Report From RIOC President Leslie Torres To Roosevelt Island Residents - Sportspark Activities, Tram Almost Ready, Radio Rookies, Halloween, Tree Lighting & More Project Updates

Image Of RIOC President Leslie Torres At Bike Sharing Demo

RIOC President Lesie Torres sends the following report to Roosevelt Island residents.

Date: October 20, 2010
The nip in the air should not dissuade Roosevelt Islander’s from team sports and individual exercise. All the good health habits inspired by our beautiful outdoor spaces needn’t be shelved till spring. Sportspark has been upgraded and refurbished. Teams and individuals alike can take advantage of the new pool, gym and ping pong areas as well as participate in special activities such as wheel chair basketball and water aerobics! Check the RIOC website for hours of operations. Indeed, Sportspark is now so attractive, an exhibition hung by the Roosevelt Island Historical Society in conjunction with RIOC archivist Mark Rothman, is on display. Culled from the RIOC archives are images of historic Welfare Island, the early days of constructing the Roosevelt Island community as well as projects imagined, but not (yet?) built. Come see the model of the 1995 Calatrava designed Visitors Center for Southpoint Park. Does it remind you of the new transportation center he has designed for the World Trade Center site? Rediscover Sportspark. It’s got something for everyone.

Projects Underway :

Aerial Tramway Modernization – Engineering work is virtually completed. We’ve all seen the north cabin zipping back and forth as it undergoes extensive testing. The State Department of Labor and City Uniformed Services will be here soon to inspect the north side. Work hanging the cabin on the south side is about to commence. Once all the testing is completed and DOL signs off, we will have a fully operating system. Thank you for your patience as RIOC undertakes the steps necessary to assure a safe and efficient aerial tramway service.

FDR Memorial - Phase I construction is on schedule, and construction of phase II is starting ahead of expectations. Thank you to our City and State legislators and to the Mayor and the Governor for increased funding for this exciting and long awaited project.

Southpoint Open Space (Green Rooms Wild Gardens) - Paving of the east drive near Strecker Lab has begun. Fall planting is near complete and opening date is scheduled for spring 2011. A new curb and sidewalk is being installed to insure handicap accessibility. We are working closely with the FDR Memorial developers to create a smooth transition between the two areas.

AVAC - Installation of the first of two new compactors has been completed. Delivery of the second compactor is expected shortly.

Motorgate Roof Waterproofing & Stairwells - The stairwell work has been completed. Waterproofing of the rooftop and the exterior of the stairwell bulkheads is 70% finished with estimated completion at the end of November. The majority of 7th floor parking will be restored to customers this week. Temporary lighting is being installed until the permanent lighting project is completed.

Good Shepherd HVAC –The installation of the new equipment is in progress and on schedule to be completed by end of November. RIOC regrets the continuing inconvenience to residents using this Community facility and looks forward to a long and healthy useful life for our new HVAC system, once installation is finished.

Projects in the Pipeline:

Good Shepherd Plaza – Plaza restoration work is expected this spring. The trench in front of Good Shepherd was opened to accommodate the utility lines for the HVAC restoration project. Trench work should be completed this week.

Octagon Field Border Landscaping – ADM Landscaping was awarded the contract for the project which should begin in about two weeks.

Good Shepherd Roof Replacement – Thomas A. Fenniman Architects was identified as a designer for the project. The replacement work is anticipated to start in spring 2011.

Blackwell House Interior Renovation and Disabled Accessible Ramp – A contractor has been identified and is undergoing City Vendex review. Value engineering is continuing.

Events and Recreation:

Radio Rookies – Don’t be startled if you’re asked for an interview on Main Street over the next six weeks. Radio Rookies has come to Roosevelt Island! Since 1999, Radio Rookies, a New York Public Radio initiative, has been conducting workshops across New York training young people to use words and sounds to tell real stories. Eighteen students are participating to produce four audio slideshows. Final stories will appear on WNYC’s Radio Rookies website as well as the Mapping Main Street project website, which collects stories from all the Main Streets in the United States.

Sportspark Activities - Sportspark Activities have been expanded again. Please see the RIOC website for last minute changes to expanded pool, ping-pong and basketball hours.

Field Rentals – It’s not too early to think about renting one of the four athletic fields for spring sports! Roosevelt Island residents get first preference and a deeply discounted rate when applying for field permits. Residents can apply for the spring season beginning January 1, 2011, so get a group together and request a time slot. For more information please contact Donna Masly at 212 832 4563.

Upcoming Events:

Halloween Safety Day – The Roosevelt Island Public Safety Department is co- sponsoring a Halloween Safety Day with Safe Kids NYC on Wednesday October 27th from 5:30 -6:30 at the Public Library on Main St. Safety tips, reading to the children and treats will be available.

Roosevelt Island's Annual Halloween Parade - On Saturday, October 30th, in partnership with Urban America, managers of Roosevelt Landings, the parade of ghosts and goblins begins at Blackwell House at 12 P.M. and continues on to Capobianco Field. Everyone is encouraged to come dressed in a Halloween costume. More fun and festivities are planned for immediately after the parade at Capobianco Field. In the event of rain, festivities will be held inside PS 217.

Annual Tree Lighting – Celebrate the holiday season with our Annual Tree Lighting event at Blackwell House Plaza on Friday, December 3rd at 7 PM. Bring an appetite for holiday treats and warm up with hot chocolate and cider. Santa may drop in again with special little gifts. Have your children ready for a photo with Santa!

A version of the RIOC President's column will also appears on RIOC's web site and the October 23, 2010 Main Street WIRE.