Report From RIOC President Charlene Indelicato - Roosevelt Island Public Purpose Fund Grants, Community Notification Alerts, Winter Grounds Clean Up, Bike NY Learn To Ride Classes, And New Compliance Officer

Image Of Ms.Indelicato From RIOC

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

In our first community update of 2015, I would like to wish a happy New Year to our residents and all those on Roosevelt Island. Congratulations as well to the winners of our special RIOC Advisories "Thank You" holiday raffle, in which three lucky subscribers to our electronic community and emergency alert system received a free holiday gift basket.

I encourage all Roosevelt Island businesses and residents to sign up for these alerts if you have not already. Visit us at rioc.ny.gov for more information or to subscribe.

Public Purpose Grant
Letters of Intent to apply for the 2015 Public Purpose Fund were due yesterday, on Friday January 16th. Information about the Fund is available online at rioc.ny.gov . In 1989, New York State established this fund to support the Roosevelt Island community, but the fund became depleted over the years. In 2008, RIOC stepped in to make these funds available annually. RIOC partners with the Roosevelt Island Residents Association, which reviews applications and makes recommendations for funding to the RIOC Board of Directors.

New Compliance and Internal Controls Officer
We would like to extend a warm welcome to the newest member of our staff, Gretchen Robinson. Ms. Robinson, our new Compliance and Internal Controls Officer, comes to us with more than a decade of legal experience, most recently as a prosecutor with the Civilian Complaint Review Board of the City of New York. We are happy to have her as a part of our team.

Bike New York
Do you ride your bike on Roosevelt Island? Have you ever wanted to learn more about bicycle safety, maintenance, and the rules of the road? Last year, Bike New York received a grant to provide innovative pilot programs and free bike education classes specifically on Roosevelt Island. Learn more about their offerings at  bike.nyc/education/roosevelt-island

Photo: 2014 Bike New York Spring Kickoff Party Credit: Caitlin Goodspeed

If you or your family are interested in cycling, but would like to learn how in a safe and stress-free environment, we encourage you to attend one of Bike New York's "Learn to Ride" classes for kids or adults. Check their Class Calendar online at  bike.nyc/education/classes for information or to register.

Roosevelt Island Seasonal Cleanup
In preparation for the winter season, the Grounds department has been readying the Island's fields and park for cold weather and snow. Southpoint Park's greenery, made up entirely of plants native to this region, has received its annual trimming back and will grow again in the spring.

Photo: Southpoint Park's native plants

As a reminder, residents are urged to use caution while traveling in cold or inclement weather. While our Grounds and Facilities departments work around the clock to remove snow and ice from roads and pathways in our community, some areas are prone to consistent icy conditions. If you see any areas that require extra attention this season, please contact the RIOC offices via email at  information@rioc.ny.gov , or call 212-832-4540.

RIOC Advisories
As a reminder, RIOC launched a new and improved Roosevelt Island-specific emergency and community alert system late last year. By signing up online for RIOC Advisories, you will be the first to know about Emergencies, Tram & Red Bus Service, Construction, Special Events and more. Please visit us online at rioc.ny.gov to sign up or for more information. Remember, if we can't reach you, we can't alert you!

If you have questions or require assistance, we encourage you to send an email to information@rioc.ny.gov or to call 212-832-4540 during our daily office hours. A member of our Community Relations department will be happy to work with you to resolve any difficulties, or to provide help during the sign-up process.

UPDATE 1/18 - More on potential Public Purpose Funds roadblock here.