Notification issued 2/6/15 at 9:49 AM. Please be advised that the MTA has issued a weekend service advisory for the F train, which may affect travel plans. The Tram will run on a rush hour schedule from 7:00 AM until 10:00 PM to accommodate any increase in traffic. Please plan your travel accordingly and visit www.mta.info/weekender or call 511 for more information.
For electronic updates on F Train service, sign up for MTA Alerts at www.mymtaalerts.com.
I hope you will take a moment to read about how you can help the homeless in my Our Town column. Please join me and 3,000 volunteers for the 10th Annual Homeless Outreach Population Estimate (HOPE) on February 9, 2015 starting at 10:30pm, to canvass the neighborhood and count how many people are living unsheltered. Training is available from DHS at Hunter College for a team that will survey the Upper East Side and Roosevelt Island. Sites available throughout the city on a first come first served basis. Volunteers must be at least 18 or at least 16 and accompanied by an adult. The information collected will help their outreach teams improve support and services for our city’s homeless population. Please visit http://on.nyc.gov/hope-2015 or call me so I can help get you registered to volunteer
Do you want a say in how CitiBike operates in our neighborhood? With the bike share program expanding, it is essential that our community has a say. The Department of Transportation is holding a forum that I am co-sponsoring on CitiBike on the East Side. Please join us:
Thursday, February 12
Sessions Begin at 6pm and 7pm, Christ Church, 524 Park Avenue (at 60th St.)
The Main Street Theater & Dance Alliance (MST&DA) and the Roosevelt Island Jewish Congregation (RIJC) have been unable to use the space they formerly occupied at the Cultural Center following a July 2012 flooding incident which caused substantial damage to the premises.
Image Of Roosevelt Island Cultural Center Entrance At 548 Main Street
Since that time RIOC has been in the process of repairing the damaged Cultural Center and establishing procedures for future use of the space by Roosevelt Island community groups including former occupants such as the MST&DA, RIJC and other groups seeking space.
The Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) has finally repaired the damage caused by July 2012 flooding and made worse by the October 2012 Hurricane Sandy. RIOC recently completed the renovation of the Cultural Center but the MST&DA may not be able to return to the new Cultural Center reports its Executive Director Owen Johnston during last night's Roosevelt Island Residents Association (RIRA) Public Session.
Mr. Johnston told the RIRA Common Council that RIOC is seeking a $8 Thousand monthly fee from MST&DA in order to use the Cultural Center space and noted:
... the idea that we would not be able to dance on our own dance studio floors does not make any sense....
In response to questions from RIRA's Aaron Hamburger, Mr. Johnston added:
... the fees they are discussing are beyond onerous. Quite frankly, they are absurd. Its not anything we as an organization have ever experienced. It's been in the past, RIOC has understood the benefit we bring to the community.
Also, Mr. Johnston said RIOC intends to use a portion of the Cultural Center space for some of its own office and storage use.
Mr. Johnston will be meeting today with RIOC to discuss the issue further and will be seeking the support of the Roosevelt Island community to return the MST&DA to the newly renovated Cultural Center.
Last evening, I asked RIOC President Charlene Indelicato:
Owen Johnston of Main Street Theater & Dance Alliance claims that Rioc is seeking what he claims to be an exorbitant rent of $8 thousand per month for the newly renovated Cultural Center Space.
Is it true that Rioc is seeking $8 thousand per month from Main Street theater for the space?
Also, any comment from Rioc regarding issue of Cultural Center space and it's use by community organizations.
Ms. Indelicato replied:
I have no comment at this time other than to say the amount stated was never discussed
Here's what Mr. Johnston said at RIRA meeting last night.
Stay tuned.
UPDATE 6:50 PM - MST&DA Board President Jenine Olsen reports on today's meeting with RIOC:
We had a meeting today with RIOC and came away with a firm belief that they understand and personally value the contributions we have made for so many years to this community. We also came away with a better understanding of the constraints RIOC is faced with under the current political directives.
We are working on a proposal which we feel will be received in a positive way and allow us to again deliver our quality programs at 548 Main Street. The $8000 monthly fee was one interpretation that Owen came away with after being given the rates proposed for the spaces we would use at the hours we would need. We are optimistic that our rent will not be near that amount when we meet again with RIOC and present our proposal.
Created by Andrew Farmer, Claire Rothrock, Ryann Weir • Directed by Annie Tippe
ABOUT THE SHOW
Orgies. Drugs. Arson. Lawn Gnomes. Best in Show meets The Crucible in this mockumentary look at the Roosevelt Island Garden Club’s descent into chaos. Inspired by true events covered in The New York Times. The rest we made up. First presented as part of ANT Fest 2014.
This performance comes to you as part of Ars Nova’s Project Residency initiative to help artists get unique projects off the ground....
Ars Nova is committed to developing and producing theater, comedy and music artists in the early stages of their professional careers. Our unique development programs are designed to support outside-the-box thinking and encourage innovative, genre-bending work. By providing a safe environment where risk-taking and collaboration are paramount, Ars Nova gives voice to a new generation of artists and audiences, pushing the boundaries of live entertainment by nurturing creative ideas into smart, surprising new work.
Ars Nova provides an artistic home for emerging talent by cultivating a hive of creative activity, both on stage—through developmental programs and performances—and off—through the support and cultivation of a thriving artist community. Read up on our various programs below!
Do you remember the Spring 2013 Great Roosevelt Island Garden Club Controversy? Former RIGC President April Ward was ousted as President after trying to increase the number of plots available for new members and making allegations that some long time RIGC members used:
... RIGC money for their parties which are often visited by NYPD and Public Safety for various violations,continue to pay their friends for "work" in the garden that members think they are doing as volunteers and keep the status quo of the former President as dictator deciding who gets a plot, whether on the wait list or not or whether plots are given out at all and which projects get done, all by himself instead of having committees of members work on projects.
...The shed in the back had been fixed up with a bed where people spent the night and were seen by members and the public, exiting with partners early in the morning.
Several members reported hearing "sexual noises" coming from the back pond area.
Many families did not feel safe bringing their children to the garden because of erratic, odd goings on.
Several woman reported feeling "unsafe in the garden" because of sexual remarks made to them or alcohol fueled behavior they had witnessed.
The garden was used for people to go on drug and alcohol "benders", spending consecutive days there, while toilets were locked at dusk. The garden became their toilet as they stumbled around drunk in the dark looking for places to pee or more....
It started with the accusations of sex behind the back pond. Of late-night parties that begot stitches and adultery. Favoritism. Misspending. Bullying...
... So goes life these days at the Roosevelt Island Garden Club, where palace intrigue surrounding the garden presidency has grown as abundant as the daffodils, organic vegetables and lazy cats that populate this speck of earth in the middle of the New York City map.
This is no garden-variety garden dispute. After all, in a neighborhood where most people are renters, a patch of flowers and shrubbery to call one’s own is no insignificant thing — especially when the waiting list for such a plot can outstrip the lines for the most coveted kindergartens....
I heard Sex Noises is the second theatrical play performed about a facet of Roosevelt Island life. AVAC Memories was a muscial about the Roosevelt Island pneumatic tubes underground garbage system.
The Roosevelt Island Residents Association (RIRA) Common Council will be meeting this evening at 8:00 PM in the Good Shepherd Community Center (543 Main Street).
Image Of December 2014 RIRA Common Council Meeting
As always, prior to the start of each monthly meeting there is a public session in which residents can come and address the Common Council Delegates on any issue of concern.
All residents are encouraged to attend RIRA meetings.
Below is the full Agenda for tonight's RIRA Common Council meeting.
... we’re launching a new citywide ferry service to be open for business in 2017. New ferry rides will be priced the same as a MetroCard fare, so ferries will be as affordable to everyday New Yorkers as our subways and buses. …. so residents of the Rockaways and Red Hook and Soundview will now be closer to the opportunities they need.
And beyond connecting residents to jobs in Manhattan, our new citywide ferry system will spur the development of new commercial corridors throughout the outer boroughs....
To make sure there is new transportation to accommodate growth, the City will launch a new Citywide Ferry Service that will knit together existing East River routes with new landings and services to Astoria, the Rockaways, South Brooklyn, Soundview and the Lower East Side. Pegged to the cost of a Metrocard, service will launch in 2017 and will be supported by City operating support and a $55 million capital commitment. Further expansion to Stapleton and Coney Island will constitute a second phase of expansion, pending additional funding....
There was no mention of the new East River ferry service including Roosevelt Island so I asked the Mayor's Office this afternoon:
... No mention of Roosevelt Island ferry service.
Is Roosevelt Island included in the new East River ferry service?....
Former RIOC Officials At Oil Dock in November 2009 Watching NY Water Taxi Ferry Pass
The Mayor's Office replied that Roosevelt Island will be part of a new:
Astoria route: Astoria, Long Island City – North, Roosevelt Island, East 34th Street, Pier 11 / Wall Street
Images From Mayor's Office
To be most useful, the Astoria route should include long Island City's Hunter's Point South stop so that Astoria and Roosevelt Island are connected to the Brooklyn waterfront without having an extra trip back and forth to 34th Street in Manhattan.
The City of New York is investing in a major expansion to its waterway transit system, which at completion will result in the largest municipal ferry service in the United States by number of passengers carried. The new Citywide Ferry Service will increase the number of routes from one to six (excluding Staten Island Ferry) by the end of 2018, with a proposed additional route for later phase-in.
The Citywide Ferry Service will provide transit connections to waterfront communities around the city and will unlock development in transit challenged areas, increase resiliency, generate significant economic impact, and increase equity for New Yorkers. 460,000 people live within ½ mile of the planned landings, 44% (202,000) of whom are residents of low or moderate income. Additionally, there are 15,000 NYCHA units within ½ mile of landings. All boats are fully accessible to wheelchair-bound passengers.
The creation of the Citywide Ferry Service builds on ongoing work to reconnect New Yorkers to the more than 520 miles of waterfront in the five boroughs. This work has helped job growth emerge outside of Manhattan’s traditional central business districts to places like Long Island City, DUMBO and Sunset Park. For the cost of a MetroCard ride, Citywide Ferry Service will support this growth and connect people and businesses across the city.
New routes will be the cost of a subway ride; East River Ferry will remain $4 until 2019 (end of existing contract)
The City will immediately start procurement for landing design and construction, as well as ferry operators
Three routes to launch by 2017: Astoria, Rockaway and South Brooklyn
Two routes to launch by 2018 including Lower East Side and Soundview
A proposed future route would service Stapleton (SI) and Coney Island
Route Details:
South Brooklyn route: Bay Ridge, Red Hook, Atlantic Avenue / Pier 6, Fulton / DUMBO, Pier 11 / Wall Street
Astoria route: Astoria, Long Island City – North, Roosevelt Island, East 34th Street, Pier 11 / Wall Street
Rockaway route: Rockaway, Brooklyn Army Terminal, Pier 11 / Wall Street
Lower East Side route: Long Island City – North, East 34th Street, East 23rd Street, Grand Street, Pier 11 / Wall Street
Soundview route: Soundview, East 90th Street, East 62nd Street, Wall Street / Pier 11
Coney Route (proposed): Coney Island Creek and Stapleton
Ridership is projected at 4.6 million trips per year in the initial planned system
City investment: $55 million in capital investment for initial routes (excluding potential Stapleton/Coney Island route)
Anticipated City operating subsidy of $10-$20 million annually
Private ferry operators to provide service
East River Ferry service has generated considerable economic impact, including:
Property value increase of 8% for properties within walking distance of stops (.125 miles) over comparable property values further from stops
$24 million in new annual tax revenue to the City
Faster-paced residential developments near stops
Following the announcement from Mayor de Blasio that New York City will see expanded ferry service by 2017, combining existing routes with new stops, Roosevelt Island's NYC Council Member Ben Kallos released the following statement:
We're taking back the waterfront and improving commutes through expanded ferry service for New Yorkers. Thank you to Mayor Bill de Blasio for investing in our waterfront and transportation through ferry service which I have been proud to advocate for following the leadership on a Federal level by Senator Chuck Schumer and Congress Member Carolyn Maloney.
The Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) discussed locations for ferry docks during November 2012 Operations Advisory Committee meeting following a study on subject by Ocean Engineering which concluded:
... the optimum ferry location for Roosevelt Island was either the Observation/Subway Pier or the Oil Dock....
UPDATE 9:10 PM - Council Member Kallos sent out this press release with reactions from Roosevelt Island and Upper East Side elected officials to Mayor de Blasio's ferry plans:
Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney, State Senator Liz Krueger, Assembly Member Rebecca Seawright and Council Member Ben Kallos applauded the Mayor’s proposal for new ferry service in New York City today, including locations to connect Roosevelt Island with Astoria, Long Island City and 34th Street, and to connect East 90th Street and East 62nd Street with lower Manhattan and the Bronx.
East Side officials have been advocating for ferry service for years with the New York City Economic Development Corporation and city and federal governments.
Congresswoman Maloney has long been an advocate for expanded ferry service. In 2008 she helped to secure $4.4 million in federal funding ferry service in NY. She has been a strong supporter for ferry service along the waterfront from Western Queens to North Brooklyn, which has experienced strong demand that exceeded expectations. Rep. Maloney also encouraged swift restoration of ferry service to the India Street/Greenpoint ferry landing this summer. She has been a strong advocate for expanding ferry service to Roosevelt Island and Astoria Cove, in her district. Most recently, she held a discussion of the importance of opening the 90th Street ferry pier.
In 2010, the NYC EDC completed a comprehensive study of New York City ferry service and determined that there was strong demand for it.
As a candidate and then as an elected official, Council Member Ben Kallos has been pushing for expanded ferry service for years. He advocated for ferry service during his campaign, testifying before the City Planning Commission to encourage Roosevelt Island Ferry Service and terminal development. As part of his 2013 book of policies, he advocated for the “Nerd Boat” proposed by Senator Schumer to connect Astoria, Manhattan and Roosevelt Island. Once elected to the City Council, Kallos proposed revitalizing the East River Esplanade and successfully for ferry service investment to be included this year's City Council preliminary budget response.
“We are a city of islands, but we make incredibly poor use of our waterways,” said Congresswoman Maloney. “Ferries relieve congestion on our over-crowded subways and roads, and provide increased access to our beautiful waterfront. This expanded ferry service will connect major hubs on Roosevelt Island, Long Island City, Astoria, and Midtown Manhattan. I want to extend my thanks to Mayor de Blasio for recognizing the importance of investing in this environmentally friendly mode of transportation and maximizing use of our waterways.”
"Expanding ferry service is an excellent initiative and one that I fully support. Increased connectivity up and down the East River and between all five boroughs will ease the burden on existing mass transit, and facilitate transportation in transit barren portions of the city's waterfront," said State Senator Liz Krueger.
"With Cornell Tech’s groundbreaking just around the corner, the Mayor’s proposal could not come at a better time. The addition of ferry services to Roosevelt Island will provide much needed relief to the existing transportation systems connecting Roosevelt Island to Manhattan and Astoria. It is my hope that Cornell Tech’s first freshman class will be moving into their dorms with the assistance of a ferry!" said Assembly Member Rebecca Seawright.
“We're taking back the waterfront and improving commutes through expanded ferry service for New Yorkers," said Council Member Ben Kallos whose district will be receiving ferry service in three locations. The 'Nerd Boat' will connect tech hubs of Cornell NYC Tech on Roosevelt Island, Long Island City, Astoria, and Midtown Manhattan. Thank you to Mayor Bill de Blasio for investing in our waterfront and transportation through ferry service which I have been proud to advocate for following the leadership on a Federal level by Senator Chuck Schumer and Congress Member Carolyn Maloney,” said Council Member Ben Kallos (D-Manhattan).
No word on who will pay for the Roosevelt Island ferry dock - RIOC or NYC.
UPDATE 2/5 - During February 4 Roosevelt Island Residents Association (RIRA) Common Council Meeting Public Session, NYC Council Member Kallos spoke about the new ferry service coming to Roosevelt Island. Mr. Kallos said the Roosevelt Island ferry service was part of a deal that included the Astoria Cove development approval.
Asked how the ferry dock would be funded, Mr. Kallos said he did not know the exact details but was confident that money was already set aside by the Federal Government, NYC and RIOC to get it accomplished. Still to be decided is whether it would be a RIOC or NYC Economic Development Corp dock.
Cornell Tech today announced a $50-million gift from Verizon for the development of one of the innovative aspects of its Roosevelt Island campus, the Verizon Executive Education Center. The center will be a place for the entire tech community to gather, a convening place to leverage the impact the campus has on technology beyond its degree programs. The center will be part of the first phase of the campus, which began construction last month and is due to open in the summer of 2017.
“This is a transformative gift that will help enormously to advance our mission of bringing academia and industry together,” said Cornell University President David J. Skorton. “The campus will welcome everyone interested in using technology to advance the economy and to make the world a better place, and the Verizon Executive Education Center will be at the center of it.”
“Cornell Tech is a place for technology innovators and leaders in New York City and around the world, and we are thrilled that Verizon is joining with us to create an executive education center built to provide novel educational and collaborative programs focused on the digital age,” said Cornell Tech Dean Daniel Huttenlocher.
In supporting the executive education center, Verizon recognizes the pioneering leaders and technologies Cornell Tech is cultivating. The $50-million gift will facilitate direct collaboration with other companies and Cornell Tech students to bring cutting-edge ideas to market. The center’s programs and events will also create a platform for Verizon to develop customized center-based programs for its executives and customers, facilitating learning across sectors. Verizon’s corporate partnership with Cornell spans decades—a history of collaboration and support that includes the recruitment of students into internships and full-time positions and expands to generous philanthropic support.
“Our donation to Cornell Tech is an investment in the future and fits perfectly with our mission to use communications technologies to solve big challenges and make people’s lives better,” said Verizon Chairman and CEO Lowell McAdam. “The Verizon Executive Education Center will be a magnet for developers, entrepreneurs, educators and innovators across all industries, building on the great talent and creativity we already have in the tech sector here in New York City.”
In addition to the Verizon Executive Education Center, the first phase will include the First Academic Building, designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architect Thom Mayne of Morphosis Architects. The building is a departure from traditional academic facilities with an open plan and collaborative work spaces, taking its cue from the tech world. It is designed to be among the largest net-zero energy buildings in the United States, with all of its power generated on campus. A corporate co-location building, designed by Weiss/Manfredi and developed by Forest City Ratner Companies will also be located on campus. The co-location building will fuse academia and industry by providing space for established tech companies and startups to locate on campus. A residential building, designed by Handel Architects and developed by Hudson and Related Companies, will be constructed for faculty, staff and students to ensure the campus is active 24/7.
When fully completed, the campus will span 12 acres on Roosevelt Island and house approximately 2,000 students and hundreds of faculty and staff. The campus master plan was designed by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill with James Corner Field Operations, and includes a number of innovative features and facilities across a river-to-river campus with expansive views, a series of green, public spaces, and a seamless integration of indoor and outdoor areas. The campus will be one of the most environmentally friendly and energy-efficient campuses in the world.
UPDATE 1:45 PM - A Roosevelt Island resident commenting as Agitated Long-Timer remarks about the $50 Million deal:
Just read the press release.
They are just so full of themselves & BS it is staggering. The brainwashing reminds me of Angela Lansbury in the original version of the Manchurian Candidate.
And not a single mention of anything they could do for the community of 14,000 folks who actually live here.
Below is the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Community Update, formerly known as the Report from the RIOC President.
RIOC Community Update: 2/2/2015
Early last week, the entire city of New York experienced a state of weather emergency due to Winter Storm Juno. While the snowstorm was of shorter duration and severity than originally predicted, many essential city services were limited or unavailable for its duration. I would like to thank both the Roosevelt Island residents and our Emergency Response staff for their cooperation and swift response to the forecasted heavy snows. Quickly removing cars from all street parking spaces allows for preemptive and continuous salting and plowing of the roadways around the Island. In addition, our Public Safety, Grounds, Facilities, Bus, Tram, and Community Relations departments worked through the storm to coordinate our response, prepare the Island, provide services and keep the public informed. Thank you all for helping make us one of the best prepared neighborhoods in the city.
Winter Tips from Public Safety
The Roosevelt Island Public Safety Department offers the following suggestions to residents who are looking to stay safe during severe winter weather:
Preparedness – In the first hours of a storm, grocery and corner stores are often flooded with customers looking to stock up on necessities at the last minute. Don’t get caught in the rush – make sure you have a sufficient supply of necessary items well before the storm! Visit prepare.ny.gov for preparedness tips, lists of items you should own, and a list of training events in your area.
Travel Safety – During cold or inclement weather, residents are urged to use caution while driving, walking, or otherwise traveling. Dress in layers, wear shoes with good traction, make sure the tires on your car are winter-ready, and fill your gas tank.
Parking – In preparations for heavy snowfall, RIOC issues “No Parking” regulations requiring drivers to remove their cars from Main Street and the East and West roadways. During this time, we will attempt to make free parking available in designated locations, including inside the Motorgate Garage and underneath the Helix Ramp near Capobianco Field. Keep an eye out for signs and electronic notifications advising when these regulations go into effect.
As a reminder: 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.
How to Stay Informed
During the storm, RIOC issued electronic alerts about closures, citywide warnings and parking changes. Did you know that many city agencies, including the NYC Office of Emergency Management (OEM) and the NYC Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA), issue their own electronic advisories? If you have not already signed up, we strongly encourage all residents to take advantage of these valuable services. The more informed you are, the better you can prepare yourself and your family for any unexpected situation.
RIOC Advisories – Roosevelt Island-specific community and emergency alerts, including traffic, bridge, public transit, facility closures and more. Sign up at rioc.ny.gov
Notify NYC – Official New York City-wide notification and emergency alert system, operated by OEM. Sign up at nyc.gov/notifynyc
MTA Alerts – Official NYC subway, bus and other transit alert system provided by the MTA. Sign up for customized, line-specific advisories at mymtaalerts.com
Transparency and Accountability
As a New York State agency, RIOC is constantly looking for ways to improve transparency in its operations. Many documents, such as the Corporation's budget, PARIS reporting, Board meeting agendas, and other materials, are available to the public via our website. Requests for materials not posted on our website must be submitted by means of a Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) request online at rioc.ny.gov.
In addition, members of the public are invited to observe at organization's Board and Committee meetings. A meeting schedule is available on our website, and notifications are posted regularly at our offices and through the RIOC Advisories system. Before each Board meeting, a public comment period is available for those who wish to speak. Interested individuals may sign up to do so at rioc.ny.gov.
Snow and freezing rain will create dangerous travel conditions over the next couple of days. Be cautious. #SafeNYChttp://t.co/zUIOii3kze
— Bill de Blasio (@BilldeBlasio) February 1, 2015
The Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) issued this advisory:
Notification issued 02/01/2015 at 3:00 PM. The National Weather Service is forecasting a snowstorm beginning today 02/01/15 in the late afternoon. In order to facilitate plowing we will be asking residents to move their vehicles off Main Street and any arterial streets by 6:00 PM. Residents with identification will be able to park their vehicles at the Motorgate Garage beginning at 3:00 PM Today 02/01/15 continuing through 6:00 PM Tuesday 02/03/15. This is Weather dependent and subject to change.
If you have any questions or concerns, contact Public Safety at (212) 832-4545
Removing cars from the roadways in preparation for salting and plowing is essential for snow removal to take place. We thank you for your cooperation.
Gallery RIVAA is pleased to invite you to the special 3 hour long session of First Sunday Jazz Salon this Sunday, February 1st from 4-7pm at Gallery RIVAA. Please join us and enjoy the evening with wine, music and refreshments.
Date: Feb 1st, 2015
Time: 4-7pm
Venue: Gallery RIVAA, 527 Main Street, Roosevelt Island
Roosevelt Island is a mixed income, racially diverse waterfront community situated in the East River of New York City between Manhattan and Queens and is jurisdictionally part of Manhattan. The Roosevelt Island Tramway, which connects Roosevelt Island to the rest of Manhattan, has become the iconic symbol of Roosevelt Island to its residents.
The Purpose of this Blog is to provide accurate and timely information about Roosevelt Island as well as a forum for residents to express opinions and engage in a dialogue to improve our community.
