Report From RIOC President Charlene Indelicato, We Will Get Things Done She Says - Roosevelt Island 2014 Public Purpose Funds Applications Available, Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony Coming Up, Cultural Center Renovation, Southtown Construction, Sportspark Classes & More

RIOC President Indelicato Report To November 7 RIOC Board Of Directors Meeting

Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) President Charlene Indelicato sends the following report to the community.

The weather is turning colder, and construction is proceeding briskly on Roosevelt Island. The Halloween Parade was a huge success, but now we are looking forward to the next big Island event – the annual Tree Lighting Ceremony. It’s also the season to apply for the 2014-2015 Public Purpose Funds – non-profit groups with plans to improve life on the Island should take advantage of the opportunity and submit an application.

Public Purpose Grants

Application materials for the 2014-2015 Public Purpose Funds are now available online. Every year, Public Purpose Funds are allocated for programs that benefit Roosevelt Island residents by providing educational, artistic and cultural enrichment, improved health or a better environment. This year, the application form has been revised to be more user-friendly and easier to read. Roosevelt Island not-for-profit groups who are looking for additional funding are encouraged to apply.

Southtown Construction

Construction at the site of Southtown’s future Building 7 is underway. On the nights of November 11 and 12, Hudson/Related will be performing municipal infrastructure work involving the sewer system. As noted previously, the team will be working with the septic system and workers will be wearing protective gear – this is not a cause for alarm as it is just a precautionary measure against personal contact with septic materials.

Construction on Roosevelt Island Cultural Center

The Roosevelt Island Cultural Center was severely water damaged last year by flooding before and during Hurricane Sandy. RIOC is currently working diligently to restore the Center to active community use. The damage and debris has been cleared, work on the construction plans and specifications should be completed within the month. Once the plans are complete, a formal Request For Proposals will be issued. By January 15, 2014, final bids will be received and RIOC can begin the selection process. The contract to complete the necessary construction will be awarded in the month of February; renovation is expected to be completed by the end of summer 2014.

Our main priorities for the renovation of the Cultural Center are to restore the space for community use and to prevent water damage in the future. We know that the Center is an important space on Roosevelt Island, and RIOC is working hard to make sure that the work is conducted accordingly.

Halloween Parade

A huge crowd showed up to check out the costumes, floats, games and rides at last week’s annual Halloween Extravaganza, sponsored by Urban American with support from RIOC and the R.I. Youth Program. You can view photos of the event on our Facebook page: www.facebook.com/RIOCNY . Many thanks go out to those who helped make the Halloween Parade such a great success, including the staff of Urban American, RIOC, the R.I. Youth Program and of course, to the residents who came out to show off their costumes!

Tree Lighting Event

Save the date – Roosevelt Island’s annual Tree Lighting Ceremony will be taking place on Friday December 6, 7 PM at Blackwell Plaza. We invite you to come out with your friends and family to listen to Island performers, watch the lights twinkle, and even have a photo op with Santa! Join in the fun and catch some holiday spirit.

New Classes Open at Sportspark

Sportspark is now offering three yoga classes per week at 250 Main Street! Beginner level classes take place at 7 AM on Wednesday mornings; Open Level classes take place on Thursdays at 6 PM and Saturdays at 12 PM. Beginner level classes are suitable for those with little to no yoga experience, while Open Level will include more advanced techniques. If you are unsure about your level of experience, do not worry – all levels are welcome in every class. The fee is $5 per one-hour class. For more information, contact Eddie Perez at Eddie.Perez@rioc.ny.gov or call 212-832-4569. We’ll see you there!

Mommy & Me Water Safety Classes have resumed at the Sportspark Pool. There are still spaces available for parents and children in all time slots; we encourage you to sign up for these fun and educational classes. Registration will remain open until all spaces are filled, so contact Eddie Perez at Eddie.Perez@rioc.ny.gov or call (212) 832-4540 for more information! Dates and times are available online at rioc.ny.gov/MAMClass.htm .

Contacting RIOC

If you’re looking to contact RIOC, there are a variety of ways to get in touch. RIOC’s Facebook page offers a contact form for you to submit questions, comments, or concerns. You can also visit our page for event photos, announcements, news and more at www.facebook.com/RIOCNY . As always, you may also send an email to information@rioc.ny.gov or you may call the office at (212) 832-4540. workers