Report From RIOC President Charlene Indelicato - Roosevelt Island Tree Lighting Ceremony, 2014 Public Purpose Funds, Goldwater Patients Relocations, Construction Update & More

2012 Roosevelt Island Tree Lighting Ceremony At Blackwell Park

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

The holidays are upon us, and in celebration of the season RIOC will be hosting Roosevelt Island’s annual Tree Lighting Ceremony – more information is below. Despite the cold weather, many construction projects are going forward on the Island – work is taking place at the West Pier, Good Shepherd Community Center, 504 Main Street and the Motorgate Garage. RIOC would like to wish safe travels to those who are going to see family, as well as to those who are coming home to Roosevelt Island to be with their loved ones.

RIOC Advisories

Following the phone outage on Roosevelt Island this past week, we would like to encourage residents to sign up for our email advisory system. The advisories that RIOC sends include important updates on Island events, traffic diversions, Tram service, construction and other news that directly affect Roosevelt Island residents. In the event of an emergency, the advisories are the fastest way to get information directly from us. You can sign up online at http://rioc.ny.gov/advisorybody.htm or send an email to subscribe@rioc.ny.gov .

Tree Lighting

Roosevelt Island’s annual Tree Lighting Ceremony will be taking place at 7 p.m. on Friday, December 6 at Blackwell Plaza. This festive Island tradition celebrates the unique spirit that brings the community together. Performers from The Main Street Theater and Dance Alliance, The Child School, and Roosevelt Island Youth Program will sing holiday songs as we await the lighting of the tree. 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. Come join in the fun and festivities!

Holiday Train Show

This year, the New York Botanical Garden has included a replica of the Roosevelt Island Lighthouse in their annual Holiday Train Show! The Show is a cherished tradition that delights people of all ages. Marvel at the charming model trains and New York landmark replicas, stroll the spectacular grounds, break for lunch and hot chocolate in the Holiday Dining Pavilion, and shop for everyone on your list! A 30% discount has been offered to members of our community – if you would like to attend, you can get tickets at nybg.org and use discount code 9036.

Public Purpose Funds

As a reminder, the Public Purpose Funds application is now available online at http://rioc.ny.gov/grants.htm. The deadline for submissions is Friday, January 10, 2014 at 11:59 PM. All non-profit organizations on the Island that are in need of funding are encouraged to visit the webpage for more information or to apply.

Motorgate Garage

Work at the Motorgate Parking Garage is moving forward as renovation to the surface conditions and lighting continues. The project will be entering into sections 5B South, 6B North, 6C South, 6D South, and 6B South beginning in two weeks. Work in sections 4B North, 5B North, 5D, 5C, 6A North and 6A South for this portion of the project is expected to be completed by December 2, 2013, during which time these sections will be reopened to patrons for parking.

·       December 2, 2013 — December 16, 2013: Section 5B South.
·       December 16, 2013 — January 3, 2014: Section 6B North.
·       January 3, 2014 — January 17, 2014: Section 6C South.
·       January 17, 2014 — January 31, 2014: Section 6D South.
·       January 31, 2014 — February 14, 2014: Section 6B South.

We appreciate your cooperation and patience during this project.

Construction Updates

Repairs will soon be commencing at the West Pier – the contractor has been selected and will take the site next Tuesday, November 26, 2013. Work is expected to be completed in three to four months. The construction site will extend along the West side of the Island, from the Subway station to the second staircase leading from the promenade up toward the street. Signs and notices to redirect pedestrian traffic will be posted.

Restoration work will also be taking place at the Good Shepherd Community Center. The entry doors and narthex, or entrance area at the front of the building, will be renovated over the next six months. The existing schedule of the Community Center will be taken into account; the project will also be implemented in phases in order to facilitate its continued use. Work is expected to commence on December 2, 2013.

Painting and repair work on the Tram has been rescheduled. The reason for the change in schedule is that the paint to be applied to the Tram requires the temperature to remain higher than 50° F in order to cure properly. Following a discussion with the contractors, it was determined that April 2014 is a much more feasible point in time for the work to take place. The sidewalk near the Tram and bus turnaround will also be repaired in the Spring.

At 504 Main Street, designs have been approved and authorization to begin work on the windows has been given – expect to see replacements soon.

Goldwater Hospital Move

The NYC Health and Hospitals Corporation has announced that the dates for the Coler-Goldwater patient relocation move – originally scheduled for Sunday, November 17, 2013, and Monday, November 18, 2013 – have been changed. The new dates are Sunday, November 24, 2013, from 4 a.m. until 6 p.m. and Monday, November 25, 2013, from 8:30 a.m. until 9:35 p.m. PSD and the NYPD will be available to direct traffic around the Roosevelt Island Bridge. RIOC Advisories and Notify NYC will be sending out more information in the form of advisories. If you have any questions or concerns, you may contact 311 for the most up-to-date information