Roosevelt Island Experiencing Rash Of Burglaries Says RIOC Public Safety Department Director - Here Are Some Crime Prevention Tips

The Roosevelt Island Daily Public Safety Incident Reports lists several recent burglaries at Roosevelt Landings. According to Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC):

8/14/15 – 2355 – 540 Main St. – Burglary – PSD and NYPD responded report generated

8/13/15 - 1915 - 560 Main St. – Burglary – PSD and NYPD responded, Negative results

Roosevelt Island Public Safety Department Director Jack McManus sends the following message to the Roosevelt Island community.

BE ALERT! BURGLARIES ARE OCCURRING!

Roosevelt Island is experiencing a rash of burglaries. We have increased patrols and taken every measure in an effort to apprehend those responsible. The Public Safety Dept. is working very closely with the 114th Pct. in an effort to prevent further occurrences.

We need your assistance in safeguarding your property! You can help:

1. Report any person(s) who is/are acting suspiciously.

2. Patio doors, windows and screens should be locked and secured.

3. Be sure your place of business is lighted adequately at night, both outside and inside, i.e., the alleys and rear of store, all entry points, a night light and a night light over the safe (if you have one). These are deterrents against thieves, who like the DARK.

4. You should have adequate locks installed, cylinder-type, dead-bolt locks should replace hasps and padlocks, where possible.

5. Panels and glass should be protected against being kicked in.

6. Bars on the inside prevent breaking in the entire door.

7. Install an adequate Alarm System, which you should test periodically to ascertain that it is in good working order.

8. Check all windows, doors, etc. before leaving at night to make sure everything is secure.

If you have any information that would help in the apprehension of those responsible for these criminal acts, please contact the Public Safety Department immediately at (212) 832-4545. All information will be kept strictly confidential.

According to the most recent RIOC Index Crimes Report for May 2015, there were a total of 8 Roosevelt Island burglaries from January - May 2015.

No information available on Roosevelt Island burglaries from June 2015 to date.

UPDATE 8/17 - Another burglary reported:

8/9/2015 – 1450 – 510 Main St – Burglary – PSD/NYPD responded. Report Filed.

Guardians Of The Galaxy Summer Outdoor Movie At Roosevelt Island's Manhattan Park Lawn Facing Manhattan Saturday Night August 15

In addition to the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) summer outdoor movies at Firefighters Field, Roosevelt Island has a second outdoor movie site at the Manhattan Park lawn.

Movie night at Manhattan Park https://t.co/jjPwo5AK55 pic.twitter.com/Svy7i81cZ3

— Nick Turner (@SFNick) August 2, 2015

Guardians Of The Galaxy will be shown 8:15 tomorrow night, August 15, on the Manhattan Park lawn.

Here's the trailer.



Finding Nemo will be shown at Manhattan Park 7:45 on September 12.

UDPATE 8/19:

Guardians of the Galaxy at Manhattan Park Roosevelt Island w/ NYC in the background. Jelly? https://t.co/iNs6ZnWPgi

— Brontis Shane Orengo (@BrontisOrengo) August 16, 2015

Are You Missing Yellow Pet Parakeet? It Was Spotted Today Flying Above Roosevelt Island Manhattan Park Pool

The Roosevelt Island Twitterverse reports:

@Rooseveltisland yellow pet parakeet flying above Manhattan park pool. Thinking someone is missing it

— Amanda Sadlier (@amandasadlier) August 14, 2015

@Rooseveltisland it's a pretty standard yellow parakeet

— Amanda Sadlier (@amandasadlier) August 14, 2015

Good News, Roosevelt Island F Train Service To And From Manhattan This Weekend -That's 4 In A Row

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

to and from Manhattan this weekend.

That's 4 in a row weekends of Roosevelt Island F train service to and from Manhattan.

Also:

F Trains run local in both directions between 21 St-Queensbridge and 71 Av

Weekends, 12:01 AM Sat to 5 AM Mon, Aug 15 - 17 • Aug 22 - 24

Trains stop at 36, Steinway, 46 Sts, Northern Blvd, 65 St, Roosevelt, Elmhurst, Grand Avs, Woodhaven Blvd, 63 Dr and 67 Av.

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

The Roosevelt Island Twitterverse asked:

Does anyone know if the @RooseveltIsland tram is handicapped accessible to wheelchairs on both ends? RIOC never answered my inquiry email.

— Accessibility4All (@A4AInfo) August 12, 2015

RI Tram is handicapped accessible unless both Manhattan Tram Station elevators are broken http://t.co/gHjRzhDxEA https://t.co/vNzwMylJm7

— Roosevelt Islander (@Rooseveltisland) August 12, 2015

Here we go again. Both the Roosevelt Island Manhattan Tram Station elevator and red lift are out of service.

The Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) will provide a Red Bus Shuttle

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

to and from Manhattan while both elevators are out of service.

According to the following RIOC advisory received at 11:05 AM today:

Due to an elevator and lift 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) with the last Manhattan bound bus leaving at 8 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. with the last Island bound bus being at 8:30 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 you have any questions, please call the Public Safety Department at 212-832-4545. Thank you for your patience.

UPDATE 2:25 PM - From RIOC:

Following a previous outage, the Manhattan Tram Station passenger lift is back in service.

and:

Shuttle bus service ending. Last Manhattan bound bus at 2 PM, last Roosevelt Island bound bus at 2:30 PM.

UPDATE 8/15 - RIOC advisory received 9:39 PM last night:

The Manhattan Tram Station elevator and passenger lift are temporarily out of service. An advisory will be issued when service is restored. RIOC Shuttle bus service schedule will follow in a separate advisory.

and at 11:03 PM:

Notification issued 08/14/2015 at 11:04 PM. Due to an elevator and Lift 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) starting at 10:00 AM with the last Manhattan bound bus leaving at 8 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 starting at 10:30 AM with the last Island bound bus being at 8:30 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 you have any questions, please call the Public Safety Department at 212-832-4545. Thank you for your patience.

List Of Roosevelt Island Organizations Receiving Funding From NYC Council Member Ben Kallos For Fiscal Year 2015 -16 - Roosevelt Island Participatory Budget Assembly Wednesday August 19

The following Roosevelt Island organizations received funding from Roosevelt Island's NYC Council Member Ben Kallos for fiscal year 2015-16.

 Image From Ben Kallos

Expense Funding:

Roosevelt Island Seniors Association (RISA), Inc. $30,000

To fund programming for seniors at the center offering different exercise classes to better enhance the livelihood of our senior population: tai chi, zumba, pilates, yoga, building strength ,salsa, arts and crafts and computers.

Roosevelt Island Youth Program, Inc. $25,000

To support a community Youth Center which will operate afterschool and on weekends to offer computer labs, music programs, game room, television room, educational programming, SAT Prep and High school prep classes.

Roosevelt Island Youth Program, Inc. $18,500

To fund piano, drums, guitar and violin lessons to youth ages 8 to 15, beginners and intermediate lessons will be offered.

Four Freedoms Park Conservancy, Inc. $10,000

To support summer concerts such as musical and dance performances.

R&R Concerts, Inc. $5,000

To present performances of classical music at the Good Shepherd Center on Roosevelt Island. With no admission fee and complemented by outreach performances for members of the community with limited mobility.

Main Street Theatre Dance Alliance $5,000

Funds will be used to provide tools and materials for sets, costumes and lighting for student productions for the 2015 season.

Bike New York, Inc. $5,000

To provide Learn to Ride classes for kids on Roosevelt Island and to purchase helmets to give away to kids at these classes.

Roosevelt Island Historical Society $5,000

Funds will be used to support the visitors center, activities including programs, lectures and tours, and maintenance and dissemination of artifacts and historical documents. Support services include landscaping, consumable supplies, and utilities and telephone.

Roosevelt Island Disabled Association $5,000

To fund bus transportation cost: Bus drivers, Insurance, costs to maintain and repair bus as needed. Bus needs Heat and AC repair and repairs of its lending wheelchairs and scooters Communications Phone and Fax and Internet access Postage, Office and printing supplies Paper and plastic Supplies for pot luck dinners held through the year along with a Thanksgiving Day meal.

Island Kids  $5,000

To support the Island Kids Summer Camp which serves children aged 4-10. Activities include swimming, sports, art, science, theater and music

Office of Emergency Management $5,000

To fund CERT Roosevelt Island, CERT UES and CERT Manhattan 8

Capital Funding

Roosevelt Island School - Green roof  $500,000 

New York Public Library [Roosevelt Island Branch] $1,500,000

The full list of NYC Council district 5 organizations receiving funds for fiscal year 2015-16 from Council Member Kallos here.

Also, the 2016 Participatory Budget process begins with a Roosevelt Island Neighborhood Assembly 6:30 PM Wednesday August 19 at the Good Shepherd Community Center (543 Main Street).

Sign up here.

Roosevelt Island FDR Hope Memorial Depicting President Franklin Roosevelt In A Wheelchair Receives Anonymous $150 Thousand Donation Yesterday Presented By NY State Assembly Member Rebecca Seawright - FDR Hope Memorial Expects Fall 2016 Opening

Roosevelt Island's NY State Assembly Member Rebecca Seawright presented Roosevelt Island Disabled Association (RIDA) President Jim Bates with a check for $150 Thousand to complete funding for the FDR Hope Memorial yesterday afternoon at Southpoint Park.

According to the FDR Hope Memorial web site:

A sculpture of President Franklin D. Roosevelt seated in a wheelchair, interacting with a disabled child, is planned for Roosevelt Island in New York City. The FDR Hope Memorial will be located at Southpoint Park, just south of the hospital where survivors of polio, the disease that disabled Roosevelt, benefited from the pioneering use of ventilators that freed them from the constraints of “iron lungs.”

The goal of the FDR Hope Memorial Committee (FDRHM), a sub-committee of the Roosevelt Island Disabled Association, is to celebrate President Franklin D. Roosevelt as the inspiration for all who strive to overcome challenges. According to the memorial’s mission statement, “Roosevelt Island was so named to reflect a commitment to an integrated community where the disabled move freely, live independently and develop to their fullest potential. The FDR Hope Memorial will educate future generations about FDR and about Roosevelt Island, a vital community of ‘enabled’ residents.”

Jim Bates, President of the Roosevelt Island Disabled Association, said the memorial will be “a place of comfort, hope, understanding and inspiration.”...

Image Of 2012 FDR Hope Memorial Mock Up At Southpoint Park

Assembly Member Seawright's office issued this press release:

On a beautiful August summer day on Roosevelt Island, Assembly Member Seawright presented Jim Bates of the Roosevelt Island Disabled Association with a $150,000 check from a charitable individual who wishes to remain anonymous. The donated funds will allow RIDA to move forward with the FDR Hope Memorial project, which has been in the works since 2009.

The memorial will be located in Roosevelt Island’s Southpoint Park. Sculptor, Meredith Bergmann, has been commissioned to create the statue of President Franklin Delano Roosevelt seated in a wheelchair reaching out to a young girl with a crutch. The memorial signifies the strength of those with disabilities in overcoming adversity.

“I am thrilled that we were able to work with a remarkably generous constituent to finish this extraordinary memorial,” Seawright said. “This is just another shining example of the incredible unity that exists in our district and I could not be prouder.”

Standing before the site upon which the monument will be located, the Assembly Member said “I am honored to be here to assist with the completion of the FDR Hope Memorial. Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s legacy has developed into something beyond what people alive at that time generally knew – that he was not just a remarkable President, but also an individual who prevailed despite his disability.”

The sculptor and the Roosevelt Island Disabled Association expect that the FDR Hope Memorial will be complete by Fall 2016.

Here's Ms. Seawright presenting the $150 Thousand check to Mr. Bates.



The FDR Hope Memorial will open in the fall of 2016.

The FDR Hope Memorial sculptor Meredith Bergmann described the inspiration for the memorial and RIDA President Jim Bates said:

... we can present this not only to New York City, but to the world. This will inspire people around the world in the challenged and disabled community that they are an enabled community and they can be whatever they choose to be.

Prior the the check donation ceremony, former RIDA President Virginia Granato spoke about her feelings at seeing fundraising for the FDR Hope Memorial completed.



In addition to the anonymous $150 thousand donation, the FDR Hope Memorial received $150 Thousand from NYC Parks Department and $100 Thousand through the efforts of the FDR Four Freedoms Park as well as some smaller individual contributions.

Here's more on the FDR Hope Memorial



and my 2012 interview with Ms. Bergmann and Mr. Bates showing a mock up of the FDR Hope Memorial.



The efforts to build a memorial on Roosevelt Island depicting President Roosevelt in a wheelchair began in 2009 when RIDA opposed and protested the Louis Kahn FDR Four Freedom Park design proposal for not portraying in any manner President Roosevelt as a disabled person.

RIDA and the FDR Four Freedoms Park organizers subsequently reconciled and have been working together to bring the FDR Hope Memorial to fruition. (For disclosure purposes, I have been part of the efforts assisting FDR Hope Memorial from the beginning.)

Congrats to all involved in the project.

Zog Bubbleball Soccer & Volleyball Played Today At Roosevelt Island's Firefighters Field

Zog Sports guys and girls were playing volleyball 

and Bubbleball Soccer this afternoon

at Roosevelt Island's Firefighters Field.

Here's some of the action.





Looks like fun.

UPDATE 8/14 - Group picture of the players from Twitter.

Yesterday, @TrustpilotUS spent the day having Field Day at Roosevelt Island! #TrustpilotLife pic.twitter.com/tuB45vz0r3

— TrustpilotUS (@TrustpilotUS) August 13, 2015

Man Dies Jumping From Queensboro Bridge Landing On Roosevelt Island Last Thursday Evening - Woman Nearby Hears Loud Noise, Turns Around And Sees Body On Ground

 Image Of Queensboro Bridge And Roosevelt Island Beneath Taken 8/11

A Roosevelt Island resident reported to me seeing NYPD officers and an ambulance gathered underneath the Queensboro Bridge next to a white sheet on the Main Street ground that may have been covering something last Friday evening.

I asked the NYPD what happened?

According to a NYPD Spokesperson the incident occurred:

... on Thursday, August 7, 2015, around 10:10 PM, a 39 year old male in an apparent suicide jumped off from the 59th Street bridge landing in front of 281 Main Street and died from the extent of his injuries.

adding that a woman was walking in the area at the time when she heard a loud noise, turned around and saw the body laying on the ground.

During Roosevelt Island Residents Association (RIRA) Public Safety Committee meeting last night, Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Public Safety Director Jack McManus and Deputy Director Lynda Marmara described this terrible incident in greater detail and reported that the deceased was not a Roosevelt Island resident.



UPDATE 9:10 PM - A reader points out confusion regarding date of the incident. The NYPD spokesperson said the incident occurred on Thursday August 7. Thursday was August 6, Friday was August 7.

The incident occurred on Thursday August 6 and was reported that way on the Roosevelt Island Public Safety Report:

08/06/15 – 2208 - 281 Main St. – Aided – PSD / EMS / FDNY responded. Transported to hospital.

Roosevelt Island St Francis Xavier Cabrini Parishioners Say Goodbye And Thank You To Fr.Thomas Kallumady At Parish Picnic

Image From Frank Farance

The Roosevelt Island St Francis Xavier Cabrini Catholic Church

Image Of Roosevelt Island Cabrini Parish At Good Shepherd From Frank Farance

held a parish picnic Sunday July 26 and also said goodbye to its priest, Fr. Thomas Kallumady,

 Image Of Fr. Thomas Kallumady (in center) From Frank Farance

who is leaving Roosevelt Island after 1 year to minister at St John The Evangelist in Mount Carmel NY.

Roosevelt Island resident and St Cabrini member Frank Farance shares some scenes as parishioners say goodbye to Fr. Kallumady

Images From Frank Farance

and reports:

I very much appreciate the work that Fr. Thomas has done for our parish: not only has he provided wonderful spiritual guidance

Image From Frank Farance

and navigated the church consolidation of the Archdiocese, but he has somehow managed to navigate the Roosevelt Island real estate labyrinth (RIOC, Hudson-Related, etc.) and establish the 504 Main Street space

Image Of Future Home Of St Cabrini Church

as the new home for the parish. He has also built a good relationship with the Episcopalian parish here, and we have had social events with both parishes -- the Episcopalian parish was invited and attended our picnic. All Good Stuff from Fr. Thomas.

Jonathan Hoo of Riverwalk Bar and Grill

Image From Frank Farance

donated a fair amount of food (hot dogs, hamburgers, chicken, etc.) for our parish picnic.

Image From Frank Farance

The Seniors Association helped with the venue: thanks to Dolores Green, Marilyn Atkins, and Barbara Parker.

Mr. Farance With Father Kallumady

Father Kallumady says goodbye at the picnic

Images From Frank Farance

and plays an enthusiastic game of ping pong.

Image From Frank Farance.

More pictures of the goodbye to Fr. Kallumady from Mr. Farance here.

The new pastor for Roosevelt Island St Francis Xavier Cabrini Church is Fr. Richard Baker who will be the pastor for two other churches in the area. According to Catholic New York:

... Father Richard Baker, who had been pastor of St. Malachy’s-The Actor’s Chapel in Manhattan since 2004, has been named pastor of St. John Nepomucene-St. Francis Xavier Cabrini-St. John the Martyr parish in Manhattan. He was director of music at St. Joseph’s Seminary in Dunwoodie and director of music for the archdiocese. He was parochial vicar of St. Eugene’s, Yonkers, and St. Philip Neri, the Bronx. He taught and was an administrator at St. John Neumann Seminary Residence. He was ordained in 1990...

Welcome Fr. Baker to Roosevelt Island.

Swimming Galaxies Photo Exhibit By Brazillian Photographer And Roosevelt Island Resident Larissa Nowak Showing Tuesday August 11 At Soho Photo Gallery - Surreal Environment Combines Outer Space And Synchronized Swimming

Brazilian photographer and Roosevelt Island resident Larissa Nowak reports:

I'm a resident of Roosevelt Island and student at NYU School of Professional Studies on Photography. My course project has a very personal theme, developed from sketch to presentation on the walls of a NYC art gallery.

My project is about Synchronized Swimmers having their practice in Space.

Image From Larissa Nowak

I had the collaboration of the Roosevelt Island Sportspark Pool, of synchronized swimmer athletes and orientation from NASA professionals to develop my theme.

Image From Larissa Nowak

The exhibition will be on Tuesday, August 11th, 6:30pm - 8:30pm at Soho Photo Gallery 15 White Street TriBeCa, New York City

The swimmers are members of two Synchronized Swimming teams from New York: Gotham Synchro and Waterworks. I was part of Gotham Synchro during the winter and joined the Waterworks for the summer.

The meaning behind the pictures is a surreal environment. The 12 pictures to be presented at the exhibition were taken at the Roosevelt Island's Sportspark pool and at the Manhattan Plaza Health Club. The Synchro Swimmers appear to be swimming into the galaxies and mass of stars, like they were real creatures that can beautifully swim on space.

The Swimming Galleries Project combine two passions of mine, Synchro Swimming and Space.

I was always fascinated about Space.

Image From Larissa Nowak

I love to observe the sky and to learn about the space. For this project I was lucky to have NASA professionals collaborating with me. I find really impressive that they dedicate their lives to study the mysteries of the universe.

I also have always danced the ballet, since I started as a kid. Looking forward to face new challenges I wanted to learn the water ballet. Then started to photograph my colleagues.

I want people to wonder about the universe, to be interested in space news and interested to learn about the world we live in.

The advice and encouragement of my mentor and teacher at NYU, T. Lawrence Wheatman, for Swimming Galaxies was greatly appreciated.

5 Roosevelt Island Trees To Be Pruned And Removed On Island House And Westview Grounds Starting Tomorrow

According to the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC):

Please be advised that contractors will begin the pruning & removal of several trees on Tuesday, August 11, 2015 at 9 AM. The work will begin at the SW corner of the West promenade near 585 (behind the Child School) and head north to 625 and will include 5 trees in total. The work will be completed on Wednesday, August 12th. This project is being undertaken by Mark Greenberg Real Estate Co. LLC (Island House and Westview) and will occur entirely on their property.

Cutting down trees is taken very seriously by Roosevelt Island residents.

The trees in the picture are located in general area of work to be done and are not necessarily those which will be pruned and removed.

Roosevelt Island Living Library Adult & Child Gardening Summer Schedule Change To Tuesdays/Thursdays 9 - 11 AM - Learn Organic Gardening And Harvest Your Own Salad

 Image From Bonnie Sherk A Living Library

Received the following message from Bonnie Sherk of Life Frames & A Living Library Project:

The A Living Library/Roosevelt Island NYPL Roosevelt Island branch parent-child gardening program, held Tuesdays & Thursdays, 2-4 pm has been rescheduled. The new schedule is 9am - 11am. Tuesdays and Thursday, for the duration of the program August 11 to September 3.

We made this change in consultation with the parents presently attending and those enrolled. We hope this schedule-change will make it easier and encourage more of our enrolled parent-child teams to join us and invite newcomers into our program. There is plenty of room for more participation.

Please meet us in the garden at 540 Main Street. We hope to see you there.

We have had a lot of fun learning the arts of gardening. Our participants have enjoyed delicious, robust, freshly picked, organic cucumbers, taken home green peppers, edamame and tomatoes, and a substantial harvest of sun-dried-on-the-vine, home-grown coriander seed.

More on A Living Library from their web site and previous post.

Beautiful Nighttime Views Of NYC Waterfront And Manhattan Skyline From Roosevelt Island Tram

New York from Roosevelt Island w/ 15mm Zeiss from Antonio Tibaldi on Vimeo.

Click full screen icon at bottom right to get full effect.

We are fortunate to be able to ride the Tram whenever we wish.