Veterans Day 2016 - Thank You To All Members Of The Military For Your Service

Today is Veteran's Day.

  Image From History.com Video

 According to History.com:

On the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918, an armistice, or temporary cessation of hostilities, was declared between the Allied nations and Germany in the First World War, then known as "the Great War." Commemorated as Armistice Day beginning the following year, November 11th became a legal federal holiday in the United States in 1938. In the aftermath of World War II and the Korean War, Armistice Day became Veterans Day, a holiday dedicated to American veterans of all wars...

If you know a Veteran or see one on the street today, please take a brief moment to thank them for their service to our country. Also, don't just thank them today but do it throughout the year and thank our active duty soldiers as well.



Here's President Barack Obama's Veterans Day Address today at the Arlington National Cemetery,



the wreath laying ceremony at the Tomb Of The Unknown Solider,



scenes from 2016 NYC Veterans Day Parade on Fifth Avenue



and a remembrance

You Tube Video of Norah Jones Veterans Day Montage - American Anthem

in song.

Roosevelt Island Roosevelt Landings Residents Thanked By Building Management Urban American For Providing Information On Illegal Activities In Apartments And Public Hallways - Will Continue To Improve Quality Of Life For Roosevelt Landings Residents Says UA

Residents of Roosevelt Island's Roosevelt Landings

 Image Of Roosevelt Landings

received the following notice

from their building management, Urban American, yesterday. According to the notice:

Dear Residents

I'd like to thank all the Residents who came forward providing Management and the Police Department with information and personal observations regarding individuals in you building who engage in illegal activities.

We will continue to work with Public Safety and our Police Department to improve the "quality of life" for all our residents. Management is collecting camera images of those responsible for these activities and providing this footage to the NYPD.

It is important for our Resident's to understand that the smoking of illegal substances behind your closed doors or in public hallways will not be tolerated. For those Residents engaging in this activity, Management will consider the non-renewal of leases and report this behavior to the appropriate authorities, including City, State and Federal Agencies. We strongly encourage parents to monitor the behavior of their children and visitors.

Please know that all information provided to Management, Public Safety or NYPD is considered confidential.

Thank you.

Urban American

Last February, residents of Roosevelt Landings brought their concerns about quality of life issues, such as teens smoking and loitering in the hallways, to a meeting of the Roosevelt Island Residents Association (RIRA) Public Safety Committee and asked Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Public Safety Department Chief Jack McManus for assistance.

Here's a portion of that discussion.



More of the discussion here.

Good News, Roosevelt Island F Train Service To And From Roosevelt Island This Weekend - Bad News, Only 1 Tram Cabin In Service For Rest Of November

The good news is according to the MTA Weekender, there will be Roosevelt Island F Train

service to and from Manhattan this weekend.

The bad news, as previously reported, is there will only be 1 Roosevelt Island Tram cabin in service for the rest of November:

... Leitner-Poma, operator of the Roosevelt Island Tramway, has advised that, due to required inspections and maintenance on both Tram cabins (including the replacement of both cabin floors), the Tram will operate with one cabin, running on a peak schedule during the month of November....

If this is what the #rooseveltisland tram is like with one car down. I can't wait till #Cornelltech opens. 🙄😧 pic.twitter.com/Qdw3I0OgAJ

— NamelyNorm (@NamelyNorm) November 9, 2016

UPDATE 6:15 PM - A tipster reports very crowded Tram ride home this evening:

Leaving Manhattan, Tram super full, people don't fit in and have to wait for the next one. 1/3 to 1/2 left on platform.

and shares this photo

from tonight's Tram ride home to Roosevelt Island.

RIRA Recommends Public Purpose Funds Allocations Of $100 Thousand To These Roosevelt Island Non Profit Organizations

The Roosevelt Island Residents Association (RIRA) Common Council yesterday approved the recommendations of RIRA's Public Purpose Funds Committee for the allocation of $100,000 to local Roosevelt Island non-profit organizations.

  Pile Of Money Image From Passive Income Genius

RIRA Public Purpose Funds Committee Chair Dave Evans reports:

I am pleased with the outcomes related to the discussion by the Common Council of the RIRA Public Purpose Fund Committee report Wednesday evening, November 9. This was done as part of old business in advance of formally seating the recently elected Council under new business.  After discussions in response to various questions, the report that recommended funds for all nine applicants was approved.

Subsequent to completion of a few administrative details, the report is envisioned for review and approval during an upcoming meeting of the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Board of Directors as early as next month on December 8. For all of this, I am extremely thankful for the efforts of the smart, dedicated ladies who served on the Committee.

Below is the memo sent by the RIRA Public Purpose Funds Committee to RIOC.

The RIRA Common Council’s PPF Committee reviewed the RIOC-provided applications of nine qualified applicants, one of which is new to the Island, seeking funds for their respective programs. The Common Council approved the Committee’s report during a meeting on November 9, 2016 and also took note of the increasing need for public purpose funding in our growing Roosevelt Island community.

Given the above need and having in mind current PPF-related legislation associated with PPF distribution, we are anticipating increased funding as early as the next fiscal year distributions. The legislative stipulation, that up to 3% of the RIOC operating budget is for such funding, offers prospects for serving the qualified non-profits, and thus the community, in a more robust manner.

Further to the above, it is with pleasure that we provide you the attached funding recommendations for your review and approval. If any questions, please let us know and also when this matter will be on the agenda for the review and approval consideration of the Corporation’s Board. The Committee will provide under separate cover the Summary Sheet/Evaluation Forms its members were asked to complete and the other documentation you do and might require.

We thank RIOC for its continued support to the community and for the on-going the efforts associated with public purpose funding. Additionally, we thank you for allowing the RIRA-Common Council to provide inputs to the important process of availing grants to qualified Roosevelt Island applicants....

And the Committee recommendations for allocation of funds to the respective organizations.

Roosevelt Island Residents Association – Common Council

Approved November 9, 2016

Summary of FY 2016-2017 Public Purpose Fund (PPF) Committee Funding Recommendations Date Finalized - November 9, 2016

SPECIAL NOTE 1: THE COMMITTEE STRONGLY URGES THAT FUNDS RECOMMENDED TO ANY ORGANIZATION(S) THAT FOR REASONS ARE NOT USED IN WHOLE OR IN PART BE EQUALLY DIVIDED FOR DISBURSEMENT TO THE REMAINING APPLICANTS FOR THESE FUNDS.

SPECIAL NOTE 2: THE COMMITTEE STRONGLY URGES THAT RIOC IMPLEMENTS SOONEST THE APPROVED PPF-RELATED NYS LEGISLATION THAT STIPULATES THE ALLOCATION TO QUALIFIED ISLAND ORGANIZATIONS OF PPF AT UP TO 3% OF THE RIOC OPERATING BUDGET.

Following are the Committee funding recommendations...:

1. Carter Burden
Amount Requested: $20,000 Amount Recommended: $5,400

Carter Burden is new to the Island as of 1 July 2016 to specifically manage the Senior Center. They bring with them broad experience in availing programs/activities for seniors 60 or older. Two and one/half percent of their over $8M operating budget is devoted to the Island. Their operating hours are Monday thru Friday, 9am – 5pm. The programs offered (e.g., exercise, health/wellness, technical classes, etc.) as well as meals are free to recipients. Carter Burden envisions offering high quality programs and seeks Public Purpose Funds to cover costs such as for consultants and other costs associated with the aforementioned examples of classes offered. Given the above, the Committee believes PPF would be appropriate to at least initially help cover costs of their programs here as they settle onto the Island.


2. Island Kids

Amount Requested: $20,000 Amount Recommended: $10,400

The Island Kids program is well-known and well-received on the Island. The Public Purpose Funds are envisioned to especially help provide a foundation for establishment of an after school scholarship program for K-3. There is also the well-known and highly regarded summer camp program for pre-K through 10. Though these programs do have a cost, such is not meant to serve as a barrier to participation. In fact, the goal is to be inclusive, using scholarships to help ensure that children, who otherwise could not attend, can attend free or at a much reduced rate. The Committee believes this organization provides a valuable service to the Island. Given the continuing growth/increase of young families as part of the Island population, the demand for these services will most likely continue to increase.


3. Life Frames, Inc.

Amount Requested: $19,900 Amount Recommended: $6,200

The Life Frames program continues to be directed by an energetic leadership and supporting staff inclusive of parental support. Observations continue to confirm that many children actively and enthusiastically participate in the gardening activities, primarily at the gardening site behind the Youth Center Building 504. At this primary operating location and, when the children are there with instructors, it is a delight to observe the joy and lessons it provides them. As noted in prior years, Life Frames seems well-funded in California but continues to face more challenges in growing its funding efforts in New York City. Even taking note of the operating budget, the percentage of it applicable to Roosevelt Island is not clear. The funding challenge continues to impact the programs of this organization with a rich history on the Island. As such, better clarity relative to the breadth of what Life Frames actually does on the Island beyond the aforementioned gardening could be beneficial.


4. Main Street Theater and Dance Alliance

Amount Requested: $35,000 Amount Recommended: $19,300

It is obvious that MST&DA has continued to make significant strides to the point it seems fully recovered from the tragic storm Sandy that affected them and others on the Island. Importantly and most noticeable, their programs (for all age groups) and membership continue to expand, with many opportunities for the Island population. Of special note, in addition to their offerings for Island young adults, is the high number of children at PS 217 they touch at all grade levels. They partnered successfully with Beacon and Island Kids to provide theater at no cost to their summer programs. Going forward, MST&DA desires to maintain and expand staff, arts education, and further enrichment of Island cultural life. These goals are worthy of public purpose funding.


5. PS/IS 217 Parent Teachers Association (PTA)

Amount Requested: $28,840 Amount Recommended: $18,000

The Island PS-IS/217 is fortunate to have an active PTA that provides broad/significant support to its overall mission to educate children of the community. The essence of the funding request is to sustain continued support to a program (Salvadori Centre Globe) that focuses on a project-based approach to learning math and science. Grades 3, 6, 7 and 8 (comprising 180 primarily Island students), will benefit from this program in an effort to further increase the number of students who achieve proficiency ratings on the NY State exams. The committee believes this enrichment effort could provide medium to high benefit and will contribute to and enhance student performance in science, technology, engineering and math now and in the future. It is thought that Salvadori contributes to increases in test performance and in mitigating the loss of our promising students to other schools.


6. Roosevelt Island Disabled Association (RIDA)

Amount Requested: $10,000 Amount Recommended: $10,000

The RIDA efforts continue to include strong advocacy for quality of life matters for the disabled population of the Island. The RIDA bus comprises 60% of the costs associated with their program(s) for the disabled. Over 70 disabled individuals living on Roosevelt Island derive benefits that improve their quality of life through enhanced mobility. Included are motorized and manual wheelchairs as well as other mobility-related devices to support their needs. The bus is capable of transporting ten wheelchair passengers and others. RIDA also assists with transportation for the food program of the Manhattan Borough President. This benefits the disabled (and others) by availing food from June through November. Such collective efforts are of high value to the Island.


7. Roosevelt Island Historical Society (RIHS)

Amount Requested: $25,700 Amount Recommended: $8,800

The RIHS Kiosk is well located and it is hoped the signage will help encourage pedestrian traffic its way. Though not sure of the feasibility, the Committee thinks management considerations going forward should include an adjustment of operating hours that coincide to heaviest pedestrian traffic. For example, such might be later in the day/early evenings and weekends. With estimates of 45,000 visitors per year, a strategically located donation receptacle could prove beneficial. Similar considerations have been suggested in prior years. The funding requested that resonated most with the Committee included funds that could be aimed at additional staff support and support to the Historian.


8. Roosevelt Island Senior Association (RISA)

Amount Requested: $30,000 Amount Recommended: $12,100

RISA is showing its flexibility in serving the senior population after recent changes on the Island. Part of the strength of this new RISA, according to their objectives, will be arrangements for serving the needs of seniors with new operating hours, inclusive of weekends. The Committee noted the broader age range that could benefit from senior-oriented programs and activities, thus potentially a greater number of participants. The funding recommended is intended to give the new RISA an opportunity to show its mettle.


9. Roosevelt Island Visual Arts Association (RIVAA)

Amount Requested: $44,000 Amount Recommended: $9,800

The RIVAA application has been rather consistent over the past few years. RIVAA struggles with rent and utility bills and these costs of operations form the essence of a request for PPF funds. The application for the funds also clearly shows arrears of $10k for rent in addition to current charges. In prior times, the Committee has suggested aggressive fund-raising efforts, attention to gallery membership and prospects for dues to help off-set expenses. The aforementioned has not worked for RIVAA nor seemingly pursued with rigor. The question remains to the Island as to how there can be a boost to the operating viability of such a pleasurable gallery, appropriately situated at a nice location on the Island.

RIRA Island House Common Council Council Member Frank Farance raised objections to RIRA's approval of the Public Purpose Committee recommendations. Mr.Farance sent the following email to RIOC President Susan Rosenthal, RIRA President Jeff Escobar and others earlier today:

Last night at the RIRA meeting, we approved (on very short notice) a set of allocations for PPF applicants. At the prior RIRA meeting, we approved (via last minute proposal) the group of people reviewing the PPF applications. RIOC notified the public about presentations with very short notice (24 hours). Everything is being rushed, and we could have done this much better....

... While Jeff Escobar asked Common Council members for their interests, and then determined who would be Conflicted Out (I believe his decision-making is, largely, correct), what happened thereafter was not consistent with RIRA's Conflict of Interest Policy and not consistent with NYS law, as described by the Attorney General.

At last night's meeting, people who were Conflicted Out were permitted to participate in the discussion, including discussion of money allocations, of which several of them had financial interest (as PPF applicants), and spouses of RIOC Board members participated in the discussion. For example, Sherie Helstien is a member of the Roosevelt Island Seniors Association (RISA) whose PPF money allocations were being discussed last night, and she participated in that discussion, including suggesting different money allocations (which would benefit her organization). Lynne Strong-Shinozaki participated in the discussion, who has several conflicts (Trustee of RI Historical Society, one of the PPF applicants, and spouse of RIOC Board member). In additional, Lynne was discussing RIOC PPF, including the RI Youth Program's receiving Public Purpose Funds.

RIRA Conflict of Interest Policy: "Any Common Council member in attendance shall in advance of or as soon as it is recognized during Council consideration of a matter representing a conflict of interest shall not deliberate or vote on such matter and shall so indicate by stating "not voting due to conflict of interest"."

Apparent Violation: Those who were Conflicted Out participated in the deliberations.

RIRA Conflict of Interest Policy: "A member with a financial Conflict of Interest is required to leave the room during deliberations and voting. A member whose Conflict of Interest is due to a relationship with government or with other Island entities (see Part II below) is not required to leave the room during deliberations and voting."

Apparent Violation: Those who were Conflicted Out with financial conflict of interest participated in the deliberations.

Attorney General Guidance: "3. Requirement that the person with the conflict of interest not be present at or participate in board or committee deliberations or vote on the matter giving rise to such conflict. (N-PCL § 715-a(b)(3))."

Apparent Violation: Those who were Conflicted Out participated in the deliberations.

Attorney General Guidance: "4. Prohibition of any attempt by the person with the conflict to improperly influence the deliberations or voting on the matter giving rise to such conflict. (N-PCL § 715-a(b)(4))."

Apparent Violation: Some of those who were Conflicted Out improperly influenced the deliberations.

I raised a Point Of Order (via Roberts Rules) to object to the improper discussion by Conflicted Out members, but Jeff Escobar ruled my objection as not a Point Of Order. I believe it is a Point Of Order because it involves the organization's procedures as per discussion in meeting conducted by Roberts Rules.

On top of that, the proposed allocations were described inadequately: we (RIRA) have no idea what the money will be spent *FOR*. Yes, we know WHO is recommended, but not WHAT it will be spent for. Several of us asked Dave Evans (Chair of the RIRA PPF Ad Hoc) questions about the spending of the monies and criteria used, but largely there were a lack of answers. The discussion was shut down as Lynne(!) made the motion to table the decision-making ... Lynne's involvement seems wholly inappropriate, in light of her conflict.

In other words, if you read what was given to RIRA for decision-making, it is hard to know what we are getting for our money, i.e., RIRA is making decisions about recommending RIOC's spending of money without knowledge of what it will be spent upon. This lack of detail is inadequate for RIRA's decision-making, and inadequate for an organization making recommendations to RIOC.

I recognize that these concerns need to be addressed in a short time frame. I am available if you need further information.

More information on Roosevelt Island Public Purpose Funds including October 26-27 presentations made by Public Purpose Funds applicants to the RIRA Public Purpose Funds Committee are available on audio at the RIOC web site here and here.

You're Invited Tonight, November 10, To Presentation Of Conceptual Plans For Future Use Of Roosevelt Island's Southpoint Park Open Space - RIOC Seeking Your Input And Feedback

 Image Of Southpoint Park From Google Maps

As previously reported, the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) hired the Fitzgerald & Halliday consulting firm to study



and propose a Community Plan for future uses of Southpoint Park.

Image From Southhpoint Community Plan

According to the Community Plan For Southpoint Open Spaces Project Overview:

The purpose of the Community Plan for Southpoint Open Space is to develop an implementable plan that will guide the future of Southpoint Park and the Smallpox Hospital for the next ten years. Community engagement is a key component of each phase of the design process, and this will ensure the Plan truly reflects the community's priorities, values, and vision....

Image From Southpoint Community Plan

According to RIOC:

Come to the November 10th Public Meeting about the future of Southpoint Open Space!

Get involved and tell us what you think.

Join us at the next public meeting for the Community Plan for Southpoint Open Space on Thursday, November 10th from 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM at The Child School Legacy HS on 566 Main Street (directly across from M&D Deli).

The meeting will begin at 6:30 PM with an informal open house. A brief presentation of the draft concepts for the Open Space will begin at 7:00 PM, followed by will be an opportunity to submit your input and feedback through various activities and discussion.

We look forward to seeing you on Thursday, November 10th at 6:30 PM!

Visit the project website to learn more about how you can get involved: www.SouthpointCommunityPlan.com

To share and view images of Southpoint Open Space on Flickr page at www.flickr.com/photos/southpointopenspacecommunityplan/

Have a comment or suggestion? Email us at SouthpointOpenSpace@gmail.com

During a very hot summer day in July 2016, residents, of Roosevelt Island talked to Fitzgerald & Halliday representatives about how Southpoint Park is currently used. Residents accurately described Southpoint Park as follows:

... we come to this park in motion. we don't stay...

and:

... it's scarcely used. It's empty except for some poor tourists who got lost...

and:

... beautiful views...

More information available at the Community Plan For Southpoint Open Space web site.

Roosevelt Island Residents Association (RIRA) November 2016 Common Council Meeting Tonight, Seating Of New Members And Public Purpose Funds On Agenda - You're Invited To Attend And Raise Issues Of Concern

The Roosevelt Island Residents Association (RIRA) Common Council will meet this evening, June 1, at 8:00 PM in the Good Shepherd Community Center (543 Main Street).

Among the items on the Agenda is the report and recommendations from the Public Purpose Funds Committee on the allocation of Public Purpose Funds as well as the seating of the newly elected RIRA Common Council.

As always, prior to the start of each monthly meeting there is a Public Session in which residents can come and address the Common Council Delegates on any issue of concern.

Here's the Agenda:

The new RIRA Common Council Members are:

President

Jeffrey Escobar


Vice President

Lynne Shinozaki


Southtown

Sheldon Brook

Barbara Brook

Sharon Lee Williams

Janet Falk

Melissa Wade

Aaron Hamburger

Mickey Rindler

David Evans


Rivercross

Noah Keating

Laura Hussey

Ethel Romm


Island House

Adib Mansour

Andrew Giacolone

Rossana Ceruzzi


1st Alternate: Lydia Tang

2nd Alternate: Robert Manukyan

3rd Alternate: Frank Farance


Roosevelt Landing

Cynthia Ahn

Shirley Coley

Joyce Short

Anna White

Linda M Hall

Dimoura Cole

Carolyn Christianson


Westview

Erin Feely-Nahem

David Lawson

Irena Durkovic


1st Alternate: Bafodé Dramé


Manhattan Park


Jim Bates 4RR

Christopher Gassman 30RR

Shuang Yu 40RR

Asaf Eyal 40RR

Jacob Scott Clode 40RR


Octagon

Andrea Jones

Cindy Wilkerson

UPDATE 11/19 - RIRA provided the vote tally for the Common Council 2016 election below.

For President, Vice President (President and Vice President candidates ran unopposed) and building representatives:

Also, building vote tally for President and Vice President.

Roosevelt Island Residents Vote Overwhelmingly For Hillary Clinton But Donald Trump Wins And Is President Elect - Are You And Your Kids OK?

According to the NYC Board of Elections, Roosevelt Island residents

 Roosevelt Island Residents Voting At PS/IS 217 11/8/16

voted in yesterday's Presidential Election as follows:

• Clinton 2,229
• Trump 331
• Stein 70
• Johnson 34
• Write in 28

These numbers do not include the votes from the Election District 87 (the Octagon Building) which for some reason have not been reported in this tally.

The vote tally for Roosevelt Island Election Districts (82 E.D. - 87) from the NYC Board of Elections is here. 

The NY Times reports that Donald Trump received 279 Electoral Votes (270 needed for victory) to Hillary Clinton's 228. Ms. Clinton received more total votes 59,733,960 (47.7%) to Donald Trump's 59,520,324 (47.5%). Arizona's vote is not final yet and is not counted in this tally.

Have you come to terms yet with the results of yesterday's Presidential election? Does the phrase President-Elect Donald Trump fill you with gloom about the future of America, make you happy or just resigned to the next 4 years of President Trump?

The Roosevelt Island Twitterverse reacts to President-Elect Donald Trump today.

I don't think I've ever ridden a subway car that was so full yet so silent

— Nick Turner (@SFNick) November 9, 2016

@SFNick @Rooseveltisland I think New York is in a state of shock about what country we belong to...

— Amanda Sadlier (@amandasadlier) November 9, 2016

Walking past Starbucks on Roosevelt Island, NY, playing Bob Marley's Three Little Birds. Doesn't feel like everything's going to be alright

— Carl Packman (@CarlPackman) November 9, 2016

A Roosevelt Island resident known as "The Walrus" recommends this NYU Langone Center Webinar on helping you and your child deal with the election results:

A free 30-minute webinar for parents and caregivers from the Child Study Center, part of Hassenfeld Children's Hospital of New York at NYU Langone.

Whether your emotional reaction to Tuesday nights presidential election results was joy or anger, as a parent you may find yourself in the position to explain and answer questions about politics and the presidential election results to your child....

How do we talk to our children about Donald Trump's victory? https://t.co/SRlJmyJeWe

— The New Yorker (@NewYorker) November 9, 2016

Here's President-Elect Donald Trump's Victory speech last night,



Hillary Clinton's concession speech today



and President Barack Obama's remarks



 on the Presidential transition today.

UPDATE 11/10 - President Obama met with President-Elect Trump today.

.@realDonaldTrump on meeting with @POTUS: "I very much look forward with dealing with the president in the future" pic.twitter.com/A7lCpHPNea

— POLITICO (@politico) November 10, 2016

Is it possible that Obama and Trump can work together?

Applebee's Honors Veterans Day With Free Lunch Friday November 11 - Roosevelt Island Disabled Association Invites Local Veterans To Join Them At Applebee's Astoria Restaurant For Lunch

Roosevelt Island Disabled Association President and U.S. veteran Jim Bates reports:

Applebee's restaurant will give free lunch to any veteran on Veterans Day, Friday November 11.

Image From Applebee's

The Roosevelt Island Disabled Association will be providing free transportation on our bus to any Roosevelt Island veteran who would like to join us for lunch at the Astoria, Queens Applebee's.



Please contact me by email to come with us for a free Veterans Day Lunch at Applebee's.

As previously reported, Roosevelt Island resident, David Kraut, also a Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Board Director and U.S. veteran is interested in forming a Roosevelt Island Veterans Association.

If you are interested in joining, more info available here.

RIOC Update On Roosevelt Island Tram Service Disruptions This Month, Only 1 Tram Cabin Running At A Time Due To Necessary Equipment Maintenance, Alternative Transportation Options Too

As reported November 3:

... Leitner-Poma, operator of the Roosevelt Island Tramway, has advised that, due to required inspections and maintenance on both Tram cabins (including the replacement of both cabin floors), the Tram will operate with one cabin, running on a peak schedule during the month of November....

A resident took to twitter last night, November 7, reporting on the crowded Tram cabins caused by the service disruption.

Only one tram running. One closed for repairs. But I see no repairs. #rioc @ Roosevelt Island… https://t.co/tZlR4R2Pbf

— Bruce Knotts (@brucefk49) November 8, 2016

#rioc tram mess. No good reason for this chaos @ Roosevelt Island Tramway https://t.co/c8cimkiNb8

— Bruce Knotts (@brucefk49) November 8, 2016

Only one tram running. One closed for repairs. But I see no repairs. #rioc

A photo posted by Bruce Knotts (@bknotts49) on Nov 7, 2016 at 4:32pm PST

Today, Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) issued this statement regarding the Tram Service disruption:

Unfortunately, the reduction of Tram service during the month of November will pose challenges to the regular commuter schedule of our community, but the inspections and maintenance currently in progress are required given the hours and cycles of operation of the Tram, especially with the upcoming winter season. This work will ensure the integrity of the equipment of the Tram and the longevity of its components. Part of this work requires the dismantling and reassembling of the Tram’s operational equipment and takes an extended amount of time to safely and successfully complete on both cabins. The Tram cabin in operation will depart the platform as soon as it is fully loaded to help reduce wait times as much as possible. We appreciate your patience during this necessary reduction of service.

Alternative transportation options include:

1. Red Bus Shuttle Service to and from Roosevelt Island (see full details at https://rioc.ny.gov/pdf/TramBusShuttle.pdf)

2. Q102 Bus Service to Queens (http://web.mta.info/busco/schedules/q102cur.pdf)

3. F Train Service to both Queens and Manhattan (https://rioc.ny.gov/pdf/TramBusShuttle.pdf)

Note: The MTA has notified RIOC that there are no scheduled service disruptions for Roosevelt Island throughout November.

UPDATE 11/9:

If this is what the #rooseveltisland tram is like with one car down. I can't wait till #Cornelltech opens. 🙄😧 pic.twitter.com/Qdw3I0OgAJ

— NamelyNorm (@NamelyNorm) November 9, 2016

Roosevelt Island PS/IS 217 Election Voting Machine Scanners Broken This Morning - NYC Board Of Election Sending Technician To Fix, Say All Votes Will Be Counted

Received report from residents this morning that Roosevelt Island PS/IS 217 election voting machine scanners are broken.

@Rooseveltisland Two of Three scanning machines at PS 217 polling place out of order. #YouHadOneJob

— Ryan Ashley (@Rashley02) November 8, 2016

@Rooseveltisland No, and no one was even looking at them. I asked what happens if the last one broke and they "didn't want to think about it

— Ryan Ashley (@Rashley02) November 8, 2016

@Rooseveltisland @Rashley02 now all the scanners are down

— G (@gdr617) November 8, 2016

Scanners down @ Roosevelt Island polling. Large crowd waiting for someone to come fix the scanner. @ABC7NY

— Beth Covell Markham (@BethMarkham) November 8, 2016

Scanners are out on roosevelt island. This has got to be a joke #scanner#countmyvote#brokensystem#thisisbull

— Allegra Levy (@allegralevyjazz) November 8, 2016

.@BOENYC hearing all machines are down on @Rooseveltisland, so they're putting them in a box to scan later. Can you send someone to fix?

— Kim Moscaritolo (@kimmosc) November 8, 2016

The NYC Board of Elections replies that a technician is on the way to fix the scanning machines and that all votes will be counted.

@BOENYC @kimmosc please keep me advised of what is happening @BenKallos

— Roosevelt Islander (@Rooseveltisland) November 8, 2016

My polling place is a shit show but I voted! (@ Roosevelt Island Public School 217) https://t.co/o1SayukGoV pic.twitter.com/MqeHDi3CR6

— NamelyNorm (@NamelyNorm) November 8, 2016

Stay tuned.

UPDATE 11 AM - Roosevelt Island's NYC Council Member Ben Kallos adds:

@Rooseveltisland @BOENYC @electionland please vote on paper ballots. Scanners don't needed to be working to have your vote counted

— Ben Kallos (@BenKallos) November 8, 2016

and:

@Rashley02 @BenKallos @Rooseveltisland @electionland - All Affidavits are opened and counted before official certification.

— NYCBoardOfElections (@BOENYC) November 8, 2016

UPDATE 5 PM - The scanning machines were fixed and

working by about 11 AM. Turnout at PS/IS 217

was reported to be high as of this afternoon.

Roosevelt Island 2016 Presidential Election Voting Locations - Will It Be Clinton Or Trump, At Least It Will Be Over

Well, the 2016 Presidential election will finally be decided tomorrow, November 8. Will it be Hillary Clinton or Donald Trump?

If you're a political junkie, you may feel like Chris Hayes who tweets:

Feels like a combination of Christmas Eve and the day before major, possibly life-threatening surgery.

— Christopher Hayes (@chrislhayes) November 7, 2016

The voting location for all Roosevelt Island eligible voters is at PS/IS 217 (645 Main Street) except for Octagon residents who vote at Coler Hospital (900 Main Street). Polls are open from 6 AM - 9 PM.

According to the NYC Board of Elections:

You can vote ONLY at your designated polling place. Make sure you are at the correct polling site and Election District (E.D.) for your address.

Roosevelt Island Election Districts are below:

82 Election District 405, 415, 425, 455 Main Street.

83 Election District 531, 551, 555, 575 Main Street

84 Election District 465, 475, 480, 510 516, 536, 540, 546, 556, 560 Main Street

85 Election District 576, 580, 595, 625 Main Street

86 Election District 2, 4, 10, 20, 30, 40 River Road

87 Election District 888 Main Street voting at Coler Hospital, 900 Main St.

Here's Donald Trump's Argument For America



and Hillary Clinton's Story Of Us.



How do you choose between Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton for President? Late Night with Seth Myers provides some help.



I'm going to miss



President Barack Obama.

Have You Fallen Or Concerned About Falling? You're Invited To Balance Workshop Hosted By Carter Burden Roosevelt Island Senior Center Presented By Sutton Place Physical Therapy Thursday November 10

The Carter Burden Center For The Aging Roosevelt Island Senior Center is hosting  a Balance workshop to show:

• What you can do to prevent a fall,
• Who is at risk for falling and
• What is balance?

on Thursday, November 10 from 1 -2:30 PM at 546 Main Street.

The workshop is presented by Carol Stillman, a physical therapist and owner of Sutton Place Physical Therapy. Ms.Stillman reports:

I see many patients from Roosevelt island in my office and was interested in reaching out to your community.

I am passionate about preventing falls and this will be a fun and educational presentation.

If you wish to attend, please contact Ms. Stillman at 212 980 1888.

The workshop is limited to 15 participants.

More information on Sutton Place Physical Therapy and the Carter Burden Roosevelt Island Senior Program at their web sites.

Roosevelt Island Tram Provides Great View Of New York City Marathon Runners Going Up First Avenue - Don't Forget, Only 1 Tram Cabin Operating For Rest Of November Starting Tomorrow November 7

The Roosevelt Island twitterverse shows us NYC Marathon runners heading up First Avenue today.

NYC Marathon from the Roosevelt Island Tram #ABC7now pic.twitter.com/0DTQNcAYrC

— Elena Quevedo (@elena_equevedo) November 6, 2016

View from Roosevelt Island tram #nycmarathon pic.twitter.com/P65Xg5WMVR

— Matt Lee (@jmattlee) November 6, 2016

Any Roosevelt Island residents run in the Marathon today?

Don't forget - only 1 Roosevelt Island Tram cabin operating for the rest of November starting tomorrow, November 7.

Image From RIOC

Plan on crowded Trams until both cabins back in service.

Candidate Statements For The 2016 Roosevelt Island Residents Association (RIRA) Common Council - All Roosevelt Island Residents Can Vote In The Tuesday November 8 Election

The Roosevelt Island Residents Association (RIRA) 2016 Common Council election takes place Tuesday, November 8. All Roosevelt Island residents, 18 years of age or older, US citizens and non-citizens, are eligible to vote.

Image From RIRA

Current RIRA President Jeffrey Escobar is running unopposed to return as President. Manhattan Park resident Lynn Strong-Shinozaki, currently Social, Cultural & Educational Committee Chair is running unopposed for Vice-President.

Below are statements from Mr. Escobar, Ms. Shinozaki and candidates running to be Common Council Members from their respective buildings.

RIRA Common Council Candidates' Statements 

Click here to view the 2016 RIRA Common Council Candidates on a separate page.