No Roosevelt Island F Train Service From Manhattan This Weekend - And Next

According to the MTA:

F Jamaica-bound trains run via the M from 47-50 Sts to Roosevelt Av

Weekends, 9:45 PM Fri to 5 AM Mon, until Jul 14

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

No Live Macy's July 4 Fireworks Celebration Viewing Available From Roosevelt Island - Weather Permitting, RIOC Firefighters Field July 4 Community Celebration With Fireworks Simulcast TV Viewing And Other Activities

Happy July 4 Independence Day.

 Image From RIOC

As previously reported:

... As a reminder, visibility of the Macy's 4th of July Fireworks will be extremely limited on Roosevelt Island due to the show's location near the Brooklyn Bridge. There are no designated viewing locations available on Roosevelt Island....

 Image From Conserveturtles

Depending on today's weather, the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) will provide a July 4 Community celebration at Firefighters Field this evening. According to RIOC:

Roosevelt Island residents are invited to a free community celebration at Firefighter’s Field, Friday, July 4th at 7 PM. Join us for fantastic activities including karaoke, music, prizes, and a live simulcast screening of the Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks show live from the Brooklyn Bridge on a large outdoor screen!

All activities will be provided free of charge; food and beverages will be available for purchase. Residents are welcome to bring a blanket or a lawn chair and join in the fun with friends and family.

This event is weather sensitive; an advisory will be issued in case of cancellation.

Presented by The Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation (RIOC).

Sincerely,

Roosevelt Island Operating Corp Advisories Group

RIOC adds:

On July 4th, visitor parking at the Motorgate Garage will be limited to a maximum of 400 spaces to ensure adequate parking for residents and those with a monthly permit. Residents without a monthly access card should be prepared to show proof of residency when entering the garage. As a reminder, visibility of NYC's July 4th fireworks display will be extremely limited. There are no designated viewing locations available on Roosevelt Island.

Sincerely,

Roosevelt Island Operating Corp Advisories Group

Here's the June 25 RIOC Operations Advisory Committee (full audio web cast) meeting discussion of preparations for the Roosevelt Island July 4 celebration starting with presentation by RIOC President Charlene Indelicato



and then RIOC Community Relations Specialist Erica Spencer-El.



Roosevelt Island's FDR Four Freedoms Park will close at 7 PM today.

Celebrate #4thofJuly at the Park! The Amigos will be playing from 4-6 pm. Food station open. Park will close @7:00pm. (No fireworks viewing)
— Four Freedoms Park (@4FreedomsPark) July 4, 2014

According to Macy's:

The fireworks may be viewed from any area with an unobstructed view of the sky above the East River. The public viewing sections will be the elevated portions of FDR Drive with the following entry points:
Manhattan Access Points

• Montgomery & South Streets: From the north (viewing along the FDR between Manhattan Bridge and Montgomery Street).
• Brooklyn Bridge entry from St. James Place (Pearl Street) & Wagner Place (viewing both north & south of the Brooklyn Bridge).
• Broad Street and/or Old Slip at Water Street (viewing between Heliport & south side of Brooklyn Bridge
• ADA viewing area: Murray Bergtraum High School track and field facility, at the base of the Manhattan Bridge. Use the entrance at Market & Cherry Streets.

NOTE: Piers 15-17 are not public viewing areas.
Brooklyn Access Points

• Brooklyn Bridge Park (piers 1-6): enter on Old Fulton & Furman Street, Joralemon Street & Furman Street or Atlantic Avenue & Furman Street.
• Brooklyn Bridge Promenade: enter on Columbia Heights & Pineapple Street, Montague Street & Pierrepont Street or Pierrepont Street & Remsen Street.
• The following pedestrian streets will be closed to all non-emergency vehicle traffic:

• Montague Street: from Court Street to Montague Terrace
• Remsen Street from Court Street to Montague Terrace
• Old Fulton Street from Hicks Street to Furman Street
• Furman Street from Old Fulton Street to Atlantic Avenue
• Columbia Heights from Montague Street to Old Fulton Street
• Hicks Street from Atlantic Avenue to Old Fulton Street

For boater viewing restrictions, call Macy's Marine Hotline at (212) 494-5243.

Curbed has more Macy's July 4 Fireworks viewing locations.

RIOC Will Conduct Summer Security Checks At Roosevelt Island's Lighthouse Park - No Alcoholic Drinks, Illegal Drugs, Fireworks, Personal Grills Or Unauthorized Items Permitted

 Image From Hank Waxman via Panoramio

According to the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC):

Summer Security Checks at Lighthouse Park

Visitors to Lighthouse Park are advised that the Roosevelt Island Public Safety Department will be conducting inspections of all containers/bags that are brought into the park throughout the summer. Visitors are reminded that alcoholic drinks, illegal drugs, fireworks, personal grills and other illegal or unauthorized items are strictly prohibited within all Roosevelt Island parks. Thank you for your anticipated cooperation.

Sincerely,

Roosevelt Island Operating Corp Advisories Group

Great Pictures Of Lightning Over New York City Last Night Seen From Roosevelt Island - Did Storm Wash Away Window Bird Poop Too? RIOC Opens Cooling Center At Seniors Center Today

That was some thunder and lightning storm last night.

Nathaniel Phillips shares these great photos

Image From Nathaniel Phillips

of the lightening over New York City

Image From Nathaniel Phillips

last night seen from Roosevelt Island.

Image From Nathaniel Phillips

More lightning over NYC seen from Roosevelt Island via the Twitterverse,

Lightning Strikes #nyc #rooseveltisland @ Riverwalk Crossing http://t.co/XZMJ9rdelr
— Maria Riley (@LifeofRileyNYC) July 2, 2014

A storm's a brewin. Check out that lightning bolt. #nyc #summer #storm #rooseveltisland http://t.co/evbEQuD7VS
— ivi ivs (@ivanahumpsalot) July 2, 2014

a wish that the rain will wash away some Roosevelt Island window bird poop

Hoping this #nycstorm will wash bird poop off our window! #rooseveltisland #queensborobridge @… http://t.co/5Wc5e9i0eS
— Sharon Lee Williams (@Sharon3williams) July 3, 2014

and a post thunderstorm sunset of NYC seen from Roosevelt Island's Manhattan Park.

Image From Diana Desrocher

Today will be another very hot day. The Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) has opened an air conditioned cooling center at the Seniors Center. According to RIOC:

The Nation Weather Service has issued a Heat Advisory for New York City from 12:00 noon today until 5:00 PM tonight. A cooling center has been established at the Roosevelt Island Senior Center (546 Main St.) and will remain open from 9:00 AM until 5:00 PM today. As a reminder, a cooling center will be made available when the heat index becomes dangerously high. Individuals without air conditioning, particularly those at risk for heat related illness, should use established cooling centers during a heat wave.

Sincerely,

Roosevelt Island Operating Corp Advisories Group

UPDATE 7/7 - Another great picture of the lightning seen from Roosevelt Island.

Roosevelt Island And Upper East Side NYC Council Member Ben Kallos Reviews First Six Months Accomplishments In Office - He's Seeking Your Feedback And Ideas

  NYC Councilmember Kallos Honoring 5 Roosevelt Island Women At March 26 RIWHO Meeting

Roosevelt Island and Upper East Side NYC Council Member Ben Kallos

 Image From Ben Kallos

 sends the following report reviewing the first six months of his term in office. According to Mr. Kallos:

It has been six months since I became your City Council Member. In these six months, we have built a stronger community together. Through it all, the City has become more fair and compassionate, thanks to measures such as:

• Expanding Senior Citizen Income Exemption (SCRIE); 
• Funding Universal Pre-K; and
• Paid sick leave, all of which I was proud to support and advocate for.

 I have also been fighting to improve our neighborhood and city as a whole:

• As Chair of the Governmental Operations Committee of the New York City Council, I have taken on waste and corruption;
• Introduced legislation to make our often cynicism-inducing government more transparent.
• Took the fight against the Marine Transfer Station to another level; and
• Protected our neighborhood by prioritizing safe streets, healthy food, safe construction, science education and affordable housing.

Now, I want to hear from you: Have you received assistance from our office? Have you and I gotten the chance to meet? Have you been happy with the direction of the City and the advocacy I've taken on? Please reply with your feedback and ideas.
 
This is just the beginning. I hope you'll take a chance to share your feedback at this six-month stage so we can continue to grow, learn and build a better neighborhood together.
 
Sincerely,

Ben Kallos

Table of Contents

1. Battling the Marine Transfer Station

2. Improving the East River Esplanade

3. Livable Streets

4. Fighting for Transparency and Reform

5. Giving the City Council a Tech Upgrade

6. Advancing Tenants' Rights

7. Building a Community

8. Progressive Government

9. Healthy Food

10. A Fair Budget 

11. Inauguration

Here's Mr. Kallos speaking during March 26 meeting of the Roosevelt Island Women's Health Organization.



You can contact Mr. Kallos here or at 212 860 1950.

You're Invited To Learn Korean Martial Art Tang Soo Do Techniques Today At Roosevelt Island FDR Four Freedoms Park - Classes For All Ages 3 And Up 4 PM Every Wednesday In July

Would you like to learn Korean Martial Arts?

 Image of Korean Martial Arts Instructor Jean Phillippe Cisse From FDR Four Freedoms Park

If your answer is yes, head on over to the FDR Four Freedoms Park today and the next four Wednesdays at 4 PM for free classes. According to the FDR Four Freedoms Park:

Four Freedoms Park Conservancy is excited to offer Martial Arts as part of our summer Health & Wellness series.

Along with their caregivers, children ages 3 and up are invited to try Tang Soo Do, a Korean Martial Art. While learning Tang Soo Do techniques, they will also be increasing flexibility, strength, memory, and coordination. The system includes cardiovascular aerobic exercise for the heart and lungs.

All ages and levels are encouraged to participate.

Classes are FREE and will take place Wednesdays in July at 4pm.

Dates are: July 2 (today!), 9, 16, 23, 30

All classes will be held outdoors, weather permitting. Check Twitter for updates.

Attendance at all five sessions is strongly recommended. Classes are approximately 45 minutes long. Be sure to dress comfortably!

You can learn more about the instructor here.

Sincerely,

Four Freedoms Park Conservancy

Sad News - Roosevelt Island Public Safety Department Lieutenant Gary Yee Passed Away Sunday June 29 - 22 Years Of Service, Condolences To His Family, Friends And Colleagues

Image From RIOC PSD Recruitment Video

Sad news to report. According to the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC):

Last weekend, RIOC and the Roosevelt Island community lost a valued member of our team. Lieutenant Gary Yee of the Roosevelt Island Public Safety Department passed away on the morning of Sunday, June 29. We are deeply saddened by this loss and honor him for his 22 years and 4 months of dedicated service to the Roosevelt Island community. We offer our heartfelt condolences to his family and friends during this difficult time.

Condolences to his family, friends and colleagues.

UPDATE 9:50 PM - Lieutenant Yee's former Public Safety Department partner and friend Ben Lugo shares

this tribute.

UPDATE 7/10 - RIOC President Charlene Indelicato adds:

In Memory of Lt. Gary Yee

Last month, RIOC and the Roosevelt Island community lost a valued member of our team. Lieutenant Gary Yee of the Roosevelt Island Public Safety Department passed away on the morning of Sunday, June 29. We are deeply saddened by this loss and honor him for his 22 years and 4 months of dedicated service to the Roosevelt Island community.  We offer our heartfelt condolences to his family and friends during this difficult time.

Memorial services will be held for Lt. Yee this Friday, July 11th, 12 PM at the Timothy P. Doyle Funeral Home (845-452-0460, 371 Hooker Avenue, Poughkeepsie NY 12603). Flowers may be sent directly to the funeral home or, in lieu of flowers, a donation can be made to the American Diabetes Association.

and a former PSD colleague of Lt. Lee sends another

tribute.

Community Board 8 Speaks On Roosevelt Island Cornell NYC Tech Project -Ellen Polivy Interviews CB 8's Jeff Escobar & Larry Parnes On ULURP, Community Benefit Agreement And Dealing With Cornell

 Image of Ms. Polivy, Mr Parnes and Mr Escobar From CB 8 Speaks

Roosevelt Island resident, Co- Chair of the Roosevelt Island Community Coalition (RICC) and Community Board 8 (CB8) member Ellen Polivy reports:

I interviewed Larry Parnes and Jeff Escobar in two segments that will air monthly for the next 2 months on all local cable networks. First show will air at 9:30 pm on thurs July 3. First topic is Cornell. Second topic is RI governance. Called "CBS Speaks",  it will be on MNN. (Manhattan neighborhood network)

The show will also be available on the CB8m.com.

Mr. Escobar, President of the Roosevelt Island Residents Association (RIRA), and Mr. Parnes are both members of CB 8 and were very active citizens representing the interests of Roosevelt Island residents during the various negotiations with Cornell NYC Tech.

Topics discussed during the interview included the Cornell NYC Tech Uniform Land Use Review Procedure (ULURP), community benefit agreements and the strategy used by the Roosevelt Island community to organize themselves for negotiations with Cornell.

Mr. Escobar and Parnes also describe their expertise in real estate and land use matters, Mr. Escobar as an attorney and Mr. Parnes was formerly the Deputy Director of NYC Planning Commission.

Here's the full interview.



The subject of Part 2 will be Roosevelt Island governance.

Roosevelt Island Lighthouse Park Northern Tip Will Soon Reopen - Contractors Begin Work Installing New Footbridges Destroyed By Hurricane Sandy

Roosevelt Island's Lighthouse Park may soon be fully open.

Image From RIOC

Contractors for the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) began work

Image From RIOC

yesterday replacing

Image From RIOC

 the Lighthouse Park footbridges swept away

Image Of Lighthouse Park Footbridge Empty Space

during Hurricane Sandy in October 2012.

Roosevelt Island Lighthouse Park Underwater from Hurricane Sandy via Beauty & A Beat Tweet

RIOC is not sure if the northern tip of Lighthouse Park will reopen by July 4,

Image Of Lighthouse Park Footbridge Before Washed Out By Hurricane Sandy via Lonely Planet

but if not, very soon thereafter

Fireworks Over Triborough Bridge Seen From Roosevelt Island Tonight

Image From bibeatsalot

There will not be a view of the Macy's July 4 East River Fireworks from Roosevelt Island this year, but at least for tonight fireworks were visible over the Triborough Bridge.

Those vibes dude 🎆 @ Light House Roosevelt Island http://t.co/yU3EIp8eJO
— Bibhu Poudyal (@yoobibs) July 1, 2014

Roosevelt Island Islamic Community Meet And Greet At Farmers Market - Celebrating Month Of Ramadan With Prayers at Good Shepherd Community Center And Seeking Permanent Space For Mosque On Roosevelt Island

Members of the Islamic Society of Roosevelt Island

Members Of Roosevelt Island Islamic Society At Farmers Market

were meeting and greeting community residents at last Saturday's Farmers Market. They reported that Ramadan prayers services were starting yesterday (Sunday) beginning 10 PM at the Good Shepherd Community Center (543 Main Street). They added that the Muslim community is seeking a permanent location on Roosevelt Island for a Mosque.

Here's our conversation.



and a brief summary of Ramadan.

Ramadan Mubarak lovely people. Peace, prosperity, blessings! (In case you don't know what Ramadan is, info attached) pic.twitter.com/45y7CkgRYu
— Michael Skolnik (@MichaelSkolnik) June 29, 2014

UPDATE 7/14:

Citi Bike Share Riders Visit Roosevelt Island - When Will Roosevelt Island Get Its Own Citi Bike Sharing Asks Resident?

Roosevelt Island photographer Francine Lange shares these pictures and asks

Isn’t it time for Roosevelt Island to have its own Citi Bike station? These Sunday visitors

Image From Francine Lange

had to first get their Citi Bikes from the Manhattan side of the East River and ride the Tram across to be able to enjoy the view

Image From Francine Lange

and a quick ride on the island.

 Here's a map showing the current locations of Citi Bike sharing stations.

 Image  of Bike Share Stations Locations  (Blue Dots) From Citi Bike

The bike sharing locations are in Manhattan, south of 59th street and in several Brooklyn neighborhoods. No bike sharing stations in Queens or Roosevelt Island. The closest Citi Bike sharing station to Roosevelt Island is on 58th and Second Avenue.

I think it would be great to connect Roosevelt Island to Long Island City and Astoria with bike sharing stations.

Hopes were high in September 2010 for a Roosevelt Island bike sharing station when the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) undertook a demonstration here.

Former RIOC President Leslie Torres & Rivewalk Bar/Nonno's Pizza Owner Alphonse At 2010  Bike Sharing Demonstration

RIOC ultimately determined not to set up its own bike sharing system but hopes to eventually have Roosevelt Island participate in the NYC wide Citi Bike sharing system.

How long that will take to happen is unknown.

Capital New York has more on future plans for Citi Bike sharing.

UPDATE 7/2 - More on Citi Bike sharing plans from Capital New York:

A deal that would both stabilize Citi Bike and create the opportunity to expand the popular New York City bikeshare program is taking shape.

About three weeks ago, Mayor Bill de Blasio's administration, a company called REQX Ventures and Alta Bicycle Share, the system's troubled operator, agreed on the broad outlines of an agreement, according to two knowledgeable sources.

According to the terms of that still-tentative agreement, REQX Ventures, a company run by individuals affiliated with Equinox and Related Companies (the real estate company that owns Equinox) would buy at least 51-percent of the Portland-based company....

Click here for the entire article.

Scenes From Last Night's Roosevelt Island Outdoor Movie Showing Of Frozen - Fun Family Event With Great View Of Rainbow Colored Empire State Building Lights

Roosevelt Island resident Irina Hage shares this photo from last night's Southpoint Park outdoor movie showing of Frozen

Image From Irina Hage

and reports:

Open Air Cinema was great!

it was truly a family event - excited kids, nice people as always, good moods - and every square foot of the lawn filled.

… just sharing this picture. And the Empire State Building lighting was amazing !

Image From Irina Hage

The Roosevelt Island Twitterverse reports on last night's Southpoint Park Outdoor Movie showing of Frozen as well:

Outdoor movie night! #frozen @ Southpoint Park, Roosevelt Island http://t.co/nE97OrsysP
— Therese Sonesson (@t_sonesson) June 29, 2014

Movie night with ma gurl #frozen #bestfriends #summer @ Southpoint Park, Roosevelt Island http://t.co/v29HUzYssW
— Tricia Ruiz (@soulandscript24) June 29, 2014

Frozen, in summerrrrrrr! #olaf #rooseveltisland @ Southpoint Park, Roosevelt Island http://t.co/L6VyLfUwMi
— Matt Malerba (@mattmalerba) June 29, 2014

The next Roosevelt Island Southpoint Park Outdoor Movie showing will be Thor: The Dark World on Saturday July 11.