No Roosevelt Island F Trains From Manhattan This Weekend - Take A Look At 1970's and 1940's NYC Subway

 1970's Subway Image From You Tube

According to the MTA:

F Jamaica-bound trains run via the E after 47-50 Sts to Roosevelt Av

Weekend, 9:45 PM Fri to 5 AM Mon, Aug 23 - 26

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

The Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) adds:

The MTA has advised that there will be no Queens bound F trains this weekend, August 23rd - 26th beginning at 9:45 PM Friday to 5 AM Monday. Trains will be rerouted via the M line to Queens Plaza.

For service to Queens, take the Manhattan-bound F train to 47-50th Sts. and transfer to a Queens- bound F train.

The Tram will operate on a rush hour schedule (every 7.5 minutes) Saturday and Sunday from 7 AM until 10 PM during the F train service disruption.

For up to the minute F train service updates, visit www.mta.info or call 511. To sign up for real time alerts on planned service changes, visit MYMTAALERTS.com.

Sincerely,

Roosevelt Island Operating Corp Advisories Group

Here's a blast from the past from Bowery Boogie blog - a subway ride from the 1970's



and the 1940's.

East River Leisurely Kayak Paddle With LIC Community Boathouse, Kite Making/Yoga At FDR Park And Inception Outdoor Movie Showing On And Around Roosevelt Island Tomorrow

Looking for fun things to do on and around Roosevelt Island this Saturday?

How about an East River Kayak trip with the Long Island City Community Boat House

Image From Ted Gruber via LIC Spot

starting right across the river from Roosevelt Island's Lighthouse Park at Hallets Cove (next to Socrates Sculpture Park)

Image Of Hallets Cove Kayak Launch From Tread Softly NY

 and ending across the river from Southpoint Park at Anable Basin.

 Image Of Anable Basin Kayaking From The Hunters Pointer

According to the Long Island City Partnership:

One-way paddle from Hallets Cove to Anable Basin

Saturday, August 24, 2013 - 4:00pm
One-way paddle from Hallets Cove to Anable Basin
LIC Community Boathouse
31st Ave & Vernon Blvd
Queens, NY 11102
Saturday, 4 PM - 6:30 PM

More information here.
Enjoy a leisurely paddle from Hallets Cove (Vernon Blvd at 31st Ave) to our Anable Basin boathouse (46-01 5th St). Please note that this is a one way trip that ends two miles south of where it begins. Actual time on water should be approximately 75 minutes.

More information on kayaking with the Long Island City Community Boathouse available at their web site and Facebook Page.

At the end of the paddle, there's a really good casual outdoor waterfront restaurant nearby at the Anable Basin Bar & Grill

Image From Anable Basin Bar & Grill

for after the paddle.

Before the kayak paddle, you can also check out the Kite Making Workshop at FDR Four Freedoms Park

Make and fly #kites with us this weekend! #Free kite making workshop Saturday from 11 am-3 pm. http://t.co/1ymTPSlO8E pic.twitter.com/5xk0doJKGr
— FDRFourFreedomsPark (@4FreedomsPark) August 21, 2013

and Yoga on the Lawn.

#Yoga tomorrow on the lawn from 10am-11am followed by Kite Making workshop from 11am-3pm. Who's coming? http://t.co/f7AMVWD4YH
— FDRFourFreedomsPark (@4FreedomsPark) August 23, 2013

In the evening, there is the Roosevelt Island Outdoor Movie Showing of Inception at Southpoint Park.

Whew, that's a lot to do.

Roosevelt Island Steam Plant Closing, Cornell Infrastructure, Security Cameras, Lighthouse Park Repairs, Permit Fees and Much More To Be Discussed At RIOC Operations Committee Meeting On Monday August 26

According to the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC):

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that a meeting of the Operations Advisory Committee of the RIOC Board of Directors will be held on Monday, August 26, 2013 at 5:30 p.m. at the RIOC administrative office, 591 Main Street, Roosevelt Island, New York.

Agenda:

Discussions of:

1. Pier Repairs
2. Steam Plant Closing
3. Cornell Infrastructure
4. Permit Fees
5. Lighthouse Park Repairs
6. Security Camera Project
7. Advertising and Posting Policy
8. Cultural Center Repairs
9. Southpoint Seawall Repairs
10. Outdoor Exercise Equipment

Any Other Committee Business That May be Brought Before the Committee

***

The Open Meetings Law of the State of New York requires that all public bodies conduct meetings, convened for the purpose of officially conducting public business, in a manner open to attendance by the general public to observe and listen.

During the August 22 RIOC Real Estate Advisory Committee Meeting (here's audio webcast of meeting), RIOC Director Howard Polivy and President Charlene Indelicato reported that the Roosevelt Island Sportspark facility

Sportspark Image From Google Maps

may have to temporarily close for an unknown period of time because of the scheduled closing of the Steam Plant.

 Image Of Roosevelt Island Steam Plant

Mr. Polivy explained that the Steam Plant supplies power to the Sportspark and without the Steam Plant, or, a substitute energy source, the Sportspark cannot operate. Ms Indelicato noted that Sportspark could be closed for as little as one or two weeks in order to install a temporary energy source. It is unknown at this time if Sportspark would be closed for a prolonged period of time.

Here's the discussion on subject



which was part of a longer RIOC Operations Committee discussion on the use of Roosevelt Island community parks and recreation facilities.

Inception Starring Leonardo DiCaprio Showing At Roosevelt Island's Summer Outdoor Movie Series Saturday Night August 24 At Southpoint Park

The Roosevelt Island Summer Outdoor Movie Series at Southpoint Park continues tomorrow night

 Image of Roosevelt Island 7/5 Rooftop Films Southpoint Park Outdoor Movie From Olya Turcihin

with the showing of Inception starring Leonardo DiCaprio. Rotten Tomatoes describes Inception:

Visionary filmmaker Christopher Nolan (Memento, The Dark Knight) writes and directs this psychological sci-fi action film about a thief who possesses the power to enter into the dreams of others. Dom Cobb (Leonardo DiCaprio) doesn't steal things, he steals ideas. By projecting himself deep into the subconscious of his targets, he can glean information that even the best computer hackers can't get to. In the world of corporate espionage, Cobb is the ultimate weapon. But even weapons have their weakness, and when Cobb loses everything, he's forced to embark on one final mission in a desperate quest for redemption....

Here's the trailer.

Image From RIOC

According to the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC):

Come out to Southpoint Park this Saturday at 8:15 PM for the featured film- Inception, starring Leonardo DiCaprio. Grab your friends & enjoy a free night of music and movie trivia. Great food, popcorn, cotton candy, drinks and ice-cream will be available for purchase.

** Rain Date: August 31st**

See you there!

This event is sponsored by the Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation.


Sincerely,

Roosevelt Island Operating Corp Advisories Group

32 BJ Union Rescinds Endorsement Of Micah Kellner For Roosevelt Island, Manhattan East Side NYC Council Seat, Throws Support To Opponent Ben Kallos - Video From Lenox HIll Candidates Forum Yesterday

As reported July 24:

... Roosevelt Island's Assembly Member and NYC Council Candidate Micah Kellner was accused of sexual harassment by a junior staff member....

... There was no suggestion that the inappropriate behavior in either the 2009 or 2011 episodes was anything other than verbal in nature... (via NY Times)

The August 14 Daily News followed up: 

..Our Ken Lovett reported last week that an ethics investigation has been opened into a 2009 harassment complaint against Kellner.

"The probe comes after it was revealed last month that Kellner’s former chief of staff Eliyanna Kaiser brought allegations to [Assembly Speaker Sheldon] Silver counsel Bill Collins in 2009 that the Manhattan Democrat had sexually inappropriate online conversations with a young woman on his staff," Lovett wrote....

More bad news came last week for Roosevelt Island's Assembly Member Micah Kellner
 

 Image From NY State Assembly

in his race to succeed Jessica Lappin (who is running for Manhattan Borough President) as NYC Council Member for Manhattan's 5th District which includes Roosevelt Island, the Upper East Side and Midtown East.

According to this August 14 Press Release from 32BJ of the Service Employees International Union (SEIU):

The Executive Board of 32BJ SEIU voted unanimously today to rescind the union’s endorsement of Assembly Member Micah Kellner for a City Council seat. It was the first time the union, which has 75,000 members in New York City, has ever rescinded an endorsement.

“Given the allegations against Kellner, we cannot in good conscience continue to support his candidacy, and call on him to withdraw from the race," said Kyle Bragg, secretary-treasurer of 32BJ SEIU. “We are deeply disappointed, and do this with a measure of sadness, but it is the right thing to do.”

After rescinding the endorsement, the union’s Executive Board voted unanimously to support Ben Kallos, a lawyer and noted Democratic activist, for the Council seat from the 5th District, which includes Manhattan’s Upper East Side and Roosevelt Island. That seat is held by Jessica Lappin, who 32BJ has endorsed for Manhattan Borough President.

“Ben Kallos is a hard-working progressive who has always fought for the rights of working men and women,” Bragg said. “As a lawyer, he fought to get retirement and health benefits for working families, and has been an advocate on issues that are important to the working men and women of New York City, like education, affordable housing, and tax reform.”

 NYC Council Candidate Ben Kallos

Image From Kallos 4 NYC Council

stated in response to his endorsement by the union:

 I'm honored to receive the crucial support of 32BJ SEIU, representing some of the hardest workers in our city. I look forward to partnering to ensure excellent work conditions, pay and quality of life for all New Yorkers.

I asked Mr. Kellner last week for a comment regarding 32 BJ SEIU supporting Mr. Kallos but have not yet received a reply.

The Lenox Hill Neighborhood House held a City Council District 5 Candidates Forum yesterday.

Join us tomorrow for a City Council District 5 Candidates Forum! http://t.co/dl8ytHtVj7 @Rooseveltisland @NSAYUpperEast
— Lenox Hill (@LenoxHillNH) August 20, 2013

I will have full video of the City Council District 5 Candidate Forum soon but here is the closing statement of Mr. Kallos



and fellow NYC Democratic Party City Council 5th District Candidate Ed Hartzog on economics/living wage. (Both videos via Ben Max, DecideNYC.com)



Mr. Kallos has issued a policy book which his campaign describes as:

...containing goals in the City Council and areas of policy support. The book contains a vision for a more accountable and equitable local government, as well as steps he would take in the City Council to work towards such results in District 5 and citywide...

Assembly Member Kellner did not participate in the Lenox Hill Candidate's Forum yesterday. A spokesperson for Mr. Kellner explained:

... he's very sick, running a fever, and has practically lost his voice, as Lenox Hill Neighborhood House was informed earlier today. A televised debate for Manhattan Neighborhood Network, already taped, is airing on Aug. 28th at 8 pm, I think, and a live NY 1 debate is taking place on Tues., September 3, airing during the 7 pm hour and presumably being rebroadcast that evening during the 10:00 pm hour.

Based upon my anecdotal conversations with Roosevelt Island residents recently, Mr. Kellner remains very popular among his constituents here. Those sentiments are usually followed by "subject to nothing else comes out about the sexual harassment allegations".

Sad News, Roosevelt Island Trellis Diner Counterman "Fast" Eddie Sallas Passed Away Last Night

Roosevelt Island Trellis Diner Counterman Eddie Sallas, affectionately known to his customers as "Fast Eddie" passed away last night. He worked at Trellis and was part of the Roosevelt Island community for over 15 years.

A long time resident wrote that Fast Eddie was:

... loved by us Islanders...

He will be greatly missed.

Condolences to his family, friends, and Trellis co-workers

UPDATE 8/25 - Trellis Diner owner Alex Razaghi adds:

The Viewing and Burial will be Monday 8-26-13 starting from 9-11am at Dahill Funeral Home, 25-25 65th Street Brooklyn, NY 11204

11:30-12:30 at St. Constantine and Helen Church, 64 Schermehorn street Brooklyn, New York, 11201

Donations would be greatly appreciated by the family and will be collected at Trellis.

Directions via Train:

Take the F train from Roosevelt Island station heading Downtown / Coney Island get off at Avenue P, Start out going West on Avenue P towards 65th ST, Turn right onto 65th ST.

and shares this picture of Eddie (on right)

 with Alex (on left) and his father Kaie Razaghi (on right).

Hyperdermic Needle Found Near Roosevelt Island Children's Playground This Morning - Meeting Tonight On Roosevelt Island Public Safety Department Practices And Policies, You're Invited To Attend And Share Views

Reported last August 7:

Roosevelt Island activist Frank Farance disagrees with certain actions, policies and procedures of the Roosevelt Island Residents Association (RIRA) Public Safety Committee (PSC). The PSC invited Mr Farance to form a separate committee to address the issues he believes are important. Mr. Farance has done so... 

This new committee is meeting later tonight and all concerned Roosevelt Island stakeholders are invited to attend and participate in a discussion of Public Safety Department practices and policies.

Here's the Agenda for tonight's meeting from Mr. Farance:

Date: August 21, 2013
Time: 8 PM
Place: Island House (555 Main) Community Room

AGENDA
1. Introduction to Participants
2. Review of agenda
3. Review of progress
4. Brainstorming on three-pronged approach
5. Brainstorming on increase NYPD presence
6. Brainstorming on RIOC/PSD oversight
7. Any other ideas
8. Wrap-up

and a review of the August 7 meeting from Mr. Farance:

We had a successful meeting, it lasted about 90 minutes. It included about a dozen participants: four who had provided comments but who could not attend in person, and 8 others who attended in person, including Ron Schuppert (former NYPD officer, and former RIRA VP and RIRA Public Safety Committee Chair).

We focused upon a small number of items and hope to make progress by the next meeting (August 21). We felt the focus should be on the whole community, including residents, merchants, and organizations; and we were interested in better policy, including better oversight -- definitely different from RIRA PSC. Also, RIRA PSC is focused upon removing/firing officers Bryan, Suarez, Yee, Hernandez, and Torrens ... we're not going to focus on that, we feel we should be addressing better law enforcement, which touches upon PSD, RIOC, NYPD, NY DA's office, etc. - again all different from RIRA PSC.

At the next meeting we hope to have some initial feedback from merchants and organizations, and some suggestions from former PSD officers and NYPD officers. We are looking to understand and address the level/kind of patrolling on the Island.

Lastly, we plan on addressing an issue on congregation/noise at night (see letter in WIRE on July 5 early morning crowds). Our approach is three-pronged:

(1) If there is someone or a group of people disturbing the peace, then this condition needs to be corrected promptly. We didn't say either way on how it was corrected (shooing away, warnings, summonses, arrests, etc.), we agreed that it needed to be corrected promptly.

(2) If someone or a group of people are congregating peacefully and legally, they should be allowed to do so without retribution.

(3) There needs to be a social policy component to provide places to congregate. We noted that simply opening the Youth Center in the evening is not a solution, some kind of additional programming (at Youth Center, Sportspark, somewhere else, some combination) is necessary.

So instead of just saying: Add More Law Enforcement To Deal With The Noise, or Don't Arrest Kids Who Are Doing Nothing Wrong, or Just Give The Kids A Place To Go At Night, we are looking at a three-pronged approach.

We will have a brain-storming session at the next meeting, and we will review this with PSD Interim Director McManus.

Feel free to make comments/suggestions.

PSD Director McManus will not be able to attend tonight's meeting.

A Roosevelt Island Parent reports today:

Found a hypodermic needle on the ground next to the playground near the basketball courts this morning.

I threw it away but kids should keep their shoes on. Not to mention the glass and baggies all over the island.

If you are concerned about Roosevelt Island Public Safety issues, please attend the meeting tonight.

Problems At The Roosevelt Island F Train Station Earlier This Morning - Subway Service Out Due To Mechanical Problems Causing Overcrowding On Hot And Sweaty Tram

Did you have problems with your Roosevelt Island F Train commute this morning? The Twitterverse reports:

55 min delayed to work because of one F train stuck at Roosevelt Island... Thanks MTA!!! #NYCLiving
— Hockey Chick NYC (@hockey_wench) August 21, 2013

Are you kidding. An incident at ROOSEVELT ISLAND is to blame for the delays on all trains coming from Queens. So absurd. #icant
— Keeley (@KeeleyMangeno) August 21, 2013

#ServAdv: s/b #F trains via #E line from Roosevelt Av-Jackson Hts to 5 Av-53 St due to mechanical problems at Roosevelt Island.
— NYCT Subway Service (@NYCTSubwayScoop) August 21, 2013

#ServAdv: Following an earlier incident at Roosevelt Island, #E, #F, #M & #R train service has resumed with delays
— NYCT Subway Service (@NYCTSubwayScoop) August 21, 2013

According to this Roosevelt Island resident:

Very weird service this A.M.  Over 20 minute wait this am at 6am. Erratic service all morning

Another resident reported problems at the Tram caused by the F Train delays:

For some strange reason there is no F from Roosevelt Island today.

At 8:10 am there were lines stretching to outside of the turnstile on each side. As a result, many of us did not make in into our usual 8:13 am Tram which was loading when we arrived.

When finally in the next cabin at 8:30 it is so packed that the operator had to ask 6 people to disembark in order for us to take flight! Sadly, no one would budge until the other Tram was just over head, delaying us further.

I have ridden our Tram daily for more than 20 years. Never have I seen such stubbornness and inconsideration as I have today on The RI Tram today.

Hot and sweaty we made it through to the other side in tact. Thank God!

If needed, click here for verification from the MTA of your subway delay.

UPDATE 8/22 - Yesterday's F train subway delays were not any fault of Roosevelt Island's according to this eyewitness report from resident Jonathan Clement:

I was down in the RI station when they announced that there was a broken-down Manhattan-bound train at Queensbridge. Sure enough, when I got to Queensbridge, there was a broken-down train on the Manhattan-bound tracks (as well as another one right behind). People were streaming off both trains and heading to the Queens-bound F, so they could backtrack and then catch the E to Manhattan.

Creepy Full Moon Over Roosevelt Island Tonight - Time For A Moondance?

From the Roosevelt Island Twitterverse:

@weatherchannel Creepy lookin #FullMoon over Roosevelt Island NY pic.twitter.com/62hYVHguvq
— Ed Schaefer (@TheFamousMrE) August 21, 2013

It's a wonderful night for a Moondance on Roosevelt Island, or, from the International Space Station with The Chieftains and Canadian Astronaut Commander Chris Hadfield.



As Commander Hadfield says:

If you get a moment, look up. It's amazing what you can see.

Roosevelt Island's Version Of Street Games, Outdoor Summer Fun Activities For Kids From NYC Parks Department And Island Kids - Dodgeball, Volleyball, Giant Checkers & Much More But No Skelly Board

Island Kids

and the NYC Parks and Recreation Department hosted

a fun filled day for Roosevelt Island youngsters today at the Rivercross Lawn.

There was Dodgeball,

Volleyball,

Table Hockey,

Hula Hooping,

Face Painting

Games

and Giant Checkers.

I was hoping to find a Skelly Board but no luck.

Here's what NYC Street Games were like from another time long ago



but not so far away.

Roosevelt Island Children Hold Lemonade, Flower And Veggie Fundraiser For Southtown Community Garden Last Weekend, Raised Over $90 - Great Job Kids!!!!!

Roosevelt Island parent Lauren Blankstein reports:

Parents and kids gather at the children's garden behind 455 Main St. every Saturday morning to tend to the plants, explore the landscape and do craft projects. This past week the children spontaneously decided to start a fundraising initiative.

Image From Lauren Blankstein

On Saturday they filled paper baskets with flowers, herbs and veggies from the garden and set up shop selling them to passersby for $1.

Image From Lauren Blankstein

On Sunday the initiative continued with a lemonade and cookie stand. In total, the kids raised $90. This Saturday they will meet to decide how the money should be used. 

The Southtown Children's Garden is organized by local resident Leila Vujosevic from the Roosevelt Island Explorers.

Image From RIEC's Leila Vujocevic

More on the RI Explorers Southtown Garden Club from previous posts.

Roosevelt Island Cultural Center Management Plan For Non Profits, Community Space Utilization Plan, Trellis Presentation And Moving Southown Dog Run On RIOC Real Estate Committee Agenda For Wednesday August 21

According to the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC)

NOTICE OF THE
AUGUST 21, 2013 MEETING OF THE
REAL ESTATE DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE
OF THE ROOSEVELT ISLAND OPERATING CORPORATION
BOARD OF DIRECTORS

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that a meeting of the Real Estate Development Advisory Committee of the RIOC Board of Directors will be held on Wednesday, August 21, 2013 at 5:30 p.m. at the RIOC administrative office, 591 Main Street, Roosevelt Island, New York.

Agenda:

1. Presentation by Trellis Proprietor
2. Update on 548 Main Street Cultural Center Repairs and Management Plan
3. Discussion of the Development of Park and Community Space General Utilization Plan
4. Discussion of the Request to Move the Southtown Dog Walk
5. Any Other Committee Business That May be Brought Before the Committee

***

The Open Meetings Law of the State of New York requires that all public bodies conduct meetings, convened for the purpose of officially conducting public business, in a manner open to attendance by the general public to observe and listen.

The Main Street Theater & Dance Alliance (MST&DA) and the Roosevelt Island Jewish Congregation (RIJC) have been unable to use the space they formerly occupied at the Cultural Center following a July 2012 flooding incident which caused substantial damage to the premises.

Since that time RIOC has been in the process of repairing the damaged Cultural Center and establishing procedures for future use of the space by Roosevelt Island community groups including former occupants such as the MST&DA, RIJC and other groups seeking space. To date, the additional community groups seeking to share space in the Cultural Center are the Roosevelt Island Islamic Community and the Jewish Chabad congregation who are seeking places of worship for their members.

Here's a discussion of Roosevelt Island community space needs and allocations from the July 16 RIOC Real Estate Advisory Committee meeting.



If you know of a Roosevelt Island non profit community group seeking space, have them contact RIOC so that RIOC is aware of their needs.

 Also to be discussed at Wednesday's RIOC Real Estate Committee meeting is a request to move the Southtown Dog run

as well as a presentation by the Trellis Diner owner.

An audio web cast will be available soon after the meeting.