Heightened East River Security During Upcoming United Nations General Assembly Opening Session - Unlike Past Years, Area That Is Now Roosevelt Island Southpoint And FDR Four Freedoms Park To Remain Open But Expect Intermittent RI Bridge Traffic Closings For Diverted Boat Traffic

 Image of United Nations from Wired New York

It's that time of year again for Roosevelt Island - the opening of the 2013 United Nations General Assembly Session. In the past that meant the closing of Roosevelt Island's Southpoint Park and the diversion of all East River Traffic adjacent to Roosevelt Island to the East Channel for security precautions due to our proximity to the United Nations.

Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) President Charlene Indelicato's report to the community today advised:

The United Nations General Assembly will hold its 68th session from September 16 to October 5, 2013. Accordingly, there will be heightened security across the river on the East Side surrounding the UN Building and on the Island as well. Four Freedoms Park will be closed to the public for the duration of the General Assembly. Also, expect to see heightened security around transit stations during this time.

But, wait a second. There's a twist this year. Earlier today, I sent the following inquiry to RIOC President Indelicato and Public Safety Director (PSD) John McManus:

Will FDR Four Freedoms Park be closed during UN General Assembly week? I understand that the FDR Park Conservancy wants to keep it open during this time.

Also, will Southpoint Park be open or closed during UN General Assembly Week?

 Image Of United Nations From Roosevelt Island FDR Four Freedoms Park

Ms. Indelicato replied:

Southpoint Park will not be closed - however, not sure what is happening Four Freedom Park. Seems like it is still being negotiated with Four Freedoms

PSD Director McManus replied later:

As a reminder, the UN General Assembly will convene on Monday, September 16th,2013 and close on Saturday, October, 5th,2013. Please be advised that both Southpoint Park and Four Freedoms Park will remain open during that time period.

I followed up with Mr. McManus:

Can you explain why for many years the area that is now Southpoint and FDR Park was closed during the UN General Assembly session because of security reasons but this year those concerns no longer require the closing of the area during the UN General Assembly session?

Also, do you know if all East River boat traffic will be diverted to the East Channel next to Roosevelt island during the UN General Assembly session as during previous years or is that no longer the case this year as well?

Roosevelt Island Bridge Being Raised To Let Sailboat Pass During 2010 UN Week Causing Ambulance To Wait

RIOC then sent out the following advisory:

Please be advised that the U.N. General Assembly will take place from Monday, September 16th, 2013 to Saturday, October 5th, 2013.

Effective Saturday, September 21st, 2013 to Sunday, September 29th, 2013, West Channel harbor traffic will be diverted to the East Channel harbor.

Bridge openings will be conducted daily from 7AM to 7PM. Each opening should take anywhere from 8-12 minutes to be completed.

During this time NYPD, NYFD and EMS will be available to Roosevelt Island residents and visitors by dialing 911. We apologize for any inconvenience created by this schedule.

Sincerely,

Roosevelt Island Operating Corp Advisories Group

Mr. McManus replied to my question stating:

I cannot elaborate on your first question. With respect to your second question, yes, West Channel harbor traffic will be diverted to the East Channel. An advisory regarding that issue was just sent out.

I will seek an explanation from NYPD and update when answer received. Wonder who the Four Freedoms Park was "negotiating" with to stay open?

25 Cent Roosevelt Island Red Bus Fare Eliminated and Parking Fees Doubled In Proposed RIOC 2014/15 Budget - Improve Efficiency, Reduce Main Street Traffic and Encourage Use Of Motorgate Garage Says RIOC

Reported in December 2012 that Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Transportation Manager Cy Opperman

 RIOCTransportation Manager Cy Opperman at Red Bus Stop From Jonathan Kalkin at Yfrog

suggesting eliminating the Roosevelt Island Red Bus Fare:

... Eliminate dollar bill in fare box because it causes jams in the fare box and increases lines to get on the bus. Dollar bills are also filthy. (Blue gloves that are put on to count the dollar bills are no longer blue when count is finished)

Mr Opperman suggested that it would be cheaper to run the bus without a fare but RIOC Directors are not likely to go along with that suggestion. According to RIOC Chief Financial Officer Steve Chironis, Red Bus annual revenue is $300 hundred thousand from riders and $100 Thousand from the Octagon Express for a total of $400 thousand annually. The annual Red Bus expenses are $1.2 million for a net annual loss of $800 thousand....

I learned at yesterday's RIOC Board of Directors meeting that Mr. Opperman's suggestion will be implemented and the Roosevelt Island Red Bus will soon be free. According to the RIOC Proposed FY 2014-15 Budget (Page 4):

... the proposed budget includes the elimination of the bus fares and associated cost including the transfer of two positions associated with the collection and depositing of bus revenues to fill existing and new positions. Furthermore, the parking rate is proposed to be doubled....

According to RIOC, eliminating the bus fare and doubling parking rates will improve the Roosevelt Island Red Bus efficiency, reduce traffic jams on Main Street and encourage greater use of the Motorgate Garage.

Report From RIOC President Charlene Indelicato - Roosevelt Island Fall For Arts, Blackwell Park Playground Grand Opening, Bike New York Workshops, Four Freedoms Park Closed For General Assembly Meeting, PSD Partners With RI Youth Program Soccer & More

Image From RIOC

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

School has started and Fall is moving forward at full tilt. Our Fall slate of activities is coming up quickly! Be sure to keep your eye on our website and Facebook page to keep as up-to-date as possible.

Fall for Arts

The date is set for our annual Fall for the Arts Festival. In partnership with Gallery RIVAA, RIOC will be hosting the Festival on October 5th at Southpoint Park and on the lawn south of Rivercross. There will be music, art, food and fun for all!

I understand that the painting of large outdoor murals is the Festival’s most loved tradition. I look forward to viewing them both in the Park and later at the Motorgate Gallery.

The theme for this year's event is "A Mystical Island." It is free to participate - paint and brushes are provided!

We invite you to submit a sketch of your design or any inquiries to Anna.Rankin@rioc.ny.gov along with a title and short description. The deadline for sketches is September 21, 2013.

UN General Assembly

The United Nations General Assembly will hold its 68th session from September 16 to October 5, 2013. Accordingly, there will be heightened security across the river on the East Side surrounding the UN Building and on the Island as well. Four Freedoms Park will be closed to the public for the duration of the General Assembly. Also, expect to see heightened security around transit stations during this time.

Bike New York Comes To Sportspark Roosevelt Island

Bike New York, the bicycle-focused not-for-profit organization highlighted in my last column, will hold pilots on September 22nd and 28th at the outdoor basketball court on the east side of Sportspark. Classes and workshops will be offered for kids and adults ranging from Bicycling Basics to Learn to Ride. The full Bike New York event calendar can be found at http://www.bikenewyork.org/learn/classes-workshops/overview/

Blackwell Park Tot Lot

We are happy to announce that the new tot lot located at Blackwell Park will open Thursday, September 19, 2013 with a ribbon cutting to take place at 3:30 pm. The tot lot will replace the current lot, which will be removed to begin the construction of Riverwalk Building 7 by Hudson/Related. This 200,000 square foot residential building, featuring 260 rental apartments, will take approximately 2 years to complete, according to the developer.

PSD Partners with the Roosevelt Island Youth Program

Last weekend marked the beginning of a new partnership between the Roosevelt Island Youth Program and RIOC PSD. This fall a PSD officer will serve as an assistant soccer coach with the Youth Program. I would like to thank all involved, especially Interim PSD Director McManus and Officer Martinez for all their help in organizing this event.

Motorgate Parking Structure Project Update

On September 19, work will begin in Section 4B North. The renovations have been moving steadily along throughout the garage and we would like to thank our residents and visitors for their cooperation as we modernize the facility. When the project moves to Section 4B North, new signage will be posted to help navigate the garage. The entire project is expected to be completed in Winter 2014.

New Advertising Policy

RIOC’s newly introduced policy for advertising and posting on the Tram, Red Bus, and Main Street Kiosks is available on our website at http://rioc.ny.gov/pdf/AdvertisingPolicy.pdf

Ms Indelicato gave the following report to the September 12 RIOC Board of Directors meeting thanking RIOC staff for their hard work preparing for the meeting. The thanks were echoed by RIOC Director David Kraut.



Mr. Kraut added that, with certain exceptions due to Hurricane Sandy, Roosevelt Island is in better shape now that at any time in his 35 years of living here.

RIOC President Charlene Indelicato Addresses Roosevelt Island Residents Association And Answers Questions - She Welcomes Residents Input But RIOC Has Job To Do

Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) President Charlene Indelicato made her first appearance in front of the Roosevelt Island Residents Association (RIRA) Common Council last night. Ms. Indelicato told the RIRA Common Council and members of the audience that she has been RIOC President for nearly 4 months, noting this is her dream job and that she is enjoying it immensley.

Ms Indelicato stated:

... I don't know the internal politics of RIRA nor do I want to know but I do know my relationship with RIRA as RIOC President is good and getting better...

... Everything takes time ...  I can tell you we have a staff that works at RIOC that is really dedicated. Many of them don't live here but they love it... walking here at night you can't help but love this Island....

... I welcome your input into the areas that we are delving into. That is not to say that you will sit by everybody's side and write the program. That is our job and we will do it and then we will ask for your input and comments....

RIRA Common Counsel member Mark Lyon asked Ms. Indelicato about the status of NY State Inspector General reports concerning RIOC. Ms. Indelicato responded that she does not have the Inspector General reports or the Public Safety Audit report.

RIRA Common Counsel member Joyce Mincheff asked about the Cornell NYC Tech negotiations. Ms Indelicato said they are still meeting and negotiating with Cornell but had nothing else to say on the matter other than she is waiting for more information from Cornell. Ms. Indelicato complimented the Roosevelt Island Community Coalition (RICC) on identifying the issues of utmost importance regarding the Cornell negotiations adding that RICC was "right on" in its analysis.

RIRA Common Counsel member Frank Farance asked about strategic planning for Roosevelt Island. Ms. Indelicato replied that strategic planning is great but right now she is focusing on immediate needs such as the seawall, railing and steam plant.

Answering Mr. Farance's question about a Roosevelt Island strategic plan developed by former RIOC VP of Operations Fernando Martinez, Ms Indelicato replied:

... I looked at it and there was nothing there. There was a fill in the blank thing....

Here's Ms. Indelicato's appearance at yesterday's RIRA meeeting.



Good job by Ms. Indelicato. I hope she continues the dialogue with RIRA and residents of Roosevelt Island.

Roosevelt Island Operating Corp Board Of Directors Meeting Today - Presentation of RIOC 2014 -15 Budget, Tram Station Painting and Repairs, Lighthouse Park Foot Bridge Replacement, Security Camera System, Pier Restoration & More On The Agenda

According to the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC):

SEPTEMBER 12, 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. June 27, 2013 Board Meeting (Board Action Required)
IV. Old Business
V. New Business
1. Presentation of the Proposed RIOC Budget for FY 2014-2015 (Materials to Follow)
2. Presentation of the FY 2013-2014 QTR1 Procurement Report
3. Authorization to Enter into Contract with Devo and Associates, LLC for the Purchase, Installation and
Maintenance of Multi-Space Parking Pay Stations (Board Action Required)
4. Authorization to Enter into Contracts for Architectural and Engineering Services (Board Action Required)
5. Authorization to Enter into Contract with City and County Paving Corp. for Construction of a Sidewalk near the
Tram Station (Board Action Required)
6. Authorization to Enter into Contract with City and County Paving Corp. for Replacement of the Foot Bridges at
Lighthouse Park (Board Action Required)
7. Authorization to Enter into Contract with Nuco Painting Corp. for Tram Station Painting and General Repairs
(Board Action Required)
8. Ratification of Amendment of Contract with Leitner-Poma of America O&M, Inc. for Operation and Maintenance
of Roosevelt Island Aerial Tramway (Board Action Required)
9. Authorization to Amend the Contract with Derive Technologies, Inc. for Phase Two of the Island-Wide Security
Camera System Project (Materials to Follow - Board Action Required)
10. Authorization to Enter into Contract with Apple Restoration & Waterproofing, Inc. for Good Shepherd Community
Center Entry Door and Narthex Restoration (Board Action Required)
11. Ratification of Contract with Nelson & Pope Engineers & Surveyors for Cultural Center Renovation Project
Construction Documents (Board Action Required)
12. Authorization to Amend the Contract with Zetlin Strategic Communications, Inc.for Communications and
Marketing Services (Board Action Required)
13. Authorization to Enter into Contract with Teamsters Local 210 (Board Action Required)
14. Authorization to Enter into Contract with D'Onofrio General Contractors Corp. for Westside Pier Restoration
(Board Action Required)
15. President�s Report
16. Committee Reports
a. Audit Committee
b. Governance Committee
c. Operations Advisory Committee
d. Real Estate Development Advisory Committee
17. 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.

The links to Agenda Item Board materials were added by me.

World Trade Center Tribute In Light As Seen From Roosevelt Island 3:30 AM Today

From the Roosevelt Island Twitterverse

View of Midtown at 3:30am from Roosevelt Island #NeverForget pic.twitter.com/XnaGyp6tJX
— Bop Thompson (@m00n_bounce) September 12, 2013

Here's the story behind the creation of the Tribute In Light.

You Tube Video of Tribute In Light Creation

More on the World Trade Center Tribute In Light presented by the Municipal Arts Society from previous post.

12th Anniversary Of September 11, 2001 World Trade Center Towers And Pentagon Attack - Our Hearts Still Ache Says President Obama

Here's what the World Trade Center attacks looked like from Roosevelt Island on September 11, 2001.

Main Street WIRE Image Of Smoke From World Trade Center Attack by Vicki Feinmel/Linda Heimer

Below is the Roosevelt Island 9/11 Remembrance Garden in Good Shepherd Plaza

Images of Roosevelt Island's Remembrance Garden

and the plaque that honors those Roosevelt Islanders who died in the terrorist attack:

Ed Beyea, Anthony J. Fallone, Taimour Khan, Scott Larsen, Kevin J. Smith and the firefighters who were based on Roosevelt Island Deputy Chief Ray Downey, Deputy Chief Charlie Kasper, Battalion Chief John Moran, and Battalion Chief John Paolillo.

Image From Roosevelt Island 360

In past years, the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) and Roosevelt Island Residents Associations (RIRA) jointly held an annual 9/11 Memorial Service on the anniversary of that terrible day. But not since 2011.

President Barack Obama has this to say earlier today.
 

NY State Governor Andrew Cuomo added:

It’s hard to imagine that it’s been 12 years. In some ways so much has changed and in some ways so much remains the same. Physically there has been much progress. The stunning memorial that has been built, office buildings that have been built, the Freedom Tower now an international symbol of New York’s resilience. But despite the billions spent, despite all the years of construction, some things remain the same and some things should remain the same at Ground Zero. The reality is that Ground Zero witnessed the worst of humanity and at the same moment, the best of humanity. It is the site where we lost 2,606 souls that day, among them 403 first responders, 343 firefighters, including 11 firefighters from Rescue 1; but tens of thousands of New Yorkers were led to safety by these heroes. “This morning we took the ride that the Rescue 1 firefighters would have taken 12 years ago when they got the call to leave the firehouse early that September day. And I imagine that they knew that they were headed into danger, and I imagine that on that ride they were thinking about their sons and their daughters and they were thinking about their husbands or wives and their mothers and their fathers. But they continued on the ride, straight and strong, without deviation and without delay. And they made a point that is as true that morning as it is today – they proved to the world that strength and courage will always conquer weakness and cowardice. That duty and honor and service are paramount. They are words to live by and yes they are words to die by. And that the American spirit, defended by proud New Yorkers, will not be defeated. That lesson and that example lives today as powerful as it was 12 years ago. And it will live on in our hearts every day to guide and to inspire. That will be true for generations to come. May God bless the families of the victims, may God bring them peace, and may God bless the State of New York and the United States of America.

and from Roosevelt Island's Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney

Today we mark the 12th anniversary of 9-11, a day that changed America forever. We solemnly remember the 3,000 who died. And we honor the living - whose valor and courage propelled them through the smoke – led them to brave the fires – and steadied them in their daunting work. Since that day – much has changed and much has been restored. 10 million people have visited memorial plaza that opened in 2011.The museum opens next spring. The 104-story Freedom Tower - next year. But there are still men and women who suffer now – or will suffer later - from the effects of that massive toxic stew that enveloped lower Manhattan for months. So, on this special day – I would like to remind everyone – that the final deadline to register for the benefits under the 9/11 Victims Compensation Fund is October 3. Please, let everyone know - registering will cost you nothing.”

What a horrible day.

RIOC President Charlene Indelicato Appearing At Roosevelt Island Residents Association Meeting Tonight - Also, RIRA Presentation On Southpoint Park Korean Pavilion, Island Shakespeare Renovated Pier & More - Come Learn What Is Gong On

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

Image of June 2011 RIRA Common Council Meeting

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.

Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) President Charlene Indelicato will be making her first appearance at a RIRA meeting tonight during the Public Session. Also speaking during the RIRA Public Session will be:

• Sonia Jang President of the Korean Association presenting a plan to place a gazebo at Southpoint Park and
• Island Shakespear's Kristi Artinian presenting a proposal to renovate an unused pier

RIRA President Ellen Polivy invites all Roosevelt Island residents to come and attend tonight's RIRA meeting. Ms. Polivy reports:

The endless tug of war over land

As I write this, the RIRA Common Council is preparing for it’s first meeting of the year. I am urging everyone to come to the Good Shepherd Community Center on Wednesday September 11 at 8pm. RIOC President Charlene Indelicato will be there. It will also be a public session filled with organizations presenting good ideas about use of land on the Island and in Manhattan.

Land is at a premium in New York City. How it is used and how that use affects everyone else creates an endless tug of war.

We recently had a presentation by OEM about our evacuation zones. Did you know that our evacuation center, the Julia Richman Educational Campus on 67 Street between First and Second Avenue is a sturdy old building with excellent mini schools cooperating in the sharing of common resources. Among other resources, the school has an acoustically perfect auditorium a pool and an atrium room used as an art gallery. In 2008, it was in danger of being demolished in a land swap to make way for the badly needed updated Hunter College School of Nursing and a large science research center. This plan was halted by a vote of my class of Community Board 8.

To find alternate space, Hunter College created an alliance with Memorial Sloan Kettering to build its updated nursing school and a Cancer treatment and research center. They located the site of a long vacant former sanitation garage off the FDR Drive and 73 Street. We Roosevelt Islanders will be able to watch the construction from our windows.

The proposed construction project is working its way through the New York City land use process (ULURP) just like the one Cornell just completed. One might think it is a no-brainer to put vacant property to this good use. Think again.

The community near that project is angry over the prospect of years of construction in their back yard and then future of living with the behemoth Hunter-MSK will create. The project’s developer is asking for a larger “floor to area ratio” (FAR) than City code usually allows for that zone. In return for an allowance of this bigger, denser building, the developer has agreed to provide funds to complete a long-awaited park a mile away. The community near that park is happy. Both communities are part of Community Board 8. This vote divided our Community Board in a very close vote during our part of the ULURP.

To make everyone happy over a land use project is an impossible dream

Hope to see you at our RIRA meeting.

Best regards, Ellen

Below is the Agenda for tonight's RIRA meeting:

Common Council Meeting

Please arrive a half hour early to help set up tables and chairs

RIRA Common Council Agenda

Date: Wednesday September 11, 2013
Time: 8pm-Finish

Place: Good Shepherd Community Center, 543 Main Street

1. Public Session:
RIOC President Charlene Indelicato
UNDC-East River Greenway- Frances Huppert,

Vice-President of UNDC
Korean Association presents their gazebo proposal for Southpoint Park- Sonia Jang President
RI Shakespeare presents proposal to renovate unused pier
Kristi Artinian

2. Roll call

3. Nomination for open seat

4. Approval of minutes

5. Approval of agenda

6. Treasurers Report

7. Presidents Report:

Request for approval as in report

9. Committee reports:
Public safety

By laws
Island services
Government relations
Social cultural educational
Housing
Planning

10. Old business
Rules of order proposal / bylaws review of rules of order proposal

11. New business

Disposition of items from public session and president's report

and here is discussion on the proposed Korean Gazebo at Southpoint Park during July 16 RIOC Real Estate Advisory Committee meeting.



Come learn what is happening on Roosevelt Island at tonight's RIRA meeting.

Without A Chief Financial Officer, Roosevelt Island Operating Corp Audit Committee Meeting Today For Presentation Of 2014 -2015 Budget

According to the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC):

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that a meeting of the Audit Committee of the RIOC Board of Directors will be held on Wednesday, September 11, 2013 at 5:00 p.m. at the RIOC administrative office, 591 Main Street, Roosevelt Island, New York.
Agenda:

Initial Presentation of the RIOC 2014 - 2015 Budget

Chair’s Motion for Executive Session to Discuss Personnel Matters

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.

Sincerely,

Roosevelt Island Operating Corp Advisories Group

An audio web cast of the meeting will be available soon thereafter.

It will be interesting to see how RIOC puts together the 2014-15 Budget without a Chief Financial Officer as part of its Executive Staff. As reported August 30:

More Senior level management upheavals at the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC). Chief Financial Officer Steve Chironis

Image of RIOC CFO Discussing RIOC 2011-12 Fiscal Year Budget At December RIRA Meeting

will no longer be working at RIOC after today....

and:

... Mr. Chironis was RIOC Chief Financial Officer since 2008. He was a competent professional respected by the Roosevelt Island community but without a political "rabbi" for support at RIOC. He will be missed...

Here's the RIOC approved budget for 2013 -14.

Ben Kallos Wins Democratic Party NYC Primary Council Race To Represent Roosevelt Island and Upper East Side Reports NY Times

With 98% of the vote in, the NY Times projects that Ben Kallos won the Democratic Party primary to represent Roosevelt Island and the Upper East Side in the NYC Council. According to the NY Times vote tally.

District 5
Upper East Side, Roosevelt Island
Democratic Candidate Votes Pct.
Ben Kallos -              7,111       45.7%
Micah Kellner           6,133      39.4
Ed Hartzog                2,328      14.9

Mr. Kallos tweets:

Thank you! I'm honored and humbled and can't wait to represent you in City Hall.
— Kallos 4 NYC Council (@kallos) September 11, 2013

The NY Times also projects that Roosevelt Island's current NYC Council Member Jessica Lappin lost her bid for Manhattan Borough President to Gale Brewer. According to the NY Times, the Manhattan Borough President Democratic primary vote tally was:

Gale A. Brewer      56,672       39.2%
Jessica S. Lappin    34,515       23.9
Robert Jackson       28,226      19.5
Julie Menin            25,137      17.4

The Main Street WIRE has the Roosevelt Island vote tally for the 2013 Primary Election.

UPDATE 9/11 - A statement from Ben Kallos:

I am honored to win the Democratic City Council primary in the Upper East Side and Roosevelt Island, the community I grew up in, and can't wait to represent District 5 in City Hall.

On the streets yesterday, voters explained that our campaign's message of openness, participation and big ideas resonated with them, and that's the kind of Council Member I plan to be. I'm humbled by the strong support and look forward to working together to keep our neighborhood a great place to live.

and Micah Kellner:

I want to thank you for all that you have done to support my campaign for City Council. Thanks to you and all those who supported my campaign, I was able to run a campaign that I'll always be proud of.

Unfortunately, I came up short today, and I did not win the Democratic Primary for City Council.

I will always be grateful to you for your friendship and loyalty and for standing by me during a difficult campaign. With your continued support, I intend to redouble my efforts to deliver effective public service to the neighborhoods of Manhattan's Upper East Side, Yorkville and Roosevelt Island.

Thank you once again for your support. I will never forget it!

Bill de Blasio Wins NYC Democratic Mayoral Primary Election For Roosevelt Island's Octagon Building - Is Win Indicator Of NYC Primary Win For De Blasio?

Here's a tiny sample of the NYC Primary vote tally. It's from Roosevelt Island's 87the Election District which is made up of residents from the Octagon Building and Coler Hospital.

The vote tally was provided by Bill Long and Karen Burstein.

For the Democratic Party Mayoral primary, Bill de Blasio led with 22 votes followed by Christine Quinn with 11 votes and Bill Thompson with 7 votes out of a total of 45 votes cast.

For the Democrat Party Public Advocate primary, Dan Squadron led with 18 votes followed by Letitia James with 10 votes out of 39 votes cast.

For the Democratic Party Comptroller primary, Scott Stringer had 28 votes followed by Elliot Spitzer with 15 votes out of 43 votes cast

For the Democratic Party Manhattan Borough President primary, Jessica Lappin led with 20 votes followed by Gale Brewer with 10 votes out of 38 votes cast.

For the Democratic Party 5th City Council District primary, Ben Kallos led with 19 votes followed by Micah Kellner with 12 votes and Ed Hartzog with 9 votes out of 40 votes cast.

Here's the complete Democratic Party Primary Tally vote sheet for the Octagon/Coler Hospital polling location.

For the Republican Mayoral primary, Joe Lhota leads with 4 votes and George McDonald followed with 1 vote out of 5 total votes cast.

Here's the complete Republican Party Primary Tally vote sheet for the Octagon/Coler Hospital polling location.

UPDATE 10:35 PM - The NY Times has the latest numbers on the race for:

• Mayor,
• Manhattan Borough President
• Public Advocate
• Comptroller and
• City Council.

Today Is NYC Primary Election Day For Mayor, Public Advocate, Comptroller, Borough President and NYC Council - Here Are The Roosevelt Island Polling Locations

 Image From WNYC

Don't forget today is NYC Primary election day so if you are a registered member of the Democratic or Republican party get out and vote.

Roosevelt Island residents who live at:

• 405, 415, 425 and 455 Main Street vote at Goldwater Hospital (1 Main Street),
• 465, 475 Main Street, Rivercross, Island House, Westview, Roosevelt Landings/Eastwood and Manhattan Park vote at PS/IS 217 (645 Main Street) and
• The Octagon at Coler Hospital (900 Main Street)

Click Image To Enlarge For Polling Locations

Roosevelt Island residents were out earlier today voting at PS/IS 217.

 

More information on polling locations and a sample ballot here.

Here's more on the Mayoral election from the NY Times



and more on the Roosevelt Island City Council, Manhattan Borough President and Public Advocate elections as well as the Roosevelt Island Candidates Forum.

New Roosevelt Island Southtown Playground Almost Ready To Open - The Kids And Parents Are Waiting

A Roosevelt Island parent asks:

Any idea when the new playground is opening? I see that it's finished, but has a chain on the gate.

Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) President Charlene Indelicato had reported last August 2:

... We are very happy to announce the new tot lot located at Blackwell Park is expected to be completed by mid-August, end of the month at the latest. After the new tot lot is open, Hudson/Related will begin the construction of Riverwalk Building 7. This 200,000 square foot residential building, featuring 260 rental apartments, will take approximately 2 years to complete, according to Hudson/Related....

Yesterday, I asked Southtown Developer Hudson Related's representative Sarah Willard:

Any update when the new Southtown playground will open.

Ms. Willard replied:

Two more items to complete and then we will have a definite opening date.  We should  know shortly...

Roosevelt Island kids are anxious to get in the new playground and try it out.

Here's a walk around the playground today.



Ms. Willard also reports that Hudson Related is working with RIOC for a Grand Opening Celebration of the new playground.

Roosevelt Island Business Networking Group Meeting Tuesday Morning 7:30 AM Riverwalk Bar & Grill - Local Entrepreneurs Meet, Share Stories and Potential Opportunities

You Tube Video of May 8 2012 RIBN Meeting Intro

The Roosevelt Island Business Networking Group (RIBN) returns from its summer hiatus holding their next meeting tomorrow (Tuesday) morning, September 10 7:30 AM. at the Riverwalk Bar & Grill (425 Main Street). According to the RIBN:

Get back in the swim as the RI Business Networking Group kicks off with muffins and coffee at Riverwalk Bar & Grill.

Another meeting will be held on Tuesday, September 24 at 546 Main Street with light snacks.

Make new connections, catch up with other members and plan for the Fall.

See you there!

More information on the Roosevelt Island Business Networking Group at Linked In and previous presentations from RIBN members at this post.

No Late Night F Train Subway Service To Manhattan From Roosevelt Island September 9 Thru 13

F Train Arriving At Roosevelt Island Subway Station

According to the MTA:

F Coney Island-bound trains run via the E from Roosevelt Av to W 4 St Late Nights, 11:45 PM to 5 AM, Mon to Fri, Sep 9 - 13

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, 57 St, 47-50 Sts, 42 St-Bryant Pk, 34 St-Herald Sq, 23 St and 14 St.

The Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) adds:

The MTA has advised that there will be no Manhattan bound F trains beginning September 9th-13th from 11:45 PM Monday to 5 AM Friday. Trains will be rerouted via the E line to West 4th St.

For service to Manhattan, take the Jamaica-bound F train to Roosevelt Av and transfer to a Manhattan- bound F train.

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

No word whether RIOC will extend the Roosevelt Island Tram hours during this time.

Roosevelt Island Vigil To Oppose Military Strike On Syria 7 PM Tonight At Good Shepherd Plaza

Roosevelt Island resident Roy Eaton sends the following message:

Join me at a Vigil to oppose strikes on Syria

I invite you all to put your feet where your mouth is. Your presence is your Power to create World Peace

The event details are:

Participate for Peace
Chapel Square on Roosevelt Island
531 Main Street
Roosevelt Island, New York, NY 10044
Monday, 9 Sep 2013, 7:00 PM

To sign up for this event, click here:
http://civic.moveon.org/event/syriavigil/139725

Here's President Obama explaining reasons for strike on Syria



and CBS's Charlie Rose interview with Syrian President Bashar Assad.



President Obama will speak to the nation tomorrow on this issue

NYC Mayoral Candidate John Liu and NYC Public Advocate Candidate Reshma Saujani Appear At Roosevelt Island Candidate's Forum - Here's What They Had To Say

As previously reported, the Roosevelt Island Residents Association (RIRA) held a NYC Candidates Forum last August 27.

Current NYC Comptroller John Liu was the only Mayoral Candidate to appear and answer questions from RIRA President Ellen Polivy about about Roosevelt Island affordable housing, the community's relationship with Cornell NYC Tech, improving Roosevelt Island transportation and other important issues. Here's what Mr. Liu had to say.



Reshma Saujani was the only NYC Public Advocate Candidate to appear at the Roosevelt Island Candidate's Forum and answer similar questions from Ms. Polivy. Here's what Ms. Saujani had to say.



Also appearing at the Roosevelt Island Candidate's Forum were Manhattan Borough President Candidate Jessica Lappin and NYC Council 5th District Candidates Ben Kallos and Ed Hartzog.

The Democratic and Republican Party primary elections will take place on Tuesday, September 10.

Micah Kellner, Ben Kallos & Ed Hartzog Debate Issues Seeking To Represent Roosevelt Island And Upper East Side In NYC Council - Kallos Received Endorsement From NY Times and NY Post But Do Newspaper Endorsements Matter To Voters Any Longer?

Image From Video Of NY 1 Kellner, Hartzog, Kallos NYC Council Debate

Reported last Thursday on the NY 1 Roosevelt Island/Upper East Side District 5 NYC Council Debate between Assembly Member Micah Kellner, Ben Kallos and Ed Hartzog.

Here's a brief You Tube video recap of the debate from Mr. Hartzog



Click here for the full NY 1 Roosevelt Island/Upper East Side NYC Council Debate.

The Manhattan Neighborhood Network and League of Women Voters for the City Of New York presented this debate among the candidates seeking to represent Roosevelt Island/Upper East Side in the NYC Council.



Do newspaper endorsements mean anything to voters in this race? If the answer is yes, then Mr. Kallos has an advantage since he has been endorsed by the NY Times and the NY Post. According to the NY Post:

5th District (Upper East Side): Assemblyman Micah Kellner was favored to win this open seat until it came out that Speaker Sheldon Silver had kept sexual harassment complaints against him secret. Since then, he’s lost many key endorsements, and rightly so.

Opponent Ben Kallos, a young community board member and former Assembly staffer, is a conventional liberal but has thumped for genuine legislative transparency. We prefer him to Kellner.