Tonight's Roosevelt Island outdoor summer movie showing of Singin In The Rain has been cancelled. According to the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC):
Please be advised that the outdoor movie scheduled for Saturday, June 27, 2015 at Firefighters' Field has been cancelled due to the forecast of rain. The movie has been rescheduled for Friday, August 28th.
Saturday, July 11 - Mary Poppins (rain date Saturday, July 18),
Saturday, July 25 - The Wiz (rain date Saturday, August 1),
Friday, August 7 - A Streetcar Named Desire (rain date Friday, August 14),
Saturday, August 8 - Cat On A Hot Tin Roof (rain date Saturday, August 15) and
Saturday, August 22 - Casablanca (rain date Saturday, August 22)
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 mta.info/weekender or call 511 for more information.
For electronic updates on F Train service, sign up for MTA Alerts at mymtaalerts.com.
The outdoor tables and chairs are back today at the Roosevelt Island West Promenade Pier.
The Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) will put the tables and chairs out on Friday morning and keep them there through Monday Morning. RIOC hopes to attract food trucks to serve the area.
You can also bring your own food and drink, buy some at local restaurants or just sit there and enjoy the beautiful East River views.
Hopefully, RIOC will also bring in umbrellas for shade from the sun. It can get very hot out there.
UPDATE 4:40 PM - A reader know as Long-time RI Veteran observes:
Thanks once more to RIOC & David Kramer & Related, the heart of the Island's Main Street loses yet another service now -- no newspapers, no greeting cards, school supplies or sundries. I cannot believe that the folks in the original WIRE buildings will now have to go to Gristedes or Duane Reade to buy to get their daily papers.
Will M&D Deli or Wholesome Foods start selling newspapers?
That RIOC & David Kramer could not figure out even a smaller, temporary space in any of the other commercial spaces they cleaned out, and still cannot rent to offer or make a decent deal with our newsstand operators is shameful & embarrassing. Mr. Kramer complains about not being able to rent the empty spaces -- well, what is he & RIOC going to do next?
According to flyers posted on Roosevelt Island kiosks:
Remembrance for Those Killed at Emmanuel AME Church, Charleston, S.C.
Friday June 26 at 7:30 p.m. at pier opposite subway/Starbucks
An ecumenical gathering of solidarity among Roosevelt Island's spiritual and other organizations and community members to quietly remember those lost on Wednesday, June 17, 2015. Please join us. RIRA.
Here's the first Sunday service at Emmanuel AME Church since the shooting
Will Safety And Security Concerns Close Roosevelt Island Southpoint Park And FDR Four Freedoms Park To Public For July 4 East River Fireworks Celebration?
We got our answer at last night's Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Board of Directors meeting and it was GOOD NEWS!!!!!!
The last time July 4 fireworks could be seen from Roosevelt Island was in 2007
and 2008.
Here's what Ms. Indelicato had to say.
No information other than the parks will be open is currently available. Ms. Indelicato said stay tuned for more details early next week regarding the Macy's Fireworks viewing.
The decision to keep Southpoint and FDR Four Freedoms Park open for the July 4 Macy's Fireworks Celebration is a big surprise for those attending the June 22 RIOC Operations Advisory Committee meeting. (Audio web cast of meeting here. July 4 discussion starts at approx 1 hour 27 minute mark).
During the Operations Advisory Committee meeting, Ms. Indelicato recommended to the RIOC Board Directors closing both parks for the July 4 Fireworks celebration because of safety and security concerns.
Ms. Indelicato explained that due to the Cornell Tech campus construction adjacent to Southpoint Park, the only two roads leading to the Southpoint Park entrance might not be safe for the up to 7 thousand people who might try to view the fireworks at the parks on the southern tip of Roosevelt Island.
Image Of Cornell Tech Construction Site, Southpoint & FDR Park From Faizon Video
According to Ms. Indelicato, the West Promenade Road facing Manhattan has no electricity for nighttime streetlights and East Promenade road is closed with no fencing around the Cornell Tech construction site perimeter.
RIOC Director Margie Smith suggested stringing temporary lights along the West Promenade, as has been done before, to insure safety of those walking to the parks to view the fireworks. Ms. Smith also suggested limiting those able to access the parks to Roosevelt Island residents, or, if that could not be done, distributing tickets in advance and only allow those with tickets to access the parks. Also suggested was having Cornell Tech build a temporary construction fence on the East Road so it can be accessed.
The meeting concluded without a decision by the RIOC Directors other than not to make a decision until RIOC President Indelicato hears back from the Second Floor NY Governor's Office and the NY State Parks Department as to whether Southpoint Park and FDR Park will be open to the public for the July 4 Fireworks Celebration.
Here's the full RIOC Operations Advisory Committee June 22 discussion on the Roosevelt Island July 4 Fireworks viewing at Southpoint And FDR Parks.
It looks like the Second Floor Governor's Office wants the public to be able to watch the July 4 Macy's Fireworks Celebration from Roosevelt Island's Southpoint and FDR Parks.
Now let's see what the details are for public viewing.
After countless repeal votes and multiple legal challenges, the Affordable Care Act is still standing strong and helping millions of Americans afford health insurance. Today the court dealt a 6-3 blow to the right wing, proving yet again that the Affordable Care Act is here to stay.
“Congressional Republicans have voted 60 times to destroy the Affordable Care Act. Each time they failed. When they realized that strategy was doomed to fail, they made a desperate attempt for a judicial activist solution.
“As Chief Justice Roberts correctly pointed out, ‘Congress passed the Affordable Care to improve health insurance markets, not destroy them.’ With this decision, millions of people can now rest easy knowing that the health insurance they gained through the Affordable Care Act will not be taken away from them. Maintaining affordable coverage is a key component to this legislation that helps Americans ensure their health and the wellbeing of their families.
Roosevelt Island Parents' Network Coordinator (RIPN) Eva Bosbach reports:
Dear all,
The RI Parents' Network launched its RI Moms on the Move (RI MoM) program one year ago. Congratulations to all! Every Friday since June 27 we met at the Tram kiosk,
Image From Paulina Mansz
went for a walk,
exercised,
Image From Paulina Mansz
had picnics, went to playrooms and enjoyed each others company while watching our children play and grow up together.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank every mom and dad
who participated in these fun gatherings
and came to RI MoM despite rain, crying babies, unfinished laundry, sleep-deprivation and other challenges of parenting and life. If you never made it, please join us tomorrow! Pregnant moms, moms of children of all ages and daddies are all welcome.
My special Thank you goes to Paulina Mansz, an Island mom of two who made us sweat
and laugh every Friday as our exercise coach. Thank you Paulina for all your volunteered time and for bringing so much joy and friendship into our group! We are very lucky to have you.
To all: Please join us tomorrow for a celebratory picnic on the occasion of a 1 year anniversary of the RI MoM program. No exercise needed! Just bring yourselves, your little ones, something to eat and drink, a picnic blanket if you have and a few toys to share. We will meet at 9.30 at the Tram kiosk and walk on the Manhattan side of the river to the soccer field between the Manhattan Park pool and the Octagon. Find us there in the north corner if you are later, we should be there until around noon. Should the weather not cooperate feel free to contact us here or here to see which playroom or community room we went instead.
The Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Board Of Directors will be meeting later this afternoon. According to RIOC:
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that a Board of Directors meeting will be held on Thursday, June 25, 2015 at 5:30 p.m. at the Cultural Center Theater, 548 Main Street, Roosevelt Island, New York, for the purpose of transacting such business as shall come before the Board.
*
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.
AGENDA
JUNE 25, 2015 MEETING OF
THE ROOSEVELT ISLAND OPERATING CORPORATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS
THE CULTURAL CENTER THEATER, 548 MAIN STREET,
ROOSEVELT ISLAND, NEW YORK
5:30 P.M.[1]
I. Call to Order
II. Roll Call
III. Approval of Minutes
1. May 21, 2015 Board Meeting (Board Action Required)
IV. Old Business
V. New Business
1. Presentation of RIOC's Audited Financial Statements for Fiscal Year 2014-15 (Materials to Follow)
2. Approval of Report on Procurement Contracts for Fiscal Year Ending March 31, 2015 (Board Action Required)
3. Approval of Report on Investments for Fiscal Year Ending March 31, 2015 (Board Action Required – Materials to Follow)
4. Approval of Property Report for Fiscal Year Ending March 31, 2015 (Board Action Required)
5. Approval of Annual Report for Fiscal Year Ending March 31, 2015 (Board Action Required – Materials to Follow)
6. Ratification of Service Agreement with Automatic Data Processing (ADP) for Payroll Processing Systems (Board Action Required)
7. Authorization to Amend Contract with Attri Enterprises, Inc. for the Rehabilitation of Roosevelt Island Bus Garage/Warehouse (Board Action Required)
8. Authorization to Amend Contract with Wank Adams Slavin Associates, LLP for Tram Station Platform Repair Design (Board Action Required)
9. Authorization to Enter into Contract with Active Fire Control, Inc. for Fire Extinguishers Maintenance (Board Action Required)
10. Authorization to Enter into Design-Build Contract with Safe Tech USA, LTD for Good Shepherd Community Center Fire Alarm Project (Board Action Required)
11. Authorization to Enter into Contract with R J Green Construction Corp. for Roosevelt Island Tram Station Roof Rehabilitation and Staircase Roofing Project (Board Action Required)
12. Authorization to Enter into Contract with Everbridge, Inc. for Public Notification System (Board Action Required)
13. Ratification of Contract with SimplexGrinnell for Fire Alarm System Maintenance Services at Sportspark (Board Action Required)
The Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation of the State of New York ("RIOC") is a public benefit corporation and a political subdivision of the State of New York. RIOC was created by the New York State legislature, in 1984, to take responsibility, pursuant to a General Development Plan (“GDP”), for the development and operation of the 147 acres comprising the former Welfare Island, located in New York City's East River. RIOC assumed the role of the New York State Urban Development Corporation as lessee under a 99-year Master Lease (running until 2068) from the City of New York.
The GDP, which has been amended from time to time, provides for the development of housing, shops and community facilities for a mixed income, handicap accessible, residential neighborhood. As an island community, Roosevelt Island requires specialized operations and capital infrastructure maintenance such as an Aerial Tramway, a comprehensive garbage compacting system, and seawall improvements. RIOC supplements the very basic services provided by the City of New York, and provides specialized operations and capital improvements.
Pursuant to its enabling legislation, the RIOC Board of Directors is composed of nine members including the Commissioner of the New York State Division of Housing and Community Renewal, who serves as the chair; the New York State Director of the Budget; and seven public members nominated by the Governor of the State of New York with the advice and consent of the New York State Senate. Of the seven public members, two members are recommended by the Mayor of New York City, and five members must be residents.
I. Mission Statement
Created by the State of New York as a public benefit corporation, it is the mission of the RIOC to plan, design, develop, operate, maintain and manage Roosevelt Island.
Public Benefit
The Corporation is a political subdivision of the State of New York and additional stakeholders include the City of New York, residents, students, developers and commercial operators, workers and visitors to Roosevelt Island (the “Island”). The Corporation’s stakeholders benefit from the development and preservation of properties and open spaces, as well as sharing in the economic growth of the Roosevelt Island community.
RIOC accomplishes its mission by practicing the following core values, which were adopted December 14, 2011:
Service
We are committed to providing services that enhance the Island’s mixed-use residential community, including public transportation, public safety, public works and parks and recreation.
Preservation
The Corporation promotes the preservation, enhancement, and sustainable use of the Island’s historical landmarks and other structures and open spaces.
Environmental Responsibility
All new development, as well as maintenance of parks, public spaces, and other property under the Corporation’s stewardship strives to employ the latest, cost-effective, high-performance environmental designs and techniques available.
Public Safety
We are committed to protecting and serving the community by providing a safe and secure environment and enforcing local, State and Federal laws.
Communication and Transparency
We are committed to effectively communicating with our stakeholders and undertake to be open, honest and accountable in our relationships with everyone we work with and with each other.
Fiscal Responsibility
We are committed to managing the Corporation’s resources with fiscal responsibility and efficiency through a single comprehensive process that is aligned with the Corporation’s strategic plan, without reliance on State subsidies.
Innovation
We thrive on creativity and ingenuity and strive to employ new, unique and innovative solutions to accomplish our mission.
Partnerships
We strive to develop strategic partnerships with commercial enterprises, nonprofit organizations and institutions in the public and private sectors to meet the needs of our stakeholders and carry out our mission.
Governance
The Corporation ensures good governance through compliance with its enabling legislation, corporate By-laws, General Development Plan, contractual obligations and all applicable Federal, State, and local laws....
RIOC’s total operating revenues for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2015 were $39,210,639. For the fiscal year ending March 31, 2015, operating revenues increased by $15,615,190 or 66.18% over the last fiscal year. This was mainly due to an increase in Residential Fee revenue of $15,309,289 or 1452%, which includes transaction fees primarily from the refinancing of the existing mortgage of Manhattan Park in the amount of $12,600,000, and the assignment of the Eastwood lease to BSREP UA Roosevelt Landing LLC, in the amount of $2,737,658. In addition, other revenues increased by $437,112 or 40% mainly due to an increase in other permit fees including newly initiated construction permit fees of $64,311; T-Mobile Antenna License Fees of $45,497; and eligible FEMA reimbursements of $331,832. The transportation/parking revenue, which is comprised of street parking and Motorgate revenues as well as bus revenues and contractual payments from the Octagon, decreased by $137,895 or 6% in the aggregate. The aggregate decrease in transportation/parking revenue is due to: (1) revenue increases for both street parking of $112,258 or 80.77% and Motorgate of $90,795 or 4.85% due to respective rate increases; (2) an increase of $2,271 or 2% for Octagon bus payments; and (3) a decline of $343,218 or 99.48% due to the elimination of bus fares for on island transportation. The decline in transportation/parking revenue was offset by a decrease in transportation costs in connection with the bus operation of $102,795 or 6.55%. As a result, the net decrease only amounts to $35,500 or 1.4%. Also, declining interest rates led to a decline in interest income of $20,064 or 12.71% as a result of the low-interest rate bearing short-term nature of RIOC’s investments in accordance with the State’s investment guidelines.
RIOC’s total operating expenses for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2015 were $23,295,944 and $22,791,367 for the last fiscal year ending March 31, 2014, including depreciation of $3,518,632 and $3,498,737, respectively. For fiscal year ending March 31, 2015, total operating expenses before depreciation increased by $484,682 or 3% over the last fiscal year, which is due primarily to increases in insurance by $147,129, repairs and maintenance by $129,185, and supplies/services by $183,306. Personal services increased by $798,517 or 8% due mainly to the filling of vacant positions and increases in benefits primarily health and workers compensation insurance. Professional and legal services decreased by $829,468 or 59% due mainly to: (a) the replacement of consulting services for the engineering and public safety departments with full time personnel: and (b) a one-time contractual payment of $410,390 for real estate services in connection with the lease closing of Southtown building #7, which was recorded in FY 2013-14.
Another case of Roosevelt Island being jurisdictionally part of Manhattan but not considered so by the rest of the world. Amazon Prime Now started it's one hour delivery service for Manhattan but not to Roosevelt Island's 10044 Manhattan zip code....
Amazon Prime Now delivery service is now available for Roosevelt Island.
Last week we added delivery to Roosevelt Island (10044). No need to hop on the tram, we'll come to you! http://t.co/7rY9Oq6xZf
11 boys and girls in an all Roosevelt Island team playing in the Astoria Edge Baseball League goes undefeated and wins the Championship game 8-7 in a walk-off home run by Jake Lee.
Image of Roosevelt Island Traveling A's Baseball Team
Coached by myself and Coach Alan Lee, we had great turnouts from players and their families all season long.
The fourth seminar in the series will be on the topic of Sleep Health - Learn How To Get A Good Night Sleep presented by Dr Dianne Augeli. Dr Augeli is a Neurologist at the New York-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center for Sleep Medicine.
RIWHO sends the following invitation, including men, to its June 24 Monthly Seminar:
The Roosevelt Island Women’s Health Organization Presents:
SLEEP HEALTH
LEARN HOW TO GET A GOOD NIGHTS SLEEP
Dr. Dianne Augelli
Neurologist, Center for Sleep Medicine
New York-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center
Wednesday, June 24th
546 Main Street, 12th floor, 6:30 pm
MEN WELCOME
Cosponsored by:
Cornell Tech
New York-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center
Weill Cornell Medical College
Getting a good night sleep is necessary for optimal health. Learn from a sleep expert the basics about your sleep health and the latest in sleep research. Discover how your mind and body are affected by sleep deprivation, including the most common sleep ailments of sleep apnea, insomnia and restless leg syndrome.
Meditation for a restful sleep conducted by wellness clinician
Andy Reddick
Here's more on getting a good night sleep from New York-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center for Sleep Medicine Director Dr. Anna Krieger.
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.
