Report From RIOC President Leslie Torres - Welcomes New Tram, Celebrates Tree Lighting, New West Road Parking With Wireless Sensors, More Motorgate Parking, Z Bricks, Facebook , Roosevelt Island Complaint Line & More
RIOC President Lesie Torres sends the following report to Roosevelt Island residents.
Date: December 10, 2010A version of the RIOC President's column also appears on RIOC's web site and the December 11, 2010 Main Street WIRE.
Back from what I’m sure was a restful and happy Thanksgiving for everyone, Roosevelt Island residents and visitors are getting a wonderful gift in time for the holidays. I would like to personally welcome all to come ride the new, state-of-the-art Tram! On Tuesday, the 30th, the Tram returned to service after a beautiful ceremony featuring our partners in the project: elected officials, agency commissioners, and construction engineers. The first rides over the East River inaugurated our signature transport device and I would like to say that without so many cooperating forces this major achievement would never have been. I am so proud of everyone involved. So, come enjoy your Tram.
Then without so much as a breath, this last Friday, Roosevelt Island celebrated the lighting of its Tree in front of Blackwell House. Senator Serrano joined me along with a certain very jolly and giving fellow. My friend Santa shared the stage with the funky Saretta Wesley and her Magical, Magnum and Mackadocious Crew while island businesses gave out winter treats. Thanks to the community for another wonderful event full of the holiday spirit of generosity.
Projects Underway:
Archived Records Digitization - RIOC has been awarded a Local Government Records Management Improvement Fund (LGRMIF) grant from the New York State Archives, a unit of the NYS Education Department (SED) for the purpose of digitizing records.
Main Street Parking - 34 new parking spaces have been added to Main Street next to the subway station as part of a pilot parking program that will test electronic devices that monitor parking spaces and relay availability information. Data is then transmitted wirelessly in real-time to smartphones, dynamic street signs, websites or handhelds. Using this information, drivers are led directly to available parking. Using the system, Public Safety is also assisted in enforcement, policy, maintenance of roads, and parking. If the pilot is successful, the system may be applied throughout the Island. Main Street’s West Road along the southern Promenade has been routed to accommodate the additions so that traffic is one-way northbound. Installation of electronic sensors began November 17. The new spaces will not be available for parking until meters are installed.
Motorgate Parking Garage Refurbishing – The 7th floor and roof of Motorgate Parking Garage are now available for parking except for 60 spots still being renovated.
Z-Brick Resetting - Between 9/1/10 and 11/15/10 approximately 7,200 square feet of z-brick pavers on Main Street were reset, thus helping to eliminate pot holes and low spots that are a hazard to vehicles and pedestrians. RIOC staff plans to ask the Board for approval of additional funds to continue these efforts in the early spring.
Projects in the Pipeline:
AVAC Underground Piping - During inspection of the AVAC system piping, the Swedish AVAC manufacturer, ENVAC, 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 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 this month to proceed with the ENVAC proposal.
Events, Recreation, & Community:
Roosevelt Island 311 Email Complaint System - We have now implemented a new email comment service, Roosevelt Island 311, which will allow residents to contact RIOC on any island related issue. Whether it is a question, complaint or hazard that you may see while walking down Main Street, we advise everyone to email us at RI311@RIOC.COM so that we can address your issue in a timely manner.
RIOC Community Office Hours - Residents are invited to come to the RIOC office at 591 Main Street to bring any concern or issue to our RIOC representative on Wednesdays from 3 to 5 p.m. beginning on December 1st. For more information, please call 212-832-4540.
RIOC Facebook Page - In conjunction with the reopening of the new Tram, we have launched a new facebook page that highlights pictures of the new Tram and news coverage of the reopening. Visitors and friends will also find other useful information on the page. We invite you to share your photos and receive up to date information on what's happening on Roosevelt Island at www.facebook.com/ RIOCny
Parks and Recreation - RIOC has implemented a new hotline for general parks and recreation information which can be reached by calling the general RIOC line (212-832-4540 ext. 504).
Public Safety Coat Drive - The Public Safety Department will be sponsoring its 3rd Annual Coat Drive from December 1st to December 31st. Donated coats may be dropped off at PSD.
There's a back story behind the RIOC President's Report continued appearance on this blog.
2 comments :
Hey Leslie -- It is not all lollipops and roses.
Please get the Red bus to pick up and discharge passengers at the Tram ON THE SAME SIDE OF THE STREET AS THE TRAM after 7 am. Anything less is an accident waiting to happen, and it is cruel to our elderly and disabled neighborsn not to mention many of our youngsters who go to school in Manhattan and do not excercise any precaution when crossing the street.
And then get a bus shelter up there too. And move the bench from the outer edge of the station to the more protected area where it used to be.
Common sense seems to have gone out the window with the re-opening of the Tram. Running one cabin during the day ? Pretending no one will notice ?
And please remind the Red bus drivers to use their radios and talk to each other so we can prevent a repeat of the 25-minute wait this past Friday at the Across-the-street from the Tram bus stop in 20 degree weather...
The easiest way to make the crossing of the street safer would be to make it a one-way, bus-only lane. Paint a crosswalk sign on the street and we are done. Any other complains are just because of laziness or rain-allergies.
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