Saturday, November 9, 2013

It's Cold And Dark Early Outside On Roosevelt Island - Warm Up With A Good Local Hero Movie, What Else Do You Recommend?

One of my all time favorite movies is Local Hero


starring Peter Riegert and Burt Lancaster. Riegert plays a Houston oil executive working for Lancaster. Riegert goes to Scotland to buy a small village to be used as a refinery but the negotiations don't go quite as expected with the locals.

Oh, there's also a rabbit with two names and watch the sky for the Northern Lights but remember, you can't eat the scenery.

Here's the trailer



and if you like that, watch the whole movie which has a great musical score from Mark Knopfler of Dire Straits.



Tell us your favorite movie.  If you wish, put a video link to it in the comment box and we can vote for our favorites.

After 3 Days Verizon Land Line Phone Service Still Out For Many On Roosevelt Island, Not Known When Service Will Be Restored - In Emergency Use Yellow Call Boxes Located On Island Says RIOC

Image Of Verizon Repair Truck On Main Street

As previously reported, a cable mistakenly cut last Thursday during the construction of Southtown Riverwalk building 7

Image Of Southtown Riverwalk Building 7 Construction Site

caused the loss of Verizon land line phone service and Time Warner cable service to large portions of Roosevelt Island. Time Warner Cable service

Image Of Time Warner Cable Repair Truck

was restored later that evening but Verizon land line phone service is still out of service and it is not known yet when service will be restored.

If you do not have phone service, in the event of an emergency the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) advises
Please be advised, as an alternative means of accessing a 911 operator during the phone outage is by utilizing one of the Yellow emergency call boxes that are situated throughout the island. Please follow the instructions located inside of the box. It should be noted, however that the Silver emergency call boxes have been compromised by the outage and are not operational.

Sincerely,

Roosevelt Island Operating Corp Advisories Group
There are many senior citizens and others on Roosevelt Island who do not have cell phone service. Losing their land phone line is a great burden to them so I hope Verizon gets land line phone service repaired and running very soon.

UPDATE 8:30 PM - RIOC Public Safety Department adds:
Yellow Emergency Call Boxes can be found at following locations-
1) South of 1 Main St(Goldwater Hospital) Call Box#7804
2) West Drive(Opposite 455 Main St- Starbucks) Call Box#7805
3) West Seawall (Rear of 8 River Rd) Call Box#7802
4) East Roadway (Front of Octagon Tennis Courts) Call Box#7801
5) East Seawall (Rear of 540-560 Main St) Call Box#7807

Friday, November 8, 2013

No Queens Bound F Train To Roosevelt Island From Manhattan This Weekend


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, Nov 8 - 11

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

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


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

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

Public Purpose Grants

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

Southtown Construction

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

Construction on Roosevelt Island Cultural Center

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

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

Halloween Parade

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

Tree Lighting Event

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

New Classes Open at Sportspark

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

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

Contacting RIOC

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

Roosevelt Island Youth Program Soccer Recap And Standings - Jumping And Screaming Fans Watch Exciting, Edge Of Your Seat Games Being Played

Image From Frank Farance

Roosevelt Island Youth Program (RIYP) Soccer Director Adib Mansour updates us on the 2013 RIYP Soccer Season.


According to Mr. Mansour:
Very exciting games this last Saturday... the weather gave us plenty of support!! The fans held off the rain till the last minute!

The games kept us all on the edges of our seats! The spectators/parents jumping and screaming like I've never seen before! Some of the coaches and many of the parents kept reminding me they are so excited, their heart might just explode!!

With three teams tied at second place no one can predict the outcome till the last game. In the Minors division, the teams will compete in 2 more games before the finals during which we will have three 1st place and three 2nd place championships.

Noteworthy on John Evans' team is Zachery Moore who stood strong as a defender alongside Mack Messay who successfully wore multiple hats in his goalie and offense positions... Ishan Kashyap scored an impressive goal; their team secured a tie on 10/23 and a win of 2-0 on 11/2.

James Highsmith's Blue team rose to first place with two wins thanks to a goal and several assists from Aiden Murat. In addition, several shots on the goal were verted by the skilled goallie Byron Jones. Nelle Gray was unparalleled in her ability to stop eminent attacks against her team.

James Brown's red team marveled during the game against Tony's Orange team with the gifted Billy Cuozzi scoring a beautiful goal after numerous attempts. While Kiana Rodriguez and Michael Pratts held midfield area and tenaciously defended their goal.

Marc Block's Yellow team successfully played as a unit with good attempts on the goals and wonderful passes from Miguel Conciello, Sheldon Liu and Annahi Bermudez.

Dan Sadlier's Black team was tenacious and proficient with the help of Julian Bertillini and Nemanja Prokic accurate, short passes. Darnell WIlkins'Payne was unstoppable in his charges and strikes against James Highsmith's team. The team scored 3 stunning goals.

Tony Leon's Orange team had two great games, with his team keeping the ball in in the midfield area, a sign that demonstrates the team's understanding of the different positions. Momar Gaye again showed his advanced abilities with astonishing turns, ball control, and proficient dribbling. Jackson Dorfman and Abdelkhlik Elakrmi had a strong presence on the field and prevented the attacking teams from scoring on numerous occasions.

The Juniors games in the last two weeks had abundance in goals, and phenomenal skills from the four teams.

Jack McManus' Red team scored over 5 goals in the 1st game with the help of Isiaha Dickens who mastered head-shots and took advantage of his height. I was amazed by Kaia Keaton's omnipresence on the field in defense, midfield and offense; she was a force not to be reckoned with!

Jessey Krieg's Orange team is still in first place with a well structured team that practice hard during the week nights. This time I'd like to talk about the relentless defense of David Farance, Ruby Young and Madison Luna. The trio pursued the ball with focus and determination and averted numerous attacks against their team. They were fantastic on the field and maintained their smile, enjoying every second and the fans' support!

Johan Marfey's Blue team has improved so much in the last weeks. They are a spectacle to watch! Noteworthy on the Blue team is Sarayah Lamb who manages to stop an offense drive no matter what! She is highly focused and stead fast! Also outstanding is Kristen Leopold who's scores have exceeded 14 this season thus far. I enjoyed watching Edward play this last Saturday as the Pirlo of his team (center midfield) where he orchestrates the attacks and pulls back to support the defense with the help of the tireless Michelle Nwaokolo!

Patrick Reidy's Yellow team is morphing together with the addition of Yousef Kafou as an offense player. Markeysha Sadlier stepped up her game and engaged her teammates Daniel Joffe and Jared Pazmino in a powerful defense trio!

The Seniors games heated up and kept the spectators at the edge of their seats! The balance between the teams and the skills they are mastering is formidable! I enjoyed watching these games and when I was the sideline man ref i got exhausted from the back and forth between the opposing teams! It was awesome!!

Daniel Folla's Purple team was astounding to watch. Richard Conte, Christopher Ewing, and Peter Suggs formed a robust midfield that supported their team's unremitting offense. Also noteworthy is the center of the team's defense, the energetic Muhammad Elbadri and the powerful Darnell Lord, supporting their game-saving dual goalies, Desmond Bent and Richard Conte!

Frantz Enama's Orange team had incredible passings and powerful kicks! Adam Wilczuk rose up to the occasion in last Saturday's game as an offense player that supported his team's attacks. Francine Elisaia who is super quick and talented. Check out her ball handling skills and speed. Also noteworthy is the incredible Laura King and Yunari Yamazaki who balanced skills with agility in pursuing and getting rid of threats against their goal.

On Cesar Rodriguez' light blue team many players surprised us all with their aptitude and strength on the field including Mark Shinozaki and Kenny Holguin. The team was also reinforced by the constant collaboration between Marye-Anne Rivera and Jaden Perry in the attacks which brought their game score last Saturday from losing 6-3 to 6-6 in the last 15 minutes!

Boris Lissassi's yellow team has become a titan on the field with a deep understanding of their formations and how they work with each other. Three ridiculously talented players and one marvelous game this last Saturday between the trio of Ez Malik, Jaden Luna, and Aaron Pazmino.

We're one week away from the semi finals!! I invite all parents, friends, and island residents to come, support, and cheer for all the teams!


Images From Frank Farance

Stop by on Saturday at Octagon Field to catch some of the exciting Roosevelt Island Youth Program soccer action.

Thursday, November 7, 2013

Long Time Roosevelt Island Resident And NYC Real Estate Executive Carl Weisbrod To Co-Chair Mayor Elect Bill DeBlasio Transition Team

Long time Roosevelt Island resident Carl Weisbrod,

 Image of Mr. Weisbrod From HR&A Advisors

a partner at the real estate firm HR&A Advisors, was selected to Co-Chair Mayor Elect Bill DeBlasio's Transition Committee. City and State, report
The Democratic mayor-elect, who scored a resounding victory Tuesday night, announced Jennifer Jones Austin and Carl Weisbrod will be co-chairs of his transition committee....

Weisbrod also chairs the state's nonprofit Health Foundation and was Bloomberg's appointee to be director of both the Lower Manhattan Development Corporation and the Trust for Governors Island....
Mr. Weisbrod has an impressive biography in both the public and private sector as the Founding President of the New York City Economic Development Corporation, the Executive Director of the NYC Department of City Planning and New York State’s 42nd Street Development Project as well as President of Trinity Church's Real Estate Division among other positions.
Carl Weisbrod is a professional with a distinguished career in urban revitalization initiatives focused on developing New York City neighborhoods.

Carl joined HR&A as a Partner in 2011, and recently concluded, on behalf of Trinity Church, a successful rezoning of the industrial neighborhood in Manhattan known as Hudson Square into a mixed-use district focused on creative industries. This was one of the largest rezonings undertaken by a private entity in New York City history. The rezoning, enacted by the City in March 2013, provides for the sensitive introduction of residential uses, and encourages the development of cultural institutions, as part of a broader strategy to transform the neighborhood into the City’s hub for creative, 21st century businesses. Currently Carl is working on several economic revitalization projects, including: advising the Meatpacking District Improvement Association (“MPIA”) to help manage the creation, approval and establishment of a business improvement district covering the Meatpacking District and, potentially, certain adjacent precincts; creating a strategic plan to promote economic investment and growth in the City of North Adams in Massachusetts; and working with the Isamu Noguchi Foundation and Garden Museum to create a planning framework for a Special Innovation/Waterfront District in the western Queens neighborhood bordering the East River....
According to Roosevelt Island residents who know him, Mr Weisbrod has not involved himself in local Roosevelt Island issues though he is associated with two Roosevelt Island institutions as a  Board Member of the FDR Four Freedoms Park Conservancy and a graduate of Cornell University.

Here's a 2011 interview with Mr. Weisbrod.



Can't hurt to have somebody familiar with Roosevelt Island so close to the new Mayor.

RIOC Board Of Directors Meeting Today - Roosevelt Island Public Purpose Funds, Island Wide Camera System, Temporary Heating At Sportspark, Contract With Public Safety Officers Union & More

According to the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC):

AGENDA

NOVEMBER 7, 2013 MEETING OF
THE ROOSEVELT ISLAND OPERATING CORPORATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS
THE CHILD SCHOOL GYMNASIUM, 566 MAIN STREET, ROOSEVELT ISLAND, NEW YORK
5:30 P.M.1

I. Call to Order
II. Roll Call
III. Approval of Minutes
1. September 12, 2013 Board Meeting (Board Action Required)
IV. Old Business
V. New Business
1. Presentation of the FY 2013-2014 QTR 2 Procurement Report
2. Authorization to Enter into Contract with Toski & Co., CPAs, P.C. for Independent Auditing Services
(Board Action Required)
3. Ratification of Amendment of Expenditure of Public Purpose Funds for 2013-14 (Board Action Required)
4. Authorization to Amend the Contract with Derive Technologies, Inc. for Phase Two of the Island-Wide Security Camera System Project (Board Action Required)
5. Authorization to Enter into Contract with the Roosevelt Island Public Safety Officers Benevolent Association (Board Action Required)
6. Authorization to Adopt Discretionary Funds Policy (Board Action Required)
7. Authorization to Amend Policies and Procedures Regarding Travel by Personnel (Board Action Required)
8. Ratification of Contract with M & S Mechanical Services Inc. for Heating System Improvements at the AVAC
Building (Board Action Required)
9. Authorization to Enter into Contract for Temporary Heating at Sportspark
(Board Action Required - Materials to Follow)
10. President's Report
11. Committee Reports
a. Audit Committee
b. Governance Committee
c. Operations Advisory Committee
d. Real Estate Development Advisory Committee
12. 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.

Verizon Phone Service Outage On Most Of Roosevelt Island Right Now, RIOC Advises To Call 911 or Flag Down Public Safety Vehicle To Report An Emergency

There is currently a disruption in Verizon land line phone service for many areas of Roosevelt Island. According to the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC):

Please be aware that due to technical difficulties with Verizon, phone lines are temporarily out of service.  In the event of an emergency, please report to the Public Safety Office.
Sincerely,

Roosevelt Island Operating Corp Advisories Group
RIOC Public Safety Department Director Jack McManus asks that if you have a problem to flag down a PSD vehicle patrolling the street or to call 911.

UPDATE 2:35 PM - According to Rivercross building management notice to residents:
Verizon has confirmed to us that cables were cut during construction of Southtown building number 7 today. This has resulted in an Island-wide outage of the following:

VERIZON copper landline telphone service (not FIOS)
ALL TIME WARNER CABLE services, including telephone, internet and television

We have no estimate of when service might be restored....
UPDATE 4:30 PM - According to a spokesperson for Southtown Riverwalk building 7 developer Hudson Related:
Unfortunately unmarked Verizon and Time Warner cables were in the path of excavation for the new DEP force main (sewer) at Riverwalk. The old lines were marked “dead” on all as-built infrastructure drawings and Verizon and Time Warner did not ID/mark them out when they did their utility scan of the site and sidewalk prior to excavation.

Currently Verizon and Time Warner are on site. Time Warner will start repairs after 5:30 pm. It is not known when Verizon will commence or complete their repairs. When we know more from their teams, I will alert you.
and a Verizon spokesperson adds:
Up to three of our cables were cut earlier today. We believe by a contractor doing construction. We will determine who/which at a later point. Right now we have crews onsite and will need to dig to expose the full length of the cables, so they can be properly spliced to repair or replace completely.

The addresses I have as being affected are 455, 465 and 475 Main and 687 Main. May be others. To the best of our knowledge this occurred around Noon. At this point I do not have a time of restoration. But we are on it.
UPDATE 11 PM - Received this statement from Hudson Related at 5:17 PM:
This just came from our team on the ground:

Verizon and Time Warner both on site relocating their lines through the new conduits installed during phase1. They will continue work 24 hours till system is operational.
Rivercross resident reports having Time Warner TV back but not Verizon phone service at 10:30 PM.

UPDATE 9/8 10:40 AM - Hudson Related Spokesperson reports:
As of this morning:

Verizon completed the fiber bypass and fiber service is back on line. The new copper line bypass is installed but not spliced. Splicing crew will start this afternoon or this evening and work until completion.

Time Warner is not onsite this morning which likely means they completed their bypass work.

Hopefully people are starting get back online.

Wednesday, November 6, 2013

Roosevelt Island Residents Association Meeting Tonight - Voting On Motion To Expel Frank Farance From RIRA For Being Disagreeable, He May Be A Witch Too

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

 Image Of September 2013 RIRA 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.

Among the items on tonight's Agenda is this Bill Of Particulars to Expel Frank Farance from RIRA.
BILL OF PARTICULARS

November 6, 2013

WHEREAS: the preamble of The Constitution of the Roosevelt Island Residents Association clearly states that residents “want to live together in harmony based on mutual respect and the voluntary sharing of responsibility,”

WHEREAS: An environment of intimidation, fear and hostility is not conducive to conducting the work of the Common Council,

WHEREAS: Common Council Representative, Frank Farance, has repeatedly engaged in conduct that is counter to the principles of harmony and sharing but rather is consistent with creating intimidation, fear and hostility in the following ways:
  1. Abusing his position to denigrate and defame people without a basis of fact, endangering their professional and personal reputations,
  2. Denigrating the reputation of the Common Council, itself, thereby diminishing the community’s goodwill and jeopardizing community support,
  3. Threatening and attempting to diminish the respect of government entities with whom the organization interacts, thereby hindering the organization’s effectiveness,
  4.  Cyber bullying by publicizing defaming statements and misusing various communications platforms, both internal and external to the organization, (such as the email reflector, blog, social media, and The Main Street WIRE).
  5. Depriving the members of the Common Council of the respect they deserve for their devoted service to the community.
WHEREAS: The Common Council has previously taken the step to censure Frank Farance on October 5, 2011; But, his offensive behavior has continued unabated and without improvement,

WE THEREFORE MOVE TO EXPELL Common Council Representative Frank Farance, effective immediately pursuant to Article III, Section 9, paragraph (b).
Here is October 2011 post on previous RIRA censure motion against Mr. Farance.

Did you know Mr. Farance may also be a Witch.



Here is an example of a recent statement by Mr. Farance that appeared on Roosevelt Islander and in the Main Street WIRE that some RIRA members found objectionable. In it, Mr. Farance gave his opinion that:
As a RIRA Common Council representative from Island House, I am reporting the very sad state of affairs in RIRA. We are half-way through our RIRA term, the meetings have been the most dysfunctional in my 17-year recollection....
and was highly critical of certain RIRA members (Full statement here).

In my opinion, this Bill Of Particulars against Mr. Farance is ridiculous, a waste of time and damages RIRA more than anything Mr. Farance has ever said or done.

There is nothing that Mr. Farance has published on Roosevelt Islander, or what I have seen in the WIRE, which is defamatory at all. It may be critical, highly opinionated and in some cases rude but it is not defamatory and certainly does not justify RIRA expelling him from a Common Council that he was elected to by the people who live in his building. Also, Mr. Farance often has a valid point to make, or, at least, an issue worthy of further investigation by NY State, RIOC, RIRA and the media.

The attempt to expel him is for his dissident views made public, sometimes rude characterizations as well as personal dislike of him by some RIRA members. None of these reasons are sufficient cause to expel him from RIRA.

Notice that the Bill of Particulars only contains conclusory statements about defamation without any specific examples.

I may or may not agree with what Mr. Farance says or does but he certainly has a right to publicly express his opinions about issues of concern to the Roosevelt Island community and should not be expelled because some within RIRA disagree with him.

Here's the rest of tonight's RIRA Agenda.
Common Council Meeting

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

RIRA Common Council Agenda


Date: Wednesday November 6 , 2013
Time: 8pm-Finish
Place: Good Shepherd Community Center, 543 Main Street

1. Public Session: Dolores Green- speaking about Jessica Lappin thank you party being planned. Dr Catherine Reid, Veterinarian, introduction

2. Roll call

3. Elect new secretary

4. Approval of minutes

5. Approval of agenda


6. Treasurer’s Report

7. President’s Report

8. Seat Southtown representative Article III, Section 6, Vacancies "If a district has no alternate, one may be appointed pursuant to b), c), and d) above.

9. Committee reports
Communications- Motion to approve a Bill of Particulars
SC&E- Resolution to approve insurance
Resolution to approve anti bullying campaign
Resolution to approve Ben Hugs day
Public purpose
Constitution-Bylaws committee-resolution to create a
Code-of-conduct committee
Housing
Public Safety
Island Services
Planning
Government relations

10. Old business- motion to reconsider Korean Pavilion vote

11. New business
resolution to create a code of conduct committee
UPDATE 11/7 12:30 AM - The Bill Of Particulars to expel Frank Farance was approved by a majority vote of the Common Council. As described by its RIRA supporters, the Bill Of Particulars approval was the equivalent of a showing of probable cause to expel Mr. Farance.

At the next monthly RIRA meeting in December, Mr. Farance will have the opportunity to defend himself against the charges. In order to expel Frank from RIRA it will take a vote of 2/3 of the Common Council.

Though some Common Council members spoke thoughtfully of perceived harm caused to them or others by statements made by Frank, I did not hear any specific statement that Frank made which caused the alleged harm. There was no substantiation to any charge against Frank other than he publicly embarrassed the RIRA President by publishing criticism of her in this Blog and the WIRE.

The overwhelming sense of those who supported this motion was that Frank was being disloyal and harmful to RIRA by making his criticism of RIRA public to the Roosevelt Island community.

Frank was not going to be permitted to speak at this meeting but after he requested time to speak was allowed to speak for about 4 minutes.

I video recorded the RIRA Bill of Particulars motion to expel Mr. Farance. Here's how it began with RIRA President Ellen Polivy



and other RIRA members



voicing their opinion on the issue.



Will post rest of the discussion video later today.

UPDATE 10:15 PM - More video from last night's discussion on the Bill of Particulars to expel Mr. Farance.

RIRA Public Safety Committee Chair Erin Feeley-Nahem described how her committee worked with Frank despite differences.



Island Services Committee Chair Aaron Hamburger offered an additional Bill Of Particular against Mr. Farance which was accepted by RIRA.
AMENDMENT TO BILL OF PARTICULARS

Organized a “Public “ Safety group independent of RIRA. This group is in competition with RIRA’s Public Safety Committee. This group undermines the work and credibility of RIRA’s Public Safety Committee.


RIRA Vice President Jeff Escobar spoke of his concerns that statements by Mr. Farance hurt the professional standing of Common Council members.



RIRA Member Helen Chirvas asserted that Mr. Farance was being punished soley for exercising his constitutional right to free speech but RIRA member Nicole Warden said it was not a question of free speech but responsible speech and protecting RIRA's effectiveness.



Finally, Mr. Farance spoke followed by the vote on the Bill of Particulars. The vote was 18 in favor 2 opposed and 10 abstentions.



Stay tuned. I am sure there will be more on this subject.

Ben Kallos Wins Election To Represent Roosevelt Island and Upper East Side In New York City Council District 5 - Let's Get To Work Says Mr. Kallos


Democrat Ben Kallos won election last night to represent Roosevelt Island and the Upper East in the New York City Council beating Republican Ed Garland and Assembly Member Micah Kellner, who ran on the Working Families Party ballot line, by a wide margin. In this three way race, Mr. Kallos received nearly 57% of the vote to 33% for Mr. Garland and 10 % for Mr. Kellner. Here are the vote totals as compiled by the NY Times


and the official count from the NYC Board of Elections.

Of the Roosevelt Island vote, an unofficial tally has Mr. Kallos with 879 votes, Mr. Garland 147 votes and Mr. Kellner 245 votes.

Upon learning of his win last night, Mr. Kallos tweeted:
Roosevelt Island Congresswoman Maloney tweeted:
Here is Mr. Kallos (right), with campaign staffer Saul Nadel (cener) and Roosevelt Island Disabled Association President Jim Bates (left)


in the very early stages of his campaign at the October 6 2012 Roosevelt Island Fall For Arts Festival.

Today he is the newly elected NYC Council Member for Roosevelt Island and the Upper East Side.

Congratulations Mr. Kallos.

UPDATE 11/8 - From Ben Kallos:
I'm honored to be selected as the next Council member for the Upper East Side and Roosevelt Island and want to extend my deepest thanks to the voters and volunteers who made this happen. So many members of our community were part of this campaign and I am humbled by the overwhelming support. Like Councilmember Lappin's office, our office will be open to all and powered by residents as we seek to continue the progress she has made over the past eight years. I am excited to get to work on important issues like opening up seats in schools so all kids can have the opportunities they deserve, keeping housing affordable for seniors and fighting against the proposed garbage dump at 91st St.
The East Side Our Town has an interesting article on this race focusing on Assembly Member Micah Kellner loss to Mr. Kallos. According to East Side Our Town:
Five months ago, Micah Kellner was a shoo-in for the city council on Manhattan’s Upper East Side. Embraced by the city’s Democratic establishment, including outgoing Council Member Jessica Lappin, the 34-year-old state assemblyman had every hallmark of a rising star.

Then, in late-July, Kellner’s campaign was derailed when sexual harassment allegations made against him in 2009 became public. The allegations cost Kellner almost all of the endorsements he had won — and lost him the Democratic nomination to rival Ben Kallos, who until then was seen as a longshot.

But despite that loss, Kellner had continued to wage a quixotic – and at times bizarrely personal – race against Kallos that finally ended on Tuesday night....
Click here for the entire East Side Our Town article.

It will be interesting to see if some ambitious Democrat sees Mr. Kellner as politically vulnerable and decides to run against him in the 2014 Democratic Primary for the NY State Assembly seat he currently holds.

Tuesday, November 5, 2013

Roosevelt Island, Don't Be Alarmed By Workers Wearing Protective Gear On Wednesday Says RIOC - Here's Why, Riverwalk Building 7 Sewer Construction

 Riverwalk Building 7 Construction Site

According to the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC):
Please be advised that on November 6, from 8:00 AM until 7:30 PM and on November 11 and 12 from 11:00 PM to 6:00 AM, staff wearing personal protective gear will be working on the Island. This is due to construction involving the sewer system at the site of the future Riverwalk 7 building. This is not a cause for alarm as the suits are just a precautionary measure against personal contact with septic materials.

Sincerely,

Roosevelt Island Operating Corp Advisories Group

Rats At Pier Greet Roosevelt Island Photographer Taking Pictures Of Autumn Colors Today

Roosevelt Island resident Irina Hage went out today to take some pictures of the Roosevelt Island Autumn colors

Image From Irina Hage

but was greeted by an unwelcomed neighbor at the subway pier. Ms. Hage reports:
I was out with my camera today, to catch the nice fall colors on our Island.

Images From Irina Hage

Then I wanted to enjoy my coffee at the pier, after I heard a noise at my back I saw two rats.

Images From Irina Hage

I was not happy, as you can imagine, during the daylight that is very bad.

Images From Irina Hage

Hope somebody will do something against our new neighbors.
More garbage cans and people not leaving food on the ground would be a start.

Roosevelt Island Polling Locations For Today's NYC Elections - Council Member Jessica Lappin Urges Roosevelt Island And Upper East Side Constituents To Vote For Ben Kallos To Succeed Her

Don't forget today is election day for NYC wide offices - Mayor, Public Advocate, Comptroller and local elections, Borough President and NYC Council, so if you are a registered voter 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)
Current NYC Council Member Jessica Lappin sent out this letter yesterday asking Roosevelt Island and Upper East Side residents to vote for Ben Kallos


 to succeed her in representing our district:
Tomorrow, I’ll be voting for Ben Kallos for City Council. I’d like to tell you why – and ask you to join me.

Ben is the right person for this job. As a member of Community Board 8 and the head of a good government group, Ben has worked hard to make our community better. He has what it takes to be a great City Councilmember.

Ben is the candidate who will keep moving our community forward. We've made a lot of progress in the last eight years, and we need to keep moving ahead. Ben will face down challenges with the courage he's shown his whole career.

• He has smart plans to improve education and create more school seats.
• He supports our seniors in the fight for affordable housing.
• He has great ideas to improve the quality of life along Second Avenue Subway construction.

I’d like to ask you to do two things for me.

First, forward this message to family and friends in the district. Please help us get the word out.

Second, please reach out to Ben’s campaign at 212-960-3440 to volunteer on Election Day.

With your help – and with your vote tomorrow, November 5th – Ben Kallos will keep the East Side and Roosevelt Island moving forward.

Warmly,

Jessica Lappin
The excellent NYC political blog City and State reported yesterday that:
... Another race that has gained a lot of attention of late is that of the 5th Council District on the Upper East Side of Manhattan, where Democrat Ben Kallos is taking on Republican David Garland and Micah Kellner on the Working Families Party line. Kellner is the big name in the race, as the Assemblyman representing the neighborhood, and likely would have won the Democratic primary for the seat had a messy sexual harassment scandal not derailed his campaign.

Boosted by The New York Times’ endorsement and defections from Kellner’s camp, Kallos defeated Kellner in the Democratic primary, and has since secured the backing of most of the labor unions and Democratic establishment. However, prior to the allegations against Kellner surfacing, Kellner had received the WFP ballot line. Though the WFP has repudiated Kellner, he has refused to relent the line, and has forged ahead under the party’s banner. In response, the party recently circulated an email urging its members not to vote for Kellner.

Sources following the race say Garland should not be discounted either. A bona fide “Manhattan Republican,” Garland is a pro-choice, pro–marriage equality candidate who worked in the U.S. Department of Commerce under former President George H.W. Bush before moving to the private sector. While it would seem unlikely for a Republican to emerge in what is typically a liberal bastion of the city, Republican political consultant Rob Ryan notes that the area has seen an influx of younger voters from outside the city who tend to be more conservative, and that the race will be decided by voter turnout.

“[Garland] maxed out as far as the [public matching funds] money coming in from the Campaign Finance Board, so he has money to spend, and that’s really the sole area in Manhattan where a Republican would ever have a chance,” Ryan said. “If there’s low turnout because people think the mayor’s race is gonna be a blowout, and low turnout on the Democratic side, and Kellner and Kallos split the pot over there, there’s a chance [Garland] could squeak in if he gets the turnout from the Republicans.”...
Click here for the entire City and State article on today's election.

More information about the candidates available at links below:
Ben Kallos

David Garland

and Micah Kellner

No tweets from Mr. Keller yet.

UPDATE 5 PM:

Monday, November 4, 2013

Was That A Hawk, Falcon Or Osprey On Roosevelt Island Main Street Lamp Post Today?

Roosevelt Island Historical Society President Judy Berdy spotted this bird perched on top of a Roosevelt Island Main Street lamp post earlier today


before it flew off into Capobianco Park.


I was told that the bird is not a Hawk or a Falcon but an Osprey who feeds on the Roosevelt Island pigeons and rats.

Anybody know for sure?

Temporary Ferry Dock, Cultural Center Renovation, Proposed Southpoint Park Korean Pavilion & More To Be Discussed At November 6 RIOC Real Estate Advisory Committee Meeting - Also Update On Cornell Negotiations In Closed Executive Session

 Former RIOC Officials At Oil Dock in November 2009 Watching NY Water Taxi Ferry Boat Pass

According the 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 Wednesday, November 6, 2013 at 4:00 p.m. at the RIOC administrative office, 591 Main Street, Roosevelt Island, New York.

Agenda:

1. Temporary Ferry Dock;

2. Cultural Center Reconstruction Status;

3. Southpoint Park Pavilion Update;

4. Good Shepherd Plaza Developments;

5. Historic Lamppost Donation Location;

6. Updates on Rehabilitation Projects in Lighthouse Park and Westside Pier;

7. Updates on Projects in Process, including Blackwell House;

8. Chair’s Motion for Executive Session for Update on Current Negotiations Regarding Cornell NYC;

9. Any Other Committee Business That May be Brought Before the Committee
The audio web cast of the meeting will be available a few days later.

During recent Aspen Institute Building the Digital City Conference, Cornell NYC Tech's Dan Huttenlocher described the intent for their new Roosevelt Island campus as being a:
...  hot spot for tech kind of activities and not just for academic activities...
with plans for:
...  companies right there on campus as part of what we do every day...


Full video of panel is here.

Sunday, November 3, 2013

Manhattan Borough President Candidate Gale Brewer Visiting Roosevelt Island Senior Center Monday Morning - You're Invited

Roosevelt Island resident Sharon Pope reports:

Roosevelt Island Friends and Neighbors:

Gale Brewer, Manhattan Borough President Candidate, will be visiting Roosevelt Island tomorrow morning from 9am until 10 am. This is a wonderful opportunity to meet the candidate, on our "turf." Everyone is welcome. Be there. Spread the word. Send an eblast to your constituents announcing her visit. Here is the information:

Gale Brewer
Manhattan Borough President Candidate Meet & Greet
9am and 10am Roosevelt Island Senior Center, 546 Main Street

Remember to vote Tuesday, November 5th for Gale. Thank you so much for your help.
Here's more on Ms. Brewer



and from her web site..

Also, a debate between Democrat Gale Brewer and her Republican opponent for Manhattan Borough President David Casavis.

Roosevelt Island Manhattan Park Residents Association Organizational Meeting Monday November 4 - Come Learn What Is Going On


Are you a Roosevelt Island resident of Manhattan Park concerned about high electricity charges, window/facade work or any other issue regarding the building complex? If yes, you may want to attend tomorrow's organizational meeting of the Manhattan Park Residents Association.

Fantastic View Of New York City Marathon Runners From Roosevelt Island Tram & Queensboro Bridge East River Water Cannon Celebration

From the Roosevelt Island Twitterverse: