Update On Roosevelt Island East River Kayaking And Rowing Facility - RIOC Decides To Issue Expedited Request For Proposals During Real Estate Committee Meeting Yesterday

The Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Real Estate Committee met yesterday (audio webcast of full meeting here) to discuss the NY Rowing Association proposal to establish a seasonal rowing and kayaking facility beneath the Queensboro Bridge just south of the Oil Dock Pier facing Queens. The subject had first been discussed at the March 21 Operations Committee meeting in which the RIOC Board Directors present expressed approval for the concept but asked for additional information prior to giving approval.

During yesterday's Real Estate Committee meeting, the RIOC Board Directors reported reservations that safety concerns from objects falling from the Queensboro Bridge on to the proposed boating facility and the strong East River currents have not yet been adequately addressed. Another concern was that other NYC kayaking and rowing groups should be given the opportunity to express interest in a Roosevelt Island facility.

The RIOC Real Estate Committee decided to issue an expedited Request For Proposals for interested parties to operate a seasonal rowing and kayaking boating facility near the Oil Dock Pier.

Here's the full discussion.



No mention was made during the discussion of RIOC Director Sal Ferrera's undisclosed membership on the New York Rowing Association Board of Trustees or that the NY Rowing Association official making presentation to RIOC was a member of the Child School's Board of Directors in which Mr. Ferrera is the Executive Director.

Also, during the meeting I asked for an explanation regarding the dispute between the NY Rowing Association and its former location at the Peter Sharp Boathouse but received no answer.

Following this Agenda Item, the RIOC Real Estate Committee went into Executive Session, meaning it was closed to the public, to discuss the privatization and ground lease extension for Island House.