Roosevelt Island Community Update From RIOC - Cultural Center Space Available For Local Groups, Cold Weather, Island Construction, 2015 Events Schedule and Fitness Programs

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

  Image From RIOC

formerly known as the Report from the RIOC President.

The past several weeks have brought extreme temperatures to Roosevelt Island, accompanied by snow, ice, and other issues caused by the freezing cold. RIOC’s Grounds and Maintenance crew has been kept busy; working to keep the streets and walkways clear and to make sure that the Island is as safe and accessible as possible. While the Manhattan Tram Station elevator and lift remain out of service, we are continuing to offer a special Red Bus shuttle for those with limited mobility. This service runs between the Roosevelt Island Tram Station and the Manhattan Tram Station from 7 AM until 8 PM on weekdays only. To see past advisories issued regarding this service or to sign up for electronic alerts, please visit "http://rioc.ny.gov/advisorybody.htm".

Community Cultural Center

In preparation for the reopening of the Cultural Center at 548 Main Street, we are reaching out to local groups who may be interested in permitting the space in order to assess the needs of the community. In addition to meeting spaces, the Cultural Center will also have limited storage available to groups that use the facility. If your group or organization is in need of meeting, storage, or other activity space, we invite you to contact us at permits@rioc.ny.gov and information@rioc.ny.gov" or by calling 212-832-4563. We would be pleased to hear your input.

Island Construction

Despite the chilly temperatures, construction projects on Roosevelt Island remain active through the winter weather. On the south end of the Island, the Cornell Tech’s campus construction project has continued to move forward. Due to utility work related to the project, the North Road – a loop road that circles underneath the Queensboro Bridge, around the Roosevelt Island Racquet Club and Sportspark facilities – has been closed periodically. These temporary closures sometimes require a re-routing of the Q102 and Red Bus lines and can result in the Roosevelt Island Tram Station bus stop being moved across the East-West roadway, opposite the Visitor’s Kiosk. For the latest information on traffic disruptions, road closures, and other construction updates, you may sign up for RIOC Advisories, Roosevelt Island’s community and emergency electronic alert system. For more information, please visit http://rioc.ny.gov/advisorybody.htm.

Special Events

Every year, RIOC sponsors a series of free, on-Island community events. These events are a wonderful opportunity for local groups and businesses to get involved, volunteer, and get exposure to the greater Roosevelt Island community. A list of events and event dates is below. If you are interested in volunteer or sponsorship opportunities, or if you have an idea that you’d like to see brought to life at one of these events, please contact Anna Rankin, our Communications and Event Coordinator, at  anna.rankin@rioc.ny.gov.

Island Fitness Programs

Although the cold may be discouraging for those who wish to exercise, the Sportspark Gym & Pool facilities (250 Main Street) are available year-round. Current offerings include yoga, Zumba, open swim, basketball and ping-pong, Mommy & Me water safety classes, Master Swim classes, and more. Classes and pool memberships are available for all ages, and are offered at a lower rate for Roosevelt Island residents. For more information on any of these programs, or if you have any questions, you may visit our website at rioc.recdesk.com, email us at Information@rioc.ny.gov, or call the facility at 212-832-4569.

Note that one Tram Elevator was fixed and returned to service after this report was submitted.

UPDATE 5/5 -  The RIOC Schedule of events has been revised below.