Roosevelt Island Waterfront Promenade Child School Lease Extension, Giant RI Monument & Island House Staircase On Agenda For February 27 RIOC Real Estate Advisory Committee Meeting

The Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Real Estate Development Advisory Committee (REDAC) will meet tomorrow. 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 Tuesday, February 27, 2018 at 6:30 P.M. at the RIOC Warehouse, 680 Main Street, Roosevelt Island, New York.

Agenda:
1. Discussion of the Proposed Child School Lease Extension
2. Update on “RI” Welcome Monument
3. Chair’s Motion for Executive Session to Discuss Negotiations in Connection with the Island House Staircase.

The Child School Lease extension Agenda item appears to be for the premises currently occupying most of the Roosevelt Island waterfront promenade.

Does the NY State Public Authorities Act require RIOC to issue a Request For Proposals and to seek a fair market rental rate for the waterfront promenade premises before entering into a lease renewal extension with the Child School?

Will RIOC consider other possible alternative uses for the beautiful Roosevelt Island waterfront promenade before entering into a renewal lease extension with the Child School?

Creating a Roosevelt Island East River waterfront destination of restaurants and art galleries is certainly a possibility that could enhance enjoyment of the area and provide RIOC with a new revenue source.

Hopefully, these questions will be answered at tomorrow's REDAC meeting.

The Island House ownership is currently marketing approximately 18,000 square feet of Roosevelt Island waterfront promenade space adjacent to the Child School space that RIOC is considering to renew.

Two Roosevelt Island commercial condos with sweeping views of Manhattan are being marketed for sale or lease by @adelaidepol . https://t.co/mCjr7CeLh1 pic.twitter.com/gmu58JtXqA

— Eastern Consolidated (@EasternConsol) February 23, 2018

Also on the Agenda is a vote on whether or not to approve the Giant RI Monument at the Tram Station Plaza

which real estate developer Hudson Related is advocating for, stating:

We believe the Tram is the ideal and only real option for the RI monument.

In order to truly say “Welcome to Roosevelt Island” to the many visitors coming daily, we want the monument to be in a heavily trafficked and highly visible area that serves as a great photo opp spot.

We think it will provide a fun landmark that says Roosevelt Island is a destination worth visiting (and not just turning around to take a return trip on the tram). Ultimately the decision will be made by the Board.

The Roosevelt Island Residents Association (RIRA) passed a resolution unanimously opposing the Giant RI monument:

We, the Common Council of RIRA, hereby respectfully request that the proposed “R”I” letters RIOC and Hudson-Related intend to install, not be installed in the community. We believe them to be an eyesore, not welcoming, and not contributing to the ambiance of the community.

Roosevelt Island Historical Society President Judy Berdy opposed the Giant RI Monument because:

• The structure interferes with the panoramic view of the tram, the lawn, the landmark quality Visitor Center Kiosk and the city beyond.
• The structure serves no purpose other that to have 10 feet tall letters.
• The structure is a tempting object for kids to climb on.
• Roosevelt Island is a community not an amusement park attraction.
• People are already on Roosevelt Island: RIHS sees no reason to shout; people know they are here.

Finally, the REDAC will decide whether to approve consider

removing the Island House staircase.

As previously reported, prior to the REDAC meeting, the RIOC Operations Advisory Committee will meet as well:

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that a meeting of the Operations Advisory Committee of the RIOC Board of Directors will be held on Tuesday, February 27, 2018 at 5:30 P.M. at the RIOC Warehouse, 680 Main Street, Roosevelt Island, New York.

Agenda:

1. Discussion of Modification of Public Purpose Fund Grant to RIVAA Gallery.

2. Chair’s Motion for Executive Session to Discuss:

a. Legal Matters in Connection with the Youth Center Operator Contract Award

b. Seawall Repair Negotiations.

It will be a busy day with many Roosevelt Island issues to address.