Giant RI Monument On Display At Tramway Plaza, Tell RIOC What You Think Of It Tomorrow From 5-7 PM - Roosevelt Island Historical Society President Gives Giant Thumbs Down To Eyesore And Urges Removal Soon

What do you think of the Giant RI Monument sign at the Roosevelt Island Tram Plaza?

You can tell Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) representatives tomorrow if you like the Giant RI letters or if you think it is an eyesore meant only for tourists to take photos. According to RIOC:

Stop by the new RI Welcome Sign next Tuesday October 9, say hi, enjoy some jazz and get a free gift.

From 5 p.m. - 7 p.m., the R.I. Jazz Collective will perform some tunes as residents and visitors get a chance to ask officials questions and share their opinions about the new 10-foot-monument of red letters which rests on the lawn in front of the Roosevelt Island Tram Station. New York City cultural photographer Angie Vasquez will capture the moments in photos and will be sharing gifs (animated files of the compressed images) to post on social media.

The Roosevelt Island Operating Committee’s Real Estate Committee voted February 27 to move forward on the sign’s fabrication. The monument is set to be displayed for a three-month trial period to allow a lengthier time, than the previous two one-day displays last winter, to gauge public opinion and comments.

In addition to the welcome sign, the much-needed and often-asked for wayfinding signs and information kiosks – which offer visitors additional information and directions to Island businesses and landmarks beyond the Tram – have also been installed.

Roosevelt Island Historical Society (RIHS) President Judy Berdy gives the Giant RI Monument a Giant Thumbs Down.

Giant RI Monument Gets Thumbs Down from Roosevelt Island Historical Siciety Pres. pic.twitter.com/9quxYBdzvp

— Roosevelt Islander (@Rooseveltisland) October 8, 2018

Well yeah it looks like it’s for Rhode Island

— Kara Skye (@anakarinaskye) October 8, 2018

What kills me is whenever tourists DO take pictures with it, they’re usually standing RIGHT IN FRONT of it so you can’t even see the actual letters. Completely useless and an eyesore #Rooseveltisland #nyc https://t.co/lMHT3DFGCO

— mrs (@itsElizaRo) October 8, 2018

Yeah, I live here and think it’s an eye sore. There are way more interesting/artistic/aesthetic ways to do this than plopping giant red letters in the middle of a sidewalk.

— John Slasher 🔪🎃 (@jthrasher) October 8, 2018

On the other hand:

Boo hoo. These are probably the same people that don’t like the Christmas lights. The letters are fun and I see people taking pictures in front of them all the time. Have some fun you pilgrims. https://t.co/1LIf2ngqfF

— robmward (@robmward) October 8, 2018

Hopefully, this Gigantic Eyesore, initiated by Roosevelt Island real estate developer Hudson Related, and opposed by the Roosevelt Island Residents Association, will be removed at the end of the 3 month trial period.

UPDATE 10/10 - Resident Janet Falk reports:

A reliable source said the tram operators have observed children climbing on the RI monument AND parents placing children on the monument. Then the parents take photos.

Who has liability insurance for the inevitable fall and broken body part?