Roosevelt Island Community Update From RIOC - Severe Winter Weather, Manhattan Tram Station Elevators, Community Cultural Center, Motorgate Lighting & Contact Info

Below is the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Community Update,

 Image From RIOC

formerly known as the Report from the RIOC President.

During the past few winter storms, RIOC’s Operations team has worked into the night to remove snow and ice, lay down salt, and plow the roadways on Roosevelt Island. In addition to thanking them for their tireless efforts, I would like to thank those residents who moved their cars promptly off Main Street and the East and West Roads to allow preparations for snow removal to take place. Your cooperation helps us make travel safer on Roosevelt Island and is much appreciated.

If you would like to receive notifications in case of severe weather or emergencies, please visit rioc.ny.gov and click the “RIOC Advisories” link. RIOC Advisories is a community and emergency alert system that allows subscribers to receive notifications and important information via email, text message, and even phone calls if they so choose. While you may sign up for additional categories, we encourage all residents to sign up to receive at least Emergency and Severe Weather alerts. Remember, if we can’t reach you, we can’t alert you.

Manhattan Tram Station Elevators

Last year, it became clear to many that the elevators at the Manhattan Tram Station were becoming unreliable. As the elevators themselves are due for an overhaul, the most efficient way to deal with the issues is through a replacement of the current system. After rating and ranking responses to a Request for Proposals (RFP) to design two new, larger ADA-accessible elevators, RIOC has selected a contractor. The new elevators will replace the current smaller elevator as well as the red accessible lift, improving the station’s accessibility. A kickoff meeting will soon be held, where the elevator’s designers will present their proposals. The design is scheduled to be completed within 90 days. Once the design is complete, RIOC will seek a qualified contractor to build the elevators to specifications. We will continue to make any repairs necessary to the current system while the new system’s design and build period continues. The work will be conducted on a schedule that causes the least amount of disruption possible to travelers and commuters.

Community Cultural Center

Now that only a few items are left on the punch list, spaces in the newly renovated Community Cultural Center will soon be available by permit. As our community grows, many entities on this island have grown alongside it and are in need of meeting and activity space. Offering a fair and reasonable booking fee to all local organizations is a matter of ethics and impartiality, and it’s important to us to make the space available to as many local groups as possible on an equitable basis.

Lighting at the Motorgate Garage

Last year, lighting inside the Motorgate Garage was upgraded to brighter, more energy-efficient LED lighting. RIOC is currently getting proposals together for LED lighting to be installed near the Motorgate Garage Atrium and underneath the Helix Ramp. In addition, Con Edison is currently working to repair a power issue affecting the lights underneath the arcade near the Roosevelt Island post office. Once they replace the transformers supplying the area and the power issue is resolved, improvements to that area’s lighting can also be taken into consideration.

Contacting RIOC

Do you have questions or concerns about Roosevelt Island? If you’re looking to contact RIOC, there are a variety of ways to get in touch. RIOC’s Facebook page offers a contact form for you to submit questions, comments, or concerns. You can also visit our page for event photos, announcements, news, and more at www.facebook.com/RIOCNY, or send an email to information@rioc.ny.gov, or call the office at 212-832-4540. To access publicly available meeting records and other documents, please visit our official website at rioc.ny.gov.