Department Offerings for March 11 - March 24 (Pages 1-4). Perishable Items (Page 5, 6) are for March 11 - March 17.
Gristedes representative Bob Capano invites Roosevelt Island residents to check out their various product departments for all of your shopping needs.
Also, don't forget the 10% Roosevelt Island Seniors Discount on Tuesday and Wednesday and Sign Up For Gristedes Bonus Cards online or in person at the store.
More Gristedes Supermarket information available at their web site and Twitter feed.
As previously reported,Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) President Charlene Indelicato is leaving RIOC to take a position as Dobbs Ferry Village Administrator. Ms Indelicato's last day at RIOC is March 18. Current RIOC General Counsel Susan Rosenthal will be the Acting President/CEO until a permanent President/CEO is selected.
Ms Indelicato (center) Ms Rosenthal (right) RIOC Board Chair Jamie Rubin (left) at 3/10 Board Meeting
Ms Indelicato gave her final RIOC President's Report at last evening's RIOC Board of Directors meeting.
Ms. Indelicato reviewed her time as RIOC President including:
Fixing the Public Safety Department, regaining the trust of the community,
Negotiating Cornell Tech Agreement with help of Roosevelt Island Community Coalition (RICC),
Improving relationship with FDR Four Freedoms Park,
Cultural Center renovation and use,
Relationship with Board of Directors, residents and RIOC employees.
and noted these upcoming RIOC initiatives
Facilitator for Southpoint Park and Smallpox Hospital,
Cornell Tech Helix Bike Ramp,
Ms. Indelicato concluded:
... Anything that has been accomplished during my tenure has been accomplished because of the employees, the State the Board and many, many residents. If in fact people have been disappointed I have not met expectations, I apologize. I have tried my best... I have done everything I can possibly do...
Following Ms. Indelicato's remarks, the residents, RIOC staff and Board members in audience thanked her for her service to the Roosevelt Island community with a round of applause.
Here's the final Roosevelt Island Report from RIOC President Charlene Indelicato.
RIOC Board Chair Jamie Rubin reported during the meeting that an independent search process for a new RIOC President will be conducted.
UPDATE 12:30 PM - Jamie Rubin, RIOC Board Chair and Commissioner of NYS Homes and Community Renewal, thanks RIOC President Indelicato on her service to the Roosevelt Island community.
RIOC Director Howard Polivy read portions of a statement from Hudson Related Main Street Retail Master Leaseholder David Kramer. According to the statement read by Mr. Polivy:
... tenants actively working on renovating their spaces - NY Public Library, Archdiocese, Urgent Care, CDM Kids...
and:
.... we have a a very exciting lease proposal we are negotiating for one of our most high profile retail locations which we hopefully can talk about soon....
followed by laughter among those present.
Mr. Polivy added that RIOC's interest in Main Street retail is limited to Hudson Related paying their rent to RIOC, which is being done.
RIOC Director Michael Shinozaki noted that RIOC's interest may be greater than just accepting rent from Hudson Related. Mr. Shinozaki thought there was a "claw-back" clause in the Master Lease in the event a tenant does not open within a certain period of time. The other Directors were not sure about any "claw-back" provision for tenants. RIOC President Indelicato said they would check to see if there was such a provision.
RIOC Director Fay Christian said that the Trellis Diner owner told her the long under renovation Trellis would be open in about a month. More laughter followed.
Mr. Polivy concluded:
...Apologies to the public - we wish it would work faster, better....
Here's the full Main Street retail discussion
and latest update from Hudson Related and retail broker Cushman Wakefield given in February.
Even though the Roosevelt Island Cornell Tech campus will not open until 2017, those associated with the project and Cornell University colleagues have become members of the Roosevelt Island community. With sadness, on March 7, Cornell University announced the death of it's President, Elizabeth Garrett.
The Cornell community gathered solemnly across campus in the late afternoon March 7 to pay their respects to Cornell’s 13th president, Elizabeth Garrett, who died the previous day of colon cancer....
Click here for the full Cornell Chronicle article.
The Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Board of Directors will be meeting tomorrow, March 10. Below is the Agenda:
AMENDED AGENDA
MARCH 10, 2016 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. January 28, 2016 Board Meeting (Board Action Required)
IV. Old Business
V. New Business
1. Approval of Amendments to Procurement Guidelines (Board Action Required - Materials to Follow)
2. Authorization to Amend Contract with Nelson & Pope Engineers & Land Surveyors, PLLC for the Bus Garage and Warehouse Renovation Project (Board Action Required)
3. Ratification of Change Order with Architectural & Engineering Group (AEG) for the South Wing Motorgate Garage Repairs (Board Action Required)
4. Appointment of Susan G. Rosenthal to the Position of Acting President/Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation (Board Action Required)
5. President's Report
6. Committee Reports
a. Audit Committee
b. Governance Committee
c. Operations Advisory Committee
d. Real Estate Development Advisory Committee
7. Public Safety Report
VI. Adjournment
1 The RIOC Board Meeting will commence following a public comment period. The public comment period is not part of the meeting.
Ms Rosenthal will hold dual positions as General Counsel and Acting President/CEO.
UPDATE 6 PM - Here's amended agenda for March 10 RIOC Board meeting which includes appointment of new Chief Financial Officer, Vice President Of Operations and approval of Octagon building leasehold interest refinancing.
SECOND AMENDED AGENDA
MARCH 10, 2016 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. January 28, 2016 Board Meeting (Board Action Required)
IV. Old Business
V. New Business
1. Appointment of Susan G. Rosenthal to the Position of Acting President/Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation (Board Action Required)
2. Appointment of Kimberly L. Quinones to the Position of Chief Financial Officer and Vice President for Financial Affairs of the Corporation (Board Action Required)
3. Appointment of Shelton J. Haynes to the Position of Vice President for Operations of the Corporation (Board Action Required)
4. Authorization to Waive the Notice Period and to Consent to MEPT Octagon LLC’s Refinancing its Leasehold Interest in the Octagon Lease (Board Action Required)
5. Authorization to Amend Contract with Nelson & Pope Engineers & Land Surveyors, PLLC for the Bus Garage and Warehouse Renovation Project (Board Action Required)
6. Ratification of Change Order with Architectural & Engineering Group (AEG) for the South Wing Motorgate Garage Repairs (Board Action Required)
7. Authorization to Enter into Contract with Elan Engineering, LLC for Seawall Railing Design and Consulting Services (Board Action Required)
PS/IS 217 Participatory budget projects (Green Roof and Computer Carts) and ways to support the school when shopping on Amazon..
Ms Olavesen adds:
Our families have been working on soliciting Silent Auction donations in our community, throughout Queens, as well as in Manhattan. All donations will be listed in our auction catalog, with the name of the company or individual who made the donation prominently displayed.
The catalog and a list of donors displayed at the auction will be viewed by hundreds of members of our school community and attendees at the auction. If anyone in the community is in a position to donate to our auction, please contact our auction committee at pta217auction@gmail.com.
City Council Participatory Budget Voting dates finalized - SAT 3/26 - SUN 4/3 2016
There are 1 million dollars available for District 5 projects. Residents vote on which projects to fund at voting sites throughout the district. There are 14 projects, 2 for Roosevelt Island.
New this year, request your absentee ballot today and submit or mail in before April 2, 2016.
Computer Carts for 10 Schools Cost: $350,000
Description: 32 computers per cart for: PS77, PS198, PS290, PS/IS217, M225, Eleanor Roosevelt, Urban Academy, Vanguard, Manhattan Intl, & Life Sciences, serving over 5000 students.
STEM Green Roof for PS/IS 217 Cost: $500,000
Description: Finalize funding to build a STEM Green Roof atop PS/IS 217.
Transform 6,750 square feet of unused PS/IS 217 school roof into an outdoor learning hub for science, math, nutrition and the arts. Location: 645 Main Street (Roosevelt Island)
The STEM Green Roof total cost is 1.5M, $500,000 was won last year from PB 2015 and an additional $250,000 was awarded from Manhattan Borough President Gale A. Brewer’s capital funds. PB 2016 is a tremendous opportunity to finalize the funding to transform 6,750 square feet of underutilized riverfront school roof into a Green STEM learning hub with views of Manhattan.
Spread the word and vote. Show our elected officials the island has a powerful voice.
SAVE THE DATES: Several opportunities to vote on or near the island.
Manhattan Park, 20 River Rd.
(During Egg Hunt)
SAT 3/26 | 11 am - 2 pm
F Train @ Roosevelt Island
TUES 3/29 | 4 - 7 pm
Tramway Plaza at 59th St.
WED 3/30 | 4 - 7 pm
PS/IS 217, 645 Main St.
THURS 3/31 | 7:30 - 10:30 am
Eligibility: Anyone living in District 5 (Roosevelt Island, Upper East Side,Midtown East) who is 14 years or older can vote. You don’t need to be a US citizen or a registered voter.
You can also vote in Ben Kallos’ District Office on Upper East Side - District Office, 244 East 93rd St. 3/28-4/1 (Mon-Friday) | 9 am - 6 pm
3/26-27 (Weekends) | 11 am - 5 pm
4/2-4/3 (Weekends) | 11 am - 5 pm
The PTA was so honored to have the overwhelming support of the entire community during the last Participatory Budget cycle, and we are hoping for a repeat this year.
and:
Help the PS/IS 217 PTA when you shop on Amazon!
Just click the unique link BEFORE you add items to your Amazon shopping cart. Bookmark it! Share it with friends, family, and neighbors!
A few things to note:
Order matters: You need to click the link first, shop, and check out. You have to click our link before you put anything in your cart. Items added to your cart without using the link do not earn money for the PTA.
The clock matters: After clicking the link, you have 24 hours to check out for your purchase to count. If you leave the site, or 24 hours pass after clicking the link, you must enter again using the link for the 217 PTA to earn a percentage of the sale.
One purchase per session: If you link, complete a purchase and then need to make another purchase, you have to link again.
You won’t see anything that identifies you as a 217 shopper.
The amount our school can earn ranges from 4% to 10% depending on what is purchased and how much is purchased. The more you shop, the more we earn.
PS/IS 217 PTA does participate in Amazon Smile. Purchases through Amazon Smile earn 1⁄2 percent.
PS/IS 217 PTA earned $3,000 from Amazon shopping in 2015.
The money the PTA is earning from Amazon shopping is steadily increasing as word spreads in the community about how to use the link and help the school. Amazon makes an amazing amount of money from our community from what I can tell when watching those Amazon boxes being delivered along Main Street each day. It would be great to get a percentage of that money back into our neighborhood and into our school.
The New York State Presidential Primary election outcome may matter to both parties for the first time in decades due to the closeness of the Republican and Democratic party races.
If you are a Roosevelt Island Republican (there must be some of you out there), do you favor Marco Rubio, Donald Trump, Ted Cruz or John Kasich to win the Republican Party nomination.
In order to vote in the NY State Republican or Democratic Party Presidential Primary election, you have to be a registered voter. According to this press release today from NY State Governor Andrew Cuomo's office:
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today reminded New Yorkers that they must register to vote by March 25 in order to cast ballots in the upcoming presidential primaries on April 19. New Yorkers looking to register to vote, or to change their enrollment information, can do so easily by using the state's online voter registration service on the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles' website. Since Governor Cuomo launched the system in 2012, more than 256,600 New Yorkers – 80,500 of which were registering for the first time – have registered to vote using the automated online system, MyDMV.
"Thanks to New York State's online portal, it has never been easier for residents to register to vote and participate in the democratic process," Governor Cuomo said. "The ability to vote and choose our representation is one of the most important rights that we are afforded as Americans and I encourage all eligible New Yorkers make sure they are registered ahead of April's presidential primaries."
By following a few simple steps, New Yorkers can easily sign up for a secure MyDMV account and register to vote or access a variety of other services like updating party enrollment or a home address. To create an account, individuals must use their New York State driver license, permit or non-driver ID, last four digits of their Social Security Number, and the ZIP code currently listed on their driver license, permit or non-driver ID record. Upon completion, DMV sends the voter registration applications to the County Board of Elections for action. New Yorkers can use the New York State Board of Elections' website to check their voter registration status.
New York State Department of Motor Vehicles Executive Deputy Commissioner Terri Egan said, "New Yorkers can quickly and easily log onto our website from a computer, tablet, or even a smartphone to register to vote in just minutes. It’s that easy. DMV is proud to offer up an online voter registration process in the state. I encourage those eligible to take a few moments to register, then vote in the primaries to exercise their rights this election season."
To register to vote, a New Yorker must:
· Be a United States citizen.· Be 18 years old by December 31 of the year in which you submit the form (note: you must be 18 years old by the date of the general, primary or other election in which you want to vote).· Live at your present address at least 30 days before an election.· Not be in prison or on parole for a felony conviction.· Not be adjudged mentally incompetent by a court.· Not claim the right to vote elsewhere.
Click here to see a list of frequently asked questions about the voter registration application process. For more information about DMV, visit dmv.ny.gov.
The weather is starting to get warmer and spring is rapidly approaching. Reported yesterday that player registration and volunteer coach sign ups have begun for the 38th annual season of the Roosevelt Island Youth Program (RIYP) Little League Baseball season.
RIYP Executive Director Charlie Defino reports that the Spring Soccer Season
The Roosevelt Island Youth program will be offering a Spring Soccer Season beginning April 9th, 2016. This will be our 1st Spring Soccer Season on Roosevelt Island for youth ages 10 to 16 years of age. All our games will be played on Saturdays from 4pm to 8pm at Octagon Field, please register as soon as possible because we have limited spots available.
The Twilight League in the Spring was requested by many of our players last season, so don't wait too long and remember only sign-up if you can make the commitment for 10 weeks of soccer on Saturday's evenings.
The Roosevelt Island Youth Program Little League Baseball season will begin on Saturday April 2nd with evaluations and the season will start on April 9th, 2016, which will mark the 38th Little League season on Roosevelt Island. The League like all our programs are Free and registration will end on March 31st at midnight. If anyone wishes to volunteer, please state on your child's registration form and /or e-mail us at riyp506@gmail.com or call at 212-935-3645.
Last week, a Roosevelt Island resident noticed a drone flying near Manhattan Park and was creeped out by it. According to Freelancer:
Did anyone else notice the DRONE hovering in the sky over the East River near the southwestern corner of 20 River Road at about 11 a.m. today, Sunday, 2/28? It was hovering at the level of the fifth floor down from the top of the building. Then it went way up in the sky, hovered there, then slowly descended until it disappeared from my view behind the building. Never seen anything like this before. I called Public Safety, but they didn't know what it was. Creepy!
Apply Now for Universal Pre-K, the deadline is THIS Wednesday, March 9, 2016.
All New York City children born in 2012 are eligible to attend free, full-day Pre-K this upcoming fall. Sign up now at nyc.gov/prek
Please email me at upk@benkallos.com once you apply so we can add you to our list of families in need of UPK.
More than 425 seats are currently available in my Council District for 2016-17 from the list below (or visit maps.nyc.gov/upk):
Roosevelt Island Day Nursery (RIDN)
405 Main Street, Roosevelt Island, NY 10044
4 River Road, Roosevelt Island, NY 10044
2016-17 Seats: Currently Seeking DOE Approval
Renanim Manhattan
336 East 61st St, Manhattan, NY 10065
2016-17 Seats: 16 Full day
Following reporting by WNYC in 2014 that Yorkville, Lenox Hill and Roosevelt Island had 2,118 four-year-olds and only 123 pre-K seats, we've been working with parents to pressure the Department of Education to open more seats in my Council District. We successfully doubled the number of seats at P.S./I.S. 217 on Roosevelt Island last year and as of this year have nearly quadrupled the number of seats that were originally reported by WNYC. Thank you to Eva Bosbach along with the Roosevelt Island Parents Network as well as Ariel Chesler and Jack Moran on the East Side whom we are working with to open new seats in the Council District.
We are actively seeking parents to help us organize other families in need of seats as well as providers with whom parents are comfortable with in order to expand the number of Pre-K seats in the district.
As reported February 23, Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) President Charlene Indelicato is leaving her position as of March 18 to take a position as Administrator of the Village of Dobbs Ferry. Current RIOC General Counsel Susan Rosenthal is expected to be named interim RIOC President pending the selection of a permanent President.
RIOC is also currently seeking to fill vacancies for Chief Financial Officer and Vice President of Operations.
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that a special meeting of the Board of Directors will be held on Monday, March 7, 2016 at 5:30 p.m. at The Cultural Center Roosevelt Room, 548 Main Street, Roosevelt Island, New York for the purpose of transacting such business as shall come before the Board.
AGENDA
I. Call to Order
II. Roll Call
III. Old Business
IV. New Business
1. Chair's Motion for Executive Session to Review and Discuss Personnel Matters; and
2. Any Other Business Which may be Brought Before the Board of Directors.
V. Adjournment
* * *
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.
...matters leading to the appointment, employment, promotion, demotion, discipline, suspension, dismissal or removal of a particular person or corporation;...
Following the RIOC Special Board meeting, a public meeting of the RIOC Real Estate Development Advisory Committee will be held. According to RIOC:
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that a meeting of the Real Estate Development Advisory Committee of the RIOC Board of Directors will be held on Monday, March 7, 2016 at 6:30 p.m. at The Cultural Center Roosevelt Room, 548 Main Street, Roosevelt Island, New York.
Agenda:
Update on Master Retail Sublease.
Update on Wayfinding Signage.
Discussion of Community Space Usage, Including Sports Venues.
Update on Infrastructure and Facilities Projects.
Any Other Committee Business That May be Brought Before the Committee
***
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.
An audio web cast of the RIOC Real Estate Committee meeting will be available soon thereafter.
Thank you to everyone who came out and made our first Winter Wonderland family dance such a success! It was so wonderful to see everyone on the dance floor having fun, joining the roaming conga line, and showing off their fancy footwork. We’re already looking forward to doing it again next year!.......
No service at 6 Av stations: 14 St, 23 St, 34 St, 42 St, 47-50 Sts, and 57 St
FASTRACK begins weeknights at 10 PM and ends 5 AM the next morning. This service change will run nightly from March 7 - 11 and March 14 - 18. Read on for more information.
D subway and F subway trains are rerouted via the 8 Av line
... FASTRACK is a subway maintenance, cleaning, and repair program that shuts down segments of a subway line for several hours over consecutive weeknights, allowing our employees to perform a number of critical maintenance jobs. The line shutdown approach has proven successful in that, under normal conditions in our 24/7 system, the scope and breadth of this important work would be impossible to accomplish with customers and trains moving through work areas. Thus far, since FASTRACK began in 2012, the results have had a positive impact on service with a reduction in train delays and a decrease in the number of track fires, while realizing cost efficiencies and a lower accident rate for employees.
FASTRACK tasks typically include:
• Track – remove debris and repair or replace tie blocks and running rails.
• Third Rail Operations – clean and remove debris from under and around the third rail.
• Signals – perform general maintenance on signals and switches and replace dispatcher holding lights.
• Infrastructure – repair or replace handrails, signs, and tunnel lighting. Clean track drains and repair water damage/leaks.
• Electronic Maintenance – optimize performance of closed-circuit television monitors and cameras. Inspect and test public address system equipment.
• Station Environment – perform high-intensity station cleaning and painting as well as perform elevator and escalator repair work. Clean vents and drains....
The MTA has issued a service advisory for the F train, which may affect travel plans. Please plan your travel accordingly and visit mta.info or call 511 for more information. For electronic updates on F Train service, sign up for MTA Alerts at mymtaalerts.com.
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.
