Here We Go Again, No Roosevelt Island F Train Service To Manhattan This Weekend April 5 -8 - Or Next April 12 -15

According to the MTA:

F Coney Island-bound trains run via the M from Roosevelt Av to 47-50 Sts

Weekends, 11:15 PM Fri to 5 AM Mon, Apr 5 - 8 • Apr 12 - 15

Trains run express from Roosevelt Av to Queens Plaza.

No Coney Island-bound F service at 21 St-Queensbridge, Roosevelt Island, Lexington Av/63 St and 57 St.

More information on subway service disruptions this weekend from the MTA's Weekender.

No word from RIOC if additional Tram service will be made available.

Final Report From Acting RIOC President Don Lewis - Condolences To Public Safety Officer Michael's Family, Reopening Of Lighthouse Park This Week, Pier NYC Waterfront Restaurant May Not Open, Roosevelt Island Tram Access Gate, iDig2 Learn Earth Day Celebration And More

As reported yesterday, the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) has a new permanent President, Charlene Indelicato. Acting RIOC President Don Lewis

 Image Of Acting RIOC President Don Lewis From RIOC

will return to his previous position as RIOC General Counsel. At last night's RIOC Board Meeting, Mr. Lewis gave his final President's Report to the Board



and  sends the following report to Roosevelt Island residents.

I am deeply saddened to begin this week’s column by reporting that Frensheria D. Michael, an Officer of the Roosevelt Island Public Safety Department, passed away on Sunday, March 31. Officer Michael served in the PSD for 14 years and was widely respected by her fellow officers and the Roosevelt Island community. Officer Michael was a consummate professional and a truly wonderful individual. Her amazing presence will be dearly missed. (For additional information on Officer Michael, please see RIOC's statement.)

Pier NYC Update

We are aware that Pier NYC was an Island attraction that was thoroughly enjoyed last year by many Island residents and visitors. Given the overwhelming success and support for the waterfront establishment, we would very much like to see it happen again this year. Unfortunately, due to damage to the wooden portion of the Pier as a result of Superstorm Sandy, as well as the recent collapse of the paved portion of the Pier, we cannot guarantee that the site will be safe for opening in May. We will continue to work diligently in an effort to overcome the unfortunate obstacles we have encountered.

Reopening of Lighthouse Park

As you likely know, Lighthouse Park sustained heavy damages from Superstorm Sandy and has been closed since last Fall. Our Maintenance and Grounds crews, with help from outside contractors, worked through the winter months so that the park would be open for warmer days in the spring. This week we will open the park for residents and island visitors. We will need to keep a small portion of the park closed until both pedestrian bridges and lighting around the Lighthouse are replaced, which we expect to be done in the next few weeks.

Tram Access Gate

Certain members of our community – parents with strollers, folks with bicycles, and disabled residents – have informed us that they are having difficulty getting through the Tram access gate. We are looking into permanent solutions, but in the meantime, we are posting an extra Tram employee at the gate during morning and afternoon rush hours when the need is greatest to help people get through the gate and onto the platform quickly and safely.

iDig2Learn Earth Day Celebration

Island residents are encouraged to come to iDig2Learn’s “Love Your Block, Love Your Earth” event on Saturday, April 20, beginning at 10:00 am and continuing throughout the afternoon. As an Earth Day celebration for kids and adults, the event will include flower planting and other activities to beautify our island, with a special focus on the plaza in front of Gristedes and Motorgate. For more details or to volunteer contact iDig2Learn@gmail.com

This event is made possible by a grant from the Citizens Committee for NYC and NYC Service in collaboration with the Roosevelt Island PTA, the RI Youth Program, P.S./ I.S. 217, RIOC, RIRA, Gristedes, Urban American, the Hudson Companies and Starbucks. A special "thank you" goes to Island resident Christine Delfico who spearheaded this project.

Mommy and Me Swim Classes

Sportspark is offering new Mommy and Me swim classes in a ten-week program starting on April 3. The classes will take place on Wednesdays from 10:30 to 11:30 am. Designed for babies and toddlers aged 6-to-36 months, the sessions will feature dipping, floating, splashing, songs, games and other fun-filled activities. The cost is $5.00 per family on a drop-in basis.

Motorgate Gallery Opening

I would like to thank all of the folks who attended last month’s Grand Opening of the Motorgate Gallery, including Gallery RIVAA President Tad Sudol, RIOC staff, RIOC Directors Margie Smith and Howard Polivy, the editors of Clog magazine who were on to launch their newest issue and, of course, the artists and residents of Roosevelt Island. We have received a good deal of positive feedback about the Gallery, and we are delighted that it will be a showcase of our artistic community for years to come.

The Votes Are In…

We have tallied votes for the films the community would like to see this year during RIOC’s Summer Outdoor Movie Series at Southpoint Park. The following wonderful mix of old favorites and new blockbusters were chosen: Top Gun (1986), Coming to America (1988), Brave (2012), Star Wars (1977), The Hunger Games (2012), and Breakfast at Tiffany’s (1961). Thank you to everyone who voted. Stay tuned for an announcement of the dates for each screening. We’re looking forward to another great summer of movies and festivities at Southpoint Park.

Friends of Southpoint Park

The Friends of Southpoint Park are looking for new volunteers to help with weeding at the park this spring and summer. There will be an orientation for new volunteers on April 13. If you are interested, please contact April Ward at sosgardenfriends@gmail.com.

Following last night's Board meeting, RIOC Director Margie Smith and others thanked Mr. Lewis for his service as Acting RIOC President during difficult time for the Corporation.

RIOC Board Approves Charlene Indelicato As New President/CEO - She Says Roosevelt Island Is Her Dream Job

Image From City Of Mount Vernon

The Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Board Of Directors today approved Governor Cuomo's selection of Charlene Indelicato (former Mount Vernon Commissioner of Planning and Development Department) as the new RIOC President/CEO. The vote was 5 for approval and 3 abstentions. The 5 RIOC Directors voting to approve Ms. Indelicato were NY State representatives:

• Chair Darryl Towns,
• The NY State Budget Director Representative

and resident directors:

• David Kraut,
• Howard Polivy and
• Fay Christian.

The 3 Directors who abstained were:

• Michael Shinozaki,
• Margie Smith and
• Katherine Grimm.

The directors who abstained made it clear that they were not objecting to Ms. Indelicato qualifications for the RIOC President/CEO position but were objecting to the process by which she was selected without an Executive Search by the RIOC Board and without competing candidates. The Resident Directors who voted to approve Ms Indelicato also objected to the process by which she was selected but asserted that on balance the urgent need for a permanent RIOC President coupled with her qualifications outweighed their concerns over process.

Ms. Indelicato spoke briefly near the end of the RIOC Board meeting saying:

... Whatever the vote was, the vote was.... I know we can work together for the benefit of Roosevelt Island. ... I've been following the blog for many months and I just want to say this is one of the most interesting communities I have ever seen, really wonderful reading... I have worked in cities and small towns and this is a job that is a dream of mine to tell the truth, to run and operate the policy of this board, a small city in a big city is the most wonderful thing in the world for me...

Here's Ms. Indelicato's introductory remarks to the Roosevelt Island community:



More on Ms. Indelicato's selection as RIOC President from previous post and will update with more video from the meeting tomorrow.

UPDATE 4/5 - Here is the RIOC Board Directors discussion and vote approving Ms. Indelicato as RIOC President/CEO



and statement by former Roosevelt Island Residents Association (RIRA) Secretary Sherrie Helstien expressing her disappointment and shame at the two resident RIOC Directors (Howard Polivy and Fay Christian) who voted "lock step" to approve Governor Cuomo's selection of Ms. Indelicato without the appropriate vetting of her candidacy.



Before the vote during RIOC's Public Session, Roosevelt Island's Assembly Member Micah Kellner expressed disappointment at the lack of transparency in the selection process of Ms. Indelicato by Governor Cuomo.



Mr. Kellner also spoke of the lack of trust existing between the Roosevelt Island community and Public Safety Department and the need for reform of the Department.

RIOC Board Of Directors Meeting Today - Agenda Includes Appointment of New RIOC President, Approval Of Roosevelt Island Public Purpose Funds, Approval Of Public Safety Audit & More

Image From City Of Mount Vernon

As reported yesterday, among the items on today's Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Board of Directors Meeting Agenda is the appointment of Charlene Indelicato as the new RIOC President/CEO.

Also, prior to the start of the RIOC Board Meeting there will be a Public Session where members of the Roosevelt Island community can address issues of concern to the Board of Directors. Members of the Roosevelt Island Residents Association (RIRA) Public Safety Committee are expected to ask the Board about progress regarding the investigations of brutality allegations leveled at the Roosevelt Island Public Safety Department during today's Public Session.

Here is the rest of today's Agenda:

AMENDED AGENDA

APRIL 4, 2013 MEETING OF
THE ROOSEVELT ISLAND OPERATING CORPORATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS
THE MANHATTAN PARK COMMUNITY CENTER,
8 RIVER ROAD, ROOSEVELT ISLAND, NEW YORK
5:30 P.M.1


I. Call to Order
II. Roll Call
III. Approval of Minutes
1. February 28, 2013 Board Meeting (Board Action Required)
IV. Old Business
V. New Business
1. Authorization of Expenditure of Public Purpose Funds for 2013-14 (Board Action Required)
2. Ratification of Insurance Binders for 2013-14 (Board Action Required)
3. Authorization to Enter into Settlement Agreement with CNA Enterprises, Inc. in Connection with the Good
Shepherd Community Center Plaza Restoration Project (Board Action Required)
4. Authorization to Enter into Contract with T&M Protection Resources, LLC for the Public Safety Operational Audit
(Board Action Required)
5. Authorization to Enter into Amendment of License Agreement with Roosevelt Island Hospitality Group, LLC
(Board Action Required)
6. Appointment of Charlene Indelicato to Position of President/Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation
(Board Action Required)
7. President's Report
8. Committee Reports
a. Audit Committee
b. Governance Committee
c. Operations Advisory Committee
d. Real Estate Development Advisory Committee
8. Public Safety Report
VI. Adjournment

1 The RIOC Board Meeting will commence following a public comment period. The public comment period is not part of the meeting.

UPDATE 10 PM - The RIOC Board voted to approve Ms. Indelicato today by a vot of 5 in favor and 3 abstentions. More here.

Roosevelt Island NYC Council Candidates Ben Kallos And Assembly Member Micah Kellner Exchange Views On Civilian Complaint Review Board Legislation

Ben Kallos is running to succeed Jessica Lappin as New York City Council Member for Manhattan's 5th District which includes Roosevelt Island and the Upper East Side. Last week, Mr Kallos sent the following letter to Roosevelt Island's Assembly Member Micah Kellner who is also running for the same NYC Council Seat.

From Mr. Kallos dated March 28,2012

I am writing on behalf of the residents of Roosevelt Island to suggest changes to legislation you authored, New York State Assembly Bill Number A.956 to create the New York State Civilian Complaint Review Board to investigate alleged misconduct by police and peace officers that you originally introduced as A.10618 on April 12, 2010.

I need not explain to you the importance of this bill you are sponsoring on behalf of our community. It is disappointing that our government has not responded to residents’ consistent complaints regarding the conduct of the Public Safety Department and that our campaign may have been the first to bring these larger issues before the New York State Inspector General for their investigation. These alleged abuses have continued for the past three years, while the only legislation to address them has sat in committee with no other action taken.

I am inspired by the residents of Roosevelt Island who have personally stood up against abuse and have rallied together to improve their situation. On February 16, I attended the “Rally Against RI Public Safety Department Brutality.” I was particularly moved when early in the event approximately 25 of the Island’s young residents walked on stage and bravely announced they had all had troubling incidents with the Public Safety Department. This was followed by more than two hours of accounts from residents who had come to share their personal stories. I urge you to see their stories yourself on the Roosevelt Islander or at KallosForCouncil.com/share/roosevelt-island-public-safety-stories

Assembly Member Jonathan Bing secured the passage of 13 bills in the Assembly, 6 through both houses, and 5 signed into law, while I served as his Chief of Staff. To give our community the support they deserve, please consider the following recommendations:

Force a Committee Vote on Your Legislation. Assembly Rule IV §5(b) allows a Sponsor of legislation to force a vote in committee. When this legislation was first introduced in 2010 it did not make it out of the Codes Committee and when it was reintroduced in 2011-12 it remained in the Governmental Operations Committee without an online record of a vote each time. Please use this power to force a committee vote immediately.

Force a Vote of Your Legislation on the Floor of the Assembly. The New York State Constitution Article III §18 empowers Assembly Members to collect signatures from two-thirds of legislators to force the legislature to convene an “extraordinary session” where they must vote on the legislation on the petition. Please use this power to force the legislature to make the legislation we need to protect Roosevelt Island residents.

Author Legislation Narrowly Tailored to Serve Our Community. Roosevelt Island residents are requesting a CCRB for the Public Safety Department of the Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation, but your legislation does not call for the creation of such a board. The current legislation creates an unnecessary bureaucracy duplicating the role of the Inspector General that is already statewide in nature. Please either introduce a twin bill that is narrowly tailored or amend the existing bill to solve the problem in question by creating a board with sole jurisdiction over the Public Safety Department. Either narrowly tailored legislation or introducing two versions of the same legislation with one narrowly tailored and the other broadly tailored will mean a greater chance of success.

Public Hearing and Solicitation for Improvements. Many of the changes below could have been identified prior to or immediately following the legislations introduction by holding of public hearings or through use of online transparency tools like those found at KallosForCouncil.com. Please hold public hearings on all of your legislation and submit it for public comment online and in person.

In reviewing the legislation you authored, A.956, we have identified multiple flaws that will not only prevent its passage, but create a body that is not reflective of the CCRB that it hopes to model. As authored this bill would not adequately serve to solve the problem for which it has been proposed as a solution. Here are some of the possible problems with the legislation and suggested solutions:

Create a CCRB Specifically for Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation Public Safety Department Not for Police Statewide. The legislation seeks to create a CCRB for all police departments and peace officers throughout the State of New York. However, Roosevelt Island is only seeking a CCRB for the Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation Public Safety Department. The legislation must be amended or twin introduced that is narrowly tailored to address the specific problems on Roosevelt Island.

Require the Appointment Roosevelt Island Residents. The legislation seeks to appointment nine (9) members without mention of residency. All nine would be appointed by the Governor, with six appointed on the recommendation of the Attorney General, Comptroller, and legislative leaders. The problem here is that the legislation centralizes appointment power in the very Executive branch from which residents seek protection. Please model on the CCRB by requiring all appointees to be residents of Roosevelt Island with geographic diversity related to housing complex. Appointments should include the Senator, Assembly Member, and City Council Member representing the Island along with allowing direct election.

Include Experienced Law Enforcement Professionals Just Like the CCRB. The legislation specifically excludes the service of anyone with experience as a law enforcement professional while the CCRB appoints three out of thirteen who do have experience as a law enforcement professional. There is a role for individuals with experience as law enforcement professionals on a CCRB.

Require Cooperation by the Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation Public Safety Department. The CCRB requires cooperation by the police department and its commissioner in all complaints, investigations, and reporting. This requirement must be included in the legislation.

We have already filed what we believe may be the first and only formal complaint with the New York State Inspector General and are going to supplement it with additional evidence we have collected. We hope an investigation will end abuses and create an oversight body of residents to prevent their recurrence.

I offer my support to you to get this legislation passed on behalf of the Roosevelt Island community, especially at this moment of concern, when it is so crucial that everybody works together for the sake and safety of our community.

This letter will be circulated to the Roosevelt Island Community Coalition, Roosevelt Island Residents Association as well as its Public Safety Committee, and finally online at KallosForCouncil.com/share/public-safety-stories where we are soliciting community feedback, suggestions, and support. As such, further amendments are likely to be submitted.

We respectfully request: (i) an immediate public hearing on your legislation, (ii) amendment or introduction of twin legislation to keep the Roosevelt Island community safe, (iii) an immediate vote in the Assembly Committees, and (iii) an immediate vote on the Assembly Floor.

On Behalf of My Neighbors on Roosevelt Island,

Benjamin Kallos

Candidate for City Council to

Represent Roosevelt Island and the Upper East Side

Yesterday, I received this response from Mr. Kellner:

I have a real record of results for the Roosevelt Island community. I will continue to work tirelessly to rebuild trust between the residents and the public safety department.

I appreciate Mr. Kallos' new-found interest in Roosevelt Island issues. While many of his suggestions demonstrate a fundamental misunderstanding of the statewide civilian complaint review board proposal -- as well as the legislative process -- I will give his comments all the consideration they deserve.

More on Assembly Member Kellner's statewide civilian complaint review board proposal at this previous post.

Mr. Kallos spoke yesterday at the Roosevelt Island Residents Association (RIRA) Common Council Public Session. Mr. Kallos reported that he sent a letter urging Governor Cuomo to appoint the most recently elected RIOC Board nominee candidates Larry Parnes and Lydia Tang to the vacant RIOC Board seat formerly held by Sal Ferrera. Mr. Kallos noted that his letter was published by the Albany Times Union Capital Confidential which is read by Governor Cuomo.

Upon learning of the letter to Governor Cuomo, I suggested to Mr. Kallos:

... former RIOC Director Jonathan Kalkin, who was replaced by Sal Ferrera, was the winner in an earlier (February 2012) RIOC Director Nominee election before both Mr. Parnes and Ms. Tang.

Mr. Kalkin should be among, if not the first, to be considered for the vacant position....

RIRA member Frank Farance told Mr. Kallos that he did not think having Roosevelt Island residents as Board members was of prime importance but having competent Board Members whether residents or not was imperative.

Here's what Mr. Kallos had to say at yesterday's RIRA meeting.

BREAKING NEWS - Governor Cuomo Selects Mount Vernon Planning Commissioner Charlene Indelicato As New President Of Roosevelt Island Operating Corp - Will RIOC Board Approve?

I had been hearing rumors yesterday that a new President for the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) was about to be announced. During yesterday's RIOC Real Estate advisory committee meeting, I asked RIOC Directors present as well as Acting President Don Lewis and CFO Steve Chironis if a new President was selected. All indicated no knowledge of such an appointment.

Earlier today, I received word that Charlene Indelicato was to be named RIOC President at tomorrow's RIOC Board meeting.

Image From City Of Mount Vernon

Just as I was about to publish the news, I received an Amended Agenda for tomorrow's RIOC Board meeting which included this item:

... Appointment of Charlene Indelicato to Position of President/Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation (Board Action Required)...

Charlene Indelicato is the Commissioner of Mount Vernon’s Department of Planning and Community Development. According to the Yonkers Tribune:

Ms. Indelicato has served in local government for over 20 years, as Corporation Counsel and City Manager of the City of New Rochelle and, more recently, as Westchester County Attorney where she supervised over one hundred employees.

... Ms. Indelicato has extensive experience in contracts, real estate, land use, zoning and municipal law. She has managed complex transactional and policy matters including: major infrastructure planning and development and construction management of projects, and regulatory compliance with State and Federal agencies. “She is developer savvy” said Mayor Elect Davis “and her expertise in planning and development will be extremely helpful to Mount Vernon as we seek to achieve our development potential.”

During Ms. Indelicato’s tenure as Corporation Counsel, and later as City Manager, the City of New Rochelle accomplished a major commercial redevelopment of a contaminated municipal waste site. Using Federal, State and private funds, the site was cleaned to DEC standards and is now home to Costco and Home Depot. This project was followed by negotiations for the development of New Roc City Mall, construction of the New Rochelle City Court and Police Facility, the New Rochelle Intermodal Transportation Center, and a number of other commercial and residential projects, including Avalon-on-the-Sound market rate rentals in the downtown.

Click here for entire Yonkers Tribune article.

The selection by Governor Cuomo of Ms. Indelicato appears to have been done without the knowledge and participation of the RIOC Board. It will be an interesting RIOC Board meeting tomorrow.

UPDATE 11 PM - Roosevelt Island's Assembly Member Micah Kellner comments on the selection of Ms Indelicato:

I am incredibly disappointed in the way the governor's office announced the appointment. The lack of transparency is glaring. They should have worked together with the community and the RIOC board to find a new president.

RIOC has been understaffed and without direction for too long, and the community has suffered because of it. If Ms. Indelicato is confirmed by the RIOC board, I sincerely hope that she will bring the experience and leadership that Roosevelt Island needs.

UPDATE 4/4 - RIOC Board approved Ms Indelicato as RIOC President with 5 votes to approve and 3 abstentions. More here.

Update On Roosevelt Island Garden Club Insurrection, RIOC Getting Involved But Still Nothing Resolved - Spring Meeting Taking Place Tonight

Image From April Ward

As previously reported, there is an ongoing insurrection/rebellion/dispute between factions of the Roosevelt Island Garden Club (RIGC) as to who is the President of the organization, whether the October 2012 election of April Ward as President was valid pursuant to their bylaws and how the RIGC should be managed.

The issue was discussed during the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Operations Advisory Committee (audio webcast here at approximately 58 minute 30 second mark) on Monday and the Real Estate Advisory Committee (audio webcast here at approximately 39 minute 30 second mark) yesterday.  I will have more on what happened during these meetings later but the bottom line is nothing was resolved regarding who is in charge of the RIGC, whether the RIGC permit will be renewed by RIOC and if renewed, under what circumstances.

Ms. Ward sent the following announcement regarding a RIGC meeting tonight.

Spring Membership Meeting
Every paid member is invited to attend, participate and vote
Wednesday, April 3, 2013
Senior Center, 546 Main
7-9pm with Q&A afterwards

Come! Say hello to other members, have a snack and chat while checking out our progress on issues you brought to our attention. YES, even in the middle of an attempted insurrection, we continue to work for you! Please come prepared to write your questions for officers on a card, to be answered during the President's address or during the question and answer period after the meeting. If you have attended garden meetings before, well, this is a plant of another color. All people are welcome and because we are obligated in our bylaws to adhere to Roberts Rules of Order, all behavior is not. It is the Chair's duty to adhere to the Rules of Order which protect the assembly from abuse and waste of time. My goal is to have everyone depart with a happy feeling, thinking of the new plants they will grow this season.

7-7:30 snack and chat, look around, sign up, fill out cards with questions for officers
7:35-8 President's address, answer questions cards
8-8:10 break
8:10-9 Business meeting, agenda is in the bylaws
(The amendment to clarify membership categories will not be brought to vote. 1. It is completely unnecessary to amend bylaws when a full discussion and vote has already been done to interpret the bylaws and 2. The amendment was offered to the small group of disaffected members as a peace offering which clearly failed to nurture cooperation.)
9-9:30? answer questions
9:45 clean up and any way it goes, join me for a drink on me at the Trellis

Please let me know whether you will attend the Spring meeting or not so we can plan for food and chairs.

Volunteers are needed before and during the meeting; please email me to help
Hosts - set up & monitor food and drinks
Registration table - sign people in, give name tags, ask for paperwork that we need
5:30-6:45 Set up
Food- hors d'oeuvres & drinks
Registration table- colored name tags on necklace, registration forms, waivers, rules and regulations, bylaws
Committee tables - sign up sheets, info on committee work

President's Report

Hello Garden Club Members!

The air and soil are slowly warming - Spring has arrived! If only on the calendar, certainly in our minds we are not too far from our individual and collective efforts to plant and grow the gifts of the garden. While our permit for the garden has expired and the garden is closed, it’s time to meet and organize our committed members to re-invent the Roosevelt Island Garden Club, LTD.

If you are a member (and whether you have your own plot or not, if you paid your dues this year, you are!), I hope you will attend this meeting. In addition to so many things we need to plan for the coming season, there are three important matters that we as a club need to address.

1. We need to establish effective governance, to ensure that RIOC allows us to continue to use the community garden.

2. We need to engage and organize the associate members so that they can form a border committee and create a beautiful, cohesive border garden. This is important because in our permit for the community garden, RIOC specifically says that we need to have a flower border.

3. We need to ensure that all members are engaged, and that their rights are protected.

I understand that all this work around club governance is not why you're a garden club member, but the fact is that we are an organization that needs to ensure that coming to the garden is enjoyable and safe for all members,and that we are able to do the things that RIOC asks us to do in the garden permit. I look forward to your participation on Wednesday so we can sort all this out, convince RIOC to reopen the garden for us, and start planting!

The following is the President’s report to our membership.

1. New weeding tool options will be at the Membership Meeting. Take a look and let us know what you think of them.

2. Locks – The center gate has a new padlock on it until we decide on new lock sets and keys. When the garden opens, use the two side gates.

3. We found a source for bagged organic compost!! This will be good for most any soil and won’t have the weed problems we had last year. You can sign up for soil, compost, manure and other yummy soil amendments at the meeting. Your soil will love you!

4. Website – research on our new website has begun! There will be a suggestion sheet at the meeting or you may write to us. If you are familiar with a garden website you’d like us to model ours on, let us know which one it is.

5. We found the old Roosevelt Island Garden Club logo and it is being cleaned up for use on the website and letterhead! You can see it at the meeting.

6. We will start recycling this year and new landfill trash procedures will be in place to reduce donations to landfill.

7. Roosevelt.Island.Garden.Club@gmail.com remains our email address. Some unhappy members are sending emails and letters to some of you stating that, even though I was elected President by your overwhelming vote at the Fall Membership Meeting in October, they think I was not elected President "similar to electing a president of the United States who is not a US citizen." How laughable! As you know, I am a US citizen, resident of Roosevelt Island with a family and a dedicated friend and member of your community and Roosevelt Island Garden Club. Rest assured I will not abandon my commitment to you and my acceptance of your trust in me as your president. The so called self created "Executive Board" are not a recognized or authoritative group and have no legal standing or power to run anything in the Roosevelt Island Garden Club, LTD. You should regard any direction from them as null, void and of no legal effect.

8. Community Composting is coming to our garden! We will be able to turn most of the clippings into black gold for everyone.

9. Jim Bates from the Disabled Association is now working with us to match people with available plots.

10. I went to a gardening intensive at the New York Botanical Gardens and will share some of what I learned in an upcoming email.

11. Some members mentioned wanting to go on field trips. We can borrow the Boy Scouts' van and options will be announced at the meeting.

See you on Wednesday,

April Ward
President,
Roosevelt Island Garden Club

Roosevelt Island's Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney Reports Office Received Death Threats Yesterday Over Gun Insurance Bill She Authored

Image  From Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney

Received the following statement today from Roosevelt Island's Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney:

Yesterday, several death threats were phoned into my New York office in response to news reports about a bill I authored requiring gun owners to have insurance. The calls were fielded by young interns, who were understandably shaken by this experience.

Law enforcement has been notified and they are investigating the calls, and so no further comment from me on the details of the calls would be appropriate at this time

I am proud of my work to help curb gun violence. I strongly support the comprehensive package of gun reforms proposed by the Obama Administration and I have authored two common sense pieces of legislation aimed at keeping our communities safer. One bill would put some teeth in the law against gun trafficking and straw purchases. Another would require that gun owners carry liability insurance, just like car owners, to give innocent victims of gun violence some recourse if they are injured. 100,000 Americans are injured by guns every year. Carrying insurance is the responsible thing to do.

Given all the acts of gun violence we have seen in the past two years, the shootings in Aurora and Newtown, the attack on my friend and colleague Gabby Gifford, I take the threat of more gun violence very seriously. But it is not something that I will allow to stop me from doing my work.

According to the Daily Caller:

When New York Rep. Carolyn Maloney introduced the legislation last month with eight other Democrats, she boasted that it is “the first bill to require liability insurance of gun buyers nationwide.”

Maloney’s “Firearm Risk Protection Act” requires gun buyers to have “a qualified liability insurance policy” before they are able to legally purchase a firearm....

... Chris Cox, the executive director of the NRA’s Institute for Legislative Action, told The Daily Caller that the bill is “ridiculous on its face, as it presumes law-abiding gun owners are guilty for merely exercising a fundamental, constitutional right.”...

Click here for the entire Daily Caller article and here's more from Congresswoman Maloney on background checks for gun owners with NBC's Chuck Todd.

Roosevelt Island Residents Association Meeting Tonight 8 PM, Come Learn What Is Going On - Also, State Senator Jose Serrano Constituent Office Hours This Afternoon From 5 to 8 PM

Image of June 2011 RIRA Common Council Meeting

The Roosevelt Island Residents Association (RIRA) will be meeting tonight, 8 PM, at the Good Shepherd Community Center (543 Main Street).

As always, prior to the start of each monthly meeting there is a public session in which residents can come and address the Common Council Delegates on any issue of concern.

Also today is Roosevelt Island State Senator Jose Serrano's Constituent Office Hours. According to Senator Serrano:

Senator Serrano's Roosevelt Island Constituent Hours

Senator José M. Serrano regularly provides community constituent hours in different neighborhoods throughout his 29th Senate District. Senator Serrano's staff will be providing Constituent Services on Roosevelt Island TODAY.

When: TODAY, Wednesday, April 3rd

5:00 pm to 8:00 pm

Where: Roosevelt Island Seniors Association

546 Main Street #1

Roosevelt Island, NY 10044

If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact our office at (212) 828-5829. We look forward to meeting with you.

*Constituent Services are also available Monday through Friday, 9am-5pm, in Senator Serrano's District Office at 157 East 104th Street.*

Roosevelt Island NY State Assembly Member Micah Kellner Comments On Corruption Arrest Of NY State Senator Malcom Smith and NYC Councilman Dan Halloran - Urges Passage Of Public Corruption Prevention And Enforcement Act

According to the NY Post:

State Sen. Malcolm Smith and city Councilman Dan Halloran were arrested this morning on charges they were plotting to rig this year’s mayoral election through fraud and bribes.

The pols allegedly formed an alliance built on cash payments and fraud to get Smith — one of the state’s top Democrats — placed on the GOP mayoral ballot, sources said....

Click here for the rest of the NY Post article.

Roosevelt Island's NY State Assembly Member Micah Z. Kellner issued the following statement in response to today’s arrest of New York State Senator Smith and New York City Councilman Halloran in the alleged mayoral election bribery scandal:

“As a legislator, it truly saddens me to see public officials in the news for yet another corruption scandal — and I can only imagine how it makes everyday New Yorkers feel. It seems there is a never-ending tide of graft and corruption, which reinforces the perception that all lawmakers are crooks.”

“If the allegations released today are proven true, it is yet another embarrassment for New York State. As public servants, we need to take action to prevent this kind of activity from happening and provide the strictest of punishment for public officials who abuse their positions.”

“ Three years ago, I introduced the Public Corruption Prevention and Enforcement Act (PCPEA) in the hopes that New York would no longer be synonymous with scandal and once again recognized as having public integrity. The PCPEA enacts a duty of faithful public service. The PCPEA expands the crime of defrauding the government to punish any and all corrupt schemes involving public servants and others who seek to abuse the operation of government in any way, and it makes sure that public bribery is treated just as harshly as it is treated in the private sector.”

“It is time that lawmakers work together to enrich the lives of New Yorkers instead of their own wallets. If we want to eliminate the culture of corruption, we need a law that makes clear that public officials must serve the public first and foremost. Now is the time for the immediate debate and passage of the Public Corruption Protection and Enforcement Act.”

For a complete description of Bill A2113, please click here or see below.

Public Corruption Protection and Enforcement Act details:
Enacts a Duty of Faithful Public Service: Incredibly, there’s no such duty on the books today. The Joe Bruno scandal showed what a glaring hole this is. If we want to eliminate the culture of corruption, we need a law that makes clear that public officials must serve the public first and foremost.

Punishes Corrupt Schemes to Defraud the Government: Currently, the law only punishes schemes to defraud government agencies of property, services, or resources. The PCPEA expands the crime of defrauding the government to punish any and all corrupt schemes involving public servants and others who seek to corrupt the operation of government in any way.

Reforms Criminal Bribery Statutes: The bill takes action to ensure that bribery of apublic official is punished just as seriously as completed bribes, and it makes sure that public bribery is treated in the same way as bribery in the private sector.

Reforms the Member Item Process: The bill creates new standards and prohibitions for community projects grants, which are commonly known as “member items.” Among other protections, it stops lawmakers from funneling taxpayer money into shady nonprofits that don’t even provide real services, but in which they or their relatives have a financial interest.

Enhances Financial Disclosure for State Officials: As it stands, the clients that legislators represent in private practice are hidden from public view. While this makes sense in a few instances — such as when the clients are involved in family court cases, where they have a reasonable expectation of privacy — there’s no reason why most of lawmakers’ private clients shouldn’t be disclosed, just as they are in other states. This bill will allow the public to monitor the sources and values of outside income earned by our elected officials.

Strengthens Campaign Finance Rules: Up until n ow candidates have legally been allowed to get away with disguising loans intended for campaign use as personal gifts—allowing them to circumvent campaign contribution limits. This bill closes that loophole.

Here is the text of the PCPEA.

WNYC's Brian Lehrer show discussed the corruption allegations. Here's what was said.



An employee of Republican Mayoral Candidate and Roosevelt Island Gristedes Owner John Catsimatidis was also arrested. According to the NY Daily News Daily Politics Blog:

Republican mayoral hopeful John Catsimatidis just put out the following statement confirming that he cooperated with authorities in a federal case alleging that GOP officials and operatives -- including one of his own employees and campaign advisors, Vince Tabone -- tried to use bribes to get Democratic Queens state Sen. Malcolm Smith a Wilson-Pakula to run on the party's line in the primary.

"The arrests this morning point to a culture of corruption that permeates the politics of our city and state. Corruption that is fueled by career politicians who put personal advancement before public service," said a statement from the billionaire candidate's campaign.

"Earlier this year we learned that an investigation was underway and since that time my campaign and my business have fully cooperated with law enforcement."....

Click here for the entire NY Daily News Daily Politics post.

Q 102 Roosevelt Island Bus Service On Agenda For Community Board 8 Transportation Committee Wednesday Night - What Would You Suggest To Improve Q 102 Bus Service?

The Manhattan Community Board 8 (CB 8) Transportation Committee will be meeting Wednesday, April 3. An Agenda Item is of concern to Roosevelt Island riders of the Q 102 bus. According to CB 8 Transportation Committee Agenda, a discussion will be held on:

... the Q102 Bus line on Roosevelt Island...

I asked CB 8 Transportation Committee Co-Chair Scott Falk:

I am preparing a post for Roosevelt Islander Online regarding the Q102 CB 8 discussion. Could you tell me what the purpose of the Roosevelt Island Q 102 discussion is about?

Larry informed me that he thinks it has to do with the Q102 service schedule (long waits) on Roosevelt Island. Is that true?

Several Roosevelt Island residents have discussed with me the desirability of changing the Q102 bus route so that it travels down Vernon B'lvd to Jackson Avenue which would connect Roosevelt Island to the Long Island City commercial corridor. Is this route change part of the discussion and if not, can it be?

Mr. Falk replied:

Some resident complaints regarding long rush-hour waits for the Q102 were brought to my attention, and CB8M added this to our agenda to see if we could help. We don't specifically plan to address the rerouting that you mention, in that this rerouting would take place outside of our district, but we expect to have New York City Transit reps at the meeting -- and I certainly wouldn't discourage the R.I. residents from expressing any such suggestions while they have the ear of NYCT.

The CB8M full-board meeting for April is scheduled to take place on 4/17 at Manhattan Park's Theater Club, so that will also provide additional residents the chance to speak during our public session, but there is no expectation of any NYCT representative to be present (and thus this Wednesday may provide the best chance for NYCT to hear directly about the complaints and suggestions).

Wednesday's CB 8 Transportation Committee meeting will be held at MSK-Rockefeller Research Laboratories 430 East 67th Street (First-York) Room RRL-B20 starting 6:30 PM.

Here is the current route of the Q 102 Bus.

Image of Q102 Bus Route From the MTA

Instead of turning on Vernon and 41st Avenue, the Q 102 could continue down Vernon to Jackson Avenue in LIC and then to Queensboro Plaza connecting Roosevelt Island to the heart of Long Island City.

Roosevelt Island Public Safety Officer Frensheria Michael Passed Away Sunday March 31 - Condolences To Her Family, Friends And Colleagues

 Image of Roosevelt Island Public Safety Officer Frensheria D. Michael From RIOC

A sad report. According to the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC):

We are profoundly saddened to announce that Frensheria D. Michael, an officer of the Roosevelt Island Public Safety Department, passed away on Sunday, March 31.

Officer Michael served with the Public Safety Department since August 2, 1999 as a Patrol Officer, and had been a certified member of the department's Bicycle Unit since August 14, 2006. She served the community with honor, dedication and pride. During her tenure, she received a Meritorious Service Award and an Exceptional Merit Award. She was also scheduled to receive a Life Saving Medal.

Officer Michael quickly earned the respect and admiration from all her fellow officers as well as members of the Roosevelt Island community. She was gifted with patience, and was often seen on Main Street, speaking with senior citizens and young folks in particular. Officer Michael was a wonderful person and a very professional officer. She will be deeply missed.

I often saw Officer Michael on Main Street. She was always quick with a smile and a hello. Condolences to her family and colleagues.

UPDATE 4/7 - Officer Michael's funeral will be on April 8.

Update On Roosevelt Island Main Street Retail On RIOC Real Estate Advisory Committee Agenda For Tomorrow - Interview With Hudson Related's David Kramer On Main Street Retail

According to the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC)

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that a meeting of the Real Estate Development Advisory Committee of the RIOC Board of Directors will be held on Tuesday, April 2, 2013 at 5:30 p.m. at the RIOC administrative office, 591 Main Street, Roosevelt Island, New York.

Amended Agenda:

1. Chair's Motion for Executive Session for an Update on Current Negotiations Regarding Main Street Retail Sublease
2. Update on Main Street Retail Progress
3. Any Other Committee Business That May be Brought Before the Committee

An audio webcast of the meeting will be available soon thereafter.

During March 6 Gristedes Grand Re-Opening, I spoke with Main Street Master Leaseholder Hudson Related's David Kramer. According to Mr. Kramer:

...Trellis is starting renovation sometime this calendar year.... two more stores are about to open... three or four in the pipeline...

... Main Street retail is going to look great, its going to be populated with much better stores and I think success will beget success...

Here's the rest of the interview.



Hudson Related is also scheduled to begin the Main Street Arcade renovations,

 including removing of Arcade windows, very soon.

Hopefully, we will get more information tomorrow.

Open Thread - What's On Your Roosevelt Island Mind? Let Us Know

 Image From UBC Okanagan

Do you have an interesting experience, photo, link or video to share? How about a problem to fix, compliment to give or just something you want to vent on and get off your chest about living on Roosevelt Island?

You set the Agenda. Your Chance to pick and write about a topic for Roosevelt Islanders. It's easy and can be fun. Just click on the comments link and type away.

UPDATE 10/18 - Starting a new What's On Your Roosevelt Island Mind thread. Please post any new comments at this link.