$4 Million Dollars In Federal Stimulus Funds For Roosevelt Island - Not For Infrastructure Improvements But Rental Subsidies To Manhattan Park

I was looking through the Recovery.gov web site looking to see if any Roosevelt Island infrastructure projects have received Federal Stimulus/Recovery funds provided by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.

There were no infrastructure project awards for Roosevelt Island. However, Roosevelt Island Associates (Manhattan Park) was awarded more than $4 Million in Federal Stimulus Money for what is described as rental assistance payments through HUD. Under the category of Projects and Jobs Information, the Award Summary states:

Jobs Created 58.00 and
No new jobs created; retention of administrative management and maintenance staff

I inquired of Congresswomen Maloney's office if she had any comment on this matter and was told by a member of her office that she was aware of this award for Section 8 Housing Vouchers, voted for it but did not apply for it. When I asked whether this was the most appropriate use of spending Federal Stimulus Funds on Roosevelt Island her staff member asked me if I had anything against Section 8 housing. I responded that I did not but thought there were plenty of infrastructure improvements that could be made here on Roosevelt Island which could create some new jobs.

I asked RIOC President Steve Shane to comment and he replied:

No comment on Federal Government's characterization of money for Manhattan Park. I don't know what it's for.

No other stimulus money received for RI as far as I know.

More information on how the Stimulus funds are being used is available from NY State, NYC City and from Pro Publica, an independent watch dog group following the money trail.