Report From RIOC President Leslie Torres - Halloween Parade, Tram Safety Tests, Roosevelt Island Projects & Upcoming Events

RIOC President Leslie Torres (in Witch Costume) With Roosevelt Isand Historical President Judy Berdy

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

Date: November 3, 2010
Roosevelt Island was haunted by a merry band of goblins, ghosts, princesses, Sponge Bobs and their assorted friends this past weekend. I was happy to personally experience the annual Roosevelt Island Halloween Parade, sponsored by Urban America - manager of Roosevelt Landings, and by the Roosevelt Island Youth Center. The parade's reputation preceded it and it exceeded all expectations.

Rumors to the contrary notwithstanding - the Aerial Tramway Modernization project has not likewise been haunted. As most of us have seen - the beautiful new cabins are now both running on their respective north and south track ropes and all systems seem ready to go. We are hoping to have the New York State Department of Labor complete its testing and review of the entire system before Thanksgiving. Preliminary inspection results thus far have been very positive. While RIOC is confident that we are providing a safe, efficient and comfortable new aerial tramway system - I don't think any one of us wants to short circuit safety precautions. RIOC is planning an opening event as soon as we get the okay from DOL. We continue to appreciate the public's patience and we anticipate our beloved Tram returning to service as soon as possible.

Other Projects Underway:

Southpoint Open Space (Green Rooms Wild Gardens) - opening date is scheduled for spring 2011. A new curb and sidewalk have been installed between the east and west entrances to insure handicap accessibility. Water and electrical service connections to the new comfort station are underway.

Motorgate Roof Waterproofing & Stairwells - Waterproofing of the rooftop and the exterior of the stairwell bulkheads is 80% finished with estimated completion at the end of November. Installation of temporary lighting is continuing.

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.

Good Shepherd Side Door Replacement Stained Glass Repairs - The side entrance door has finally been replace making general access to the building easier and safer. Because Good Shepherd is a landmarked building the design, approval and custom fabrication time for the door was quite a lengthy process. Two chapel stained glass side windows have been removed for repair, which again must comport with landmark considerations.

SportsPark South sidewalk replacement- A section of sidewalk surrounding the ConEd electrical vaults between SportsPark and Goldwater Hospital is being replaced to mitigate storm water intrusion into SportsPark. For those unfamiliar with all the internal upgrades already completed at Sportspark, please visit during hours listed on the RIOC website.

Staff Training - CPR/AED/First-aid training is being provided over a course of three days, in order to certify staff in various RIOC departments. CPR Training and refresher courses are provided annually to RIOC staff.

Projects in the Pipeline:

Good Shepherd Plaza – Plaza restoration work is expected this spring.

Octagon Field Border Landscaping – A contract has been awarded work has begun to replace the trees removed during the soccer field restoration.

Good Shepherd Roof Replacement – Work has begun on the design drawings and specifications for roof replacement. The replacement work will be bid and should begin in the Spring, pending Board approval and relevant landmark reviews.

Blackwell House Interior Renovation and Disabled Accessible Ramp – A contractor has been identified and is undergoing City Vendex review. Value engineering has been completed and project cost has been brought within budget.

Public Safety HVAC roof equipment sound attenuation- An acoustic enclosure has been designed and bids are being solicited for a contractor to address the noise generated by the condensing units installed as part of the Public Safety Command Center renovation. RIOC hopes to be bringing a contract for this work to the RIOC Board for approval soon.

AVAC Underground Piping- During inspection of the system piping the “moles” from ENVAC (Swedish AVAC manufacturer) discovered seriously worn areas in the 20” diameter piping under Gristedes and in the east west run between Roosevelt Landings and Capobianco Field. RIOC has received a proposal from ENVAC to protect the wear areas by welding steel plates working inside the piping. Excavation and pipeline replacement in those areas would be far more expensive and disruptive. RIOC will be making a recommendation to the Board to proceed with the ENVAC proposal.

Events and Recreation:

Sportspark Activities - Expanded Sportspark activities are listed on the RIOC website. Check the website for last minute changes to expanded pool, ping- pong and basketball hours. Check out the exhibit in Sportspark which traces Roosevelt Island’s founding and development. The exhibit, using materials from the RIOC archive, was curated by the Roosevelt Island Historical Society.

Field Rentals – Since its resurfacing, Octagon Soccer Field has provided a safe and enjoyable experience for thousands of New Yorkers. The field will remain open over the winter (so long as it’s not snow-covered). If you’d like to brave the elements and apply for a permit for the winter months, now is the time to do so! For more information please contact Donna Masly at 212 832 4563.

Public Safety Department Events - PSD will be sponsoring 2 events in November. On Thursday, November 11, it will be hosting the 2nd Annual PSD ~ Youth Center ~ Connect Basketball Game at the Sportspark Facility at 6:00PM. This is the second in a series of events between the PSD and the Youth Center designed to build positives relations. The first game was between PSD and Youth Center teens. This game is between PSD and Youth Center parents. On Thursday, November18, at 6:30, PSD will be hosting a Crime Prevention Summit for Seniors at the Senior Center located at 546 Main St. This is the third in a series of summits sponsored by PSD.

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 November 6, 2010 Main Street WIRE.