Report From RIOC President Charlene Indelicato - Roosevelt Island Winter Storm Snow Removal, Cornell NYC Tech Water Main Break, Good Shepherd Community Center Renovation And Free Bike New York Classes

Image Of RIOC Winter Storm Janus Snow Removal Efforts This Past Week

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

The arrival of Winter Storm Janus has kept snow removal crews hard at work clearing the roads and walkways to ensure safer conditions for travelers. Restoration work at the Good Shepherd Community Center is progressing on schedule, and Bike New York continues to offer classes at Sportspark.

Water Main Break

This past Monday, January 20, 2014, a water main break occurred at the site of the former Goldwater Hospital. The DEP was on-site making repairs on Tuesday, January 21, 2014. While brownish water was reported in some buildings north of the site, the discoloration is not a health risk, and the DEP has declared the water safe to drink.

Winter Storm & Snow Removal

A Winter Storm advisory was issued for New York City on Tuesday, January 21, 2014. The snowstorm brought more than 8 inches of snow to the Island during the day and through the night. RIOC’s snowplows were running on Main Street constantly during the storm, and salt was spread to minimize the amount of snow on the roads and pathways.

In order to ensure preparations for heavy snow and subsequent snow removal proceed as efficiently as possible, RIOC will be issuing “No Parking” advisories requiring drivers to remove their cars from Main St. and the East and West roadways. During this time, free parking will be available underneath the Helix Ramp and inside the Motorgate Garage. Free parking inside the Garage is limited to 24 hours from the time of entry. If a car is left in the Garage in excess of the time limit, the driver will be responsible for any fees for the additional time. Your compliance with the advisory helps us keep the roads as safe as possible for drivers and pedestrians, and we thank you for your cooperation.

Areas that have been subject to recurring icy conditions in the past, such as the Commons area east of the Subway, were closed off to foot traffic during the heavy snowfall. Residents are still urged to use caution in areas such as the Good Shepherd Plaza, Blackwell House and pathways adjacent to the lawn south of Rivercross, as these areas are also known to become icy during severe weather. We encourage residents to check in on their elderly and disabled neighbors, to be careful and stay safe throughout the storm. We also ask that you contact us to report any areas that need further snow removal or attention so that we may address any issues as soon as possible.

Good Shepherd Community Center

Work on the Good Shepherd Community Center’s entry area has begun and is proceeding according to schedule. Work on the north entrance is planned to be completed in four weeks. Restoration of the south entrance is projected to be completed in the following four weeks. Interior renovations are scheduled to be finished during a final four-week period. The Community Center will remain accessible to the public for the duration of the restoration process.

Bike New York Classes

Bike New York continues to host free indoor cycling classes at Sportspark (250 Main Street). This Tuesday, January 28, 2014 at 10 a.m., you can join Bicycling Basics, a free 3-hour class for adults and mature teens who recently learned how to ride a bike or who want to improve their core cycling skills. Registration and more information on Bike New York’s offerings are available on their website: www.bikenewyork.org.

Contacting RIOC

If you would like to get in touch with RIOC about your questions, comments or concerns, please send an email to information@rioc.ny.gov or call the offices at (212) 832-4540. You can also subscribe to RIOC’s advisories by visiting rioc.ny.gov/advisorybody.htm or sending an email to subscribe@rioc.ny.gov. In addition, you can contact us through RIOC’s Facebook page, facebook.com/RIOCNY. Feel free to send us a Facebook message, or use the contact form on the page to get in touch. You can also visit our Facebook page for event photos, news, announcements, and more.