See Roosevelt Island From East River Boat Passing FDR Park To Lighthouse Park

Roosevelt Island residents often see boats passing by on the East River. For a change of pace, here's what Roosevelt Island looks like from a boat slowly moving up the East River passing the FDR Four Freedoms Park, Cherry Tree Promenade, Queensboro Bridge, Riverwalk, Rivercross, Island House, Westview, Manhattan Park, Octagon, Coler Hospital and Lighthouse Park last May.



Click on the full screen icon for great view.

Roosevelt Island Explorers Invite Families To Use Imagination And Transform Lighthouse Park Lifeless Concrete Mini - Men Sunday July 26

The Roosevelt Island Explorers (RiEx):

... is a group of experienced educators and professors exploring the possibilities for a new and different early childhood program on Roosevelt Island. This proposed program would:

• Express our profound respect of children as competent, capable learners
• Address our concerns about the harmful effects of arbitrary standards and prescribed curricula
• Engage the full participation of families, caregivers, teachers and other interested adults
• Embrace the unique environment and beauty of Roosevelt Island
• Honor our love for the vibrant and diverse Roosevelt Island community

RiEx report:

Dear Families:

To continue exploration of our beautiful Island, we are taking you to the Northern tip:

Please join us for a creative and fun transformation of lifeless concrete “mini-men” into anything your imagination produces (if only for one day):

Date: Sunday, July 26, 2015

Time: 4pm – 7pm

Place: North of Coler-Goldwater Hospital’s Main Entrance—next to the River (please see the attached poster)

We will provide the materials, water and light snacks…

However, we encourage you to also bring your own – it will make our experience more meaningful, bonding, and fun…

Best,

RiEx Team

More on Roosevelt Island Explorers from their web site, Facebook page and previous posts.

Imagination Playground At Roosevelt Island FDR Four Freedoms Park 11 AM - 4 PM Saturday July 25

Image From FDR Four Freedoms Park

The FDR Four Freedoms Park invites you to Imagination Playground 11 AM - 4 PM Saturday, July 25.

Who said @ImgPlayground is just for kids? Our staff is super excited for this weekend's event http://t.co/bfPq3I4cZz pic.twitter.com/uHH5AERInW

— Four Freedoms Park (@4FreedomsPark) July 24, 2015

According to Imagination Playground:

Imagination Playground is an innovative playground equipment system that transforms any space — schools, children's museums, parks and recreation, daycare centers, camps, hospitals, churches — into a play space that encourages learning, social development, movement, and above all fun.

Using Imagination Playground blocks, kids build a new world every day. They make objects like animals, rocket ships, and robots. They make imaginary places like houses, factories, and cities. They make new dramatic scenarios, settings, and games to play. Most important, they make the rules. Because Imagination Playground is child-directed and open-ended, it encourages self-expression through deep, joyful play....

UPDATE 7/25:

Come play at the Park! @ImgPlayground is on the lawn today until 4:00pm and back again on Sunday from 11:00am-4:00pm pic.twitter.com/5svkQDyfKX

— Four Freedoms Park (@4FreedomsPark) July 25, 2015

Good News, Roosevelt Island F Train Service To And From Manhattan This Weekend

Good news. According to the MTA Weekender, there will be Roosevelt Island F train service

to and from Manhattan this weekend.

Good Food, Good Selections, Good Times At Roosevelt Island Food Truck Mania Last Night - Waffle Vendor Love Us, Come Back Soon All

Roosevelt Island residents came out in large numbers to sample a wide variety of outdoor dining options at the Roosevelt Island Food Truck Mania held last night on the West Promenade across from Starbucks.

We cheerfully waited on line

to enjoy tasty bites

from 

• Kimchi Taco Truck
• Wafels & Dinges 
• Chef Samir Comme Ci Comme Ca,
• Mausam Curry N Bites

and some ate there food at the Promenade Pier outdoor tables and chairs.

There were many happy, smiling Roosevelt Island faces of all ages at the Food Truck Mania last night who told me they hope the Food Trucks return often. Among the comments I received were:

What a success last night at the food truck festival!

and:

... I actually felt like I was living in NYC! When's the next one?...

The vendors from Wafles and Dinges loved being on Roosevelt Island and say they will be back next Thursday and:

... probably every Wednesday after that....

I didn't get a chance to order any food until after 8 PM at which time the Kimchi Taco Truck was out of food so I got a  Southern Chicken & Gravy waffle. It was very good.

The Roosevelt Island Food Truck Mania was a huge success.

Hopefully, there will be more events like this and the Food Trucks will make regular visits to Roosevelt Island.

Good job by the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC), the Food Truck vendors and hungry, restaurant deprived Roosevelt Island residents.

What The Heck Was Tugboat Pulling Up East River Past Roosevelt Island Today - Front Of Submarine, A Warhead Asks Bewildered Roosevelt Island Resident

From the Roosevelt Island Twitterverse:

WTF @ The Octagon (Roosevelt Island) https://t.co/caV996VRXl

— ScottyP (@scottpiro) July 24, 2015

WTF - this tugboat going up the East River is pulling...a nuclear warhead?...the front of a submarine?

A video posted by ScottyP (@scottpiro) on Jul 24, 2015 at 6:41am PDT

In August 2013 and February 2012 reported on a similar sighting.

@Rooseveltisland there was also what looked a lot like part of a submarine, on a barge. Anybody else saw it? pic.twitter.com/mU8RkKAxPF

— Nicolas Robine (@notSoJunkDNA) August 26, 2013

@ibookery @Rooseveltisland yes, heading North. Here is another picture, with Presbyterian hospital in the background pic.twitter.com/DaUvPefTuK

— Nicolas Robine (@notSoJunkDNA) August 26, 2013

A reader speculated the 2012 sighting was:

I think it's the tail section of a Virginia-class submarine.  Look at the diagonal fin on the bottom, then look at the back of the sub in this picture:
http://www.globalsecurity.org/...

(At first I thought it was the tail of a Seawolf, but they're not building any more of those, apparently - the Virginia's are smaller and cheaper)

Ease On Down The Road At Roosevelt Island Summer Outdoor Movie Showing The Wiz Saturday July 25 At Firefighters Field

 View From Above July 11, 2015 Mary Poppins Roosevelt Island Firefighters Field Outdoor Movie

The 2015 Roosevelt Island Outdoor Summer Movie Series at Firefighters Field

 mage Of July 12,2014 Showing Of Marvel's The Avengers At Firefighters Field

is showing The Wiz Saturday July 25 starting at 7 PM.



According to the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC)

So you wanted to see The WIZ-ard?

Ease on down the road this Saturday, July 25th, 2015, and join us for our second screening of our Summer Outdoor Movie Series! This weekend we will be showing the film The Wiz at Firefighter’s field at 7 PM. Before the movie begins, there will be music, trivia, prizes and much more! You are welcomed to bring blankets and lawn chairs. There will be food available for purchase on-site.

Schedule of screenings this summer:

Friday August 7th, 2015: A Streetcar Named Desire (Rain Date: Friday August 14th)

Saturday August 8, 2015: Cat on a Hot Tin Roof (Rain Date: Saturday August 15th)

Saturday August 22, 2015: Casablanca (Rain Date: August 29th)

Friday August 28, 2015: Singin’ in the Rain (TBA)

This free event is sponsored by the Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation.

UPDATE 7/27:

So fun watching #TheWiz tonight on #RooseveltIsland #theresnoplacelikehome https://t.co/DqI16oo4L5 pic.twitter.com/cmEd1u57Ku

— NamelyNorm (@NamelyNorm) July 26, 2015

Roosevelt Island Food Truck Mania Tonight 5-8 PM - A Taste Of Wafels & Dinges, Kimchi Taco, Valducci Pizza, Chef Samir Comme Ci Comme Ca, Mausam Curry N Bites & Brooklyn Organics

According to the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC)

On Thursday, July 23, 2015, Roosevelt Island will be hosting Food Truck Mania!, an event that will feature 6 one-of-a-kind food trucks from New York City! Bring your friends and family down to West Road (across from Starbucks) to enjoy a nice evening with amazing food and good company. The event will begin at 5 PM. Food Truck Mania is a one day event that you don't want to miss!

This event is sponsored by The Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation.

More info and menus here.

Project Main Street Tim Sheehy Softball Classic To Benefit People With ALS Disease Saturday July 25 At Roosevelt Island's Capobianco Field

The First Annual Project Main Street Tim Sheehy Softball Classic to benefit people with ALS (Lou Gehrig's Disease) will be held at Roosevelt Island's Capobianco Field Saturday July 25 from 9 AM - 9 PM.

Image From Project Main Street

Project Main Street:

... strives to improve the quality of life for individuals afflicted with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) and their families by lessening the financial burden associated with this dreadful disease.

Project Main St. at a glance:

• Issues grants directly to ALS patients in need
• Organizes unique Fundraising events that bring friends, families and neighbors together
• Eliminates red tape whenever possible
• Works with healthcare professionals to identify those in need

Project Main St, named after Roosevelt Island's Main Street, and its mission were conceived entirely by Tim Sheehy during his own courageous battle with ALS. Tim, who grew up on Roosevelt Island, never stopped working on Project Main St. and his desire to help others grew stronger, even as his illness progressed. On April 23, 2007 Tim Sheehy, 38, succumbed to ALS, but not before seeing his vision of a support system for families struggling with this debilitating neurological disease become a reality.
Tim will forever be loved and missed – it is in his honor that Project Main St. continues.

Please click here for more information on Project Main Street, to make a donation and if you or someone you know has ALS and needs help.

Here's more on the ALS disease and research progress.

Changing Roosevelt Island Real Estate Market Profiled In NY Post - It's Not Your Grandmother's Roosevelt Island Says Hudson Developer David Kramer

The New York Post reported yesterday on the changing Roosevelt Island real estate landscape.

Why Roosevelt Island is making major real estate waves: There’s something to be said for living in a neighborhood… http://t.co/weJIB52ifc

— RE News NYC (@RENewsNYC) July 22, 2015

According to the NY Post:

... loaded with parks and without a single traffic light, two-mile-long Roosevelt Island has turned into a refuge for city dwellers seeking breathing room and relative affordability. Yet they still get to live just one 90-second F train stop — or a picturesque tram-car ride — away from the Upper East Side.

Starbucks recently opened on the island, plus a big-box pharmacy, sushi restaurant and art gallery called Riva have all opened in the past few years. David Kramer, a principal with real estate development firm Hudson Companies, gushes, “This is not your grandmother’s Roosevelt Island anymore. And it didn’t hurt that Hillary kicked off her presidential campaign here.”

With 326 units of luxury residential rentals and condos soon hitting the market, Roosevelt Island is becoming increasingly alluring for disillusioned Manhattanites and arrivistes to the city. It just might be the new “It” neighborhood for people looking to boost quality of life without going broke. ...

After reading the article, one resident remarked:

... A bit lopsided view of our changing island. 90 seconds to manhattan on the F train ? Not recently....

Click here for full NY Post article.

Image Of New Riverwalk Point (on right) and Riverwalk Place (on left)

July 20 Real Estate Weekly adds:

... The seventh addition to the Riverwalk neighborhood, which is a co-developed venture by Related and Hudson Companies on Roosevelt Island, Riverwalk Point is a 266-unit rental building which began leasing last month.

“You’ve got great transportation access,” continued Schmidt, who admitted that it can sometimes be a challenge to convince home-seekers that the island is in fact a part of Manhattan....

and:

... The 266 studio to two-bedroom rentals start at $2,550 with junior one-bedrooms rising to $2,800 per month. They are followed by one-bedroom/one baths which register at $3,125, and two bedroom/one bath which are $4,225.

The top offerings, a two-bedroom/two bathroom is available for $4,875 a month....

Click here for full Real Estate Weekly article and here for Riverwalk Point web site.

A new Riverwalk resident explains why she moved to Roosevelt Island with her family saying:

... it's our own little quiet piece of heaven....

I spoke with David Kramer last August 2014 at the topping out ceremony for Riverwalk Point (Building 7). Here's what he had to say about the new building construction, plans for a large percentage of affordable housing to be included in future Riverwalk building 8



and the layout for Riverwalk Buildings 7-9.



The NY Post article also notes that the former Roosevelt Island Mitchel Lama Island House buildings are converting to co-ops:

... So far, 31 units have been gut-renovated and put on the market; 19 of them are sold. Of the 399 apartments in the complex, 160 will ultimately be purchased by outsiders; remaining units are being sold at insider prices to existing tenants or will stay as rentals....

More on the Island House conversion from this previous post.

Roosevelt Island Food Truck Rally 5 - 8 PM Thursday July 23 With Kimchi Taco Truck, Wafels & Dinges, Chef Samir Comme Ci Comme Ca, Mausam Curry & Bites & Brooklyn Organics

Roosevelt Island is having a Food Truck Rally July 23 from 5-8 PM on the West Promenade Road across from Starbucks

 Roosevelt Island Food Trucks and Pier NYC From Above During Summer 2012

at 455 Main Street. According to the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC), participating food truck vendors include:

Kimchi Taco Truck

Wafels & Dinges

Chef Samir Comme Ci Comme Ca,

Mausam Curry N Bites

and 

Brooklyn Organics.

RIOC will set up outdoor tables and chairs at the Promenade Pier so bring your friends and come join your neighbors at the Roosevelt Island Food Truck Rally for some great food and good times.

UPDATE 7/23 - Valducci's Pizza Truck too.

Yum.

Roosevelt Island Youth Program Beacon Director Job Available - Requires Experience Supervising Staff And Developing After School, Teen And Adult Evening Programming

Image From How I Save Money

Are you looking for a job on Roosevelt Island? Then you may be interested in this position with the Roosevelt Island Youth Program.

Beacon Directors Position

Salary range: $43,000 – 47,000

Roosevelt Island Youth Program Inc. is currently seeking a Beacon Director with 2+ years experience supervising staff and developing effective programming for After-School, Teen and Adult evening programming. The ability to foster an already strong community relationship while developing new initiatives to engage an ever changing community.

A candidate must have at least a Bachelor's degree or higher in human services, recreation or related field and have a knowledge of New York City’s Department of Youth and Community Development Beacon requirements and it’s procedures.

Essential functions:
• Plan the delivery of the overall program and its activities in accordance with the mission and the goals of the Agency.
• Develop new initiatives to support the strategic direction of the Agency.
• Develop and implement long-term goals and objectives to achieve the successful outcome of contract.
• Build upon the Program evaluation framework to assess the strengths of the program and to identify areas for improvement.
• Must be able to engage in crisis-intervention activities and demonstrate, lead, and teach a range of group activities.
• Ensure that Program activities operate within the policies and procedures of the Agency.
• Ensure that Program activities comply with all relevant legislation and professional standard.
• Assist with creating an annual budget and operating strategy to support the Program.
• Demonstrated ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced environment.
• Self-starter who is detail-oriented, well-organized and enjoys working in a collaborative environment.
• Must demonstrate sound judgment and discretion.
• High standards and display integrity.
• Good computer, verbal and written communication skills.
• Afternoon and evening hours as well as some Saturdays are required.

Please remit all resumes and/or questions to jobsri217@gmail.com

Roosevelt Island is a bedroom community unlike any in New York City.

Please send resume and/or questions to jobsri217@gmail.com

Con Edison coolNYC Wifi Smart Air Conditioning Program Keeps You Comfortable, Saves Money And Protects NYC Energy Grid, Give It A Try - Also Run By A Roosevelt Island Resident

It's very, very hot here on Roosevelt Island recently and we're not even in the dog days of August yet. Roosevelt Island resident Meera Tandon has an offer for you to efficiently control your air conditioner this summer, reduce your costs and help the New York City energy grid.

Image Of Smart AC Kit From Con Edison coolNYC

Why leave your AC on all day? No one is home. Control your AC from your phone #IoT @conedison @coolNYCprogram http://t.co/kadtlCkP1J

— coolNYC (@coolNYCprogram) July 8, 2015

Ms. Tandon is the Program Manager for  Con Ed's coolNYC program. According to coolNYC:

This summer, New Yorkers with window ACs don’t have to come home to a sauna or an icebox after being out all day. No longer do they have to decide between leaving the AC unit off or on while they are out. Instead, they can join coolNYC, the popular window air conditioner program that offers users technology to control their AC temperature and turn any room air conditioner on/off remotely via their computer or smartphone. The program is returning to Con Edison customers in 2015 with more ways for New Yorkers to save energy, earn rewards, and stay cool.

coolNYC, a Con Edison program offered in partnership with ThinkEco, allows New Yorkers to work together to ensure the reliability of NYC’s electric grid. Customers who join coolNYC can control their room AC from anywhere and earn coolPoints through participation in coolNYC Events. During an event, coolNYC will temporarily reduce the customer’s AC energy use. coolNYC Events will generally take place when the electric grid is under strain, typically on very hot days...

... Con Edison estimates there are over 6 million window air conditioners in New York City, accounting for 20 percent of peak summertime electricity demand. On a hot summer day, the strain on the electric grid can be immense, doing your part to reduce energy use can make a big difference with only a small, temporary temperature adjustment.

During a coolNYC Event, the coolNYC program may turn your AC on and off periodically or change your AC to a slightly higher thermostat setting to reduce power usage. Events typically last for four hours and can occur between three and 10 times per summer. Customers will receive notifications based on their preferences in advance of each event. If needed, a customer can override the temperature adjustment and choose not to participate in a coolNYC Event....

Ms. Tandon adds:

The coolNYC program helps customers try technology to convert their normal air conditioner into a “smart” AC.

The now “smart” AC can be turned ON/OFF and temperatures set from a smartphone or other mobile device via a free App that works with both Android and iOS

How does it work? The normal AC plugs into a WiFi plug adapter called a Smart AC Kit (it works with just about any room or window AC)

The Smart AC Kit also comes with remote thermostat and a wattage meter to measure energy usage

Customers can “Try” up to 2 Smart AC Kits for the summer. If customers like the devices and use the devices to participate in the program, they get to keep the devices at no charge for future summers!

Many customers love the technology the program provides. It brings increased convenience, comfort, and saving:

• They can create schedules so the AC turns on at specific times (like when the kids are coming home)
• They can have different temperature settings throughout the day (maybe to keep the pets cool while you are at work)
• They can use it to turn ON the AC while en route (like while sitting on the F train or riding the Tram)
• They can monitor usage of their ACs in multiple rooms throughout the house (see how much their kids are using)

All of these things you can control and manage from the free App.

With our program, customers can also earn rewards for participating and getting others to participate. The rewards are called coolPoints redeemable for gift cards from national retailers like Amazon and Tango.

• For example, you earn $10 in coolPoints just for getting your device connected online
• You can earn another $10 in coolPoints for referring a friend who also gets connected online
• And you can earn $5 in coolPoints for each “heat event” you participate in.

Here's how a smart Think Eco AC Kit can be set up. Con Edison set up may be different.



More information on coolNYC Smart AC Kit here and you can sign up here.

Con Ed High Pressure Gas Line Upgrade Roosevelt Island Town Hall Meeting Thursday July 23 - Gas Upgrade Construction Work Starting Soon, Expect Great Deal Of Main Street Disruptions Says RIOC President

Reported April 23:

Con Ed will soon be removing Roosevelt Island's aging gas lines beneath Main Street and replacing them with High Pressure Gas Lines. The work is scheduled to begin June 1. At the same time, Roosevelt Landings, Island House and Westview are scheduled to begin building facade work....

Image From Staples

and:

... A community Town Hall meeting is being planned for early May and will include all stakeholders who will address the timelines of the scheduled work , benefits of the projects to be undertaken and most importantly the safety issues.

Residents will be given the opportunity to ask questions....

and expect:

... there to be a great deal of disruptions on Main Street during this time....

Image Of Roosevelt Island Main Street During Roosevelt Landings Facade Work

It looks like the Roosevelt Island Con Ed High Pressure Gas line upgrade construction work on the west side of Main Street is about to begin very soon. According to this July 20 advisory from the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC):

This Thursday, July, 23, 2015 Con Ed representatives will discuss the upcoming gas line upgrade and replacement project, the project timeline, benefits of the upgrade and answer questions from the community. The meeting will take place at the Good Shepherd Community Center, 543 Main Street, at 6:30 PM. 

During June 22 RIOC Operations Advisory Committee meeting (full audio web cast of meeting), RIOC President Charlene Indelicato and CFO Frances Walton reported that they have been waiting weeks/months for information from Con Ed about the High Pressure Gas Line. Also, RIOC would not grant any permits until that information is provided and Con Ed holds a town hall meeting with residents to explain the project.

Here's what Ms. Indelicato and Ms Walton told the RIOC Directors at June 22 Operations Advisory Committee meeting



and more about the project from Ms. Indelicato during April 16 RIOC Board of Directors meeting.



It's unfortunate that such short notice was given to the community about the date for the Con Ed High Pressure Gas line meeting, only 3 days, but good that a meeting on this important subject is being held.

RIOC Operating Roosevelt Island Red Bus Shuttle To And From Manhattan For Limited Mobility Persons While Both Tram Station Elevators Out Of Service 7 AM To 11:30 PM

Image Of RIOC Red Bus Shuttle On Queensboro Bridge To Roosevelt Island February 2015

According to this 1:05 AM advisory from the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC):

Due to an elevator service outage at the Manhattan Tram Station, the RIOC Red Bus will provide special shuttle service to and from Manhattan for those with limited mobility.

Schedule information is below.

ROOSEVELT ISLAND TO MANHATTAN: Departs hourly from the bus stop near 455 Main Street (near Riverwalk Bar and grill) from 7:00 AM- 11:00 PM. Additional stops are located at 546 Main St. (opposite Good Shepherd Plaza) and opposite 645 Main Street (opposite P.S/I.S. 217).

MANHATTAN TO ROOSEVELT ISLAND: Departs hourly from the southwest corner of 58th St. and 2nd Ave. from 7:30 AM until 11:30 PM. Additional stops are located at 645 Main St. (P.S./I.S. 217), 579 Main St. (M&D Deli), 543 Main St. (Good Shepherd Plaza), 425 Main St. (Riverwalk Bar & Grill), and the Roosevelt Island Tram Plaza.　

If the outage continues additional advisories with shuttle schedules will be posted. If you have any questions, please call the Public Safety Department at 212-832-4545. Thank you for your patience.

More here on both Manhattan Tram Station elevators currently being out of service.

UPDATE 6:30 PM - RIOC issued this advisory at 4:06 PM:

Following a previous outage, the Manhattan Tram Station passenger lift is back in service therefore Red Bus Shuttle service has been discontinued. The elevator remains out of service. An advisory will be issued when service elevator is restored.

Both Roosevelt Island Manhattan Tram Station Elevators Out Of Service - RIOC To Provide Red Bus Shuttle For Those With Limited Mobility

Reported last Saturday that both the Roosevelt Island Manhattan Tram Station elevator and passenger lift were out of service. As a result the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) ran a Red Bus Shuttle service for mobility limited persons to and from Manhattan during the period of elevator service outage.

Fortunately, the passenger lift was only out of service for a few hours and returned to service later that day.

Unfortunately, it has happened again. Both Roosevelt Island Manhattan Tram station elevators are out of service right now.

At 3:22 PM received this advisory from the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC):

The Manhattan Tram Station elevator and lift are temporarily out of service. An advisory will be issued when service is restored.

followed by this at 4:24 PM:

Due to an elevator service outage at the Manhattan Tram Station, the RIOC Red Bus will provide special shuttle service to and from Manhattan for those with limited mobility. Schedule information is below.

ROOSEVELT ISLAND TO MANHATTAN: Departs hourly from the bus stop near 455 Main Street (near Riverwalk Bar and grill) from 5 PM- 11:00 PM. Additional stops are located at 546 Main St. (opposite Good Shepherd Plaza) and opposite 645 Main Street (opposite P.S/I.S. 217).

MANHATTAN TO ROOSEVELT ISLAND: Departs hourly from the southwest corner of 58th St. and 2nd Ave. from 5:30 PM until 11:30 PM. Additional stops are located at 645 Main St. (P.S./I.S. 217), 579 Main St. (M&D Deli), 543 Main St. (Good Shepherd Plaza), 425 Main St. (Riverwalk Bar & Grill), and the Roosevelt Island Tram Plaza.　

If the outage continues through 7/21/15 additional advisories with shuttle schedules will be posted. If you have any questions, please call the Public Safety Department at 212-832-4545. Thank you for your patience.

UPDATE 8:30 PM - Roosevelt Island Residents Association (RIRA) Island Services Committee (ISC) member and Roosevelt Island Parents' Network Coordinator Eva Bosbach reports on a recent meeting with RIOC about the Manhattan Tram Station elevators. According to Ms. Bosbach:

Last week after a meeting between RIOC and the RIRA Island Services Committee about the conditions of Sportspark we were able to ask RIOCs Director of Transportation Cyril Opperman some questions about the Tram elevators. Here is what we learned:

1. Old elevators:

a) Main Tram elevator (still out of service as of today)

The maintenance company has a 24 hour response in their contract and they do come within the 24 hours and inspect the elevators. However, mostly the problem is after the inspection to find a company that would still produce a replacement for any broken piece(s) as the elevator is very old.

The breakdowns so far have mostly been caused by an accumulation of oil and hydraulic fluid in a cylinder pit underneath the elevator that needs to be pumped out. In the winter, ice accumulated at the door caused it not to open and close properly which could have been corrected and prevented by warmers. Also, brakes of minor parts that - with research and delay involved - could have been ordered from other companies, contributed to elevator service outage.

This last time, however, a major large piece that pushes the entire elevator up broke. (Some of us were expecting this for a few weeks, hearing the "hick-up" noise when coming up). It is unclear if any company can produce that piece. It might need to be ordered custom made with as of now unclear price and time line. Any decisions about that require a review by the new Director of Engineering, see 2.

b) Red lift (out of service now and then, mostly so far for short periods of time)

The red lift works most of the time but is slow and requires Tram personnel to operate it.

- Mr. Opperman will instruct his staff to respond promptly whenever the operation of the red lift is needed.

- When either elevator is out of service, RIOC will post signs on the Island side of the Tram informing residents so that they can modify their travel plans accordingly if needed.

- Should the red lift go out of service and the main elevator not be working yet, causing both units being out of service simultaneously, RIOC will immediately offer Red bus shuttle service to and from Manhattan as a transportation alternative.

2. New elevators

The budget for the replacement of both elevators is approved, the design for the new elevators is completed and the new larger footprint is permitted by the City. The RFP for the construction has not been sent out yet. The new Director of Engineering, John Bost, started with RIOC on July 1st so needs some time to review all projects. The last issued estimated time for a completion was the third quarter of 2016 but we need to await John Bust's estimate about this. We should be in touch again in about three weeks. 

In summary, the elevators' situation is unacceptable to the public. Working elevators are an essential, critical service to many RI residents, especially to the disabled, parents with strollers, bike riders and seniors with walkers. RIOC needs to treat both the old and new elevators as emergencies. The repairs, preventive maintenance, and the new elevators project needs to be given the highest priority.

We are continuing to advocate for this from the Roosevelt Island Residents Association through the Island Services Committee, but any resident can contact RIOC with any issue.

UPDATE 8/21, 8:50 AM - According to this 1:05 AM advisory from the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC):

Due to an elevator service outage at the Manhattan Tram Station, the RIOC Red Bus will provide special shuttle service to and from Manhattan for those with limited mobility.

Schedule information is below.

ROOSEVELT ISLAND TO MANHATTAN: Departs hourly from the bus stop near 455 Main Street (near Riverwalk Bar and grill) from 7:00 AM- 11:00 PM. Additional stops are located at 546 Main St. (opposite Good Shepherd Plaza) and opposite 645 Main Street (opposite P.S/I.S. 217).

MANHATTAN TO ROOSEVELT ISLAND: Departs hourly from the southwest corner of 58th St. and 2nd Ave. from 7:30 AM until 11:30 PM. Additional stops are located at 645 Main St. (P.S./I.S. 217), 579 Main St. (M&D Deli), 543 Main St. (Good Shepherd Plaza), 425 Main St. (Riverwalk Bar & Grill), and the Roosevelt Island Tram Plaza.　

If the outage continues additional advisories with shuttle schedules will be posted. If you have any questions, please call the Public Safety Department at 212-832-4545. Thank you for your patience.

Update - Roosevelt Island Public Safety Department Officers Rescue Man Attempting Suicide Jumping Into East River From Roosevelt Island Lighthouse Park Ledge Last Week

Reported July 15 from a NYPD Spokesperson:

... just after midnight there was a 32 year old emotionally disturbed male who attempted suicide by jumping off the ledge by the Light House. He was rescued and pulled from the water and removed to Elmhurst General Hospital for evaluation with no life threatening injuries.

@NYScanner just watched a water rescue on Roosevelt island. 2 helicopters 2 boats tons of @NYPD114Pct and nyfd rescue pic.twitter.com/eSESqg3Vo8

— eric westpheling (@ericwestpheling) July 15, 2015

At the time of the reporting, I did not know of the key role played by officers of the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Public Safety Department (PSD) in the rescue saving the life of the man

PSD Deputy Director Lynda Marmara sent memo below to PSD Director Jack McManus several hours after the rescue detailing the events leading to the rescue. The memo is slightly edited to remove the names of the emotionally disturbed man and the friend who called PSD alerting them to the situation.

PSD Deputy Director Marmara writes:

At approximately 2343 hours, SPO Fischer received a call at the PSD Desk from a female caller in Seattle, who informed him that she had been on the phone with her friend ..., who was on Roosevelt Island in Lighthouse Park and that this individual was talking about killing himself. SPO Fischer immediately dispatched the Tour Supervisor (Sgt. Rivera) and Unit # 1 (SPO Randolph Forde) to that location and call 911.

2350 hours, Sgt. Rivera arrived at the Lighthouse Park area and is directed by a passerby that saw “someone sitting on the wall by the Lighthouse”. Sgt. Rivera and SPO Forde responded to the area with a life preserver.

2355 hours, Sgt. Rivera notifies/confirms that there is an individual in the water at this location. She and SPO Forde throw out the life preserver to the individual and “direct” him to place it around his arm, the individual complies and they are able to pull him closer to the Seawall. It immediately becomes clear to both Sgt. Rivera and Officer Forde that the individual in the water is intoxicated and distressed. Sgt. Rivera is able to grab the individual’s hand and begins to engage him in a conversation. The officers continue holding onto the individual, but are unable to pull him from out the water. Unit #10 (SPO Walker) arrives on scene to provide additional support.

0006 hours, the “First” FDNY response unit arrives and take over rescue operations; followed by a multi-agency response that included NYPD Aviation; NYPD ESU; FDNY Special Ops; FDNY Harbor; FDNY EMS; NYPD (Uniform and Plainclothes) and the US Coast Guard. Arrived on scene and conferred with Sgt. Rivera and NYPD Sgt. Chang-114th Precinct Patrol Supervisor

0024 hours,-FDNY Harbor Unit pulls the individual from the water and he is subsequently transported to Elmhurst Hospital....

... SPO Fischer states he was unclear how the caller knew to call RI Public Safety, he suspects that either she has been here before or the Aided articulated his whereabouts before they were disconnected....

... As stated, if not for the immediate response and actions of these Officers, I’ve no doubt this individual would have not been able to swim and/or stay afloat based on his condition in the water’s current and likely would have perished as a result. I commended the actions of our staff and I think it “went a long way” that you did the same at such a late hour!!! Thanks!!!

Kudos and huge thanks to the Roosevelt Island Public Safety Officers, NYPD, FDNY and all others who helped in the rescue.

Roosevelt Island Cornell Tech Community & Construction Task Force Meeting 6 PM Tonight July 20 At Gallery RIVAA - Public Is Invited To Attend And Learn What Is Happening

The Roosevelt Island Cornell Tech Community and Construction Task Force Meeting will be held 6 PM tonight, Monday, July 20th, at Gallery RIVAA, 527 Main Street on Roosevelt Island.

Image From Cornell Tech Community & Construction Task Force

The public is invited to attend. Come learn what is happening.

View Inside Roosevelt Island Smallpox Hospital From Drone Flying Above

From the Roosevelt Island Twitterverse:

Smallpox hospital @ #rooseveltisland. Would you go inside at night? 😑 #InstagramHub #NYC_Highlights… https://t.co/vMdPRSbfRi

— Melvin Sanders (@melvinsanders21) July 19, 2015

Smallpox hospital @ #rooseveltisland. Would you go inside at night? 😑 #InstagramHub #NYC_Highlights #icapture_nyc #Instagood #dronegear #drone #djiphantom3 #dji #thecreatorclass #NYC #Manhattan #Made_In_NY #instadaily #PhotoOfTheDay #dailyrecon #VisualArchitects #VSCO #queensborobridge #fourfreedomspark #quadcopter

A photo posted by Melvin Sanders (@mds_21) on Jul 18, 2015 at 5:05pm PDT

A little bit of my flight through the smallpox hospital @ Roosevelt Island a few days back. @ Small… https://t.co/9DXXotBzjN

— Melvin Sanders (@melvinsanders21) July 19, 2015

A little bit of my flight through the smallpox hospital @ Roosevelt Island a few days back.

A video posted by Melvin Sanders (@mds_21) on Jul 19, 2015 at 3:12pm PDT