Report From RIRA President Jeff Escobar - Roosevelt Island Activities, NY State Assembly Primary Election, RIRA Common Council Election, Giving Back, CB 8 Speaks Interview & More

 Image of Mr. Escobar (right), Ms. Polivy & Mr Parnes  From CB 8 Speaks

Roosevelt Island Residents Association (RIRA) President Jeff Escobar sends the following Report To The Community:

Happy summer, friends and neighbors! The “dog days” are truly upon us, and the Common Council hopes that the season thus far has been a safe and healthy one for you, full of outdoor fun, family, and memories. This is a magical time on Roosevelt Island, and our little ship in the East River is abuzz with the excitement and energy that only summer can bring. Kicked off in June with another successful and well-attended Roosevelt Island Day, the activities continue to roll on. With outdoor movies on Saturday nights at Southpoint Park or Firefighters Field, family workshops at the FDR Memorial Park on Thursday mornings, informal neighborhood picnics and barbecues at our parks, and the R&R Family Concerts at the Good Shepherd Center, there has never been so much to do (or not do). We hope that you continue to explore all that the Island has to offer during the waning summer days.

As fall approaches, election season draws near. This year will be pivotal for Roosevelt Island -- our District will be electing a new Assemblymember to represent us in Albany. The Democratic primary for the seat is Tuesday, September 9. Understanding its importance, the Government Relations Committee of the RIRA Common Council is sponsoring a Town Meeting on Tuesday, August 5, at 8 p.m. at the Good Shepherd Center, to give all of you the opportunity to meet the candidates. Come and directly ask the tough questions of Gus Christensen, Ed Hartzog, David Menegon, and Rebecca Seawright, to see if they truly understand the stakes here on the Island, and if they have what it takes to represent us.

Speaking of elections -- for many months now, I have asked that each of you consider giving back to our community by serving on the Common Council. In September, the Council will reconvene after the 3-month summer hiatus, and its activities will include the arduous task of conducting November's Island-wide election for Council members and executive officers. The new Council members will determine RIRA's direction and initiatives for the next two years. Issues of Council concern include the expansion of the Island’s population as the remaining Southtown towers come on line, and the accelerated crumbling of the Island’s infrastructure, and the environmental hazards and community well-being at risk, as the Cornell project marches toward Phase I completion. Do you have an interest in collectively solving these, and many other, Island issues? If so, I hope that you will run for a seat on the Common Council. If you have questions about what it means to serve on the Council, how to run for a seat, or how to get more involved, please do not hesitate to reach out to your current Building Representative, or to me at president@riraonline.com.

Finally, I invite all of you to tune to the Manhattan News Network (Time Warner Ch. 34/RCN Ch. 82/FiOS Ch. 33) on Thursday, August 7, at 9:30 p.m. to view Part II of an interview, by former RIRA President Ellen Polivy, of Larry Parnes and me as Co-Chairs of Community Board 8 Manhattan’s Roosevelt Island Committee. We discuss the issues that we believe the Island faces in the near and distant futures in the context of New York City as a whole, and how we believe that we as a community can start solving them. For Part I of the series, go to either http://cb8m.com/cb8speaks or here.

Have a question or issue you would like to discuss?Email me at president@riraonline.com. And be sure to say hello when you are out and about. And have a very happy rest of your summer!

Here's Part 2 of CB 8 interview on Roosevelt Island governance with Mr. Escobar and Mr. Parnes hosted



by Ellen Polivy.

No Roosevelt Island F Train Service From Manhattan This Weekend - RIOC Red Bus Shuttle To And From Manhattan As Long As Both Tram Elevators Out Of Service

According to the MTA:

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

Weekend, 9:45 PM Fri to 5 AM Mon, Aug 1 - 4

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

The Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) announced earlier today that as long as the two Manhattan Tram Station elevators are out of service, RIOC will operate a shuttle bus between Roosevelt Island and Manhattan. According to RIOC:

Please note that the Manhattan shuttle bus stop has been relocated to the southwest corner of 59th Street and 2nd Avenue. Due to an elevator service outage at the Manhattan Tram Station, the RIOC Red Bus will provide special shuttle service into Manhattan beginning at 1:00 PM until 8:00 PM today.

From Roosevelt Island to Manhattan: The shuttle will depart from the Roosevelt Island Tram Station every thirty minutes beginning at 1:00 PM. The last shuttle will depart at 8:00 PM tonight.

From Manhattan to Roosevelt Island: The shuttle will depart from the southwest corner of 59th Street and 2nd Avenue every thirty minutes beginning at 1:30 PM. The last shuttle will depart at 8:30 PM tonight.

Signs will be posted at shuttle bus stop locations and Tram employees will direct passengers to the shuttle bus stops if necessary. Effective tomorrow, Saturday August 2nd, this daily shuttle service will be provided between 10 AM and 8:30 PM until elevator or lift service is restored at the Manhattan Tram Station; further advisories will be issued to notify the public of any changes or developments.

Sincerely,

Roosevelt Island Operating Corp Advisories Group

Remember that the Tram is currently undergoing safety inspection tests but RIOC reports it is scheduled to operate:

Saturday, August 2nd & Sunday, August 3rd

Service will be provided with both cabins every 7.5 minutes from 7 AM to 10 PM

One cabin will operate after 10 PM.

UPDATE 11:30 AM 8/2 - RIOC reports:

Following a previous outage, the Manhattan Tram Station elevator and is back in service. Shuttle bus service to and from Manhattan has been discontinued at this time.

You're Invited To Gallery RIVAA Camera, Brush And Chisel Opening Reception Saturday August 2 - RIVAA Partners With Cornell NYC Tech To Share Space And Costs

Roosevelt Island's Gallery RIVAA will be hosting an opening reception Saturday August 2 starting 6PM for their new exhibition Camera, Brush and Chisel .

Image From Gallery RIVAA

According to Gallery RIVAA:

You are cordially invited to the opening reception of the second part of the exhibition "Camera, Brush and Chisel" on Saturday, August 2nd from 6 - 9 PM at Gallery RIVAA.

The second part of the show will feature 'Paintings and Sculptures' from August 2 - September 7.

Gallery RIVAA was a subject during July 30 Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Real Estate Advisory Committee meeting update (full audio web cast of meeting here) from Main Street Master Leaseholder David Kramer Of Hudson Related. During a discussion on the use of the second floor space of 504 Main Street, Mr. Kramer reported that Gallery RIVAA has partnered with Cornell NYC Tech to share its premises. Cornell NYC Tech will share the space for public events and exhibits as well as contribute to the rent for the premises.

Here's Mr. Kramer on Gallery RIVAA during



RIOC Real Estate Advisory Committee July 30 Update.

Both Roosevelt Island Manhattan Tram Station Elevators Are Out Service - RIOC Says They Will Operate Red Bus Shuttle To Manhattan This Weekend As Long As Both Elevators Out Of Service

Both Manhattan Roosevelt Island Tram Station elevators are out of service again today.

Image of Tram Passenger Elevator and ADA Red Lift From May 29 2013

According to the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC):

The Manhattan Tram Station elevator and passenger lift are temporarily out of service. An advisory will be issued when service is restored.

Sincerely,

Roosevelt Island Operating Corp Advisories Group

RIOC President Charlene Indelicato informed me minutes ago that in response to both Manhattan Tram Station elevators being out of service, as well as no Roosevelt Island F Train Service from Manhattan this weekend, RIOC will operate a Red Bus shuttle service to and from Manhattan this weekend. The weekend Red Bus service to Manhattan will operate as long as both Tram Station elevators are out of service.

More details will come later today including Manhattan Red Bus Shuttle Schedule and stops.

Ms. Indelicato adds in the RIOC President's Report today:

... Bids for the design and construction of new elevators at the Manhattan Tram Station were due last week on July 21; however, no proposals were submitted. This project is a very high priority for RIOC, and we are committed to finding a skilled contractor to carry out this important work. We will continue explore our options and will push to keep this project moving forward on schedule....

More on the Roosevelt Island Tram Station elevator problems including report from RIOC Director of Engineering Jim Mortimer and Ms Indelicato explaining situation to Board Directors at post earlier this month.

UPDATE 1 PM - According to RIOC:

Due to an elevator service outage at the Manhattan Tram Station, the RIOC Red Bus will provide special shuttle service into Manhattan beginning at 1:00 PM until 8:00 PM today.

From Roosevelt Island to Manhattan: The shuttle will depart from the Roosevelt Island Tram Station every thirty minutes beginning at 1:00 PM. The last shuttle will depart at 8:00 PM tonight.

From Manhattan to Roosevelt Island: The shuttle will depart from the southwest corner of 58th Street and 2nd Avenue every thirty minutes beginning at 1:30 PM. The last shuttle will depart at 8:30 PM tonight.

Signs will be posted at shuttle bus stop locations and Tram employees will direct passengers to the shuttle bus stops if necessary. This service will be provided until elevator or lift service is restored at the Manhattan Tram Station; further advisories will be issued to notify the public of any changes or developments.

Sincerely,

Roosevelt Island Operating Corp Advisories Group

UPDATE 2:10 PM - From RIOC:

Due to an elevator service outage at the Manhattan Tram Station, the RIOC Red Bus will provide special shuttle service into Manhattan beginning at 1:00 PM until 8:00 PM today.

From Roosevelt Island to Manhattan: The shuttle will depart from the Roosevelt Island Tram Station every thirty minutes beginning at 1:00 PM. The last shuttle will depart at 8:00 PM tonight.

From Manhattan to Roosevelt Island: The shuttle will depart from the southwest corner of 58th Street and 2nd Avenue every thirty minutes beginning at 1:30 PM. The last shuttle will depart at 8:30 PM tonight.

Signs will be posted at shuttle bus stop locations and Tram employees will direct passengers to the shuttle bus stops if necessary. Effective tomorrow, Saturday August 2nd, this daily shuttle service will be provided between 10 AM and 8:30 PM until elevator or lift service is restored at the Manhattan Tram Station; further advisories will be issued to notify the public of any changes or developments.

Sincerely,

Roosevelt Island Operating Corp Advisories Group

UPDATE 5:40 PM - RIOC adds:

Please note that the Manhattan shuttle bus stop has been relocated to the southwest corner of 59th Street and 2nd Avenue. Due to an elevator service outage at the Manhattan Tram Station, the RIOC Red Bus will provide special shuttle service into Manhattan beginning at 1:00 PM until 8:00 PM today.

From Roosevelt Island to Manhattan: The shuttle will depart from the Roosevelt Island Tram Station every thirty minutes beginning at 1:00 PM. The last shuttle will depart at 8:00 PM tonight.

From Manhattan to Roosevelt Island: The shuttle will depart from the southwest corner of 59th Street and 2nd Avenue every thirty minutes beginning at 1:30 PM. The last shuttle will depart at 8:30 PM tonight.

Signs will be posted at shuttle bus stop locations and Tram employees will direct passengers to the shuttle bus stops if necessary. Effective tomorrow, Saturday August 2nd, this daily shuttle service will be provided between 10 AM and 8:30 PM until elevator or lift service is restored at the Manhattan Tram Station; further advisories will be issued to notify the public of any changes or developments.

Sincerely,

Roosevelt Island Operating Corp Advisories Group

UPDATE 11:30 AM 8/2 - RIOC reports:

Following a previous outage, the Manhattan Tram Station elevator and is back in service. Shuttle bus service to and from Manhattan has been discontinued at this time.

Report From RIOC President Charlene Indelicato - New Roosevelt Island Deputy Director Of Public Safety Lynda Marmara, NY State Citizen Emergency Preparedness Training, No Bids On New Tram Elevator, Cultural Center Renovations Completed by December 2014 , Blackwell Park Swing Tampering, Restriping Roads & Much More

Roosevelt Island Deputy Public Safety Director Lynda Marmara Via Strategic Planning And Security Services

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

This summer has been a very busy time on Roosevelt Island. Several capital projects have been completed: The Octagon Tennis Courts have been resurfaced, the Tram stations repainted, the entryway of the Good Shepherd Chapel restored, and the northern tip of Lighthouse Park has been reopened for public enjoyment. Many improvements to the Island are still in progress at locations such as the Tram stations, the Cultural Center and on all Island roads. In addition to construction projects, the Outdoor Summer Movie Series and other free public events continue to take place on the Island. For up-to-date information about these and other community notices, you may sign up for RIOC Advisories email alerts on our website: www.rioc.ny.gov.

New Deputy Director of Public Safety: Lynda Marmara

RIOC would like to extend a warm welcome to the newest member of our staff, Lynda Marmara. Marmara has joined us as the new Deputy Director of Public Safety and is well familiar with Roosevelt Island, having been assigned to the community in the past as a NYC police officer. She comes to us with decades of experience in police work and a strong background in emergency management. Marmara previously served as the Director of Public-Private Initiatives for the NYC Office of Emergency Management and most recently owned and led her own security company, Strategic Planning and Security Services, Inc. We are very pleased to have her on our team and look forward to her work on Roosevelt Island.

Citizen Preparedness Training

Next week, the NYS Office of Emergency Management (OEM) will be offering a free Citizen Preparedness training workshop. In addition to valuable information about how to prepare for natural or man-made disasters, each family participating will receive a free Citizen Preparedness Corps Response Starter Kit for attending. The kit includes a first aid kit, emergency food and water, AM/FM radio, flashlight, and more useful items.

The training will take place on August 6 at the Manhattan Park Theater Club (8 River Road) at 6 PM. While this session is free, participants must register in advance at  www.prepare.ny.gov/training-events in order to attend. We hope to see you there!

Outdoor Summer Movie Series

RIOC’s Outdoor Summer Movie Series (now located at Firefighter’s Field) continues on Saturday, August 9 with a screening of The Hobbit: Desolation of Smaug. Come out to the field at 7 p.m. for music, film trivia and night of movie fun under the stars. Food and drink will be available for purchase, bring a blanket or lawn chair. On Saturday, August 23rd, don't miss the final screening in the series, featuring the James Bond movie Goldfinger as well as a locally produced short A Necessary Music. This unique short film was shot on Roosevelt Island and features seventeen of our residents as actors. We hope to see you there!

Lighthouse Park

We are extremely pleased to be able to reopen the northern tip of Lighthouse Park for the community’s enjoyment. Contractors are currently completing a construction checklist and addressing a few final items to bring the project to completion, so expect to see workers in the vicinity of the park’s footbridges. While certain areas may be intermittently cordoned off to allow work to take place, the park area surrounding the Lighthouse will remain open to the public.

Cultural Center

Work on the Cultural Center at 504 Main Street has progressed. Demolition and removal of the water-damaged materials inside the Center was completed over the summer, and the floor fill has been poured to create a solid foundation. Contractors are currently re-framing the walls and performing electrical work. This project is scheduled to be completed in December 2014. We know how important the Cultural Center is to the community, and we look forward to reopening a new and improved space for public use.

Tram Elevators

Bids for the design and construction of new elevators at the Manhattan Tram Station were due last week on July 21; however, no proposals were submitted. This project is a very high priority for RIOC, and we are committed to finding a skilled contractor to carry out this important work. We will continue explore our options and will push to keep this project moving forward on schedule.

Re-Striping Roosevelt Island’s Roads

Over the past few weeks, the Island’s streets and Helix Ramp have been re-striped by contractors working with our Engineering department. Refreshing the paint job helps ensure that important street markings, especially at crosswalks and stop signs, are highly visible to both vehicles and pedestrians. Further re-striping work is scheduled to take place in the near future.

Blackwell Children’s Playground Swing

At the Blackwell Park Children’s Playground, a low toddler swing has repeatedly been tampered with. After repairs to the swing were made on July 7, the strap and related hardware were entirely removed from the area. RIOC will make repairs shortly and again restore the swing for young children to use. In the interest of safety, we ask that visitors to the park refrain from removing any hardware at the playground and contact us immediately to report any repairs that need to be made. If you have any information related to the play equipment’s disappearance, we encourage you to contact the Roosevelt Island Public Safety Department at 212-832-4545.

Tennis Permits

As a reminder, the newly resurfaced Octagon Tennis Courts are open for permit holders. If you would like to play, you may purchase a Tennis Permit online through the RIOC website – please visit us at rioc.ny.gov/tenniscourts.htm for more information or to apply.

Tram Inspection Service Changes

Leitner-Poma, operator of the Roosevelt Island Tramway, has advised that both Tram cabins are undergoing a comprehensive safety inspection. The tests began on Monday, July 28th and are scheduled to be completed by Friday, August 8th. One Tram cabin must be taken out of service during the inspection, requiring a change to its operating schedule. Please visit our website (rioc.ny.gov) for an updated operating schedule.

Super Quick Video Tour Of Roosevelt Island - The Tram, Promenade, Southpoint Park, Renwick Ruins, FDR Park Really Big Head And Oh Those Waterfront Views

Image From rociomirandalanderos You Tube Video

Take this very quick tour around Roosevelt Island.



Very cool.

Join David Menegon For Meet And Greet Tonight 7 PM At Riverwalk Bar & Grill - He's Running For Democratic Party Nomination To Represent Roosevelt Island And Upper East Side In NY State Assemby 76 District

David Menegon is a candidate for the NY State Assembly Democratic Party nomination to represent the 76 AD District which includes Roosevelt Island and the Upper East Side. Mr. Menegon is having a Meet And Greet event tonight starting 7 PM at the Riverwalk Bar & Grill. You're invited.

Image From David Menegon

Other candidates in the Democratic Primary to succeed Assembly Member Micah Kellner in representing Roosevelt Island include:

• Gus Christensen
• Ed Hartzog and
• Rebecca Seawright

A Roosevelt Island NY State 76 Assembly District Candidates Night is scheduled for August 5 at the Good Shepherd Community Center. The Primary election is September 9.

More information on the candidates here.

Update 8/1 - From the Twitterverse:

Packed house at Riverwalk Bar & Grill for our Roosevelt Island Meet & Greet #TeamMenegon #76AD pic.twitter.com/JevtKIc7nK
— David Menegon (@DavidJMenegon) August 1, 2014

Thanks everyone who came out to our Roosevelt Island Meet & Greet. I would be honored to serve you #TeamMenegon #76AD pic.twitter.com/Ztowz56sVE
— David Menegon (@DavidJMenegon) August 1, 2014

Roosevelt Island Moms Friday Walking Group Still Moving, Starts 9 AM At The Tram Kiosk - Exercise At Lawn By Meditation Steps Too

A reminder from Roosevelt Island Parents' Network Coordinator Eva Bosbach:

This is a reminder about our next free RI MoM walk and exercise, tomorrow, August 1, this time starting already at 9 AM at the Tram kiosk.

Image of Last Week's Roosevelt Island Moms Walk

Feel free to join us later - we will walk on the shady Manhattan side to the south of the island and back and then do the exercise under trees

Image Of RI Moms On The Move Exercise Group

 on the lawn above the Meditation steps, in front of Dr. Grimm's office.

Roosevelt Island Parents' Network Children Visit Local Firehouse - Firefighter Eric Witkoski Gives Tour Of Special Operations Command, Demonstrates Equipment And Kids Climb On Fire Truck

Photo credit: Tamara Srdanovic

Roosevelt Island Parents' Network Coordinator Eva Bosbach reports:

Children of the RI Parents' Network members had fun last week when they visited the local Fire station.

Photo credit: Tamara Srdanovic

Around forty children toured the RI fire station in two separate visits, organized by Parents' Network moms Kyoko Ellsworth and Tamara Srdanovic. During the tour, firemen showed around the station, explained their work,

Photo credit: Tamara Srdanovic

let the children touch the equipment,

Photo credit: Tamara Srdanovic

distributed theme coloring books

Photo credit: Tamara Srdanovic

and more. A special highlight was the possibility for all children

Photo credit: Tamara Srdanovic

to climb the firetruck. One more weekend tour is planned for the end of August. If you would like to participate with your child, please contact Tamara at tmr@rocketmail.com . We thank firefighter Eric Witkoski 

Photo credit: Tamara Srdanovic

and all his team mates for this educational and fun experience for our children!

Photo credit: Tamara Srdanovic

One valuable lesson learned by the Roosevelt Island Parents' Network kids was

Photo credit: Tamara Srdanovic

Dial 911 to report a fire and a lesson

Photo credit: Tamara Srdanovic

for us all.

Rumors Untrue That Cornell University Purchased Roosevelt Island Riverwalk Building 7 From Hudson Related - Cornell Not Interested In Buying Westview Either

Earlier this month, rumors circulated around Roosevelt Island that Cornell University had purchased Hudson Related's Southtown Riverwalk Building 7

 Image Of Riverwak Building 7 Rendering

currently under construction. For example, I was asked to find out if this rumor was true:

Just learned from a Southtown resident, who claims he closely follows real estate, that the new Building 7, currently being constructed, has been purchased 100% by Cornell.... This could be true or just a rumor.

I asked Hudson Related's David Kramer about the claim and he said it was absolutely untrue.

Another rumor at the same time was that Cornell was interested in buying

Westview.

During July 27 meeting of the Roosevelt Island Cornell Construction and Community Task Force, member Ellen Polivy asked Cornell NYC Tech Director Of Capital Planning Andrew Winters and Assistant Director of Government and Community Relations Jane Swanson about these rumors.

Mr. Winters and Ms. Swanson replied that there was no truth to either of the rumors. Cornell NYC Tech will only have residences on campus said Ms. Swanson.

Here's the question and answer.



Will have more on Hudson Related's Buildings 7 -9 soon.

New Roosevelt Island Main Street Retail Lease Signed - Hudson Related Announces Union Medical Urgent Care Will Occupy Thrift Store Space

Roosevelt Island Retail Master Leaseholder Hudson Related has secured a new tenant for Main Street. An urgent care medical facility, Union Medical Urgent Care,

 Image Of Union Medical Urgent Care Queens Storefront From Video On Yelp

will be taking over the space (approximately 3800 sq. ft) currently occupied by Saint Cabrini Thrift Store.

 Image Of Roosevelt Island Thrift Shop From Across Main Street

Arianna Sacks-Rosenberg of Hudson Related Retail - Shops On Main reports:

We have a new lease signed with Precious Care Management LLC, an urgent care operator. The same operator owns an urgent care facility in Fresh Meadows called “Union Medical Urgent Care.” The tenant did a stellar fit out at the Fresh Meadows location and they are planning to do a similar fit out at this new location on Roosevelt Island. Hudson/Related is very excited about this new tenant and the new service they will bring to Roosevelt Island and Shops on Main. The new tenants have a 15 year lease with a 5 year option. Work will begin in the space once The Thrift Shop moves out, by the end of this August, and the new tenant’s drawings are approved and permits are issued.

Hudson/Related is working with the Thrift Store on a potential alternative location.

According to the Union Medical Urgent Care web site:

Union Medical Center is a state of the art Urgent Care facility in the heart of Queens, NY. We're open even when your doctor isn't and offer professional care with short wait times.

and:

Facility Features
Most Insurances Accepted.
No appointment Needed.
Virtually No Wait Times.
Kid-Friendly Wait Area.
On Site Lab and Imaging.

Our Services
Digital X-ray Imaging
Sutures
Bloodwork
Workplace Physicals
Throat Cultures

Conditions Treated
Sore Throat.
Upset Stomach
Cuts and Brusies
Bone Injuries

As previously reported, Hudson Related's David Kramer will be providing the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Board of Directors Real Estate Advisory Committee an update on Main Street retail leasing activity today in a public meeting starting 4:30 PM at the Child School gymnasium.

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

More on urgent care medical facilities from the NY Times and AM New York.

Cornell NYC Tech Vice President And Roosevelt Island Resident Cathy Dove Leaving Position And RI To Become President Of Paul Smith's College In The Adirondacks

Cornell NYC Tech Vice President and Roosevelt Island resident Cathy Dove

 Image of Cathy Dove From Crains NY Business

is leaving her position at Cornell to become President of Paul Smith's College. The Cornell Chronicle reports:

Cathy Dove, vice president of Cornell Tech in New York City, has been named the 10th president of Paul Smith’s College in the Adirondacks. The first female president of Paul Smith’s, she will begin her new position Sept. 1.

As vice president of Cornell Tech since 2012, Dove has been responsible for all administrative, operational, outreach, capital planning and construction functions for the campus currently under construction on Roosevelt Island and at its temporary location in Manhattan....

Cornell Provost Kent Fuchs adds:

Cathy has been a core part of Cornell Tech since its inception. She worked with me, Dean Dan Huttenlocher and a team of others at Cornell to form the unique vision of Cornell Tech and help make it a reality. In the 2 1/2 years since Cornell Tech was born, Cathy has worked with Dan, university leadership and our partners at The Technion to build a team on the ground in New York City that includes more than 50 faculty and staff. We’ve graduated two classes already with master’s degrees in engineering and computer science, and expect more than 100 students to be enrolled this fall as we add an MBA and master’s in information science to the program, and continue to get ready to move to our permanent Roosevelt Island home in 2017. That great team and all of these efforts, now years into this endeavor, will continue to build and innovate for many years to come. Cathy’s leadership helped insure that, and we are grateful for all she helped accomplish here.

Cornell NYC Tech Assistant Director of Government and Community Relations Jane Swanson told the Cornell Roosevelt Island Construction and Community Task Force last night about Ms. Dove leaving her position.



Here's Ms. Dove and Cornell President David Skorton (soon to be President of the Smithsonian Institution) in April 2012 about to attend their first Roosevelt Island Town Hall Meeting

Cornell Vice President Cathy Dove and President David Skorton Before Town Hall Meeting

and my interview with them about the Cornell NYC Tech Roosevelt Island project.



Ms. Dove was an excellent representative of Cornell to the Roosevelt Island community. She will be missed.

Best of luck to her in her new position.

China One Food Delivery Person Robbed Of $500 Responding To Fake Caller At Roosevelt Landings

According to the Roosevelt Island Daily Public Safety Report:

7/27/14 - 1509 - 510 Main St. - Robbery - PSD/NYPD conducted search with negative results. NYPD report filed.

Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Public Safety Department Director Jack McManus provides the following details. A take out order was called in to Roosevelt Island's China One restaurant

for delivery at Roosevelt Landings 510 Main Street on Sunday afternoon. When the food delivery person arrived with the order at the apartment given by the caller, the resident opening the door said that no such order was made. After the resident closed the door, the delivery person was confronted by two persons, one with a knife, and robbed of $500.

A NYPD spokesperson added that the two robbers approached the delivery person in the stairwell, were masked, took the food in addition to the $500 and that the delivery person was not hurt.

New York State Senator Jose Serrano Roosevelt Island Constituent Office Hours Today 4 - 7 PM At Senior Center

Roosevelt Island's NY State Senator Jose Serrano will be holding constituent office hours today on Roosevelt Island at the Seniors Center.

Image From Senator Serrano

Senator Serrano tweets:

Our #RooseveltIsland Constituent Hrs are from 4-7pm at the Roosevelt Island Seniors Association. Please stop by! pic.twitter.com/jJx4q7DcVo
— Sen. Jose M. Serrano (@SenatorSerrano) July 29, 2014

Senator Serrano's office adds:

Senator Serrano's staff is available to assist you with a wide variety of issues, including, but not limited to, housing, health insurance, social security, the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and much more. Please bring any pertinent paperwork you may have regarding the issue you wish to discuss.

Community Board 8 Speaks On Roosevelt Island Governance Issues - Ellen Polivy Interviews CB 8's Jeff Escobar & Larry Parnes On Unusual NY State And NY City Jurisdiction

 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  interviewed Roosevelt Island Residents Association President (RIRA) Jeff Escobar and Community Board 8 member Larry Parnes on Roosevelt Island governance issues. Mr Escobar and Mr. Parnes are also Co-Chairs of CB 8's Roosevelt Island Committee.

Here's Ms. Polivy's CB 8 Speaks interview on Roosevelt Island governance with Jeff Escobar and Larry Parnes.



The CB 8 Speaks Roosevelt Island governance discussion was part 2 of the interview. Part 1 was a discussion of the Roosevelt Island Cornell NYC Tech project.

Code Is The New Literacy Says Roosevelt Island NYC Council Member Ben Kallos To Breakthrough New York Students - Build Apps That Will Change The World

Roosevelt Island and Upper East Side NYC Council Member Ben Kallos spoke last week to students at Breakthrough New York

Image From Breakthrough New York

about the importance of learning software coding language. Mr. Kallos told the students that:

... Code is the new literacy...

and:

... you have the power to build apps that will change the world...

as well as the importance of a well rounded college education.

Council Member Ben Kallos stopped by BTNY yesterday. Here are some of his words of wisdom:... http://t.co/sxR8pn0DD6
— Breakthrough NY (@BreakthroughNY) July 24, 2014

According to Breakthrough NY:

Breakthrough New York is a non-profit organization that transforms the lives of motivated, low-income students by preparing them for college so that they can succeed in the world.

I Am Breakthrough from Breakthrough New York on Vimeo.

Roosevelt Island Main Street Retail Update From Hudson Related, Good Shepherd Plaza Revitalization Plans, Proposed Southpoint Park Korean Pavilion & Cultural Center Refurbishment On Agenda For July 30 RIOC Real Estate Board Of Directors Meeting

A reader noted:

The three-year anniversary of Hudson/Related taking over the Main Street retail corridor is coming up. The agreement was signed August 11, 2011 retroactive to August 1, 2011....

and asked:

... if residents are generally happy or not with the progress in the last 3 years (renovation of the corridor, the opening of 3 new establishments, the upgrade of Gristedes, the closing of the hardware/video store, other stores that were rumored but never came to be, etc.). Also, if residents believe that Mr. Kramer's prior comments about "shock and awe" regarding the corridor have been realized.

 Hudson Related's David Kramer Pointing Towards The Future Of Roosevelt Island Retail In 2011

We may learn of new Main Street retail stores later this week when Hudson Related's David Kramer provides an update on leasing progress to the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Board Of Directors Real Estate Advisory Committee. According to (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, July 30, 2014 at 4:30 p.m. at Child School Gymnasium, 566 Main Street, Roosevelt Island, New York.

Agenda:

1. Discussion Regarding Main Street Retail and Update by Hudson/Related. (Certain portions of this update may
concern current negotiations and will be held in Executive Session);
2. Review and Discussion of Good Shepherd Plaza Revitalization Plans;
3. Discussion Regarding South Point Open Space Park Use and Features, Including Proposed Korean Pavilion;
4. Update on Cultural Center Refurbishment; and
5. Any Other Committee Business That May be Brought Before the Committee.

***

The Open Meetings Law of the State of New York requires that all public bodies conduct meetings, convened for the purpose of officially conducting public business, in a manner open to attendance by the general public to observe and listen.

Here's Mr. Kramer updating the January 12, 2014 RIOC Real Estate Advisory Committee



and video from the 2011 Retail Town Hall Meeting.

Reminder From RIOC, Roosevelt Island Tram Operator Leitner Poma Performing Tram Safety Inspections July 28 To August 8 - One Cabin In Use Weekdays, Two On Weekends

As reported July 23, the operator of the Roosevelt Island Tram, Leitner Poma,

 Image From Duc Le via Roosevelt Islander

will be conducting a comprehensive safety inspection of the Tram starting tomorrow, July 28. According to the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC):

As a reminder, the Roosevelt Island Tramway will be undergoing a comprehensive safety inspection from Monday, July 28th until Friday, August 8th. Leitner-POMA has issued the following service change:

Monday, July 28th to Friday, August 1st

Service every 15 minutes from each station from 6 AM- 2 AM.

Saturday, August 2nd & Sunday, August 3rd

Service will be provided with both cabins every 7.5 minutes from 7 AM to 10 PM.

Monday, August 4th to Friday, August 8th

Service every 15 minutes from each station from 6 AM- 2 AM.

Saturday, August 9th

Tram service will resume with both cabins at 6 AM.

For more information, please call 212-832-4559.

Thank you for your patience during this necessary work.

Sincerely,

Roosevelt Island Operating Corp Advisories Group

Leitner - Poma explains the reason for the safety inspection.

LEITNER‐POMA OF AMERICA, INC.

2014 ‐ ROOSEVELT ISLAND AERIAL TRAMWAY INSPECTION

Arial transportation systems require systematic inspection routines. Roosevelt Island Arial Tramway is a state of the art ropeway transportation system used for mass transportation in an urban environment. It is subject to New York State licensing and inspection process. In addition the tramways manufacture requires multiple layered inspection routines. Inspections and testing are done on a daily, weekly and monthly basis to assure safe and reliable service. A staff of approximately 25 members is employed using New York City based individuals. This staff is charged with the responsibilities of daily operation and maintenance. Most of the inspections and testing are accomplished by them.

However, higher level inspections and testing are performed to assure the design and engineering integrity are maintained. These inspections are performed by engineers, factory personnel and the local staff. These tests are complex and require longer periods of time than allowed during the normal shutdown.

The tram schedule during the inspection will be as follows;
Monday. July 28th. To Friday August 1st.... Tram service will be provided with one single cabin.
Saturday. August 2nd. And Sunday. August 3rd... The tram will resume service with both cabins.
Monday. August 4th. To Friday. August 8th... Tram service will be provided with one single cabin.
Saturday. August 9th. 06:00 AM... The tram will resume service with both cabins.

We appreciate your cooperation and understanding. Leitner‐ Poma of America

Roosevelt Island Aerial Tramway – Operators.

6 sqft has a brief history of the Roosevelt Island Tram:

... In the early 1970s, under the direction of the urban planner and visionary Edward J. Logue, the NYS Urban Development Corporation (UDC) created a model for a high-density, mixed-income urban community for the development of Roosevelt Island, necessitating a more efficient mode of transportation. In 1971 with the trolley tracks beyond repair, and the 63rd Street subway far from completion, the UDC hired Lev Zetlin Associates (LZA) to identify and design the future connection to the island. Award-winning structural engineer James O’Kon led the LZA team through a feasibility and design study, examining three alternate modes of transit including a ferry, elevator from the bridge and an air tram. The tram was selected with the intent for it to serve as a temporary solution for commuters while the 63rd Street subway was still under construction. However, as the completion schedule for the new subway line was continually pushed back, the air tramway’s popularity grew and it was later converted into a permanent facility....

Click here for the full article.