Report From Acting RIOC President Don Lewis - Roosevelt Island Cultural Center Renovation, Lighthouse Park Electrical Repairs, Steam Plant Request For Interest, Tennis Permits & More

 Image Of Acting RIOC President Don Lewis From RIOC

Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Acting President Don Lewis sends the following report to Roosevelt Island residents.

In connection with our diligent efforts to ensure that Roosevelt Island’s infrastructure and public facilities are well maintained, below is an update on certain projects throughout Island. This week’s column concludes with news for tennis players who are undoubtedly looking forward to warmer weather.

Tram Enclosure Project

As part of our ongoing Tram Enclosure Project, we intend to repair and refinish floors at both Tram stations. We cannot, however, proceed until the temperature is consistently above 40 degrees, including the overnight hours. We hope to be able to commence this work by late April or early May.

Good Shepherd Community Center

This spring our contractor will recommence and complete its work at the Good Shepherd Community Center, including repointing the masonry facade and restoring the cupola. We share the community’s delight at the beautiful new slate shingle roof that was installed during the project’s earlier phase. We look forward to the finished product once this final phase is completed.

Z-Brick Reparations

In connection with repairs to roadways, sidewalks and pathways that RIOC undertakes on an as-needed basis, we intend to repair certain Z-bricks in the beginning of the spring. We are aware that the Z-bricks are cherished by many residents and look forward proceeding with this project.

Cultural Center Renovations

The demolition phase of the Cultural Center wrapped up on February 22. We have a hired an architect who will soon get started on restoring this vital community space. We are mindful of the importance and historical significance of this community space, and will continue to work diligently to ensure that the Cultural Center is restored as soon as possible.

Tennis Permits

Tennis permits for the new season will be available on the RIOC website beginning on March 18. Members who held onto their permits from last year need not come in for a new card; instead they can simply pay for this year and their card will automatically be updated.

Below is report from Mr. Lewis to the February 28 RIOC Board of Directors Meeting. Mr. Lewis reported that the Steam Plant will be decommissioned in the near future and RIOC will be issuing a Request For Expressions Of Interest regarding its future use in the next couple of weeks. Mr. Lewis also noted that repairs to electric cables damaged by Hurricane Sandy in Lighthouse Park will be completed later this spring. Hopefully, Lighthouse Park, which has been closed since last November, will then re-open.