Saturday, January 23, 2016

Scenes From Today's NYC Blizzard From Roosevelt Island - Sledding, Skiing, Jogging, Shoveling & More

Some Roosevelt Island scenes from today's blizzard. (Earlier posts here and here)

Sledding at Southtownt Hill.


Cross country skiing.

Bike riding.


Jogging.


A walk by Blackwell House.

Images By Susheel

Making Snow Angels.
A video posted by Adam Harraway (@adamharraway) on

Basketball?
Tram Service until shut down at 4 PM.
Bringing groceries home.


Snow removal.

 Image From Susheel

The swirling wind.
 View of Queensboro Bridge.
It will end.
Don't think anybody had a better time in the snow than Tian Tian  Panda in Washington DC.
Enjoy the snow tomorrow.

UPDATE 1/24 - From the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC):
As of 6 AM this morning, Sun., Jan. 24th, regular tram service has been restored.

At this time, Red Bus service has resumed. The F train and MTA bus services are operating with delays.

By ROOSEVELT ISLANDER at 6:35:00 PM 0 comments

Labels: , , , , ,

Roosevelt Island Scenes From Today's NYC Blizzard - Up To The Neck In Snow But Farmers Market and Big Reuse Food Scrap Composting Open, FDR Park Closed

A Roosevelt Island resident reports that the Farmers Market is open today:
Despite the blizzard, the Farmers Market IS OPEN today! Go buy their fruits and vegetables!! These guys faithfully drove in from PA last night to serve our community.
and the Big Reuse Food Scrap Compost booth is open too.


The FDR Four Freedoms Park adds:
Due to weather, the Park will be closed today. We have staff onsite clearing snow and anticipate being able to open tomorrow. If you have any questions, please let me know. Stay safe and warm!
UPDATE 10:45 AM:
UPDATE 11:10 AM:
UPDATE 12:30 PM - From RIOC:
Please be advised, MTA Bus Service will stop running at 12 PM and Red Bus service will cease at 12:15 PM today, Sat. Jan. 23rd, until further notice.
Gristedes, Duane Reade, Wholesome Factory Organic Market, Main Street Sweets, Subway Sandwich Shop, Starbucks, Fuji East, Island Wine Shop, Piccolo Pizza, China One and M&D Deli are open. Riverwalk Bar is closed.

UPDATE 1:20 PM - From RIOC:
Due to weather conditions, the tram will shutdown service at 4 PM today, Sat., Jan. 23rd, until further notice. The tram is currently running on the 15 minute schedule. A separate advisory will be issued once normal operating times are scheduled to resume.
UPDATE 6:40 PM - More Roosevelt Island pictures from today's blizzard.

UPDATE 1/24 - From RIOC:
As of 6 AM this morning, Sun., Jan. 24th, regular tram service has been restored.

At this time, Red Bus service has resumed. The F train and MTA bus services are operating with delays.

By ROOSEVELT ISLANDER at 10:25:00 AM 0 comments

Labels: , , , , , , , ,

Friday, January 22, 2016

Blizzard Coming To NYC Tomorrow, Snow Forecast 12 - 18 Inches - Stay Safe And Warm On Roosevelt Island



Winter Is Coming to Roosevelt Island.

 2014  RIOC Plow Removing Snow From Roosevelt Island's Main Street

According to the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC):
The National Weather Service has issued a Blizzard Watch and hazardous travel advisory for our area beginning at 4 AM on Saturday, Jan. 23rd, until 12 PM Sunday, January 24th. The system is forecast to bring heavy snow along with strong and potentially damaging winds, and will create slick and hazardous travel conditions. Total snow accumulation is expected to be between 12-18 inches. Residents are encouraged to avoid unnecessary travel. Please drive slowly, use major streets or highways, and keep the name and number of at least one local towing service. Pedestrians should avoid slippery surfaces, dress in layers, and maintain a heightened awareness of cars, especially when crossing intersections.

Trucks will be plowing and salting the roadways throughout the day and night in order to avert dangerous travel conditions. RIOC will be working to keep all areas clean for the duration of the storm. Expect delays in Red Bus and Tram service. Thank you for your cooperation while necessary preparations for the storm and subsequent snow removal are taking place.

We will be updating the community with important parking, facility closures, and other service changes throughout the storm, so please stay tuned.

To report any icy or other hazardous areas, please call the Public Safety Department at 212-832-4545 as soon as possible.

For more information please visit https://a858-nycnotify.nyc.gov/notifynyc/
The Roosevelt Island PS/IS 217 PTA adds:
Our Saturday Family Dance is postponed in light of the Blizzard Watch issued by the US Weather Service. We are particularly concerned with the combination of wind and snow and the ability of school employees and vendors for the dance to safely get in and out of the city.

We apologize for any inconvenience caused, and will keep you updated on the revised date of the event. The tentative date for the Dance is February 27th.

Thank you for your support and understanding. Stay warm and safe!
Will post more information regarding the blizzard's impact on Roosevelt Island as it becomes available.

Stay tuned.

UDPATE 5:25 PM - RIOC adds:
The National Weather Service has issued a Blizzard Warning citywide from 4 AM Saturday, Jan. 23rd to 12 PM Sunday, Jan. 24th. The current forecast calls for 12-18 inches of snow, accompanied by strong winds.

Please be advised that there is NO PARKING on Main St. or the East and West Roadways from Sat., Jan. 23rd at 12 AM to Mon., Jan. 25th at 12 PM, in order for snow preparation and subsequent removal to take place. Residents should move their cars off the roads as soon as possible.

Free parking will be available at the Motorgate Garage starting at 8 PM, Fri., Jan. 22nd. Please note that free parking is only for residents of the island. Proof of residency and vehicle registration must be presented upon entering. Vehicle must be registered to Roosevelt Island resident. Vehicles accommodated for snow emergency must be moved at 12 PM on Mon., Jan. 25th when Main Street reopens for parking. After that time standard Motorgate parking fees will apply. Please contact the Motorgate Garage at (212) 832-4585 or visit the Motorgate offices on the fourth floor if you have any additional questions.

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.
UPDATE 8:40 PM - From RIOC:
Due to the incoming storm, Sportspark will be closed this weekend, Saturday, January 23rd – Sunday, January 24th. A separate advisory will be issued once normal operating hours are scheduled to resume.
UPDATE 1/12 10:35 AM - From RIOC:
Due to the blizzard, all Roosevelt Island parks, including Four Freedoms Park, are closed today, Sat., Jan. 23rd. Advisories will be issued to update the public on future developments.
More Roosevelt Island Blizzard news and photos here.

By ROOSEVELT ISLANDER at 5:11:00 PM 0 comments

Labels: , , , , ,

Roosevelt Island F Train Service To And From Manhattan This Weekend Says MTA, That's Eight Weekends In A Row

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


to and from Manhattan this weekend.

That's eight weekends in a row without Roosevelt Island F Train service interruptions.

By ROOSEVELT ISLANDER at 1:24:00 PM 0 comments

Labels: , ,

Watch Fantastic 360 Degree Immersive Dance Video Filmed At Roosevelt Island's Southpoint Park With Incredible NYC Skyline View - You Control The Camera Angle Too

Roosevelt Island's Southpoint Park was the site recently for a terrific dance video shot using 360 degree camera technology. According to Dance Informa:

In an exciting new venture, New York City-based choreographer David Fernandez has partnered with digital production agency Visual Mercenary Group to create DANCEIMMERSIVE, a series of dance videos to be shot in a new 360-degree-angle technology. The first of their videos, filmed on NYC's Roosevelt Island and which features two New York City Ballet (NYCB) dancers, ....
The Visual Mercenary Group told me:
We chose Roosevelt Island for the open space and the beautiful views.
The dancers are NYC Ballet members Alexa Maxwell and Laine Habony.

Watch New York Duet on Roosevelt Island - you can control the camera angle with the arrows at upper left hand corner of video



Check out a full screen version of the Roosevelt Island 360 degree view dance video at the Visual Mercenary Group web site. Also, if you have a headset, watch in Virtual Reality.

Dance Informa adds:
... This first video by DANCEIMMERSIVE was shot using a seven-camera rig with a stationary tripod. The videos from each of those seven angles were then stitched together to form the full 360-degree picture....
Click here for the full Dance Informa article.

By ROOSEVELT ISLANDER at 11:38:00 AM 0 comments

Labels: , , ,

Thursday, January 21, 2016

Employment Opportunities For Women In Construction Industry Among Topics To Be Discussed At January 25 Roosevelt Island Cornell Tech Community & Construction Task Force Meeting - You're Invited


The Roosevelt Island Cornell Tech Community and Construction Task Force (Task Force) invite you to their January 25 meeting. According to the Task Force:
Hello All and Happy New Year:

Just a reminder that the first quarterly meeting of 2016 for the Cornell Tech Community and Construction Task Force will be held on Monday, January 25th from 6 to 8 PM in the 12th floor conference room at 546 Main Street.

As we discussed at our October meeting, in addition to our construction and community updates, we will have a presentation from Nontraditional Employment for Women (NEW). NEW prepares women for nontraditional careers in the construction, utilities, and transportation industries. It will be great to learn about their programs and to introduce them to Roosevelt Island.

NEW’s seven-week training course prepares women for nontraditional careers, with hands-on instruction in carpentry, basic electricity, painting, blueprint reading, and building performance; health and safety training; and trades math. Graduates earn salaries from $10--17 per hour and, after apprenticeship, wages may increase to as much as $45 per hour.

We hope you are able to join us in welcoming them to the island and learning about all the great programming NEW has to offer!

For more information on Nontraditional Employment for Women (NEW) please visit their website.
Watch video below for more about NEW. 


2015 NEW Video from Nulight Creative on Vimeo.

Latest Roosevelt Island Cornell Tech construction update

 Image of Cornell Tech Campus Construction Seen From Roosevelt Island Tram

 at this previous post.

By ROOSEVELT ISLANDER at 11:30:00 AM 0 comments

Labels: , , , ,

Wednesday, January 20, 2016

Teenagers Scolded For Running Down The Up Roosevelt Island Subway Station Platform Escalator - Teens Deliberately Tried To Break Subway Escalator Says Resident

A Roosevelt Island resident reports:

On Tuesday 1/19/16 at about 5:30 pm I saw several teenage males racing down the lower level escalator in the Roosevelt Island subway station. They took large jumps and landed on the bottom step with all their might.

Image Of Roosevelt Island Escalators at Lower Level Platform

They then raced to the escalator that goes from the downtown platform up to the mezzanine and ran down those steps, against the stair flow. Perhaps they executed a similar maneuver, although I could not see what they did.

About a minute later, I approached three teenagers on the platform, as I saw them laughing. I told them what they had done was not in the least funny. Other teenage males joined the group. Two other Island adult male residents approached the group of six and scolded them for breaking the escalator. When one adult asked if they lived on the Island, they mocked him and laughed.

In the attempt by the adults to have a rational discussion, several of the teens were egging each other on. They mocked the three adults, while a fourth adult went to the police cabin at the end of the platform to report the misconduct. (There was no police officer on duty at the time.)

I said to the two adults, “Let’s take a picture,” since it was clear that the young men did not believe they had behaved inappropriately. One adult took out his cellphone, but the teens ran away from the adults.

This incident is disturbing because of the deliberate effort the teens made to break the escalator and their complete disregard for the consequences of their reckless behavior.

I wonder if any of this activity was captured on a video camera in the station.
Here's what happened when one man tried going down an



up escalator (not on Roosevelt Island).

By ROOSEVELT ISLANDER at 6:13:00 PM 0 comments

Labels: , ,

No Swish At Roosevelt Island Basketball Court - Amalgamated Bank Backboard Defective Net Needs To Be Replaced

By ROOSEVELT ISLANDER at 12:59:00 PM 0 comments

Labels: ,

Tuesday, January 19, 2016

Roosevelt Island Red Bus Absent Early Morning From 10 River Road Manhattan Park Stop Says Resident - Not So Says RIOC

Received the following message from a Roosevelt Island Manhattan Park resident this morning:

The morning Red Bus has been pretty much absent from 5:45am to 6:45 at the 10 River Road stop. This used to be a once in a while occurrence and now it has become the norm. During the fall, spring and summer, most of us just walk to the train/tram, but in cold days like today we rely on the bus. The elderly don't have that option. They all rely on the Red Bus being on time. This morning there was no 6:15, 6:30 or 6:45, the MTA bus did show up at 6:50. This happened 2x last week.

If they’re aware of the problem they should inform the residents.
I forwarded the message about Manhattan Park 10 River Road Red Bus stop

Image of 10 River Road Bus Stop

inquiry to the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC).

RIOC replied:
Regarding the complaint sent to you about no buses this morning at 10 River Road S/B on 6:15AM, 6:30AM and 6:45AM, I have attached two screen-shots indicating buses at 10 River Road at 6:18AM


and 6:47AM.


We were missing one in between due to a bus operator shortage.

RIOC Surface Transit operation begins at 5:45AM every day.

By ROOSEVELT ISLANDER at 7:44:00 PM 0 comments

Labels: , , ,

Sudden Stop On Roosevelt Island Tram Ride Frightens Passenger - Most Remain Calm

By ROOSEVELT ISLANDER at 1:05:00 PM 0 comments

Labels:

Roosevelt Island PS/IS 217 PTA Winter Wonderland Family Dance Fundraiser Saturday January 23

The Roosevelt Island PS/IS 217 PTA


is holding a Winter Wonderland Family Dance Fundraiser on Saturday January 23.


Click here for more information and to purchase tickets.

UPDATE 1/22 - From the Roosevelt Island PS/IS 217 PTA:
Our Saturday Family Dance is postponed in light of the Blizzard Watch issued by the US Weather Service. We are particularly concerned with the combination of wind and snow and the ability of school employees and vendors for the dance to safely get in and out of the city.

We apologize for any inconvenience caused, and will keep you updated on the revised date of the event. The tentative date for the Dance is February 27th.

Thank you for your support and understanding. Stay warm and safe!

By ROOSEVELT ISLANDER at 12:27:00 PM 0 comments

Labels: , ,

Monday, January 18, 2016

Great View Of Empire State Building And Chrysler Building Seen From Roosevelt Island - But Real Building Heights Are Not What You See

A photo posted by Massoud Abbasi (@massoudabbasi) on


The black building in the middle appearing to tower over the Empire State Building and Chrysler Building is Trump World Tower.

The view perspective of the buildings from Roosevelt Island is very misleading since the Empire State Building is 1454 feet tall, Chrysler Building is 1046 feet tall and Trump World Tower is 866 feet tall.

By ROOSEVELT ISLANDER at 6:15:00 PM 0 comments

Labels: , ,

From Farmland To High Rise Living - Daily Mail Reports On The History Of Roosevelt Island, NYC's Overlooked Island

England's Daily Mail has a great article on Roosevelt Island history starting from the the Minnehanock Native Americans to Blackwells Island, Welfare Island and to the present day with some fantastic historical pictures from days gone by.

According to the Daily Mail:
From farm land to high-rise living: A history of New York City's often overlooked Roosevelt Island
  • Roosevelt Island was called Minnehanonck by the Native Americans, meaning 'it's nice to be on the island'
  • Two-mile-long island was first purchased by the Dutch, then used as farmland by the British
  • In 1821, the Blackwell family sold what as then called Blackwell's Island to the city
  • The city used the land to build a smallpox hospital, prison and insane asylum
  • These institutions began to disappear in the 20th century, bringing a new age of high-rise living to the island...
Click here for the full Daily Mail article

Image From the Daily Mail

and some great New York Public Library Blackwells Island historical pictures too.

By ROOSEVELT ISLANDER at 5:09:00 PM 0 comments

Labels: , , , ,

Martin Luther King Jr Day Today - Take A Moment To Remember


The third Monday in January has been designated as a Federal holiday in honor of the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. who was born January 15, 1929 and was assassinated on April 4, 1968.

Dr. King is remembered and honored for many things including his 1963 "Letter from a Birmingham Jail". An excerpt:
...An unjust law is a code that a numerical or power majority group compels a minority group to obey but does not make binding on itself. This is difference made legal. By the same token, a just law is a code that a majority compels a minority to follow and that it is willing to follow itself. This is sameness made legal.

Let me give another explanation. A law is unjust if it is inflicted on a minority that, as a result of being denied the right to vote, had no part in enacting or devising the law. Who can say that the legislature of Alabama which set up that state's segregation laws was democratically elected? Throughout Alabama all sorts of devious methods are used to prevent Negroes from becoming registered voters, and there are some counties in which, even though Negroes constitute a majority of the population, not a single Negro is registered. Can any law enacted under such circumstances be considered democratically structured?

Sometimes a law is just on its face and unjust in it's application. For instance, I have been arrested on a charge of parading without a permit. Now, there is nothing wrong in having an ordinance which requires a permit for a parade. But such an ordinance becomes unjust when it is used to maintain segregation and to deny citizens the First-Amendment privilege of peaceful assembly and protest....
The full text of Letter From A Birmingham Jail is here and a short excerpt of audio below.



Pride (In The Name of Love) is U2's Tribute to Martin Luther King Jr.
Early morning, April four
Shot rings out in the Memphis sky.
Free at last, they took your life
They could not take your pride.

In the name of love
What more in the name of love.
In the name of love
What more in the name of love.
A You Tube video of U2's Pride interlaced with a slide show of Dr. King's speeches and news clips.



Here's an excerpt of Dr. King's last speech - I've Been To The Mountain Top.



Take a moment today to remember Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and the good work he accomplished to make our country a better place.

More on Dr. King from History.com

By ROOSEVELT ISLANDER at 2:27:00 PM 0 comments

Labels:

January 2016 Roosevelt Island Cornell Tech Campus Construction Update - Buildings Going Up, Utilities Being Laid

Image of Cornell Tech Campus Construction Seen From Roosevelt Island Tram

Here's the latest Cornell Tech Roosevelt Island campus
construction update:
January 18 - January 29 Look Ahead

Roadwork and Central Utility Plant – At the CUP, drywall, taping, and painting continues in the interior. Roof waterproof membrane and rigid insulation is also in progress. Workers are installing cable racks and conduit in the utility vault. Utility infrastructure is nearing completion in the West Loop Road and has begun in the South Loop Road preceded by pavement removal and road widening.

Co-Location Building – At CoLo, steel erection will be nearing completion towards the end of this period and the concrete superstructures have mobilized on site. They will be installing reinforcement on the first floor and will pour the deck in the second week of this period. The hoist construction on the south side of the building will be complete by the end of the period as well.

Residential Building – The superstructure will achieve the 23rd floor by the end of this working period. Interior mechanical work is underway on all floors. Masonry continues on floors 1 and 2.

Bloomberg Center – Installation of interior stairs 1 and 2 is underway. The first floor concrete slab on deck will be completed in this period. Weather/Temperature protection has been installed on the façade of the building to facilitate cold weather concrete work. MEP sleeves are being installed on the 3rd floor in this period. Metal Decking on the mechanical room roof will begin towards the end of this period. Reinforcement of the 2nd floor deck will commence in preparation of pouring the slab on deck in the beginning of February.
Take a walking tour of the Roosevelt Island Cornell Tech construction site at this previous November 2015 post.

By ROOSEVELT ISLANDER at 1:16:00 PM 0 comments

Labels: ,

Roosevelt Island NY State Senator Jose Serrano And Assembly Member Rebecca Seawright Holding Roosevelt Island Health Care And Patient Rights Info Forum At Seniors Center Wednesday January 20 - Seawrigh Sponsoring Mobil Breast Screening Mammogram Van February 2 Too

Roosevelt Island's NY State Senator Jose Serrano reports:
The New York StateWide Senior Action Council will be presenting to the senior residents of Roosevelt Island about healthcare and patients rights as well as dual eligibility for medicare and medicaid.  Special thanks to the NYSSAC for partnering with us this month during our constituent hours and bringing their health services to all of the communities within the 29th Senate District.
The presentation will take place Wednesday January 20 at 12:30 PM in the Seniors Center (546 Main Street). Senator Serrano's Roosevelt Island Constituent Office hours will take place same day and place from 11 AM to 2 PM.

More information on the New York StateWide Senior Action Council at their web site. 

Roosevelt Island NY State Assembly Member Rebecca Seawright tweets:
and adds that her office:
... is sponsoring a scan van for breast cancer screenings on Tuesday, February 2nd outside the district office (1365 First Avenue between 73-74 Streets). It is by appointment and is open to all residents in the 76th District. Please call 1-800- 564-6868.

By ROOSEVELT ISLANDER at 11:59:00 AM 0 comments

Labels: , , , , , ,

Sunday, January 17, 2016

First Snow Comes To Roosevelt Island This Winter - Kids Sledding, Playing And Smiley Faces Drawn In The Snow

A light snow fell this afternoon in NYC bringing a smile to Roosevelt Island's Riverwalk Commons


and a nearby car windshield


as kids sledded down the Southtown Hill


and played in the snow


for the first time


this winter season.
Some more scenes


of the Roosevelt Island


snow


today.

By ROOSEVELT ISLANDER at 7:07:00 PM 0 comments

Labels: , ,

Subscribe to: Posts ( Atom )