Saturday, March 10, 2012

Daylight Savings Time Starts 2 AM Sunday March 11 - Clock Springs Forward To 3 AM, Why?

Remember to move your clock forward one hour before going to sleep tonight.

Here's why. Rachel Maddow helps explain Daylight Savings Time.


You Tube Video of 2010 Rachel Maddow Show Explaining Daylight Savings Time

Report From RIOC President Leslie Torres - RIOC Employees Save East River Jumper, Cornell Begins Environmental Review, Quebec Transport Minister Visits Tram and Women's History Month Performance


You Tube Video Of Deputy Mayor Robert Steele Presentation on Roosevelt Island Cornell Project at March 7 Long Island City Partnership

Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) President Lesie Torres sends the following report to Roosevelt Island residents.

I open this week’s column with the story of how RIOC Public Safety Department Officers and groundskeepers saved the life of a man who had jumped into the East River last week.

On the afternoon of February 27, groundskeeper Jamal Perry was sweeping near the Tramway Plaza, when he saw a jacket on the ground that didn’t belong to anyone nearby. He investigated further and spotted a man in the river. Perry notified PSD, which had just received a call about the jumper. PSD immediately dispatched officers Julio Jimenez and Jonathan Martinez. Jimenez threw the man a Life Ring and held a rope that Martinez clung to as he bravely climbed the Seawall onto the rip-wrap and pulled the man to safety. Perry and fellow groundskeeper Nelson Soltren helped pull him back over the Seawall, where Martinez, a certified EMT, attended to the man, who fortunately sustained no major injuries.

“I was just glad I was there to see the jacket,” said Perry. “I love this community and I would do anything to help.”

NYPD and FDNY personnel arrived a few minutes after the man was rescued to treat him and transport him to Mt. Sinai Hospital.

“It didn’t actually hit me until I was on my way home that night that we had actually saved a man’s life,” Martinez said.

It was a great example of bravery, selflessness and teamwork by RIOC personnel. The PSD Officers will be honored at this year's Commendation Ceremony in May.

Cornell Project Takes Another Step Forward

At the March 1, 2012 RIOC Board Meeting, a resolution giving Cornell the green light to move to the next phase was unanimously approved.

The City and State can now move forward with the required land and environmental reviews.

Quebec’s Minister of Transport Visits Tram

Last Saturday RIOC was honored to host a delegation from the Quebec government, headed by Minister of Transport Pierre Moreau. Quebec’s largest city, Montreal, is exploring the idea of building a tram of their own, so naturally they came to Roosevelt Island to see first-hand how a tram can thrive in an urban setting. RIOC’s Vice President for Operations Fernando Martinez and Leitner Poma of America representatives Armando Cordova and Jon Mauch were on-site to welcome our Canadian friends and lead them on a tour of our tram facility. Afterwards, Moreau and his team said they were impressed by our system and operation, which showed them that a tram can be an economical, efficient and environmentally friendly public transportation option. It’s gratifying whenever other global cities look to Roosevelt Island to learn about the innovations we’ve made that enhance urban living.

Women’s History Month Event

In honor of Women’s History Month, we would like to invite you to a two-woman performance Dr. May Edward Chinn, a play about the doctor’s remarkable life. Dr. Chinn was a pioneer in cervical cancer studies and aided in the development of the Pap smear test. She broke barriers, being the first African-American woman to graduate from Bellevue Hospital Medical College and the first to intern at Harlem Hospital. The play was originally produced by the Richard Allen Center for Culture and Art.

There are two performances at the Main Street Theater & Dance Alliance – Saturday, March 10 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, March 11 at 3 p.m. Space is limited. Please RSVP by calling 212-832-4540.
More on the East River rescue incident from this previous post.

Friday, March 9, 2012

Roosevelt Island Film Shoot At Motorgate Garage This Evening From 5 PM To Midnight - Is It Untitled Roland Emmerich Pilot?

Image From Upcoming Movies (Not Taken On Roosevelt Island)

Just received this advisory from the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC):
Please be advised there will be a film shoot this evening, Friday March 9th, at Motorgate Parking Garage from 5:00 p.m. to midnight. Traffic and the ability to park will not be affected.
Anybody know what the film shoot is? According to On Location Vacation, today:
The Untitled Roland Emmerich Pilot is filming at Coler-Goldwater Hospital on Roosevelt Island.
Received confirmation that it is untitled pilot for ABC

Roosevelt Island Residents Association (RIRA) March Public Safety Committee Report - Vertical and Hot Spot Officer Patrols, Traffic Control, Parking Enforcement, Public Information Lacking and PS Officer Traffic Accident Not Result Of Texting Says Director

Image of January 11 Accident Involving Public Safety Vehicle In Front Of PS/IS 217

Below is the March 2012 Roosevelt Island Residents Association (RIRA) Public Safety Committee Report:
Updates:

Committee Chair reported to members in attendance the following: An email dialogue between the PS Chair and Director Guerra provided the following information:

Chair requested the statistics on the number of vertical patrols conducted in the WIRE buildings. Director Guerra responded: “Last year, our Officers conducted a total of 11,200 Vertical Patrols (which comes to a little over 30 per day). The breakdown by building complex is as follows: 8840 in Roosevelt Landings; 962 in Westview; 835 in Island House; 563 in Rivercross.”

In my last meeting Director Guerra had informed me about the strategy of posting officers in “hot spots” in the buildings, in addition to conducting vertical patrols, as a deterrent to crime. Responding to my inquiries if this strategy was working to lessen crime in the buildings Director Guerra responded: “Yes. Coverage in the Hot Spots has resulted in the reduction of crime in the buildings.”

Addressing the committee’s concerns that this strategy might affect the number of vertical patrols, Director Guerra responded: “Vertical Patrols will not be affected by special condition posts. We are doing both.”

In response to the Chair’s inquiries concerning the resignation of any Public Safety Officers, Director Guerra reported: “Officer Rivera has been hired by the NYC Department of Corrections. Officer Moretta was hired by the FDNY.”

I reported to Director Guerra that a committee member had recently informed me that on Saturdays the Officer who was providing coverage at the bottom of the ramp was no longer directing traffic. He stated that instead of directing traffic he was remaining inside the vehicle. I asked if this recent behavior reflected a conscious switch in strategy? Director Guerra responded “No. The Officer will still assist with Vehicular and Pedestrian Traffic at the intersection & crosswalk.” I was also assured that there was no plan to change back to the strategy when the Officer’s assigned to this post remained in their vehicles with their lights on.

When I asked for further information about the accident that involved a PS vehicle and two pedestrian’s cars, in front of 217, Director Guerra reported the following: “It was an accident, caused by the driver's inattention. The officer was observing a stumbling man across the street while the vehicle was still moving, not texting as some had assumed.”

During the meeting on 2/21/12 the committee also discussed the following initiatives:

Vertical Patrols: Members reported that the visibility of Officers in the buildings conducting vertical patrols varies. Chair noted Officer visibility on the 6th floor crossover, Roosevelt Landing representative reported less Officer visibility then in previous months, the Senior building representative noted that P.S.O. continue have a strong presence in her building, and River Cross members stated they have seen them on patrol on occasion.

Traffic Control: One member noted that in poor weather the Officer posted on Saturdays does not direct traffic, rather sits in the car. Committee members were still concerned with individuals running the stop signs and suggested that perhaps Public Safety should pick a day, randomly, and monitor this area with the intention of giving out moving violations. Again members expressed their concern with the signage on the Island ie: the stop signs that are also yield signs and questioned if RIOC had in fact had a professional come out to look at this situation. A RIOC Board member who was present thought that they had but stated he would follow up on this issue.

Parking enforcement: Our South Town members reflected that there has been an increase in the exceptions given to certain cars at South Town. He mentioned that there is one vehicle owner who comes early in the morning and parks, placing a business card on their dashboard, and remains there throughout the day, without getting a ticket. At the end of the day the car is moved. The Committee member also reported that on the East side of South Town it is worse then ever as far as cars remaining there all day without getting ticketed.

New business: A community members spoke on their concern that RIOC is not forth coming with any information as it relates to the criminal activities on the Island. They stated that in their experience they note a new reluctance to give out any details of criminal activities or arrests on Roosevelt Island. One committee member stated that they would look into this concern.

Next Meeting scheduled for 3/20/12 @ 7:30pm in the Senior Center
Here's more on the Traffic accident involving Public Safety Officer and a possible look at how some other communities handle traffic issues with speed bumps.


You Tube Video of Speed Bump

Rare Look Inside Eerie Crumbling Remains Of Roosevelt Island's Renwick Ruins Smallpox Hospital With Travel Channel's Off Limits

Image of Renwick Ruin Smallpox Hospital From Olya's Urban Journal

Reported last April on Travel Channel's Off Limits program visiting Roosevelt Island's Renwick Ruins Smallpox Hospital with Roosevelt Island Historical Society (RIHS) President Judy Berdy. Here the segment that appeared last spring.


According to the RIHS:
... The original Smallpox Hospital – without the north and south wings which are later additions — was built in 1854-56 and designed by James Renwick, Jr. It was first opened for public inspection on December 18, 1856. When the old buildings were destroyed by fire, patients had to be transferred to the new hospital which was not yet completely ready. Nevertheless, the Resident Physician, William Sanger, reported that the new building was “admirable,” and opinion also voiced by the professional staff during the following years. The Smallpox Hospital accommodated one hundred patients with charity cases in wards on the lower floors and a series of private rooms a the upper stories for paying patients. In 1875 the Board of Health assumed control of the Smallpox Hospital which had previously been administered by the Commission of Charities and Correction and was converted to a Home for the Nurses and the Maternity and Charity Hospital Training School. This school, established in 1875, was associated with Charity Hospital (later City Hospital), located just north of the Smallpox Hospital. As the training program expanded, a residence for the student nurses became necessary. The Smallpox Hospital became available for this purpose after a new hospital for the treatment of smallpox and other contagious diseases was built on North Brothers Island. this also had the effect of reducing the danger of the spread of the disease to the Blackwell’s Island population, which by the end of the century numbered some seven thousand....
You can't get the inside tour of the Renwick Ruins Smallpox Hospital that the folks from Off Limits received but you can get close up to it at Roosevelt Island's new Southpoint Park recently reopened last summer.


More on Renwick Ruins Smallpox Hospital and recently restored Southpoint Park.

Hiring Under Way For Roosevelt Island Cornell NYC Tech Applied Sciences & Engineering School - Administrative Director Being Sought To Get In On Ground Floor Of Building New Campus, Thousands Of More Jobs Comings Says Mayor Bloomberg


Would you like to work at Cornell's new Roosevelt Island Applied Sciences and Engineering School? If so, there is a position currently available as the Administrative Director of Cornell NYC Tech. Here's an excerpt of the job notice from Higher Ed Jobs:
...Join our CornellNYC tech campus team

And help Shape the future in New York City

Cornell University is not only a great place for learning and innovation, it s a great place to work. Our open and inclusive culture attracts a talented community of scholars, students and staff from all over the globe. Being a Cornellian is about having a passion for innovation, challenging yourself and contributing in ways that will shape the future. Do you have what it takes to be the Administrative Director at our new CornellNYC tech campus?

Why CornellNYC?
Get in on the ground floor at a tech campus that will change the way the world thinks about New York City s tech sector and about Cornell University. The CornellNYC Tech Campus will drive technological innovation by graduating highly talented professionals who are savvy in both the technical and business aspects of starting and growing companies. The campus s entrepreneurial spirit and rapid growth make this a unique opportunity to be a part of a team that is driving change.

CornellNYC tech will be an integral part of Cornell University through the sharing of knowledge and collaboration between the campuses. Founded in 1865, Cornell continues to thrive in beautiful Ithaca, N.Y., where 20,000 students are taught by an internationally acclaimed faculty. Cornell is already a proud part of New York City, with its outstanding Weill Cornell Medical College in the Upper East Side of Manhattan and numerous academic programs located in the city.

*This position is based in New York City. The CornellNYC Tech campus, home of the Technion-Cornell Innovation Institute will be located on Roosevelt Island, with groundbreaking expected by 2015. The campus will be housed at a temporary New York City location until the move to Roosevelt Island.

Key Responsibilities
The first incumbent in this role will have the unique opportunity to establish new core operational practices and will be a leader in the delivery of all administrative services to support the campus.

Oversee all fiscal operations of the campus, including planning, budgeting, compliance, systems implementation and reporting for capital, operational, and fund management.

Administer human resources services, practices, and policies in partnership with campus leaders to recruit, engage and support research and performance excellence for faculty and staff.

Deliver and manage an efficient and compliant pre- and post-award administrative process for sponsored programs.

Oversee the maintenance and use of physical space and directly supervise facilities staff.

Manage relationships with information technology service providers for seamless connectivity.

Play a leadership role in strategic planning for the campus and participate in University committees that influence and impact organization-wide policies and practices.

Benefits

A competitive salary and generous benefits that include: Health and pension benefits, Employee Tuition Assistance, Adoption Assistance, Childcare Grant support, and more...
Click here for entire job listing and here for the notice and application from Cornell.

Good Luck.

More jobs will be coming. According to Mayor Bloomberg:
... The campus alone will help create up to 20,000 construction jobs and up to 8,000 permanent jobs. More importantly, the campus is expected to generate nearly 600 spin-off companies over the projection period – projected to create up to an additional 30,000 permanent jobs....

Thursday, March 8, 2012

Celebrate Women's History Month At The Roosevelt Island Main Street Theater With Performance About Pioneer Female Cancer Dr. May Edward Chinn


Received the following message from the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC):
In honor of Women’s History Month, you are invited to a two women performance of the life of Dr. May Edward Chinn. Dr. Chinn was a pioneer in cervical cancer studies and aided in the development of the Pap smear test. Dr. Chinn broke barriers, being the first African-American woman to graduate from Bellevue Hospital Medical College and the first to intern at Harlem Hospital.

At the Main Street Theater & Dance Alliance Saturday, March 10th at 7:30 PM & Sunday, March 11th at 3 PM as we honor this remarkable woman in a play originally produced by the Richard Allen Center for Culture and Art.

Space is limited. Please RSVP by calling (212) 832-4540.
More on Dr. Chin from Harlem World.

Roosevelt Island Business Networking Group Being Formed - First Meeting 7:30 AM Tuesday March 13 Breakfast At Riverwalk Bar & Grill


Received the following announcement from a new Roosevelt Island organization - the Roosevelt Island Business Networking Group:
Roosevelt Islanders operate a wide range of businesses from their home offices, ranging from online publishing and marketing communications, to financial advisor and graphic design.

In an initiative to connect these solo practitioners to each other, promote cross-selling of services and build a business-friendly neighborhood, Manhattan Park resident Tom JJ Wood is organizing the Roosevelt Island Business Networking Group.

"Many small business owners participate in networking groups as a way to generate leads. Others want to find solutions to marketing issues particular to their community. And some simply want to get away from their solo practice and mingle with peers," said Wood. "The Roosevelt Island Business Networking Group will provide a venue primarily for residents who operate a home-based business, and those work in a career where it’s always good to meet people," he added.

The first meeting will be held on Tuesday, March 13th, at 7:30 am at Riverwalk Bar and Grill, 425 Main Street. Breakfast items will be served and coffee will be provided by Jonathan Hoo of Riverwalk Bar & Grill. The event will feature a business card exchange and a steering committee will plan future gatherings.

"Tom and I are members of the LinkedIn group of Roosevelt Islanders," said Janet Falk, of Southtown. "When we met and spoke about his work as a financial planner and insurance specialist, and mine as a Public Relations consultant, we realized there are many Islanders who operate small businesses and would benefit from a local networking group."

Island residents who operate home-based or solo practitioner businesses are welcome to attend the March 13th event. To RSVP or request more information, please contact Tom Wood at thomas_wood@natfin.net.
Sounds like a good idea.

Will NY Governor Andrew Cuomo Respect Call For Roosevelt Island Democracy By Appointing Elected Residents To RIOC Board? Elected Officials Maloney, Lappin, Serrano & Kellner Urge His Support For Democracy


You Tube Video Of Counting The RIOC Board Director Nominee Election Vote

As previously reported:
Roosevelt Island residents Jonathan Kalkin, Howard Polivy and Fay Christian were the three top vote getters in the February 7 RIOC Board of Director Nominee election....
The next step is for Governor Cuomo and Mayor Bloomberg to appoint the three Roosevelt Island elected resident nominees to the expired seats on the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Board Of Directors. Showing their support for the elected RIOC Board nominee candidates, Roosevelt Island elected officials Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney, NYC Council Member Jessica Lappin, State Senator Jose Serrano and Assembly Member Micah Kellner sent the following letter to Governor Cuomo urging their appointment.
Dear Governor Cuomo,

We are writing to you as the local elected officials who represent Roosevelt Island. As you know, Roosevelt Island is governed by the Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation (RIOC). RIOC is a public benefit corporation whose board members are appointed by you as governor. For many years residents have sought a greater voice in determining the future of their island home.

In response to these calls, the Roosevelt Island Residents Association (RIRA) began holding island-wide elections to recommend residents’ choices for filling RIOC seats. Since 2007, both Governors Spitzer and Paterson chose board members from groups of nominees presented to them as the winners of popular elections. However, last year a member was appointed to the board without the consultation of local residents or elected officials.

The most recent election was held on February 7, 2012. Residents cast ballots for three vacant spots; the top candidates were Jonathan Kalkin, Howard Polivy, and Fay Christian. We applaud the results of this recommendation as an example of democracy in action. The residents have selected nominees who represent Roosevelt Island’s diversity and activism.

RIOC makes important decisions about the day-to-day lives of our constituents, and will play a key role as the city’s new applied sciences and engineering campus is constructed on Roosevelt Island. Residents deserve a voice in choosing who will represent them on the board.

While we know that you are not legally bound by the election results, we request that after vetting by your staff, you appoint the three winning candidates to the RIOC Board of Directors so, as set out by statue, they may be confirmed by the State Senate as soon as possible. Attached are the nominees’ resumes for your review.
Click here for the entire letter to Governor Cuomo from the Roosevelt Island Elected Officials.

Governor Cuomo's first back-room political patronage appointment to the RIOC Board of an unelected, non-resident with self professed very little knowledge about Roosevelt Island to the RIOC Board was a spit in the face to Roosevelt Island residents. Perhaps, this time will be different.

More information on the RIOC Board Nominee elections available from previous posts.

Problems With Roosevelt Island Manhattan Park Building Elevators Continue - 15 Minute Waits For Elevator Says Resident

 Image of 30 River Road Manhattan Park Elevator Bank from Mark Lyon

Reported last January on problems with Roosevelt Island Manhattan Park elevators at 20 River Road. According to a report earlier this week from a Manhattan Park 20 River Road resident, the elevator problems continue:
The elevators in 20 River Road are broken again...with no information saying when they would be fixed. After calling 311 to report this issue, I found out there are numerous other violations on this building. Grenadier Realty, you need to do your job. You keep raising the rents in times of economic hardship, your heaters and air-conditioners are so old and completely non-energy efficient that it makes the electric bills here insane. The equipment in the gyms is always broken, and now, in a 21 floor building, we should be expected to wait 15 minutes for an elevator or take the stairs? What about the disabled people or the elderly? Please, tenants of 20 River Road, take action! Just dial 311 and ask to make a complaint about an elevator - it takes two minutes of your time! We need to unite to get Grenadier to listen. Also, post/blog/tweet get the word out about this continuous mismanagement.
I asked Manhattan Park management on March 6 for a comment and will include as an update if and when they respond.

In response to the elevator problems reported on last January, Manhattan Park management issued this statement:
Dear Residents:

The safety of our tenants and their visitors are our primary concern at Manhattan Park. Building management responded immediately to assess the issue at 20 River Road and our elevator contractor and consultants are on site repairing the issue.

First and most important, we would like to ensure those living in and visiting Manhattan Park that the elevators’ safety systems are sound. We have, however, been experiencing issues with the dispatch control system. Although this issue in no way compromises rider safety, we are working as expeditiously as possible to address it and limit any inconvenience it causes.

We have distributed flyers throughout the building informing our tenants of the issue.

In addition to the repairs made in the short-term, we are planning a major rehabilitation to the elevator systems at all of the buildings in Manhattan Park. We expect to begin work later this year.

We regret any inconvenience the elevator system at 20 River Road has caused and encourage our tenants to reach out to building management with any questions or concerns.

Sincerely,
During January Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Board of Directors meeting, RIOC CFO Steve Chironis reported that Manhattan Park will be replacing their building elevators soon as well as the North Motorgate Parking Garage elevator.

Wednesday, March 7, 2012

Baseball's Back, Roosevelt Island Youth Program Baseball Little League Registration Now Open For Kids 6 to 16 -Adult Volunteers Needed To Coach and Manage Too


Baseball and the Roosevelt Island Boys of Summer will soon be back. Received the following message from Roosevelt Island Youth Program:

Roosevelt Island Little League Team Warming Up In 2010
Roosevelt Island Youth Program Inc Baseball Registration 2012

It’s Time for Baseball and We Want You to join us again.  We are sorry, but due to Insurance Issues and Little League rules your child must be 6 before May 2nd, 2012 and cannot turn 16 before May 2nd 2012 to be able to play.

We will have 3 Divisions, Tee Ball, Minors, Majors and we hope to have at least one senior team (14-16years of age) this year, but the number of teams will depend on registration (registration closes Saturday March 31st 2012) and the Number of Volunteers we have for the Season.

We need Parents and Family members to volunteer to Coach or Manage at every level, we need your help to continue this very successful program (30th Season) for the Roosevelt Islands Youth. It is impossible to continue this program without your help, so please call Mr. Charles DeFino at 1-212-935-3646 between 9AM to 9PM, Monday to Friday and volunteer to help your children.
Here's the magic of baseball as explained by James Earl Jones in Field Of Dreams



and a mean Red Sox Fan Dad Making his Yankee Fan son cry.


You Tube Video of Red Sox Dad Making Yankee Fan Son Cry

Boo Red Sox!!

Roosevelt Island Residents Association Meeting Tonight 8 PM Good Shepherd Community Center - Come Learn More About Main Street Stores, Duane Reade Pharmacy Problems, New Library Funding & More - State Senator Jose Serrano Constituent Office Hours Today 4 - 7 PM

 Roosevelt Island Main Street Store Premises For Lease

The Roosevelt Island Residents Association (RIRA) will be meeting later today, 8 PM at the Good Shepherd Community Center (543 Main Street). As always, prior to the start of each meeting there is a public session in which residents can come and address the Common Council Delegates on any issue of concern. Below is the Agenda:
Date: Wednesday, March 7, 2012

Time: 8:00 P.M. - Finish

Place: Chapel of the Good Shepherd, 543 Main Street

1. Public Session (8:00)

2. Roll Call (8:15)

X 3. Approval of Agenda (8:20)

X 4. Approval of Minutes– February 1, 2012 (8:25)

5. Treasurer’s Report (8:30)

6. President's Report (8:35)

7. Committees (8:50)

Planning/SCRC sub-committee

Public Safety

Social, Cultural and Educational Services

Communications

Government Relations/MTG sub-committee

Housing

Constitution Committee

Island Services

8. Old Business (9:50)

9. New Business (9:55)

10. Adjourn

X Agenda items requiring action

Next Meeting:April 4, 2012 (Mailing Deadline: March 30, 2012)
Below is the RIRA Island Services Committee (ISC) report to the March RIRA Meeting. Issues the ISC plan to address are the Main Street Stores, problems with the Duane Reade pharmacy, funding for future Roosevelt Island library and more.
RIRA – ISLAND SERVICES COMMITTEE (ISC) REPORT TO COMMON COUNCIL MEETING, 3/7/12

The ISC met 3/1/12.

Our principal business was to organize and get functioning the new RIRA sponsored Advisory Committee – Main St. Retail Stores (AC-MSRS): o Initial membership totals 17 people representing Retail Stores and Commercial interests, Non-Profit organizations, RIRA officers and Common Council representatives, and RI residents.

o The AC-MSRS accepted the proposed Mission (see attachment). Mission might be changed somewhat after the AC is fully functioning.
o Fred Plastino will be the interim Chair. At the first meeting of the AC, a permanent chair will be elected.
o The AC-MSRS expects to meet on their own later in March, probably during the weeks of 3/19 or 3/26.

Meanwhile, we are awaiting a Hudson-Related announcement on the first stores (5 or 6) that will be granted leases.

Full-Services Pharmacy on RI

This is a new issue which ISC will pursue. In summary, RI no longer has a full-services pharmacy. Duane Reade will not accept prescriptions managed by Express Script drug plans. Soon this may be extended to Medco plans as Express Scripts is trying to acquire Medco. In addition, DR will no longer deliver. Gristedes will accept prescriptions from all plans and will deliver (but only to pre-registered customers). However, Gristedes maintains a limited variety of drugs in the store. So, many customers have to wait one or two days for the particular drug(s) to be delivered to the store.

We will initially attack this problem by dealing with Hudson-Related, the controllers of the leases for both Duane Reade and Gristedes.

New Public Library

Jessica Lappin has informed us that New York City will contribute $1 million toward the new Public Library at the 504 Main St. site. Also, RIOC has promised $750 thousand. Combined with the $300 thousand grant from Se. Serrano, we will have over $2 million for the project. Total cost of the project is expected to be $8-10 million. Most of the balance of funds needed will have to come from the New York Public Library.

Other Updates o Cornell wants an additional 2.6 acres of land at their site to extend their boundaries to include the sidewalks around the site. RIOC and Cornell are expected to begin negotiations on this proposal.

o Tram – Renovations of both stations are expected to begin later in March or in early April.
Roosevelt Island State Senator Jose Serrano's staff will also be holding their monthly constituent office hours today.

Senator Serrano's Roosevelt Island Constituent Hours! 
Serrano Roosevelt Island Constituent Hours*
Wednesday, March 7, 2012  
4:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m.
591 Main Street 
Roosevelt Island, NY 10044 
  
Meet with Senator Serrano's staff to discuss any concerns or suggestions you may have to improve your community.

*Constituent Services are also available Monday through Friday, 9am-5pm, in Senator Serrano's District Office at 157 East 104th Street.
If you have any questions to ask Senator Serrano's staff or are in need of any assistance that may require the help of your elected representative stop on by RIOC HQ. Also, bring photocopies of any paperwork related to your situation so that the Serrano staff can effectively and efficiently address the issue.

Tuesday, March 6, 2012

New York City Camp Sing Auditions Come To Roosevelt Island's Main Street Theater & Dance Alliance March 25 and April 22



Received the following message from Roosevelt Island's Main Street Theater & Dance Alliance:
Camp Sing is a six day vocal training camp. Participants will gain invaluable experience in this unique environment as they foster their own personal talents and learn to work with and encourage their fellow campers. All of the performers will be put into GLEE teams on the first day of camp and compete as a team as well as a soloist. Camp Sing, shot in reality show style, culminates in a Solo and Glee team competition concert on Saturday night. Camp Sing will feature industry mentors who will work with the singers preparing them for the final night of exhilarating competition. The winning GLEE team will record their winning song and the winning soloist will record a single written specially for Camp Sing in a professional recording studio on the Sunday after camp. All levels are encouraged and must participate in a placement audition on one of the dates above.

NYC Auditions:
Location: 
Sunday, March 25, at 12pm Sunday, April 22, at 12pm
The Main Street Theatre & Dance Alliance 548 Main Street New York, N.Y. 10044
Call to Confirm Your Audition date:
(212)371-4449
Visit the Camp Sing website for more Information:
More information from this flyer provided by MST&DA below.



Learn more about Roosevelt Island's Main Street Theater & Dance Alliance.

Recent Roosevelt Island Public Safety Incidents - Metal Piece Above Roosevelt Landings 546 Main Street Entrance Falls And Hits Person, Another Person Arrested For Being In Park After Dark


Made the following inquiry to Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) yesterday:
The 3/3 - 3/4 Public Safety Reports notes that a person was hit by an object falling from above the entrance to 546 Main Street

Aided - At 546 Main Street. A metal piece above entrance door fell on aided causing pain. Aided removed to the hospital. UA notified.

Please provide additional details regarding this incident including time of day, what was the object that fell and the extent of injuries to the person

Also, this incident was reported for the same day.

Being in Park After Dark - Subject arrested by PSD.

Which park did this occur, what time and why was the person arrested rather than just being asked to leave.

Thank you.
Will update if and when a response is received.

Update On Possible Elimination Of Roosevelt Island Beacon After School Program Due To NYC Budget Cuts - City Council Budget Hearings On March 15, Show Your Support By Attending Or Submitting Written Testimony Says Council Member Jessica Lappin

Reported February 10 on the possibility that the Roosevelt Island After School Beacon Program for kids would be eliminated due to budget cuts:

I asked Roosevelt Island's NYC Council Member Jessica Lappin if Roosevelt Island's Beacon After School Program will be cut. Ms. Lappin's office replied:
The mayor proposed shutting seven Beacon programs in July 2012, including the one on Roosevelt Island. Council Member Lappin is against eliminating the Roosevelt Island program, and will fight to keep it open during budget negotiations this year.
Last week I sent the following inquiry to Ms. Lappin's office:
Just following up on status of Roosevelt Island Beacon Program.

I understand a document is being circulated by the Youth Alliance, which mentions a number of programs at risk due to their location and youth poverty levels which includes Roosevelt Island Beacon After School Program.

What is it about the Roosevelt Island Beacon Program location and youth poverty levels that puts the program in jeopardy of being eliminated?

Any other comment regarding the Roosevelt Island Beacon Program status?
Received this response from Ms. Lappin:
We don’t know for sure which Beacon programs would close. But based on past experience and the formula the city already using in allocating funds for other after school programming, it is fair to assume that the one on Roosevelt Island would be included.   For your information, the criteria included in the city’s formula include youth poverty levels, percentage of English language Learners, and the # of participants in state subsidized child care.

I am a firm supporter of the Beacon program in our community and have been talking to the Chair of the Youth Services Committee and the Finance Committee about saving our program on Roosevelt Island - and those in the rest of the city.

There will be a City Council budget hearing in the Youth Services Committee on March 15th at 10am at 250 Broadway on the 14th Floor.  Users of this program and other interested parties should come or submit testimony if possible.
According to the Queens Courier:
... The New York City Youth Alliance, a group of non-profits, compiled a list of 16 Beacon Programs potentially facing closure. Eight of these programs are located in Queens....
and:
... According to a representative from the mayor’s office, the possible closure of services such as the Beacon Program is attributable to “painful funding decisions.”

“We are committed to providing the quality programming on which so many rely, and will work within our means to continue to provide them,” said the representative, who alleged that the Department of Youth and Community Development (DYCD) will eliminate seven Beacon programs in the interest of saving approximately $2.1 million in the 2013 Fiscal Year.

DYCD has undergone measures to investigate the effectiveness of at-risk centers, analyzing population and socioeconomic data. This process has not yet been completed.
Click here for the entire Queens Courier article.

Some of the Roosevelt Island kids who use the PS/IS 217 Beacon program ask Don't Close Our Beacon.

Monday, March 5, 2012

Live Web Camera Feed From Roosevelt Island Tram Station - View What Is Happening Right Now


Want to know what is happening right now at the Roosevelt Island Tram Station? Visit RI Tram Web Station Live camera feed and find out.

According to the camera operator:
Have a better view? Email me and we can set up the camera at your place.
UPDATE 1/26/15 - The Roosevelt Island webcams are no longer working.

Sorry.

Roosevelt Island Town Hall Meeting On Gristedes Supermarket With Hudson Related's David Kramer and Gristedes Owner John Catsimatidis Scheduled For March 12 - First Tangible Benefit Of Main Street Retail Master Lease Agreement

Roosevelt Island Gristedes Image From Roosevelt Island 360

Here's the first tangible benefit of the Roosevelt Island Master Retail Leasehold Agreement with Hudson Related Companies. I spoke with Hudson Related principal David Kramer today who reports that a town Hall Meeting with Gristedes owner John Catsimatidis will take place on Monday March 12, 7 PM at the Good Shepherd Community Center.

This will be an opportunity for Roosevelt Island residents to tell the Gristedes owner what we would like to see happen with our local supermarket. So, come and ask questions, make comments and listen to what Mr. Catsimatidis has to say. Consider this Town Hall Meeting your chance to participate in a Roosevelt Island Gristedes Supermarket Customer Focus Group.

According to the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC)
Hudson/Related and Gristedes invite the community to a public meeting to get input and feedback in anticipation of Gristedes’ planned renovation and redesign of the Roosevelt Island supermarket.

Monday, March 12 at 7 PM at the Good Shepherd Community Center.
Here's what Roosevelt Island residents had to say about the Gristedes Supermarket at October 20, 2011 Main Street Retail Town Hall Meeting.

As to the remaining Main Street Retail Stores, Mr. Kramer said that he does not wish to make any announcements until leases are signed which has not yet occured.

Where To Donate Clothes On Roosevelt island? Any Suggestions? $100 Thousand Of Dell Computer Equipment With Assistive Patient Technology Donated To Coler Goldwater Hospital By Hank Carter's Wheelchair Charities


I received a question recently from a Roosevelt Island resident asking:
Do you know where can I donate clothes here in Roosevelt Island?
I replied:
Coler Hospital on the Northern end of the Island accepts donated clothes.

Here's some info on Coler clothes donation.

The Thrift store accepts donated clothes as well.
According to Angelica Patients Assistant Program at Roosevelt Island's Coler Hospital:
... If you would like to make a difference by donating goods for the patients and residents at Coler-Goldwater Hospital, we welcome in-kind donations.  These items would be greatly appreciated:  new or gently used clothing (especially comfortable leisure wear, sleepwear and undergarments), footwear, toiletries, laptops, iPods, DVD players, portable DVD players, DVD's, books and artwork.  Donations of food and beverages for special events would also be helpful....
Any other suggestions for donating clothes or other items?

Donations may be large or small. Here's an example of a large donation. A reader sent in this link to March 2012 NYC Health and Hospitals Corp newsletter describing a $100 thousand computer equipment donation to Coler Goldwater Hospital:

 Image From March 2012 HHC Today
Coler-Goldwater residents and patients who found it difficult to use computers or were not able to use them at all because of their disabilities will now be able to do so, thanks to the generosity of Hank Carter, Chairman and Founder of Wheelchairs Charities Inc. (WCI). Carter presented the patients and residents of the Coler-Goldwater Specialty Hospital and Nursing Facility with a $100,000 donation of 65 new Dell computers equipped with the latest in assistive technology that helps make life easier for people with disabilities. The computers have voice recognition, zoom-text, and a pointer device to facilitate use by quadriplegic individuals....
Click here for entire article.

More on Hank Carter, Wheelchair Charities and what will happen to Coler Goldwater Hospital with the arrival of Cornell Technion Engineering School to Roosevelt Island from earlier post.

UPDATE 8/6/15  - More on donations to the St Cabrini Thrift Shop here.

Sunday, March 4, 2012

Verdant Power President Trey Taylor Explains Roosevelt Island East River Turbine Energy Project - Did You Hear About The Windmill Energy Plan For Queensboro Bridge?


You Tube Video of Verdant Trey Taylor Interview at Renewable Energy World

More information on Verdant Power Roosevelt Island Tidal Energy Project and other Roosevelt Island energy issues at this previous post and let's not forget the possibility of NYC windmill power described in this earlier post about the Incredible Queensboro Bridge Wind Machine.