wish you good Luck.
A 2007 New York State Inspector General's Report on Mitchell Lama Housing included a review of Roosevelt Island's Westview building (Page 46 -51). Among the Report's findings:
...These findings raised serious concerns as to whether individuals living in Mitchell-Lama apartments are approved tenants and whether the owners of record are using their apartments as their primary residences. Pursuant to 9 NYCRR § 1727-5.3(a)(9), failing to use the apartment as the principal residence of the tenant and his family is grounds for eviction.
VETERANS DAY, 2009 - - - - - - - BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
A PROCLAMATION
We have a sacred trust with those who wear the uniform of the United States of America. From the Minutemen who stood watch over Lexington and Concord to the service members who served in Iraq and Afghanistan, American veterans deserve our deepest appreciation and respect. Our Nation's servicemen and women are our best and brightest, enlisting in times of peace and war, serving with honor under the most difficult circumstances, and making sacrifices that many of us cannot begin to imagine. Today, we reflect upon the invaluable contributions of our country's veterans and reaffirm our commitment to provide them and their families with the essential support they were promised and have earned.
Caring for our veterans is more than a way of thanking them for their service. It is an obligation to our fellow citizens who have risked their lives to defend our freedom. This selflessness binds our fates with theirs, and recognizing those who were willing to give their last full measure of devotion for us is a debt of honor for every American.
We also pay tribute to all who have worn the uniform and continue to serve their country as civilians. Many veterans act as coaches, teachers, and mentors in their communities, selflessly volunteering their time and expertise. They visit schools to tell our Nation's students of their experiences and help counsel our troops returning from the theater of war. These men and women possess an unwavering belief in the idea of America: no matter where you come from, what you look like, or who your parents are, this is a place where anything is possible. Our veterans continue to stand up for those timeless American ideals of liberty, self-determination, and equal opportunity.
On Veterans Day, we honor the heroes we have lost, and we rededicate ourselves to the next generation of veterans by supporting our Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, and Coast Guardsmen as they return home from duty. Our grateful Nation must keep our solemn promises to these brave men and women and their families. They have given their unwavering devotion to the American people, and we must keep our covenant with them.
With respect for and in recognition of the contributions our servicemen and women have made to the cause of peace and freedom around the world, the Congress has provided (5 U.S.C. 6103(a)) that November 11 of each year shall be set aside as a legal public holiday to honor our Nation's veterans.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim November 11, 2009, as Veterans Day. I encourage all Americans to recognize the valor and sacrifice of our veterans through appropriate public ceremonies and private prayers. I call upon Federal, State, and local officials to display the flag of the United States and to participate in patriotic activities in their communities. I call on all Americans, including civic and fraternal organizations, places of worship, schools, and communities to support this day with commemorative expressions and programs.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this thirtieth day of October, in the year of our Lord two thousand nine, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-fourth. BARACK OBAMA
More than 150,000 troops are serving overseas and are away from their families. Cell Phones for Soldiers and RIOC are calling on all Americans to support these brave men and women by donating your unused cell phones. Cell Phones for Soldiers hopes to collect over 50,000 cell phones this year to help keep troops connected with their families...
... The donated phones are sent to ReCellular, which pays Cell Phones for Soldiers for each phone - enough to provide an hour of talk time to soldiers abroad....
Thank you for your service to all Veterans and members of the military.
You Tube Video Of Roosevelt Island Public Safety Recruitment
The most recent Roosevelt Island 24 hour Public Safety Report is posted daily on the blog's inside right sidebar, just below the RIOC Directors email address. Listed is a daily log recapping local incidents the Roosevelt Island Public Safety Department responded to the previous day.
RIOC is also posting the Daily and August/September Monthly Roosevelt Island Public Safety Incident reports on their web site. A breakdown of Roosevelt Island Public Safety incidents by location and category (the Blotter) for the months of September/October 2009 is available as well.
Below are the Roosevelt Island Daily Public Safety Reports for October 29 - November 10, 2009. Incidents include:
Tenant Lock Out and Noise Complaint (10/29)
Unlawful Possession Of Marijuana (10/30, 11/6,7)
Damage To Vehicle Parked In Motorgate Garage (10/31)
Domestic Dispute Between Husband and Wife (11/1)
Motorcycle Stolen From Coler Goldwater Parking Lot (11/2)
Objects Thrown From Roof At Individuals In Blackwell Park (11/3)
Person Almost Hit By Red Bus (11/4)
Broken Lobby Door (11/5)
Domestic Assault - Male Hit Female (11/6)
Brick Thrown Through Window (11/6)
Investigation Of Fees Paid To RISAR (11/6)
Disorderly Conduct (11/7)
Missing Laptop From Apartment (11/8)
Investigation Of Door Banging (11/8) and
Investigation Of Knife Stabbing In Buttocks (11/9)
0700 hrs 10/29/09 - 0700 hrs 10/30/09
Lock Out - Tenant reported to PSD that she was locked out of her apartment. Maintenance opened door for tenant.
Fire - PSD officer smelled smoke in stairwell. Fire was out upon PSD arrival. Search of area was conducted with negative results. Maintenance was notified.
Graffiti - PSD officer observed graffiti on wall. Photos were taken and search of area was conducted with negative results.
Noise Complaint - PSD received complaint of noise coming from an apartment. PSD checked area with negative results.
0700hrs-10/30/09-0700hrs 10/31/09
Aided-Female transported to hospital for flu like symptoms
Harassment-Male reports to PSD that his neighbor making false reports to NYPD and PSD.NYPD refused.
Noise complaint-PSD respond to apartment and also made canvass of area with negative results.
Investigation- Female reports supermarket employee grabbed her pocket book bag looking for stolen items, no items found reporter will contact dept of consumer affair
Lost property- Female entered PSD to report she lost her wallet and her identification card ,social security card,and medicaid card will make report with NYPD.
Unlawful poss. of marijuana-Five males were stop and search possessing marijuana cigarette.One male had 2 bags in pant pocket, summonses was issued.
Aided- PSD responded to group home for male, female manger reported male grabbed and pushed her causing injuries to right arm. NYPD and EMS responded.Aided refused transport,and male was esorted out.
10/31/09-7:00 AM to 11/1/09-7:00 AM
Criminal Mischief-Damage to a vehicle parked the Motorgate Garage. Search for the subject yielded negative results. NYPD refused. The Motorist stated he will call NYPD later.
Aided- An ill person was taken to the hospital by EMS.
Aided- An ill person was taken to the hospital by EMS.
Aided- Coler Hospital patient fell outside and laceration to the head. EMS transported him to the hospital.
Aided- An ill person was taken to the hospital by EMS.
Graffiti- Unknown subject wrote Graffiti on a FDNY Emergency call box. FDNY notified. Search for the subject yielded negative results.
Domestic Dispute- Husband Pushed wife and she fell on the ground as per the wife. No signs of injury. NYPD and EMS refused. She stated that she was fine.
Criminal Mischief-/Disorderly Conduct- Subject struck a business window glass. He sustained laceration to his hand. EMS responded and provided treatment. Transport to the hospital was refused. Subject arrested by PSD.
11/2/09-7:00 AM to 11/3/09-7:00 AM
Investigation-Tenant reported that adult son not residing in apt took younger son's apt keys. UA changed the lock. NYPD refused.
Possible Aided- Home care nurse requested tenant be checked possible aided. UA and PSD responded. Tenant fine he did not hear the knocking.
Grand Larceny Auto in the past-A motorcycle was parked front of Goldwater Hospital 2 days ago. When owner went to motor cycle it was missing. Goldwater Hospital PD did not tow it. Dept of Finance checked and the city did not tow it. NYPD filed a report.
Domestic Dispute-Between a male and a female. No injuries. Both uncooperative. NYPD refused.
Smoke Condition- Tenant accidently burnt food in apt which caused a smoke condition. No injuries. Minor damage to the kitchen.
Aided- An ill person was taken to the hospital by EMS.
11/3/09-7:00 AM to 11/4/09-7:00 AM
Reckless Endangerment- Objects thrown possibly from 510 Main Street 10th floor at 3 different individuals in Backwell House Park. No injuries. NYPD refused. PSD conducted a search it may have come from an apt. Tenant notified and stated objects not thrown from apt. PSD monitored the apt and no more objects were thrown.
Possession of Stolen Property past- PSD received NYPD complaint. Victim came into PSD. NYPD detective notified. PSD report filed.
Verbal Dispute- Between thrift Store employee and 2 females over the prices. Females asked to leave and refused. PSD responded and females had left. Store manager notified. Employee advised to notify PSD if females return.
Domestic Dispute- Between mother and 2 daughters over drinking alcohol and arguing. Mother wanted females escorted out. But another daughter/lease holder refused. No injuries and NYPD refused. Daughters ceased arguing.
Unauthorized Leave- 3 group home youths left without permission. The Social Worker reported they have done this previously and always return shortly thereafter. NYPD refused.
Unsecured Apt- UA reported 2 apts were vacant. PSD conducted a search of the apt. No one inside and no property damage. UA locked and secured the apt. Contractors doing work had not notified UA that the work had been completed. Matter to be referred to UA Management.
Stolen Property- A bicycle. Search conducted with negative results. NYPD refused.
Water Leak-UA and PSD responded. UA Super believes the source may be a 100 gallons fish tank and will conducted an investigation.
Lost Property- A bag. It was returned to the owner.
11/4/09-7:00 AM to 11/5/09-7:00 AM
Alarm- At the RIOC office. Search conducted all in order. Employee accidently set it off. ADT0 notified.
Domestic Incident/Investigation- Husband and wife had a disagreement over the apt lock. PSD responded and resolved matter.
Found Property- NYS Driver's license. It was secured in PSD.
Found Property- A reduced Metro fare card. It was secured in PSD.
Found Property- A Knapsack. It was secured in PSD.
Harassment- Female phone calls and left messages to victim. Victim doesn't know caller. PSD called female who stated she will stop. No further complaints received.
Complaint/Investigation- Female alleged that the RIOC bus almost struck her. No injuries. PSD report filed.
0700 hrs 11/05/09 - 0700 hrs 11/06/09
Aided - EMS and PSD responded to apartment for aided. Tenant was not feeling well and transported to hospital.
Dispute - PSD responded to report of dispute between male and female. PSD made search with negative results.
Unsecured Premise - PSD responded to unsecured building. PSD made search with negative results. PSD secured door.
Aided - PSD and EMS responded to apartment for aided. Tenant was not feeling well and transported to hospital.
Unsecured Property - PSD officer observed tenant's property outside apartment. Tenant was not home and notified door station.
Property Damage - PSD officer noticed tenant's patio door glass broken. Tenant stated it was already reported to NYPD. PSD made report.
Criminal Mischief - PSD observed broken lobby door window. PSD made search with negative results. Maintenance was notified.
Water Leak - PSD responded with Super for water leak. Super checked and found no water leak.
0700hrs 11/6/09- 0700hrs 11/7/09
Criminal Mischief- Female reporter states someone threw brick through window. NYPD responded and report was taken.
Aided- Female reporter stated husband fell and needed medical assistance. EMS notified. Male refused medical attention.
Reckless Endangerment- Male threw object out window. No property damage or injuries to persons. male is autistic and unaware of actions.
Harassment- Female states she is receiving numerous phone calls from an unknown number.
Investigation- Female volunteer states she paid fees to RISAR and funds were not returned. incident is still under investigation.
Unlawful Poss of Marijuana- PSD officers observed male in possession of illegal substance. Male was summonsed and released.
Domestic Assault - Male hit female. male was arrested and transported to 114 Pct. for arrest processing.
11/7/09-7:00 AM to 11/8/09-7:00 AM
Aided- An ill person was taken to the hospital by EMS.
Papers Served- Child Support papers served to an Island resident.
Criminal Mischief- Window broken to an apt. Search for the subject yielded negative results. No injuries and NYPD refused. UA porter cleaned up the glass.
Unlawful Possession of Marijuana- Subject arrested by PSD.
Aided- Intoxicated female fell in apt and sustained swelling to upper eyebrow. EMS transported her to the hospital.
Disorderly Conduct- Subject arrested by PSD.
11/8/09-7:00 AM to 11/9/09-7:00 AM
Aided - While playing soccer a female sustained injury to her nose. EMS transported her to the hospital.
Investigation - NYPD reported numerous calls of an object in the water. NYPD, EMS and PSD responded. Search was conducted and nothing was found in the water.
Domestic Dispute - Between mother and son. PSD responded and spoke to son. Mother notified to call PSD if any further incidents occur. No injuries and NYPD responded.
Missing Property - NYPD, PSD responded to an apt. Tenant stated she went shopping for groceries. Upon her return a laptop was missing. No signs of forced entry. NYPD classified the job as missing property.
Investigation - Tenant reports unknown subject banging on the door and pushing on it. Tenant stated it twice. Initially she thought it was someone who was at the wrong apartment. PSD to monitor apartment.
11/9/09-7:00 AM to 11/10/09-7:00 AM
Found Property - A cell phone. It was secured in PSD. The owner later retrieved it.
Harassment - Between a R.I. Resident and another. Victim attempted to obtain an Order of Protection, but was told by criminal court personnel not sufficient evidence to obtain one. Victim advised to notify NYPD and PSD if incident occurs again.
Investigation - Tenant stated unknown male allegedly stabbed him with a knife to buttocks. NYPD notified PSD that victim stated he waited 5 hours before going to a hospital on the Lower East side of Manhattan. PSD escorted NYPD to victim's apt but they were unable to contact the victim. Search of area showed no signs of blood in hallway. PSD was never notified of the incident by the victim.
Water Leak - From 10th floor to the 3rd floor of a building. RY Super and PSD responded. Source was an unauthorized washing machine in an apt. Matter referred to RY Management.
Missing Property - An Island Resident lost a wallet. Search made with negative results. Resident advised to cancel all of his credit cards. NYPD refused.
Water Leak - In the Public Safety Office. UA notified and corrected the condition. The office was also cleaned.
Vehicle Accident - A Motorgate customer accidently pressed on the gas and struck a guard rail. No injuries. NYPD refused. Central Parking Manager notified. Damage only to vehicle's front bumper.
Possible EDP - Mother complained daughter arguing and making a mess in apt. NYPD EMS and PSD responded. Per EMS female not an EDP. Female left apt on her own.
Image of Roosevelt Island Readership Statistics From September 2007- October 2009 From Statcounter
This month the Roosevelt Islander Blog exceeded more than 250,000 unique visitors since beginning on July 4, 2007 with a rant against RIOC for 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 252,361 unique visitors to this site thru yesterday.
For the last 12 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.
RIOC Community Relations Specialist Erika Wilder sends the following update regarding the application procedure and criteria for Roosevelt Island Public Purpose Funds.
Please be advised that the Roosevelt Island Residents Association (RIRA) has amended the criteria for evaluating Public Purpose grant applications. Please visit http://rioc.com/pdf/PPG_Guidelines.pdf to review RIRA's current guidelines. In addition, please take note that the line item requesting all applicants to submit community letters of support is no longer required.
If you have any additional questions, please feel free to contact me.
There was some controversy over how the Public Purpose Funding process was conducted by RIRA last year primarily regarding the appearance of a conflict of interest among some RIRA members who were also grant applicants but it appears that issue has been resolved to RIOC's satisfaction.
Criteria and Procedures for Voting Membership in RIRA's Public Purpose Subcommittee
RIRA Common Council Members are frequently also active in other Island organizations. These organizations may very well be requesting public purpose funds. In order to avoid any opportunity for impropriety, the following rules regarding the composition of the Public Purpose Subcommittee and the voting for funding recommendations will apply:
Membership in the Public Purpose Subcommittee: This committee will evaluate the requests for funding, gather the necessary information about the requests and the organizations making them, interview the principles and make funding recommendations to the RIRA Common Council. The following are requirements for membership:
1. Membership in the subcommittee will be limited to Common Council Members and Alternates in good standing.
2. Membership is prohibited for individuals involved in the administrative or financial management of any of the organizations that have submitted applications under review by RIRA (heretofore termed "petitioning organizations")
3. While subcommittee members can be "clients" of the petitioning organizations, they are expected not to have a meaningful financial interest in the distribution of funds. (For example, a member with a child on special scholarship to a specific organization, would have a financial interest in seeing that organization get funding, and, on that basis, would be ineligible to vote.)
4. Prospective subcommittee members are expected to disclose such involvement before they participate any of the subcommittee's deliberations
5. In the event of questions regarding possible conflict of interest of prospective members, RIRA officers (President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer) and the remaining subcommittee members will be the final arbiters.
Voting in the Common Council
The RIRA Common Council will consider the recommendations offered by the Public Purpose Subcommittee and vote to approve or modify those recommendations and offer them to the RIOC Board of Directors for final approval.
When voting on these matters, a similar criteria of voting privilege will apply:
1. RIRA Common Council Members involved in the administrative or financial management, or having significant financial interested in the distribution of funds of any of the petitioning organizations are requested to recuse themselves from voting on recommendations (whether to approve or reject) for distribution of Public Purpose Funds by responding with "Abstain" in Common Council votes. (Note: This is consistent with Robert's Rules in that: If a member has a direct personal or pecuniary (monetary) interest in a motion under consideration not common to other members, the rule is that he/she should not vote on a motion (Abstain is not a vote), but even then he/she cannot be compelled to refrain from voting.)
2. RIRA members are expected to disclose such involvement before they participate in any votes.
3. In the event of questions regarding possible conflict of interest, the RIRA Common Council Members will be the final arbiters.
Vetting Practices of the Public Purpose Subcommittee: 1. Each year, the Subcommittee, will review the Guidelines and Criteria, make any modifications it deems appropriate, and make all such information available to the general public.
2. The Subcommittee will establish a timetable for interviewing applicants, and make this schedule available to the community.
3. Interview sessions will be available to the general public, and there will be a "Public Session" preceding each meeting, where residents can make comments.
4. The Subcommittee may request a private session after the public interview session is completed, so that they can discuss the information presented, plan for next steps, and assign any additional fact-gathering tasks they deem necessary.
More information about Roosevelt Island Public Purpose Fund Grants is available from RIOC here.
If you have been looking forward to the regularly scheduled Roosevelt Island Wednesday Ping Pong Night be aware that RIOC has issued the following Advisory for this week:
Please be advised, due to the observance of the Veterans Day holiday, Ping Pong Night has been canceled. Games will resume on Wednesday, November 18, 2009 at the regularly scheduled time.
Remember this picture of a crowded, standing room only opening day for Nonno's Focacceria? Well, that was before the recession hit and times have changed a bit economically on Roosevelt Island and the rest of the United States as illustrated in New York On Less from The NY Times City Room blog. The article examines how the recession has impacted Roosevelt Island through the eyes of Nonno's Focacceria and Riverwalk Bar & Grill Owner Alphonso DiCioccio.
... At first, business thrived as roughly 200 construction workers came in daily for lunch. After construction work on the island slowed and residents cut back on eating out, he laid off two workers.
In the two months since he opened the Riverwalk Bar and Grill in another building, Mr. DiCioccio has hustled to attract new customers by offering senior citizen breakfast discounts and half-price happy hour drinks. From his perch behind these two counters, Mr. DiCioccio measures how the recession has played out across the island in pizza slices and how often he sees customers...
I tried a couple of the Quiches and they were pretty good.
Roosevelt Island Farmers Market Payment Line
Also, would anyone else like to see the Farmers Market add the convenience of accepting credit and debit card transactions as payment. There are occasions when I walk by the Farmers Market and would like to make a spur of the moment purchase. I may not have the cash with me and would like to pay by card. Even here on Roosevelt Island many people use electronic payments rather than cash for their daily purchases and would appreciate the convenience afforded with it's acceptance by the Farmers Market.
RIOC President Steve Shane sends the following report to Roosevelt Island residents. Mr. Shane updates us on RISAR Suspension, Pigeon Poop, Possible Library re-location possibility of temporary ferry service during tram outage, RIOC Board Nominees, FDR Memorial, Green Rooms/Wild Gardens, Tram Overhaul, Public Purpose Funding, Main Street Retail Consultant's report, Consultation with RIRA, various local construction projects, and other issues of concern to Roosevelt Island.
November 3, 2009
1. Board of Directors: November 5 meeting cancelled. Literally, no Board action items on the putative agenda. The nominations of Margie Smith and Mike Shinozaki to the Board and the re-nomination of Dr. Grimm are still pending confirmation by the NY State Senate. Next meeting December 10 at 4:30 PM, Town Hall to follow. 2. Southpoint: (A) Green Rooms/Wild Gardens: The contractor continues rough grading, paths and stone walls; Phase 2 to complete the park, including finish grading, capping, and utilities, fencing and planting to follow. (B) FDR Memorial: RIOC is working with the State and City Parks Departments on integration of funding and oversight mechanics for the $4 million State appropriation, the $4.5 million from the City and at least $8 million from FERI as necessary for Phase I. Legal work is ongoing. The Disabled Association is nearing an understanding with FERI as to location of the disabled presentation of FDR. State Parks has approved an operating and maintenance budget and is in receipt of a $2 million endowment to fund the expenses. November 4 meeting with State Commissioner Ash to discuss allocation of responsibility for implementing the plan and the mechanics of RIOC reimbursement for incurred expenses. More reported next column. 3. RISAR: Pursuant to determination of the State Department of Health and the City Regional Emergency Medical Services Council, RISAR’s authorization to conduct operations on Roosevelt Island has been terminated. A Cease & Desist Order has been issued. Until and unless it is reinstated, RISAR should NOT be called for an emergency on the Island. 4. Pigeons: All are disgusted with the pigeon deposits at the subway and anywhere else they congregate. PLEASE, do not feed the pigeons. In addition to being dirty, they are carriers of disease. Please respect your neighbors. Public Safety will issue citations for feeding the pigeons. 5. Library: We have met with the planning and program folks from the NYPL and they are enthused about the prospect of expanding into 504 Main Street. The first floor would be ideal for them, but the details of funding remain to be worked out with the City budget. Stay tuned. 6. Tram: On schedule for shutdown March 1, 2010 and reopening end of August 2010. See renderings of the proposed Tram stations on our web site. Regular monthly progress meetings with architects, engineers, POMA, expediters, City and State agencies, etc., all to move to an orderly execution of the project. Routine brake, track rope, cabins, hangers, etc. inspections are being performed. 7. Projects: Work is ongoing on many projects and others are being completed. Motorgate lighting experiments continue; resurfacing and waterproofing work await finalization of asbestos abatement plan resulting in postponing until Spring. AVAC fencing completed and enclosure work under way. Swimming pool at Sportspark is closed for repairs to be reopened by November 9. Rehabilitation of the gym (bleachers, flooring and padding), ADA compliance and installation of a fire safety system is underway. RIOC is studying solar panels for the rooftop of Motorgate with NYPA. Octagon sewer connection restoration from the water tunnel to begin, allowing reopening of the comfort station. Octagon field back in operation with natural surface, pending final conclusions about artificial surfaces. Planning for new Blackwell Park is an ongoing collective effort to incorporate various community constituencies. 8. Southtown Buildings 5 and 6 are being occupied. 9. Main Street Retail: The final consultants’ report is posted and has been made available to the blog sites and the WIRE. Much to think about. 10. Coordination with RIRA: A long list of matters of common interest is being discussed so that everyone’s input will be available. Parking, red bus scheduling, Good Shepherd Plaza, landscaping, public purpose criteria, budgeting, etc., etc. 11. Ferry: Explored temporary service at the existing pier at the meditation steps while the Tram is out next year, but underwater rock formations make spud pier infeasible. Now reviewing the old oil dock on the east channel behind the steam plant. Subject to engineering clearance, approvals from the Coast Guard, and if there is sufficient ridership interest based on surveys for a service to 32nd Street and maybe on down to Wall Street during rush hours, with a business plan which RIOC would have to subsidize to some level (to be determined, subject to Board approval, but guesstimated to be approximately $100,000 for 6 months), if, if, if….Will keep everyone posted. The City’s indicated schedule for proceeding with the proposed ferry service at the Octagon is end of 2010, at best. 12. Public Purpose Fund: RIOC has completed auditing the 7 awardees from the 2009 award cycle as to both financial and performance results. The information will be made available in the review and selection process. For interested parties for the 2010/11 cycle, see the RIOC website. RIRA will again be asked to give recommendations and the ultimate funding decisions will be made by the Board to be included in the next RIOC budget. 13. Blackwell Park: Community planning is ongoing, with several divergent views presented. Group meetings involving many stakeholders will surface opinions of different perspectives. 14. Red Buses: With an accelerated delivery schedule, two new Hybrid Buses are delivered and should be integrated into the fleet and on the street by next week. Look for Numbers 5 and 6. 15. Halloween: A happy, peaceful holiday was enjoyed on the Island. Especially the small ghosts and goblins.
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.
