Interested in a little musical theater this weekend? Well, hold on to your hats because Side by Side by Sondheim is coming to Roosevelt Island presented by our very own Main Street Theater & Dance Alliance this Saturday night March 27 8PM and Sunday afternoon March 28 3 PM
The Main Street Theater & Dance Alliance is located at 540 Main Street at the Red Awning across from the Good Shepherd Chapel. Here's a brief You Tube Clip of the Main Street Theater's 2008 preview performance of Jailhouse Rock from Gerry's Bus Stop Cafe.
Looks like they are having fun. I think it's worth checking out.
The NY Times reported on a recent concert celebrating Stephen Sondheim's 80th birthday:
From Broadway’s prodigious boy wonder to its beloved aging monarch: For Stephen Sondheim, whose forthcoming 80th birthday on March 22 was celebrated in a thrilling concert at Avery Fisher Hall on Monday evening, it must have seemed like a hop, skip and a jump from one to the other. Inside the hall, where the mood was more exhilarated than elegiac, an unspoken question hung in the air: Where did all that time go?...
After five decades of critically acclaimed work on Broadway, the composer and lyricist Stephen Sondheim, below, is receiving a rare laurel and one of the few that had not yet come his way: his name on a Broadway theater...
Roosevelt Island Residents Association President (RIRA) Frank Farance sends the following report to Roosevelt Island residents.
1. Happy Holidays! Enjoy the holidays and Think Spring!
2. Dear Mr. Gristedes. On the evening of March 13, I spent over $300 on groceries and had them delivered, however, the delivery arrived an hour later with the frozen food melted and the rest of the items spoiled. I spoke to the manager who did not understand why I was upset (this is not the first time I've had spoiled food delivered). It seems that Gristedes' staff believe it is acceptable to deliver spoiled groceries, they would not replace the spoiled items, and the refused to refund the money when the spoiled items were returned. At least the purchase was made on credit card and they are fighting with Gristedes for the refund.
3. Rerouting the Red Bus. Matt Katz (Chair of RIRA Planning Committee), Aaron Hamburger (Chair of RIRA Island Services Committee), and I have been meeting with RIOC staff and engineers on the red bus. Southtown resident Stephan Silverstein suggested some good ideas, including having two routes: a commuter route (bus-only traffic during rush hour on the West Channel Drive with the buses operating two-way) and a non-commuter route (a clockwise loop route on Main Street and West Channel Drive). It turns out that this dual-route system is the safest plan (safer than RIOC), especially once the tram operation returns. This will require further analysis and comparison of the several plans. While RIOC staff have included RIRA in the meetings, (so far) RIOC staff do not seem open to considering solutions outside of the one they have proposed. The RIOC Operations Committee weighed in last week and, in consideration that the present RIOC plan does not address the needs when the tram returns, the committee recommended to RIOC staff that no significant/permanent rerouting occurs until the tram returns when tram operations can be fully considered.
4. Upcoming RIRA meetings. The next Common Council meeting is April 7 at 8:00 p.m. in the Good Shepherd Community Center. Upcoming RIRA meetings are on May 5 and June 2.
RIOC President Steve Shane sends the following report to Roosevelt Island residents. Mr. Shane updates us on:
RIOC Board Agenda and Procedures,
Tram Modernization on schedule,
Rush Hour Red Bus Shuttle to Queens Canceled,
Southpoint Park, FDR Memorial,
Roosevelt Island Bridge Helix Ramp project,
Artificial surface for Octagon Playing Field,
RIOC 2010 -11 Budget,
Blackwell Park Master Plan,
Motorgate Credit Card usage starts April 1,
Mitchell Lama Privatizations and
Status of Grog Liquor Shop
March 24, 2010 1.Board of Directors: Meeting on March 25 at 9:30 AM. On the agenda are many compliance items required to be adopted by the Board before forwarding to the various State entities having jurisdiction, the adoption of the Budget for fiscal year 2010/11, RIRA’s report to the Board on Public Purpose awards and Board action thereon, etc. A resolution as to scheduling change for Board meetings to all late afternoon meetings preceded by a short public comment period. Assuming its passage, RIOC will establish a registry on its website where persons interested in speaking before the Board meeting may sign up before the meeting in question. Each person will be limited to not more than two minutes.
2. Tram: A. After 4 weeks since shutdown on March 1, the construction is proceeding apace, on schedule. We are monitoring closely. B. Red Bus service: (1) Shuttle to Queens Plaza. The ridership is very sparse. Because the F train seems to be filling the need and the very low demand, we are DISCONTINUING the shuttle to Queens during the morning rush after next Wednesday, March 31. (2) Shuttle to Manhattan operating on the hour starting at 10 AM, pick-ups starting at Riverwalk Café, then 546 Main and finally on east side of Main opposite PS 217, returning from Manhattan on the half hour. Passenger drop off will be in front of PS 217, Good Shepherd and Riverwalk Cafe. The Manhattan stop is the west side of 2nd Avenue, at the northerly end of the 59-58th Street block. No shuttle into Manhattan during afternoon rush hours 3PM-6 PM EXCEPT there is one bus into Manhattan departing the Island at 3:30 PM and picking up in Manhattan at 4 PM to accommodate returning school children. Resumption of hourly service into Manhattan at 7 PM and returning until 11:30 PM. Weekends, shuttle service into Manhattan starting at 10 AM, hourly throughout the day until 11:00 PM, same pick-ups, returning on the half-hour with the last at 11:30 PM. See the schedules posted on RIOC’s web site and on in the posters throughout the Island. Note that if the F train is not in service, the frequency into and out of Manhattan will be increased to every half hour. Fares are $1.00, with Seniors, Disabled and Children (5-16) at $.50. (3) The MTA continues to operate the Q 102 bus on the Island on its published schedule. Starting in April, there will be a route change to eliminate the alternating loops to Coler and Goldwater for those who would use the Q 102 and its transfer into the Metrocard system. (4) Regular Red Bus service continues on the Island, but because of the increased construction activity at the Tram site and the elimination of the Tram stop during the outage, all regular Red Bus service runs a continuous loop southbound along the East Drive, stopping at Riverwalk Cafe, then looping around to the front of the subway station to resume a northbound run. Those that want to disembark for the subway at Riverwalk Cafe may do so; those who want to ride around to the subway may stay on a stop and do so.
We are keeping ridership statistics and will make further decisions about keeping these shuttle bus runs, in consultation with the Operations Committee, depending on utilization. It does appear that the F train and the MTA are servicing the needs of the residents so far and hope it will continue. I am aware of the discomfort, but it is temporary.
3. Southpoint-FDR Memorial: Legal work on NYC Funding and Development agreements is complete, with documents signed, but held in escrow until final details completed. Construction is to start very shortly. State Parks has concluded that it will do the maintenance work itself. The Division of the Budget has issued its Certificate of Approval of Availability as to the State’s $4 million. Upon the registration of the City’s Funding Agreement as to its $4.738 million with the City Comptroller and the deposit of the entire balance of private funds, all financing will be in place.
4. Southpoint-Green Rooms/Wild Gardens: In response to the RFP for the Phase II work to complete, the bids established a price within the budget with several hundred thousand dollars as cushion, to be able to provide some betterments. Final completion is expected by the fall.
5. Projects: A. The contract for engineering study of the status of the helix leading to the Island from the Bridge is let and the study is underway. B. Octagon Soccer Field resurfacing: Approved by the Board on January 14th, contract executed. Final design approved and commencement of work next week. C. AVAC, Sportspark, Motorgate, fiber optic cabling, Good Shepherd HVAC, Octagon sewer, street lighting, tot lot improvements, etc. all keep engineering very busy.
6. Budget: The proposed 2010/11 Budget as published and posted on RIOC’s web site for public review and comment will have been presented to the Board for adoption, as it may be amended, at the March meeting. RIRA and other interested parties have held public discussions on the proposed Budget.
7. Blackwell Park: Community participation in the planning process continues, with a “less is more” conclusion. Other features desired are set forth in the resolution from RIRA. Planning meetings are continuing led by Matt Katz and Judy Berdy to reach final conclusion as to an acceptable treatment for the handicapped accessible ramp and suitable landscaping.
8. Credit cards use at Motorgate: Transient parkers will be able to use credit cards to pay the parking charges at Motorgate. Starting April 1, 2010.
9. Privatization of Mitchell-Lamas: With the extensive discussion and debate at the Board meeting to express the sense of the Board for ground lease extensions, RIOC has moved forward in preserving the long term affordability of the portion of the housing on the Island represented by Rivercross, Island House and Westview. Much work and many details remain to be resolved with the other governmental agencies who are stakeholders in Roosevelt Island. We met with the City and ESDC last week and outlined a task force approach to working on the issues. Stay tuned.
10. Grog Shop: The New York State Department of Taxation & Finance has shuttered the Grog Shop for non payment of franchise and sales taxes. I have been in touch with the attorney representing the estate of Archie Seale and have referred to him the several inquiries as to possible new store operators. If they can make a deal for assignment of the existing lease, could reestablish the operation after getting State Liquor Authority licensing approvals. We are well aware of the loss of an important service establishment and will do everything possible to facilitate a favorable resolution for Island residents.
Google is planning to launch an experiment that we hope will make Internet access better and faster for everyone. We plan to test ultra-high speed broadband networks in one or more trial locations across the country. Our networks will deliver Internet speeds more than 100 times faster than what most Americans have access to today, over 1 gigabit per second, fiber-to-the-home connections. We'll offer service at a competitive price to at least 50,000 and potentially up to 500,000 people.
From now until March 26th, we're asking interested municipalities to provide us with information about their communities through a Request for information (RFI), which we'll use to determine where to build our network.
Communities all over America are extolling their virtues vying to be a recipient of Google's ultra high speed Internet service.
...The mayor of Duluth, Minn., threw himself into the ice-ringed waters of Lake Superior. The mayor of Sarasota, Fla., immersed himself in a tank filled with bonnethead sharks, simply to one-up him. The mayor of Wilmington, N.C., said that he would even jump out of an airplane — with a parachute, of course....
This earlier post suggested Roosevelt Island would be a great place for Google to select. What does Roosevelt Island bring to the table in exchange for being a Google ultra high speed broadband test community? Despite being a small urban community of approximately 13,000, we are in the world's largest media market and could generate unlimited global publicity and exposure to Google while at the same time being an Island in the East River having a limited geographic region to wire.
Another factor, Roosevelt Island is under the political jurisdiction of a single governmental entity, the Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation (RIOC), which has the ability, if it wishes, to move quickly with little bureaucratic impediments. Also, two hospitals on the Island, Coler Goldwater Hospital, with Cornell-Weill and New York Presbyterian Hospital right across the East River could participate by experimenting with medical usage of ultra high speed broadband access.
Let's not forget that the Roosevelt Island Tram is a major New York City tourist attraction with people from all over the world viewing the fantastic skyline and waterfront views as they ride it over the East River. After the Tram's six month modernization program is completed in September, it will be one of the most advanced municipal aerial transportation systems in the world.
So here's the deal for Google. Select Roosevelt Island as a community for your ultra high speed broadband Internet service and you will receive all of the benefits of being in the New York City media market plus have a GOOGLE TRAM. What could be better than that!
Roosevelt Island Tram Image Minus Google Logo from Dan Dickinson
If necessary, RIOC President Steve Shane may be persuaded, like the Mayors of Deluth and Sarasota respectively, to throw himself into bone chilling ice water, swim with sharks or whatever the Roosevelt Island equivalent would be - perhaps dodging Verdant Power's East River water turbines.
Roosevelt Island's Coler-Goldwater Hospital is offering a full time student internship this summer in their human resources department: According to Craigslist:
Coler-Goldwater Specialty Hospital and Nursing Facility, a 2016 bed hospital on Roosevelt Island, offers a great work opportunity in Human Resources for an energetic, organized and hard working college student. We are easily accessible by the F train, car and bus. We seek a full-time college student who has a commitment to a career in Human Resources, Health Administration, management or a related field. Listed below are the position requirements:
Completion of the freshman year of college or a higher level with very good grades, with a plan to return to college full-time in September,
The ability to work very hard, organize and focus on a variety of projects, ask the right questions and complete all work in a timely way,
Very strong computer skills including expertise in Word, Excel, and the ability to learn new systems,
The ability to provide excellent customer service with a smile for 3,500 employees,
And you must write well and be well spoken.
The salary starts at $10 an hour. There are no benefits and no vacation. Only a current full-time college student, who will enroll full-time next Fall is eligible for this position. This position is expected to last through the summer (full-time, 35 hours per week, when school is not in session) and continue through Fall 2010. The hours are flexible but your work must be scheduled between 8 AM and 6 PM, Monday through Friday. This is not an internship designed for college credit...
Celebrating 40 Years of Becoming Roosevelt Island
Panel Discussion
Mainstreaming To Main Street
Please join us for the telling of the unique story of Coler-Goldwater residents who moved into the new Roosevelt Island residential community beginning in 1975.
Panel members representing hospital residents, staff and island administration will help us relive this special time in Island history
Coler Goldwater Specialty Hospital & Nursing Facility
Goldwater Auditorium
1 Main Street
Roosevelt Island, NY 10044
Temporary Red Bus Route Image From RIOC(click to enlarger)
During the scheduled 6 month Tram shutdown, the Roosevelt Island Red Bus has been temporarily re-routed in Southtown. As described in this earlier post
The temporary bus route eliminates south-bound buses on West Drive, as well as the associated bus stops opposite the subway station. Instead, all bus and truck traffic will travel south-bound along East Drive. The RIOC bus will turn west at the fountain and continue to the front of the F Train Station, while the Coler/Goldwater and Q102 buses will turn east at the fountain-continuing south down East Drive toward Goldwater Hospital, and return Northbound as they do now. Please refer to the attached map for further details.
At the March 17 Roosevelt Island Board of Directors Operations Committee meeting (listen to the full webcast here), a Southtown Traffic plan was presented by LiRo Engineers for when the Tram returns to service in late August/early September.
As of now, the temporary Southtown traffic plan has both East and West Channel 's Main street remaining 2 way streets except the West Channel Main Street will not permit southbound Bus and Truck traffic which must use the East Channel.
Blackwell Turnaround Directing Bus/Truck Traffic To East Channel of Main Street
The Southtown Traffic Study presented at the Operations Committee meeting proposed that when the Tram returns to service all southbound traffic including cars will be directed to the East Channel at the Blackwell Turnaround with Main Street's West Channel becoming a one way northbound street making available approximately 25-30 new parking spaces on the subway station side of Main Street.
Possible New Parking Spaces On Main Street West Channel
Another issue discussed was the location of the Bus Stop for the Roosevelt Island Tram once service resumes. As of now the plan is for the Bus stop to be just past the water fountain
on the opposite side of the street from the Tram station on the side of 405 Main Street.
Safety objections have been raised for this bus stop location based upon hazards to elderly and handicapped persons having to cross the street to get to and from the Tram. RIOC is considering moving the bus stop to the Tram Station side by having the Bus loop around the fountain to the Tram station, pick up or drop off Tram passengers and then loop back around the Fountain as it heads towards the Main Street West Channel and the Subway Station.
Below is the Southtown Traffic Study PowerPoint Presentation made by LiRo Engineers. Southtown Traffic Study
RIRA President Farance Speaking With RIOC Directors Shinozaki & Kalkin At Prior Town Hall Meeting
Do you have any questions about what is happening on Roosevelt Island? Concerned about affordable housing, ground lease extensions for Rivercross, Island House, Westview and other buildings including Riverwalk Condominiums? Interested in transportation, parks, retail, RIOC's budget, allocation of Public Purpose Funds or anything else about life here on Roosevelt Island? If so, you have the opportunity to speak with Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Directors/Staff and Roosevelt Island Residents Association (RIRA) Common Council Members at RIRA's Town Hall Meeting that will take place tonight at the Good Shepherd Community Center, 8 PM, 543 Main Street
The RIRA Town Hall meeting allow residents to learn about what is on the RIOC Board's Agenda for the following day and also helps the RIOC Directors obtain information about what residents think of those Agenda items. The March 25 RIOC Board Meeting Agenda items include important issues such as the 2010-11 RIOC Budget, allocation of Public Purpose Funds to Roosevelt Island community groups and the procedure for appointing RIOC's President/CEO.
The Agenda for the March 25 Roosevelt Island Operating Corp. (RIOC) Board of Directors Meeting includes the following item:
4. Authorization to Adopt a Mission Statement as Required by the Public Authorities Reform Act of 2009 (Board Action Required)
which was the subject of some confusion during the March 17 (audio cast available here) RIOC Governance Committee meeting.
I asked RIOC President Steve Shane to clarify:
During last week's governance committee meeting, an issue arose over the content of a proposed RIOC "Mission Statement" that is now mandated by the new Public Authorities Act. The "Mission Statement" presented to the Directors present at the meeting seemed to include language that allowed the RIOC President or CEO to be appointed by the Governor without the express approval of the RIOC Board of Directors as has been the prior practice.
The Directors present objected to that language, requested that any deadline for submitting such a statement be extended and asked the RIOC staff to rework the "Mission Statement". However, I understand that an Agenda Item for the March 25 RIOC Board Meeting includes an Authorization to Adopt a Mission Statement.
Does this Mission Statement include the language regarding appointment of RIOC's President/CEO that was objected to by RIOC Board Members at the Governance Committee meeting? Can you please clarify the situation.
Mr. Shane replied:
We will all find out at the Board meeting. The Authorities Budget Office has refused to grant an extension or a waiver, although many State Agencies have so requested. So, as a matter of law, we are required to respond by March 31. There was nothing that allowed the Governor to appoint the President/CEO without the express approval of the Board. It has never been so in practice, either. The reality that RIOC is a State Agency, created by NY State statute and operating as an instrumentality of the State of New York should be accepted.
(Added 4:50 PM - During the March 17 Governance Committeemeeting, RIOC Director David Kraut speculated, perhaps jokingly or not, that should the RIOC Board ever reject a RIOC President/CEO nominee from the Governor, the result would be that the Governor could leave the position vacant and replace those recalcitrant RIOC directors as their terms expire until the Governor's nominee is approved.)
The Agenda for the March 25 RIOC Board Meeting is below. There will also be a Roosevelt Island Residents Association (RIRA) Town Hall Meeting the night before on March 24 at the Good Shepherd Community Center (8PM) in which residents can comment and ask questions of RIOC concerning items on the March 25 RIOC Board Agenda including the 2010 -11 RIOC Budget and dispersal of Public Purpose Funds.
AGENDA
MARCH 25, 2010 MEETING OF THE ROOSEVELT ISLAND OPERATING CORPORATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS THE GOOD SHEPHERD CENTER, 9:30 A.M.
I. Call to Order II. Roll Call III. Approval of Minutes 1. February 18, 2010 Board Meeting (Board Action Required) IV. Old Business V. New Business
1. Approval of the Proposed Budget for Fiscal Year 2010-11 (Board Action Required) 2. Authorization of Expenditure of Public Purpose Funds (Board Action Required) 3. Authorization to Take Certain Actions to Comply with the Public Authorities Reform Act of 2009 (Board Action Required) 4. Authorization to Adopt a Mission Statement as Required by the Public Authorities Reform Act of 2009 (Board Action Required) 5. Authorization to Enter into Insurance Binders for 2010-11 (Board Action Required - Materials to Follow) 6. Authorization of Modification of the Schedule of the 2010 Regular Meetings of the Board of Directors (Board Action Required) 7. Authorization to Enter into Contract for the Purchase of a Hybrid-Electric Bus (Board Action Required) 8. Committee Reports a. Audit Committee b. Governance Committee c. Operations Advisory Committee d. Real Estate Development Advisory Committee 9. Public Safety Report 10. President's Report
The most recent Roosevelt Island 24 hour Public Safety Reports are posted daily on the blog's inside right sidebar, just below See Click Fix Roosevelt Island. Listed is a daily log recapping local incidents the Roosevelt Island Public Safety Department responded to the previous 5 days.
RIOC is also posting the Daily Roosevelt Island Public Safety Incident reports and February Calls For Services/Responses on their web site. A more detailed description of Roosevelt Island Public Safety incidents by location and category (the Blotter) for the month of Februray 2010 is embed above and available on RIOC web site as well.
Below are the Roosevelt Island Daily Public Safety Reports for February 19 - March 21, 2010. Incidents include:
Turnstile Jumping (2/19)
Overdose Of Medication (2/20
Arson In Roosevelt Landings/Eastwood Stairway (2/22)
Passenger Altercation With Cab Driver (2/23)
Female Harrassed By 3 Male Youths (2/24)
Live Wire Down (2/25)
Smoking Manhole (2/26)
Vicious Dog (2/26)
Youth Threatened To Harm PSD Officer With Bullets (2/27)
Piece of Steel Fell From Queensboro Bridge Causing Hole In Tennis Bubble (3/19)
Aided An Intoxicated Person (3/20) and
Youths Disorderly Conduct, Cursing and Disrupting Pedestrian Traffic (3/21)
0700hrs 02/19/10 - 0700hrs 02/20/10
Trespass- PSD observed subject jump turnstile, subject was transported to PSD summonsed and released.
Investigation- Male reports youth closing doors and yelling, PSD responded and corrected condition.
Criminal Mischief- Male heard youth playing in hallway,notified PSD, upon arrival PSD observed a hole in the wall, UA notified.
Investigation- PSD responded to motorgate for youth , upon arrival youth were leaving area.
2/20/10-7:00 AM to 2/21/10-7:00 AM
Road Closure- BY MTA to install a Cell phone tower rear of 888 Main Street. PSD responded. No interruption to RIOC Bus transportation.
Aided- Tram Employee sustained injury to left leg when metal objects fell from a metal push cart. EMS transported him to the hospital.
Investigation/Aided-Female contemplated suicide and taking over dose of medication. But upon PSD and EMS arrival had not done so. She was taken to the hospital by EMS. She was accompanied by her husband.
2/21/10-7:00 AM to 2/22/10-7:00 AM
Found Property- A small wallet purse. It was secured in PSD. Later the owner came and retrieved it.
Hazardous Condition-A broken bottle rear of a building. UA porter removed the glass. PSD responded and conducted a search with negative results. No injuries.
Found Property- A cell phone. It was secured in PSD.
2/22/10-7:00 AM to 2/23/10-7:00 AM
Smoke Condition- A resident accidently burned food on the stove. PSD and UA Super responded. No Injuries and no property damage. The windows were opened to air
Found Property- ID cards of a mini bus employee. He was off today. It was turned over to his Supervisor. A report was filed with PSD.
Aided- A Coler Hospital patient motorized wheelchair's battery was drained. PSD responded and it was plugged into an outlet at Manhattan Park. Later the patient was able to get to Coler Hospital.
Lost Property- An Island resident lost her wallet in a Manhattan Office. Resident given name and phone number of the person who found it. Resident to make arrangements to retrieve it.
Arson- In a building stairwell and against a wall. PSD responded and extinguished it. No injuries or property damage. UA notified.
Property Damage- To a Public Safety Vehicle. The front bumper bottom part snapped off and there were scratches on the middle of the bumper. The bumper was snapped in place.
Under the influence of Narcotics- A motorist was driving with head lights off. PSD responded. The motorist was under the influence of Marijuana. Motorist was issued a summons and released.
Found Property - Box of t-shirts left on bus. Note left on owners door. Secured at PSD.
Domestic Incident - Boyfriend and girlfriend had a physical dispute. PSD and NYPD on scene, Incident reports filed. Male gone on arrival, female transported to hospital for minor injuries.
Harassment - Passenger observed in a physical altercation with a cab driver. Passenger summonsed, driver refused any medical attention. No visible injuries.
Harassment - Female victim reports being harassed by the children of a male who she was storing property for. NYPD responded and filed report. Victim referred to NY Criminal Court.
02/24/10 0700AM to 02/25/0700AM
Aided - Male having problems breathing transported to Mt Sinai.
Verbal Dispute - Female victim reports that another female in her apt attempted to cause damage to her property in apt and her. Upon arrival of PSD and NYPD, female subject was gone. No report filed due to victim being uncooperative.
Aided - Funeral home on scene to pick up deceased who passed from natural causes.
Found Property - A book was found on RIOC red bus, unable to identify owner. Property secured at PSD.
Aided - Female youth with medical issues was reported missing and later found on Island. Transported to Elmhurst for evaluation.
Aided - PSD Sergeant injured after falling while pursuing a missing youth, who was recovered.
Harassment - Male youth harassing a female youth. Parents notified and they agreed youths would stay away from one another.
Criminal Mischief - Unknown person painted numbers on elevator blue. Search conducted with negative results. Service notified and condition corrected.
Harassment - Female reports three male youths harassing her, throwing snow balls at her legs and using profanity. PSD responded and conducted a search with negative results.
0700 hrs 02/25/10 - 0700 hrs 02/26/10
Aided - PSD and EMS responded to ill tenant's apartment. EMS transported aided to hospital.
Property Damage/Hazardous Condition - Motorist reported to PSD that unknown object shattered her back window as she came onto the island. No injuries and NYPD refused. DOT supervisor was notified.
Hazardous Condition - PSD responded for live wire down. PSD notified RIOC Assistant Project Manager and he stated that the wire was low voltage and not powerful enough to shock a person or animal. Workers will correct condition.
Gas Leak - PSD along with FDNY responded for possible gas leak. FDNY checked area with gas meter and didn't detect any gas leak.
Aided - PSD responded to an apartment for resident on floor. EMS transported aided to the hospital.
Graffiti - PSD officer observed graffiti in the stairwell. PSD conducted search with negative results. Super was notified.
Criminal Mischief - PSD took report from tenant on past incident. Unknown person kicked door causing dent. Housing Management was notified.
0700hrs 02/26/10- 0700hrs 02/27/10
Snow Condition- The weight of the snow caused tree branches to lean down next to where youth were playing, youth were removed from area by PSD, Parks and recreation director notified as well as UA.
Vicious Dog- Victim reports while throwing out trash a dog frightened him by growling and snapping at him, PSD responds no dog in area, victim unaware where dog lives.
harassment- Victim reports someone throwing ice at her door, upon arrival search made with negative results, ice was found outside victims door.
Aided- Female not feeling well, EMS responded, aided RMA.
Smell of illegal substance- Female reports a smell of illegal substance in the mornings, PSD will monitor area.
Smoking Manhole- Manhole was ajar, PSD and FDNY responded, FDNY cordoned off area and contact Con Edison, area secured.
Trespass, Unlawful possession of marijuana- While on patrol PSD observed three male trespassing in the stairwell, PSD discovered marijuana on a subject summonsed and released subject.
2/27/10-7:00 AM to 2/28/10- 7:00 AM
Smoke Condition- A tenant accidently burnt food in the apt. The husband extinguished it. PSD and UA responded. No injuries or damage. Windows opened to air out the smoke.
Vehicle Stuck in Snow- A PSD vehicle. Officer was able to maneuver out. No damages to the vehicle.
Harassment- A male subject struck another with a closed fist. PSD arrested the subject.
Harassment- A male stated he will have other males beat the victim up. PSD and NYPD responded. NYPD filed a report. NO injuries.
Disorderly Conduct- A juvenile was involved in a dispute. He made threats to harm PSD officers with bullets. He was escorted to PSD and released to his mother.
Harassment- A female youth stated that a male youth known to her was harassing her. PSD and NYPD responded. PSD filed a report. No injuries.
Resisting Arrest/ Possible Alcohol use by a minor? Disorderly conduct- PSD arrested 3 subjects of which one had an outstanding warrant.
0700 hrs 02/28/10 - 0700 hrs 03/01/10
Hazardous Condition - UA porter found feces in a stairwell of a building. PSD conducted search with negative results. Feces was cleaned up by UA.
Criminal Mischief - Unknown subject threw a bottle at an apt. door. PSD responded and conducted a search with negative results. NYPD refused. No injuries and no property damage.
Graffiti - Unknown subject scratched words on a wall in a stairwell. UA notified. NYPD refused. Search made for the subject with negative results.
Aided - An adult male left a text message with a friend stating he may commit suicide. PSD and EMS responded. Aided was transported to the hospital by EMS. No injuries.
Investigation - A resident stated that a youth was waiting in the hallway possibly to cause him injury. PSD responded and conducted a search with negative results. NYPD refused.
Hazardous Condition - Numerous lights out at Manhattan Park, West Seawall, and Blackwell House. RIOC notified.
3/1/10-7:00 AM to 3/2/10-7:00 AM
Unsecured Vehicle- In the Motorgate Garage. PSD responded. Vehicle in order. No record of the owner. PSD conducted periodic checks of the vehicle.
Found Dog- In a building left unattended. Dog escorted to PSD. Later the son of the owner retrieved dog.
Aided- Female reported that her daughter was possibly suicidal. PSD, NYPD and EMS responded. Female refused transport to the hospital.
Criminal Mischief- A hole in the wall of stairwell of a building. PSD responded and conducted a search with negative results for the subject. UA notified. NYPD refused.
Aided- An ill person was taken to the hospital by EMS.
Hazardous Condition- a large tree branch fell down. No injuries and no property damage.
Hazardous Condition- Con Edison reported to PSD that a man-hole cover opposite the Tram had smoke emanating from it. PSD responded and coned area off. RIOC Engineering personnel were notified and responded and checked it. The man-hole cover was left ajar to air out. No injuries and no property damage were reported.
Investigation- Male reported that he was drinking alcohol and had suicidal thoughts. PSD, NYPD and EMS responded. Male was taken to the hospital by EMS. No injuries.
Grand Larceny Investigation- Male Adult reported that his wallet was taken by 2 unknown males. PSD and NYPD responded. A search was conducted with negative results. Further investigation revealed that prior to reporting the incident, the victim attempted to gain entry to the subway with 3 different expired Metro-cards. No injuries reported.
Investigation- Male adult gave his wallet to a cab driver to hold while he went to obtain cab fare. Upon his return, the cab driver had left. PSD, NYPD responded and conducted a search with negative results. NYPD filed a report.
3/2/10-7:00 AM to 3/3/10-7:00 AM
Found Property- A bicycle. It was secured in PSD.
Found Property- A cell phone. It was secured in PSD.
Aided- Female moved a piano and sustained pain. PSD, EMS and NYPD responded. Aided was taken to the hospital by EMS.
Fail to yield to pedestrian in Cross Walk. PSD unable to issue the summon as violation was not observed. The vehicle was parked illegally and was issued a summons. PSD did not observe the moving violation.
Criminal Mischief- Unknown Subject kicked an apt door but did not gain access into apt. PSD responded and conducted a search with negative results. UA notified and made temporary repairs. Permanent repair to be done today 3/3/10. PSD conducting periodic checks of the area.
Aided- An ill person was taken to the hospital by EMS.
3/2/10-7:00 AM to 3/3/10-7:00 AM Not Provided
0700 hrs 03/04/10 - 0700 hrs 03/05/10
Found Property - Female turned in found property to PSD. PSD secured the property.
Investigation - Reporter notified PSD that he let a friend hold property of his. The friend didn't return the property. NYPD refused. PSD went to the apartment where friend was staying, but he was not home.
Vehicle Accident/Investigation - Reporter notified PSD that unknown person hit her car causing damage. Unknown person left a note with name and number to call. PSD and reporter called with negative results. Reporter will go to 114 pct. to make a report.
Investigation - PSD with NYPD and EMS responded to an apartment on a 911 call by a parent. Parent stated her son would not go to school. Upon arrival, child left the apartment.
Criminal Mischief - Tenant reported to PSD that unknown person tampered with her door. Tenant stated this is a on going problem and has reported damages in the past. NYPD responded and made report. Search was made with negative results.
Aided - PSD responded to an apartment for aided. Parent stated her son was ill. EMS transported child to the hospital.
Alarm - PSD responded to an alarm. PSD conducted exterior check and area appeared in order.
Aided - PSD responded to an apartment for aided. Aided was transported to the hospital by EMS.
Hazardous Condition - PSD observed various lights out on RI. Con ED was on island and was advised. Con ED will make repairs. PSD officer was posted in area. 3/5/10-7:00 AM to 3/6/10-7:00 AM
Hazardous Condition- Lights out on the west sea wall and from 10 River road to 750 Main Street. Referred to RIOC.
Aided- An ill person was taken to the hospital by EMS.
Property Damage- Large truck drove into a breeze way and was stuck. PSD escorted the truck out. Motorist had also committed a moving violation and was issued a summons by PSD.
Investigation- A vehicle came to a stop abruptly while a pedestrian was crossing. No contact made. No injuries. Matter referred to RIOC for a Stop Sign at that location.
Recovered Property- A delivery man of a business establishment found a bicycle. It belonged to a delivery man of another business establishment. PSD responded. Owner retrieved the bicycle. No charges made. NYPD refused.
Missing Person PSD conducted a search with negative results. NYPD responded. Later the youth returned unharmed. He was at a friends apt.
Harassment- A resident reported a group of youth harassing her. PSD responded and conducted a search with negative results. PSD Youth Officer to conduct an investigation.
3/6/10-7:00 AM to 3/7/10-7:00 AM
Aided- An ill person was taken to the hospital by EMS.
Littering- In a building. PSD responded and issued a summons to the subject.
Smoke Condition- A rug was in a stove. PSD, FDNY and UA responded. FDNY extinguished it. Windows were opened to air out the smoke. No injuries. No other damages other than the stove. EMS refused.
Carbon Monoxide Alarm- PSD and UA responded. UA corrected the condition with the alarm. UA locked and secured the apt.
Criminal Mischief- Broken window in a building. PSD and UA responded. Search conducted for subject with negative results. NYPD refused. Window taped up temporally until permanent repairs made. NYPD refused. No injuries.
Odor of Marijuana- In an apt. PSD responded odor faint. Tenant reported it was from another apt.
Aided- An ill person was taken to the hospital by EMS.
3/7/10-7:00 AM to 3/8/10-7:00 AM
Aided- An ill person was taken to the hospital by EMS.
Investigation- Resident left luggage and handbag unattended. Tenant left it at the wrong floor. Manhattan Park porter found property. All property accounted for.
Aided/EDP- Female was irate and screaming. PSD, NYPD and EMS responded. Female was taken to the hospital by EMS. No injuries.
Criminal Mischief- Rocks used to break windows on a building. PSD responded and conducted a search for the subject with negative results. Referred to RIOC. NYPD report refused.
Aided- An ill person was taken to the hospital by EMS.
Theft of Service- A customer refused to pay the cab fare. PSD responded and customer changed his mind and paid the fare.
3/8/10-7:00 AM to 3/9/10-7:00 AM
Harassment- A youth in a group home struck another and left. PSD and NYPD responded. PSD conducted a search with negative results. Victim stated he was fine and refused EMS.
Verbal Dispute- A Motorgate customer refused to pay a bill that was past due. He removed his motorcycle from the garage. PSD responded and customer returned he motor cycle until the mater is settled.
Investigation- NYPD conducting an investigation.
Vehicle Accident- A Cab drive unsafely passed a MTA bus and caused a minor accident. PSD, and MTA Supervisor responded. No injuries. EMS refused. Damage to both vehicles. 911 notified for NYPD.
Urinating in Public- PSD issued a summons to the subject.
Criminal Mischief- Unknown subject caused damage to apt door. PSD responded and conducted a search for the subject with negative results. No access gained into apt. NYPD refused. UA notified.
3/9/10-7:00 AM to 3/10/10-7:00 AM
Aided- An ill person was taken to the hospital by EMS.
Investigation- Possible odor of marijuana. PSD responded. Search conducted with negative results. Unable to locate the source. Matter referred to UA.
Aided- Female adult fell in front of a building. She was bleeding from the nose. PSD and EMS responded. Aided was taken to the hospital by EMS.
Investigation- A bird fell to the ground. PSD responded. Island resident registered with ASPCA removed the bird for care.
Found Property- A cell phone was found. It was secured by PSD. Later the owner retrieved it.
Aided- PSD officer sustain lower back injury while assisting PSD Detective in effecting an arrest. EMS was refused.
Investigation- Two male youths exchanged words with another youth. PSD escorted youths to PSD. Parents notified and retrieved the youth.
Aided- Male youth sustained injury to the chest. PSD and EMS responded and transported the youth to the hospital by EMS.
Found Property- A black folder. It was secured in PSD.
Assault- Two subjects arrested by PSD.
3/10/10-7:00 AM to 3/11/10-7:00 AM
Aided- An ill person was taken to the hospital by EMS.
Hazardous Condition- An elevator was stuck on the 13th floor. No one inside. PSD and UA responded. UA corrected the condition.
Aided- A female felt dizzy. PSD and EMS responded. EMS transport refused.
Aided- An ill person was taken to the hospital by EMS.
Harassment- A male struck a female in the chest on 3/9/10. PSD and NYPD responded. NYPD and PSD filed reports. EMS refused.
Investigation- NYPD conducting an investigation.
Lost Property- A cell phone. PSD filed a report. NYPD refused.
Flood- A tenant had a clogged kitchen sink. It caused substantial amount of water in the hallway and inside the apt in the kitchen and the living room. PSD and UA responded. Tenant not home. UA had to drill the lock. UA locked and secured the door.
Aided/DOA- Elderly female resident deceased in apt. PSD and EMS responded. EMS declared the resident deceased.
Larceny- A bicycle. PSD responded and conducted a search with negative results. NYPD refused.
Lock Out- A resident accidently locked herself out of apt. PSD and UA responded. Identification of the resident was verified. UA provided access into apt.
Verbal Dispute- Between two females over a cell phone bill. No injuries. PSD and NYPD filed reports.
Verbal Dispute- Intoxicated resident allowed a male intoxicated male to enter her apt. Female requested the male be escorted out of the apt. PSD responded and provided escort without incident.
Aided- Adult male fell from his bed. PSD and EMS responded. EMS checked Vital signs of male and he appeared to be okay. He was lifted by EMS.
0700 hrs 03/11/10 - 0700 hrs 03/12/10
Aided - PSD and EMS responded for aided. Aided fell and was checked out by EMS. Aided refused transportation to the hospital.
Verbal Dispute - Complainant notified PSD that she was involved in verbal dispute with another female. PSD responded and took a report. No injuries.
Dispute - Tenant came into PSD to request subject out of her apartment. PSD responded and escorted subject out of the apartment.
Investigation - PSD responded with super for water leak inside an apartment. Tenant was not answering the door. Super gained entry and tenant was asleep. Water was turned off.
Verbal Dispute - PSD responded to laundry room for verbal dispute between two females over washing machines. Both parties worked it out on their own with no further incident.
Investigation - Tenant called PSD to report that a male subject was using a credit card to gain access to an apartment. PSD responded with super. Super stated the apartment is empty. PSD checked apartment and was in order.
Car Stop - PSD stopped a vehicle for moving violation. Motorist didn't produce a driver license and was brought into PSD. PSD obtained license and motorist were issued three summonses.
Traffic Condition - PSD directed traffic while contractors were working. Work was completed without further incident.
Criminal Mischief - PSD officer responded to report of broken window. PSD made search with negative results.
Graffiti - PSD officer observed graffiti in stairwell. PSD made search with negative results. Management was notified.
Dispute - PSD officer head arguing coming from an apartment. PSD checked with tenant and he stated he was arguing with female staying in his apartment. Female was escorted out of the apartment without further incident.
Open Container - PSD officer observed male subject with open container and smoking a cigarette in the hallway. Subject was issued summons and released.
0700hrs 03/12/10 - 0700hrs 03/13/10
Investigation- Customer was two cent short at supermarket, another customer gave her the two cent, she was upset because the cashier wouldn't let her go the two cent.+
Aided- Male burnt his leg with water, FDNY, EMS, PSD responds, aided secured home and was transported to hospital.
Verbal Dispute- Male lost cash and property, he got into and argument with nephew while questioning if he took his property. PSD responded, spoke with both parties, they both agreed to stop arguing. NYPD refused.
Graffiti- While on patrol PSD observed graffiti, UA notified.
Unsecured Property- Male left his bike in front of his apartment, then later noticed it missing. PSD responded made a search yield negative, NYPD refused.
Verbal Dispute- Parents sharing custody got into a verbal dispute. PSD responds, male exited females apartment, NYPD refused.
Noise complaint- Youth that live in area are making nosie coming and going from their apartment, PSD responded and had a office posted at location.
0700hrs 03/13/10 - 0700hrs 03/14/10
Stolen Wallet- Victim reports wallet stolen while in store, PSD made a report of all contents said to be in wallet as well as an description of wallet. Victim will notify NYPD on there own.
Criminal Mischief- Tenant reports peanut butter and cream was smudged on her door, her son took pictures and cleaned it up. PSD responded a search of area made all appeared in order.
Fallen Tree- While on patrol PSD observed a tree in Southgate had fallen blocking the mobile and pedestrian walkway. Tree fell and crushed chain link fence, and snapped the electrical line supplying lighting to fence. RIOC Project Manager notified, gate of Southgate was locked and secured.
Noise Complaint- Resident reports while in hallway, four youth harassed him, causing him to fear his life. PSD responded, made a search of area all appeared in order.
Aided- Male not feeling well walked into PSD, PSD called EMS, aided was transported to hospital.
3/14/10-7:00 AM to 3/15/10-7:00 AM
Fallen Tree- At South Point park. PSD responded. No injuries. RIOC notified.
Domestic Dispute- Between Mother and daughter. PSD and NYPD responded and filed reports. No injuries.
Verbal Dispute- An argument between two people over a debt. PSD and NYPD responded. NYPD spoke to the reporter. No injuries.
Investigation-Unknown subject knocked on resident's apt door and left. PSD conducted a search with negative results. No damages.
Unsecured Apt- Tenant had recently moved out. PSD and UA responded. No one was in apt. UA to return and secure the apt.
Escort- Female resident requested PSD to escort adult son out of apt. Escort provided without incident.
Found Property- A wallet was found. It was secured in PSD. The owner retrieved the property.
Hazardous Condition- Numerous lights out on the east seawall. RIOC notified.
Aided- An ill person was taken to the hospital by EMS.
Trespass- Report of a party in a vacant apt. PSD responded and no one was inside. UA to return later and secure the apt.
Burglary- Tenant left door ajar to air out apt. Four male subjects entered and took several items then fled. PSD and NYPD responded and conducted a search with negative results. PSD and NYPD filed reports.
Assault- Adult female subject struck another adult female causing injuries. PSD arrested the subject.
3/15/10-7:00 AM to 3/16/10-7:00 AM
Investigation - A RIOC lock was bent, it was clipped and replaced.
Aided - An ill person was taken to the hospital by EMS.
Criminal Trespass - A male subject found in a vacant apt. PSD responded and arrested the subject.
Investigation - Three youths were throwing rocks. PSD escorted youths into PSD. The parents were notified. Youths released to the parents.
Lost Property - A wallet was lost near Sports park or on a RIOC bus. PSD notified RIOC personnel at Sports Park and the Mini Bus Garage. The wallet was not found.
Possible Illegal Substance - Resident reported an odor of what appeared to be marijuana. PSD responded and detected the odor. The source may be from a neighbor's apt. PSD filed a report.
3/16/10-7:00 AM to 3/17/10-7:00 AM
Found Property- A tan wallet was found. It was secured in PSD. Later the owner came and retrieved the wallet.
Missing Property- A youth left a scooter unattended and later returned to find it was missing. Parent notified. PSD conducted a search with negative results. NYPD refused.
Found Property- Identification, Credit card and medical card found and turned over to PSD. It was secured in PSD.
Arrest/Criminal Trespass/Disorderly Conduct/Harassment- Three subjects arrested by PSD.
3/17/10-7:00 AM to 3/18/10-7:00 AM
Graffiti- Graffiti on an apt door. PSD responded and conducted a search with negative results for subject. UA notified. NYPD refused.
Minor Vehicle Accident- A pedestrian accidently walked into a moving City Wide Ambulette vehicle. Aided fell. PSD and EMS responded. But aided refused transport to the hospital and refused NYPD.
Harassment- Subject inside the Thrift Store without authorization due to past incidents. Subject had left the premises. PSD filed a report.
0700 hrs 03/18/10 - 0700 hrs 03/19/10
Aided - PSD observed intoxicated male on sidewalk. EMS responded and transported aided to hospital.
Investigation - Tenant complained to PSD that a RIOC bus that was half full didn't stop for her. PSD notified bus supervisor.
Harassment - Female tenant notified PSD that a male resident was harassing her. Reporter stated it is an on going situation. NYPD refused. She will return to PSD after work for escort to her apartment.
Unsecured Apartment - Super notified PSD of a unsecured apartment. PSD responded and checked apartment. Tenant was home sleeping. Tenant was okay and apartment door was secured.
Found Property - PSD officer found a wallet on the street. Wallet was secured at PSD.
Lost Property - Owner reported to PSD that he lost money clip on RIOC bus. Bus supervisor was notified.
Unsecured Property - Owner came into PSD and stated that he left his bike unsecured in front of a store. PSD received an anonymous report of a youth taking the bike. PSD responded and spoke with youth's mother and bike was returned. Owner didn't want to press any charges.
Aided - Tenant was not feeling well and transported to hospital.
Investigation - Tenant reported to PSD that a young male set newspaper on fire in front of her door leaving carpet damaged. Matter will be referred to youth officer.
Fire Alarm/ Smoke Alarm - PSD responded to alarm. Tenant burnt food on the stove. No injuries or damages.
Spitting - PSD responded to disorderly male. Complainant stated that male subject spit at the door. Summons was issued to male subject.
Hazardous Condition - PSD responded to an apartment for someone throwing rocks off a terrace. PSD spoke to mother and she stated that her three year old son threw rocks while her back was turned. Mother will notify management to have rocks from terrace removed. No injuries were reported.
0700 hrs 3-19-2010 to 0700 hrs 3-20-2010
Property Damage PSD respond to tennis bubble. Manager reported piece of steel fell from bridge causing hole to roof.DOT notify,NYPD refused, workers are repairing whole.
Harassment- Female tenant walked into PSD to report her brother, who stays with their parents won't help around apartment, and throws object around. PSD responded spoke with both parties, NYPD refused.
Aided- PSD responded to apartment for elderly tenant in need of assistance. Upon arrival a senior needed help with a box in her apartment. PSD assisted tenant and secured door.
Hazardous Condition- Youth on the west seawall, climbed the railing, walking on rocks, PSD responded, removed youth escorted them to PSD, youth released to parents.
Escort- PSD escorted women to her apartment.
Aided- Tenant reports she is worried about her friend who is an elderly male not answering his phone, PSD responds doorman reports tenant doesn't get home until later.
Found Property- PSD found property and secured property.
Investigation- PSD observed cigarette buds and smelled illegal substance in area, search of area made with negative results.
Criminal Mischief- RIOC bus driver observed youth turnover a soda machine at the tennis courts, she notified PSD, PSD responded made search on island.
3/20/10-7:00 AM to 3/21/10-7:00 AM
Aided- An intoxicated female. PSD and EMS responded. Aided taken to the hospital by EMS.
Aided- An ill person was taken to the hospital by EMS.
Aided- An ill person was taken to the hospital by EMS.
Alcohol Open Container& Poss of Alcohol by a Minor- PSD arrested the subject.
Noise Complaint- Party in an apt. PSD responded and requested music be lowered. Music was lowered.
Investigation- Involving a youth. PSD responded and conducted an investigation. NYPD assisted and provided input on the matter.
Aided- An ill person was taken to the hospital by EMS.
Urinating in Public- Subject was issued a summons by PSD.
Verbal Dispute- In a building at a party. PSD responded. No injuries and no property damage. Guests left party. NYPD was refused.
3/21/10-7:00 AM to 3/22/10-7:00 AM
Littering- Male subject in RIOC Bus spilled debris and exited the bus. PSD responded and conducted a search with negative results.
Aided- An ill person was taken to the hospital by EMS.
Disorderly Conduct/Cursing/Obstructing Pedestrian Traffic- Youth fled. PSD notified guardian. Youth officer will speak with guardian.
Disorderly Conduct- 3 male youths threw pieces of dirt at passing vehicles. Youths fled. PSD responded and conducted a search with negative results. Youth officer will speak with guardian.
Found Property- Resident dropped off found property at PSD. Property secured in PSD. Owner retrieved the property.
Aided- MTA worker fell while working. PSD and MTA Supervisor responded. Aided was transported to the hospital.
Unsecured Premises- PSD responded and conducted a search with negative results. PSD secured the building and notified RIOC personnel.
When: Sunday, March 28th 1:30pm: 2- 4 year olds 2:30pm: 5- 12 year olds
Where: Blackwell Park -500 Main Street
Join RIOC staff and island volunteers for food, games and fun at a great family weekend event. Children can visit with the Easter Bunny and hunt for eggs hidden around Blackwell Park. Special Golden and Silver eggs can be exchanged for treats at stations located in each age group designated area. Be sure to stop by Riverwalk Bar and Grill on Saturday, March 27th at 2pm for a Community Egg Dyeing extravaganza. Both are free events.
Photo Ops with the Easter Bunny for families participating in the Easter Egg festivities.
Saturday was a very nice day for browsing and buying at the Roosevelt Island PS/IS 217 PTA Book Fair as parents were raising funds for various student and teacher programs.
More information on fundraising or volunteering at PS/IS 217 is available here.
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.
