Tugboat Pushes Barge Through Icy East River Past Roosevelt Island On A Frigid Friday Afternoon

It was not as cold today as it was yesterday when chunks of ice were seen passing Roosevelt Island on the East River. Simone Singleton Garcia shares this great picture of the East River ice taken from Roosevelt Island yesterday and reports:

About 3:45pm today on the walkway to the bridge.

Image From Simone Singleton Garcia

Chunks and sheets of ice in the East River on the Queens side. Looking to the left and right as far as I could see it looked the length of the Island if not longer.

On the Manhattan side of the East River, a tugboat pushed



a barge through the East River ice past Roosevelt Island.

Commenting on this post, Westviewer adds:

During the really cold winters of 1976-77and 1977-78 there was a LOT more ice in the East River for days, maybe weeks on end.

Snapshots Photography By Mircea Nicolescu Exhibition Opening Reception Today At Roosevelt Island's RIVAA Octagon Gallery 6-9 PM

Roosevelt Island's Gallery RIVAA will be hosting an opening reception later today, January 25 from 6PM - 9PM for their new exhibition, Snapshots Photography by Mircea Nicolescu, at the Octagon Gallery.

Image From Gallery RIVAA

According to Gallery RIVAA:

Snapshots
Photography by Mircea Nicolescu
Saturday, January 25, 2014 - Sunday, March 2, 2014
Opening reception: Saturday, January 25th, 2014 from 6-9pm.

Romanian born engineer, with a lifelong passion for photography,have lived in the US for the last 23 years. I have been a member of AAFR (Association of Photographer Artists of Romania) since 1988, and my art has been exhibited in several photographic salons over the years.The last one was the 13th International Photographic Salon – Sibiu, Romania, in 2009. I’ve published a photography book about New York "Manhattan, Faces and Places" in 2010 which can be seen at: http://www.blurb.com/books/1247494-manhattan

With my camera, I like to capture a unique moment (snapshot) and transfer that into a great photograph which might induce emotions and pleasure to my viewers.Therefore this show, "SNAPSHOTS" with a collection of my best diverse images over the years.

Octagon Gallery, The Octagon, 888 Main Street, Roosevelt Island, NYC. 9am-9pm

More of Mr. Nicolescu's photography can be seen at his blog, Manhattan - Faces & Places.

Good News - Roosevelt Island F Train Subway Service To And From Manhattan This Weekend

According to the MTA Weekender Page there will be Roosevelt Island F Train service

to and from Manhattan this weekend.

Yay!!!

Sad News, Roosevelt Island Resident And Former RIOC Board Member Mark Ponton Died Sunday January 12 - Condolences To His Family And Friends

Image From the Main Street WIRE

Roosevelt Island resident and former Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Board member Mark Ponton died on Sunday, January 12.

Mr. Ponton's Family and Friends remember him:

Mark Ponton, a resident of Roosevelt Island since 1976, passed away on Sunday night January 12. He is survived by his daughter Christine. Mark attended Providence College on a basketball scholarship and later became an executive at IBM, Citibank, European American bank, and eventually started his own consulting firm which he headquartered right here on the Island. In spite of his busy schedule he found time to give back to the community, serving on the RIOC Board of Directors from 2002-2008. Mark has been described as a force of nature, from his physical stature (he was 6’10”) to his larger-than-life personality. While on the RIOC Board he was outspoken, tenacious and always a thousand percent supportive of the residents. Mark accomplished many things while on the Board, but he’ll probably best be remembered for getting Southpoint Park opened to the public in April, 2003. Prior to that time, the park, with its amazing views and open spaces, had been fenced off to the community for decades.

Because of his intelligence, sense of humor, and quick wit he had an uncanny ability to look at a situation, sum it up in a few sentences and present it back wrapped up in a clever package that at times could be downright hilarious. Mark was also a world traveler, a gourmet cook, an avid reader, and an all-around interesting person. He had a natural curiosity about how things worked and would read technical manuals just for fun. He had an impressive art collection, and was especially fond of Hudson River School paintings. Mark was also a devoted animal lover who could spend hours playing with his daughter’s Basset Hound, Digger. He’ll be sorely missed by his family and friends.

Roosevelt Island Residents Association (RIRA) President Ellen Polivy added:

I am saddened to learn that Mark Ponton passed away. Mark was such a bright and engaged man. He was a huge asset to the community. Mark was a RIOC board member from 2002 to 2008 during many of the challenging administrations. He spent hours with his multi-page projects lists quietly working behind the scenes tracking projects to ensure that our needs were being met and taking action when needed. One story comes to mind. Around 2006, RIOC and Con Edison had a feud on who was responsible for replacing light bulbs. Meanwhile, for months many of our burned out street lamps remained dark. Each week frustrated RIRA members would detail the new street lights that were out and would send the new information to RIOC. One day the lights were on for good. Mark Ponton had gotten on the truck and rode around the Island with staff to make sure they got bulbs into each and every lamp; effectively ending the discussion. People like Mark who do what it takes rather than complaining are so important to a vibrant community life. He will be missed. 

Mr. Ponton was a nice and very smart man who cared about Roosevelt Island and did his very best to make our community a better place. He will be missed.

My condolences to his family and friends.

UPDATE 1/25 - During the January 23, 2014 RIOC Board Meeting, Director David Kraut commented upon the death of Mr. Ponton. Mr. Kraut praised Mr. Ponton's contribution to the Roosevelt Island community and thanked him posthumously for his service. Here's Mr. Kraut's full remarks.

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.

Cold, Frigid NYC Temperatures Bring East River Ice Underneath Roosevelt Island Tram And Kid Has Fun In Snow Hitting Our Slope

It's cold outside today. Right now the temperature is 12 degrees but with wind chill it feels like -6.

It's so cold that ice is heading up the East River passing Roosevelt Island today. The Roosevelt Island Twitterverse shows the East River ice underneath the Queensboro Bridge and passing shadow of the Tram yesterday.

I've never seen ice this far up the East River #brrr @Rooseveltisland pic.twitter.com/CwM4ZykehZ
— Sharon Lee Williams (@Sharon3williams) January 23, 2014

Despite the frigid temperatures, a young Roosevelt Islander had fun in the snow by hitting our slope.

Hitting "the slope" @RooseveltIsland #nyc #rooseveltisland #brr @ Roosevelt Island http://t.co/6c65JiwmVg
— Skye (@skyekisser) January 23, 2014

The temperature will rise to a slightly less brutal 18 degrees later today.

UPDATE 3:30 PM - More ice coming down the East River

passing Roosevelt Island today.

Former Roosevelt Island Operating Corp Vice President Of Operations Pleads Guilty To Filing False Payroll Records With Intent To Defraud RIOC

 Image of former RIOC VP Of Operations Fernando Martinez (center) at 11/15/12 Ops Committee

Former Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Vice President Of Operations Fernando Martinez plead guilty today to a felony of Offering a False Instrument for Filing in the First Degree.

Here's what is known at this time.

At the end of last night's Roosevelt Island Residents Association (RIRA) Public Safety Committee meeting, I asked Manhattan District Attorney's Office Community Affairs Coordinator Denise Liriano about the status of the NY State Inspector General (IG) investigations into RIOC. Ms. Liriano replied that as a result of the IG's investigation, Mr. Martinez had been arrested. Ms. Liriano added:

Fernando Martinez was arraigned on January 14, 2014 on a charge of Offering a False Instrument for Filing in the First Degree for offering falsified payroll records to the Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation. Martinez plead not guilty and was remanded. The case was adjourned to January 23, 2014 and there should be an outcome shortly.

Earlier today, the Manhattan District Attorney's Press Spokesperson reported that Mr. Martinez:

...pleaded guilty today, and his sentencing is scheduled for February 20.

According to the Complaint submitted by the Manhattan District Attorney's Office:

Statutory Language - the defendant, knowing that a written instrument contained false information and with intent to defraud the state and a subdivision thereof presented it to a public office believing that it would become a part of the records of such office.

Complaint Language - I am informed by Defendant that on October 1, 2010, Defendant, acting in concert with Javier Ramos, caused to be filed the certified payroll records of Bright Cleaning Solutions, Inc., with the Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation, Inc., (the "RIOC")(a public office) located at 591 Main Street, New York, New York 10044, that he knew contained false information, with intent to defraud the RIOC, knowing that it would be registered with and become part of the records of the RIOC.

Mr. Martinez resigned effective December 21 from RIOC.

UPDATE 1/24 - I asked RIOC President Charlene Indelicato and the RIOC Board of Directors for comment about this matter yesterday. Have not received a reply yet.

In reply to my inquiry, former RIOC President Steve Shane wrote:

The event occurred after my tenure so I have no knowledge of what was involved. I presume the allocution accompanying the guilty plea would contain the details.

I always preached the Caesar's wife standard and never had any reason to doubt Fernando's loyalty, dedication or integrity.

I am sad for him and his family.

Mr. Shane added:

In reading the comments, the record should be clear that Fernando had absolutely nothing to do with the hiring of Keith Guerra. After rating and ranking the many resumes that were submitted in response to the public advertisement, a committee of Board members held face to face interviews and made the selection of Keith, who after checking his references, was duly hired.

Ashley's Secret Passion Is To Make Fat Weird Looking Snowmen And Roosevelt Island Got One

Now this is what I call a Snowman.

From the Roosevelt Island Twitterverse:

My secret passion in life is to make fat weird looking snowmen. @ Roosevelt Island http://t.co/nQDSIQ5Zjf
— Ashley Ng (@AshleyWontons) January 23, 2014

Good job.

Ashley reports that she made the fatty snowman three years ago.

Here are some Roosevelt Island scenes from snowstorm earlier this week but, sorry, no more snowmen.

Roosevelt Island Operating Corp Board Of Directors Meeting Today - Appointment Of New RIOC CFO Frances Walton, Octagon Tennis Courts Resurfacing & More On Agenda

According to the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC):

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that a Board of Directors meeting will be held on Thursday, January 23, 2014 at 5:30 p.m. at the Child School Gymnasium, 566 Main Street, Roosevelt Island, New York, for the purpose of transacting such business as shall come before the Board.

* * *

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.


AGENDA

JANUARY 23, 2014 MEETING OF

THE ROOSEVELT ISLAND OPERATING CORPORATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS

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. December 12, 2013 Board Meeting (Board Action Required)

IV. Old Business

V. New Business

1. Appointment of Frances Walton to the Position of Chief Financial Officer and Vice President for Financial Affairs of the Corporation (Board Action Required)

2. Presentation of the FY 2013-2014 QTR 3 Procurement Report

3. Ratification of Amendment of Contract with United Metro Energy Corp. for the Purchase of Gasoline and Biodiesel Fuel (Board Action Required)

4. Authorization to Enter into Contract with The Landtek Group, Inc. for the Octagon Tennis Court Resurfacing and Repairs (Board Action Required)

5. Authorization to Enter into Contract with Attri Enterprises, Inc. for the Rehabilitation of Roosevelt Island Bus Garage/Warehouse (Board Action Required)

6. Authorization to Adopt the Policy for the Use of State Vehicles (Board Action Required)

7. President's Report

8. Committee Reports

a. Audit Committee

b. Governance Committee

c. Operations Advisory Committee

d. Real Estate Development Advisory Committee

9. Public Safety Report

VI. Adjournment

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

More on the appointment of Frances Walton, currently Chief Financial Officer of the NY Empire State Development Corp., as RIOC Chief Financial Officer at previous post.

Roosevelt Island Women's Movie Group Showing Shocking And Hilarious Documentary On Female Viagra Drug Thursday Night January 23 - Orgasm Inc

From the Roosevelt Island Women's Movie Group:

On Thursday, January 23, 2014 at 7:00 pm the Roosevelt Island Women's Movie Group will show its next movie in the Party Room at 425 Main Street.

In this shocking and hilarious documentary, filmmaker Liz Canner takes a job editing videos for a drug trial for a pharmaceutical company. Her employer is developing what they hope will be the first Viagra drug for women that wins FDA approval to treat a new disease: Female Sexual Dysfunction (FSD).

Liz gains permission to film the company for her own documentary. Initially, she plans to create a movie about science and pleasure, but she soon begins to suspect that her employer, along with a cadre of other medical companies, might be trying to take advantage of women (and potentially endanger their health) in pursuit of billion dollar profits. This is a powerful look inside the medical industry and the marketing campaigns that are literally and figuratively reshaping our everyday lives around health, illness, desire — and that ultimate moment.

The name of the movie says it all: ORGASM, INC.



Suggested minimum donation is $7; our room rental and movie purchase costs are higher this time.

Please RSVP to riwomenmovie@gmail.com and plan to bring healthy snacks or drinks for six guests.

Feel free to invite your women friends and neighbors.

Scenes Of Yesterday's NYC Snowstorm From Roosevelt Island - A Resident Thanks RIOC For Good Job Of Snow Removal

Snowy Roosevelt Island Main Street Image From Olya Turchihin

New York City got hit with about a foot of snow yesterday. Resident Trevre Andrews shares some Roosevelt Island scenes from yesterday's snow

Images From Trevre Andrews

It was hard to tell that there was much of a snowstorm yesterday because the Roosevelt Island sidewalks  

and streets

were easily passable

and 

cleared of snow

today.

Roosevelt Island resident Nina NYC shares this message of thanks she sent to Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) President Charlene Indelicato and Transportation Manager Cy Opperman for the good job done by RIOC cleaning up the snow.

Just wanted to say to say THANK YOU to you both and the cracker-jack crew that made it possible for me to walk from my building to the subway this morning without landing on my head or hip.

In the 30 years I have lived here, thru some of the bigger storms than this, it was a pleasure to come out at 6:00 this morning and see that the big plow did the sidewalks, that Main Street had Red Buses and even the Q-102 on streets that were almost clean to the Z-bricks, asphalt, etc, and that the crosswalks -- especially between south of Rivercross and the Riverwalk Bldg had been cleared.

We can only hope that RIOC, Westview, Island House, Rivercross and Hudson-Related will continue some coordination to make it possible for an "easy transit" from home to Tram & Subway.

Some will complain -- but I think these 2 storms were a test of the "newcomers" to RIOC, and so far -- a decent "pass" is deserved.

Some more Roosevelt Island scenes of yestereday's snowstorm from Olya Turcihin.

Images From Olya Turcihin

The snow may not be a problem on Roosevelt Island but it is cold outside.

Roosevelt Island Cat Missing From Manhattan Park Apartment - If You See Or Find Mewy The Cat, Please Contact Owner Or The Public Safety Department

Received the following request seeking help in finding a lost Roosevelt Island cat:

Mewy (aka Dinah), a four-month old black and white cat, is missing from 20 River Road. She has white whiskers, four white boots, a white chest spot and slightly fuzzy fur, is friendly and answers to her name. Reward offered. Please contact AllegraLevyJazz@gmail.com or Public Safety (212) 832-4545.

The reward is Five Hundred Dollars.

Lost Roosevelt Island cats have been found before. Remember Henry?

Take a look at some



Roosevelt Island Cat Stories.

More information on Island Cats from their web site. 

UPDATE 1/22 - Mewy the cat was found this morning scrunched up beside a laundry heating vent on River Road. According to Island Cats:

... It's kind of amazing -- I asked one of her owners how she was and they said very thin and hungry -- I think she has been missing since 1/14 -- but almost immediately back to her affectionate self (as she plopped herself over a heating vent in her apt). They'll take her to the vet tomorrow....

Roosevelt Island Cornell NYC Tech Construction Barging Begins Today - Director Of Capital Planning Andrew Winters Explains The Process

Image Of Cornell NYC Tech Construction Barge and Crane Arriving Today

The Cornell NYC Tech barging of construction materials began at 7 AM this morning as two barges,

a crane

and containers were delivered via the East River by DonJon Marine's Caitlin Ann tugboat

and connected to the east side of Roosevelt Island by a gangplank.

I spoke this morning with Cornell NYC Tech Director of Capital Planning Andrew Winters about the barging process. According to Mr. Winters, construction materials will be delivered to the Roosevelt Island site by water. Also, containers will be filled up with debris from the hospital and removed by barge in three stages. First, the interior demolition, followed by removal of hazardous material and then the structural demolition of Goldwater Hospital. The materials will then be taken to a landing site in New Jersey. The demolition process will take approximately 10 months.

Here's Mr. Winters explaining the barging process for the construction of the new Cornell NYC Tech campus on Roosevelt Island.



The Cornell NYC construction web site adds:

... In order to maintain public safety during barging operations, the east roadway and promenade will be closed for the duration of the abatement and demolition project, beginning on approximately January 22nd.

In order to accommodate traffic to South Point Park and Four Freedoms Park, the west roadway will be modified to accommodate two-way traffic, including the creation of a temporary vehicle turn-around near the west entrance to South Point Park. The roadway modification and construction of the turn-around is expected to take several weeks and, during that time, the west roadway will be closed to all but emergency vehicles. Following the completion of this work, no later than April 1, the west roadway will be re-opened.

The west pedestrian promenade will be opened for the entire duration of the abatement and demolition project, including the time when the west roadway will be closed.

The site fence will take approximately 3 weeks to install....

UPDATE 3:15 PM - According to Roosevelt Island Historical Society (RIHS) President Judy Berdy

Barging is not a new idea

Ms. Berdy shares this picture of a barge

 Image from RIHS

used to build Goldwater Hospital about 1937, adding:

... it was probably used to bring in construction materials. Remember, there was no RI Bridge and there was only a ferry or the trolley and elevator!!!

UPDATE 1/27 - Mr. Winters shares these pictures

Image From Andrew Winters

from the construction barge site.

Snowstorm Is Here - RIOC Reports No Parking On Main Street Or East And West Roadways For Snow Preparation And Removal

 According to the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC):

Please be advised that effective immediately, there is NO PARKING on Main St. or the East and West Roadways in order for snow preparation and subsequent removal to take place.

Residents should move their cars off the roads as soon as possible. As an alternative, free parking will be available for 24 hours at the Motorgate Garage and underneath the Helix Ramp. If you have any questions or concerns, contact Public Safety at (212) 832-4545 or the Motorgate Garage at (212) 832-4585. You may also come to the Motorgate offices on the fourth floor of the Garage.

Removing cars from the roadways in preparation for salting and plowing is essential for snow removal to take place. We thank you for your cooperation.

Sincerely,

Roosevelt Island Operating Corp Advisories Group

UPDATE 3:30 - From RIOC:

Please be advised that a Winter Storm Warning has been issued for the New York City area. RIOC will be plowing Main Street constantly during the storm as well as making sure the Helix Ramp and bus stops are salted and cleared. The Commons area east of the Subway has been closed off due to recurring icy conditions. Residents are 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 known to become icy. RIOC will be working to keep all areas clean for the duration of the storm.

We urge all residents to check in on their elderly and disabled neighbors, to be careful and stay safe throughout the storm. Thank you for your cooperation while necessary preparations for the storm and subsequent snow removal are taking place.

Sincerely,

Roosevelt Island Operating Corp Advisories Group

Cornell NYC Tech Begins Barging Operations Tomorrow (January 21) To Remove Goldwater Hospital Debris For New Roosevelt Island Campus - East Drive And Walking Path Closed To Vehicle and Pedestrian Traffic Until Further Notice

According to this 9:33 PM Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) advisory:

On Tuesday January 21, 2014 at approximately 7:00AM, barging operations to facilitate the removal of debris from the former Goldwater Hospital site will commence. For reasons of public safety, the East Drive and the adjacent walking path will be closed to vehicles and pedestrians until further notice. Vehicles traveling south will be directed to make a right turn on the Transverse Road. Upon exiting the Transverse Road all vehicular traffic will be directed north onto Main Street. Pedestrians walking south towards SouthPoint and Four Freedoms Parks will be directed to the pedestrian path adjacent to the West Drive to reach those parks and, when returning, to utilize the same Westside pedestrian path to walk North. Additionally, during this road closure, there will no bus service to SouthPoint Park by either the RIOC Red Bus or the Q102. Updates to this closure will be published as they become available.

Here's the Google Map of the area


View Larger Map

and Cornell NYC Tech construction web site.

Undocumented Roosevelt Island Water Main Cut During Cornell NYC Tech Construction - Southtown Riverwalk Apartments Getting Brown Water In Sinks, Toilets And Showers

Residents of Roosevelt Island Riverwalk Buidings in Southtown experienced problems with brown water coming from their sinks, toilets and showers today. From the Roosevelt Island twitterverse

@Rooseveltisland 405 main has dark brown water for the past 3 hours, as do some of the other buildings in southtown.
— Ilene Weinerman (@ilenewe) January 20, 2014

Residents from other Riverwalk buildings added this afternoon:

It's happening in 405. I was told it was a water main break.

and:

i am having the same problem in 465

and:

yes in 425, eeeew.

I asked Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) President Charlene Indelicato:

Residents of Southtown Riverwalk buildings are reporting having brownish water coming from their sinks, toilets and showers this afternoon

Some are being told it is caused by a water main break at building 7 construction site.

Does RIOC have any information on this matter?

RIOC Public Safety Department Director Jack McManus reported that an undocumented water main pipe was cut on the northwest side of the former Goldwater Hospital site

Roosevelt Island Water Main Break On Site of Cornell NYC Tech Construciton

during construction drilling for the new Cornell NYC Tech campus.

Worker Cleaning Up After Water Main Break

Public Safety Director McManus advises residents in Riverwalk buildings not to drink the tap water or take showers until more information is available.

NYC Department of Environmental Protection was on the scene of the water main break.

Unknown Roosevelt Island cables, pipes and other underground material beneath Goldwater Hospital may be a continual problem during Cornell NYC Tech construction.

UPDATE 7:04 PM - RIOC sent out the following advisory at 7:02 PM:

Earlier this afternoon, a Water Main Break occurred at the former Goldwater Hospital site during construction drilling for the new Cornell Tech Campus. Residents of Southtown Riverwalk buildings have reported "brownish" water coming from their sinks, toilets and showers. The NYC Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), who is overseeing the repair to the water main, advises residents not to drink or shower in the water until the water main is repaired and the water returns to its normal color.

UPDATE 1/21 at 8:30 AM - RIOC President Charlene Indelicato reports no further information from DEP regarding safety of water though she hopes to get an answer this morning.

UPDATE 9:35 AM - RIOC President Indelicato reports being told by DEP that the  Roosevelt Island water from Rivercross building south, including Riverwalk Buildings is unsafe for drinking and bathing until further notice.

UPDATE 9:50 AM - Related Management, the building managers for Riverwalk buildings sent the following notice to its residents today:

Date: January 21, 2014 Re: Contaminated Water Situation Please be advised that there is a contaminated water situation currently on the island and residents are experiencing brown water. PLEASE DO NOT BATH OR USE THE DOMESTIC WATER UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE. The Department of Environmental Protection is on the Island performing tests and has not determined if the water is safe for consumption yet. The contamination occurred as a result of construction at the Goldwater Hospital and the pipe has already been fixed but we are still awaiting the water test results. As soon as we have more information we will share it with you. Thank you for your cooperation in this matter.

UPDATE 10:42 - According to RIOC:

Please be advised that due to a Water Main Break at the former Goldwater Hospital site on January 20th 2014, residents of Southtown Riverwalk and the Rivercross buildings should refrain from drinking or bathing in the water from their sinks, tubs, or showers until further notice. Residents should also refrain from drinking or bathing in water at the Sportspark facility and all other buildings south of the Rivercross complex. The Department of Environmental Protection is working to correct the problem. For further information you may contact the DEP directly at (718) 595-4200/ 4201.

Sincerely,

Roosevelt Island Operating Corp Advisories Group

UPDATE 2:55 PM - NYC DEP Press Spokesperson confirms that Roosevelt Island water is safe for drinking and bathing. Also advises if water is discolored to let it run for a few minutes until it becomes clear.

RIOC adds:

Please be advised that residents in the Rivercross complex and all buildings south of Rivercross may bathe in and drink the water from their taps. If the water appears dirty, be advised that this is not a health issue, but taps may be run until the lines are cleared. Residents are advised to call 311 with any inquiries.

Sincerely,

Roosevelt Island Operating Corp Advisories Group

Rivercross management sent the following memo to its residents:

The NYC Department of Environmental Protection has reported that the water serving Rivercross and the other water main break effected buildings on Roosevelt Island, is safe to use. If you see any discoloration in the water, let it run until clear. This is also the reason why the laundry rooms were shut; as the drop in pressure caused by the break, caused particulate matter to clog the machine filters and shut them down. They have all been cleared since and both laundry rooms are functioning normally.

and Related Management sent this memo to Riverwalk resident:

Please be advised the water is safe to consume and use. The Department of Environmental Protection has confirmed their findings moments ago and residents can resume using the water from the building’s water supply.

We apologize for the inconvenience that this has caused.

Thank you for your cooperation in this matter.

Martin Luther King Jr Day Today - Take A Moment To Remember

Image from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.com

The third Monday in January has been designated as a Federal holiday in honor of the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. who was born January 15, 1929 and was assassinated on April 4, 1968.

Dr. King is remembered and honored for many things including his 1963 "Letter from a Birmingham Jail". An excerpt:

...An unjust law is a code that a numerical or power majority group compels a minority group to obey but does not make binding on itself. This is difference made legal. By the same token, a just law is a code that a majority compels a minority to follow and that it is willing to follow itself. This is sameness made legal.

Let me give another explanation. A law is unjust if it is inflicted on a minority that, as a result of being denied the right to vote, had no part in enacting or devising the law. Who can say that the legislature of Alabama which set up that state's segregation laws was democratically elected? Throughout Alabama all sorts of devious methods are used to prevent Negroes from becoming registered voters, and there are some counties in which, even though Negroes constitute a majority of the population, not a single Negro is registered. Can any law enacted under such circumstances be considered democratically structured?

Sometimes a law is just on its face and unjust in it's application. For instance, I have been arrested on a charge of parading without a permit. Now, there is nothing wrong in having an ordinance which requires a permit for a parade. But such an ordinance becomes unjust when it is used to maintain segregation and to deny citizens the First-Amendment privilege of peaceful assembly and protest....

The full text of Letter From A Birmingham Jail is here and a short excerpt of audio below.



Pride (In The Name of Love) is U2's Tribute to Martin Luther King Jr.

Early morning, April four
Shot rings out in the Memphis sky.
Free at last, they took your life
They could not take your pride.

In the name of love
What more in the name of love.
In the name of love
What more in the name of love.

A You Tube video of U2's Pride interlaced with a slide show of Dr. King's speeches and news clips.



Take a moment today to remember Martin Luther King Jr. and the good work he accomplished to make our country a better place.