RIRA Island Services Committee Reports On Roosevelt Island Transportation Advisories, Road Striping, Motorgate Upgrades, New Tram Elevators, Tram Platform Renovation, Seawall Railings, Blackwell House, Holiday Decorations, Signage & More

Roosevelt Island Residents Association (RIRA) Island Services Committee (ISC) Chair Aaron Hamburger reported to the December 6 Common Council meeting complimenting the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) on improvements to their transportation advisory messages. Mr Hamburger also gave his time estimation of Roosevelt Island Tram elevator construction being completed in 2019, later than RIOC's estimate of late 2018.



Below is the written ISC Committee

  Image From RIRA

report to the RIRA December 6 Common Council meeting: 

Sportspark – Susan Rosenthal requested that we postpone our desired meeting with Sportspark’s officials and staff until she and her staff can get up to speed on conditions at the facility. We were surprised to learn that Susan was totally unaware of the problems at Sportspark, which Susy’s reports have identified in 3 issues since 2015. We will try for a meeting in January.

Sportfields & Dog Runs – RIOC has begun renovating the Sports fields.We don’t know how long this important project will take. Meanwhile. Scott Piro is working with Mary Cunneen on the problems with the 2 dog runs.

Tram elevators & New Public Library – We are making both of these issues inactive until construction begins some time in 2018.

Holiday Decorations & RI Sign – ISC is against putting the RI sign in front of the Visitors Center at the Tram. Moreover, we thought that this sign was not needed. The proposed directional signs at the Tram and subway are what’s needed. As far as the holiday decorations, we stand by RIRA’s motion at the October CC meeting.

RIOC – Issues to address
- Metal railings on promenade need replacement. (see below on info. from RIOC’s Operations on 11/29/17 meeting).
- Debris , garbage and discarded playground equipment behind HAVC area needs to cleaned up or removed. Area attracts rats and is unsightly.

RIOC Operations meeting:

Tram platforms project is on schedule. Expect to be completed by year end.

Blackwell House - expect RI Historical Society can move into the house 10 months from now.

New Tram Elevators – Contract with contractor will be signed early next week. Construction will start in about 6 weeks. Before starting on installation, Contractor needs some time to complete design, purchase materials, etc. Project will be completed one year from now.

New Public Library – Construction will start summer, 2018. It is expected to be completed sometime in 2020.

Cabrini – Will complete renovation at 2nd floor, 504 Main by Xmas.

Promenade fencing – Will begin work at Southpoint Park and then move north for the replacements. Railing will comply with NY State building code. Opening at bottom will be 4 inches or less making it safe for children.

Preliminary design for a bike ramp to bridge is being worked on.

Roads - Painting new striping on road dividing lanes, crosswalks and the like have been completed for all roads. Lines are up to DOT standards. Old stripping will not be removed as they are expected to fade in time due to use of non-standard paint.

Motorgate – Discussions are underway on upgrades including removing pigeons from under roadway. Charging stations may be installed by Teslar for free.

Southtown dog run – Temporary run will be put north of building #7 near Blackwell playground. It will remain for about 3 year while buildings # 8 & 9 are built. Permanent location will be between these buildings probable at the east end of the Commons.

​Aaron Hamburger,  Chair – Island Services Committee