Friday, June 29, 2018

Very HOT Temperatures Today, NYC Heat Advisory In Effect, RIOC Cooling Center Available Unitl 9 PM At The Roosevelt Island Senior Center

According to the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC)
The National Weather Service has issued a Heat Advisory for New York City.

Therefore, today, 6/29/18 the cooling center at the Roosevelt Island Senior Center (located at 546 Main St) is open until 9PM.

As a reminder, a cooling center will be made available when the heat index becomes dangerously high. Individuals without air conditioning, particularly those at risk for heat-related illness, should use established cooling centers during a heat wave.

No Roosevelt Island F Train Service To Manhattan This Weekend, Still Only 1 Tram Cabin Working But NYC Ferry New Summer Schedule Has More Service

No Roosevelt Island F Train service to Manhattan this weekend. According to the MTA:

TRACK MAINTENANCE | 9:45 PM Fri, Jun 29 to 5 AM Mon, Jul 2 Coney Island-bound F trains run via the E from Roosevelt Av, Queens to Canal St, Manhattan and via the A to Jay St-MetroTech, Brooklyn

No Coney Island-bound F service at 21 St-Queensbridge, Roosevelt Island, Lexington Av/63 St, 57, 47-50 Sts, 42 St-Bryant Pk, 34 St-Herald Sq, 23, 14, B'way-Lafayette Sts, 2 Av, Delancey St,
East Broadway and York St.

Remember, still only 1 Roosevelt Island Tram Cabin operating this weekend but both cabins expected to be back in service before July 4. Plan on long Tram lines.


The MTA Metro Card vending machine at Roosevelt Island Tram station is working now.

There is Roosevelt Island ferry service on the Astoria Route. Here's the new summer schedule for Roosevelt Island ferry service.

Thursday, June 28, 2018

Top Of Roosevelt Island Steam Plant Tagged With ZOINKS Graffiti - How Did It Get There, What Does It Mean And Please Remove Asks Resident

Last Saturday, a tipster noticed ZOINKS graffiti tag on top of the Roosevelt Island Steam Plant.


Today, the Twitterverse asks:
The Roosevelt Island Steam Plant supplied power to Goldwater Hospital. The Steam Plant was shut down and decommissioned in November 2014 when Goldwater Hospital was demolished to make way for Cornell Tech.

There is currently no plan for it's future use.
Here's a 2013 look



inside the Steam Plant.

SPONSORED POST - Roosevelt Island Urgent Care Medical Facility, Just Walk In At 520 Main Street 7 Days A Week For Your Medical Needs - Your Health, Your Schedule

According to Roosevelt Island Urgent Care (RIUC):
Our Roosevelt Island facility is  located at 520 Main Street. Our hours are Monday to Thursday 8AM - 7PM, Friday 8AM-4PM, Saturday and Sunday 10AM- 4PM.

The medical needs of this 2 mile long historic island on the East River is a perfect landscape for our services.

RIUC is the first health care facility on the Island. Currently local residents must travel to either Manhattan or Astoria, for treatment—a trip that requires the use of a tram, subway, bus or car. Our facility in essence created a full-service medical center for a growing population of 15,000. RIUC is here to serve your needs.

These needs will increase in the near future with the addition of new multi-family developments and the new Cornell NYC Tech campus, which is under construction and due to open this year. The University is relying on our center to tend to the medical needs of the students and faculty. Roosevelt Island Urgent Care is also well positioned to provide services to the many construction workers who are on the Island during the next few years.

Other amenities include:
  • Hot and cold complimentary beverage center
  • Charging station
  • Flat screen TV in waiting room as well as every exam room
  • Childrens play area
  • And much more!
Take a tour of the Roosevelt Island Urgent Care facilities



and learn about the services offered at Roosevelt Island Urgent Care.


More info about Roosevelt Island Urgent Care at their web site and Twitter Page.

Wednesday, June 27, 2018

Roosevelt Island Residents Online Sign Up To Get Tickets In Advance To View Macy's July 4 Fireworks Celebration At FDR Four Freedoms Park Thursday June 28 At Noon

Roosevelt Island residents only can sign up for tickets to view the Macy's July 4 Fireworks Celebration


at FDR Four Freedoms Park tomorrow, June 28 starting at 12 PM.

According to the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC)
RIOC is working hard, with our July 4th partners Cornell Tech and FDR Four Freedoms State Park, to produce a fun and safe viewing event for everyone....

... There is no ticket required to watch the show at the Cornel Tech campus or Southpoint Park. There is a free ticket required to be admitted to the Four Freedoms Park.

As a courtesy for Roosevelt Island residents, they will be allowed to go online at rioc.ny.gov to register for up to four tickets per household, 24 hours in advance of the general public.

At noon, Thursday, June 28, Roosevelt Island resident are encouraged to go to the RIOC website, rioc.ny.gov, click on the July 4th fireworks banner at the top of the page and register for free tickets. FDR Four Freedoms State Park’s capacity for this event has been set at 1,300. To watch the fireworks at Cornell Tech or Southpoint Park you do not need a ticket.
RIOC adds:
FOURTH OF JULY FAMILY FIREWORKS CELEBRATION

WEDNESDAY, JULY 4, 2018

5 PM-10:30 PM

SOUTHPOINT PARK, CORNELL TECH & FDR FOUR FREEDOMS STATE PARK

TICKET REQUIRED FOR FDR FOUR FREEDOMS STATE PARK

OVERVIEW

The iconic Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks show is on the East River again this year and the show begins at approximately 9:20 p.m. More details about the show are available at https://www.macys.com/social/fireworks/. As part of the Independence Day celebration, the Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation, along with Cornell Tech and the Franklin D. Roosevelt Four Freedoms State Park, invite you to join our family-friendly viewing spots at Southpoint Park, the Cornell Tech campus and at FDR Four Freedoms State Park.

Please carefully review all of the event details below.

REGISTRATION

You do not need a ticket to view the fireworks at Southpoint Park or at Cornell Tech’s campus. You must register online to receive a free ticket to the fireworks viewing at FDR Four Freedoms State Park. You can register for up to FOUR free tickets PER HOUSEHOLD, using your name, home address, and email address. Children ages 4 and under do not need tickets.

Individuals registering multiple times will be eliminated from the system and WILL NOT RECEIVE TICKETS.

General online ticketing will open at noon on Friday, June 29, 2018. To register for tickets please go to rioc.ny.gov and click on the Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks banner.

WRISTBANDS

If you are attending the FDR Four Freedoms Park ticketed event, please print your ticket or show your confirmation email on your smart phone to collect a wristband for entry. Wristbands will be distributed inside Southpoint Park, outside the west gate of Four Freedoms Park. You will need the officially issued wristband to enter Four Freedoms Park. This rule is extremely important for public safety. Anyone without a wristband will not be permitted inside. There will be no standby tickets available.

ENTRANCE

All those entering Southpoint Park and the Cornell Tech campus will need to go through security checks at the entrances east or west of Tram Plaza. Entrance for the ticketed space in FDR Four Freedoms State Park is first-come, first-served with wristbands. The official capacity for the ticketed event is 1,300 attendees.

Gates open at Southpoint Park at 5 p.m. and at Four Freedoms State Park at 6 p.m. All visitors will be subject to airport-style security. The Cornell Tech campus is open to the public throughout the event, however we reserve the right to stop further entry should the area exceed capacity and/or pose a public safety danger.

Expect a 10-to-15 minute walk from all modes of transportation to Southpoint Park and FDR Four Freedoms State Park. There will be no Red Bus going south of the Roosevelt Island Tram Plaza.
No seating will be provided at the viewing locations. Attendees are encouraged to bring blankets or folding chairs.

Additional portable toilets will be placed throughout the Cornell Tech campus and Southpoint Park to supplement the park’s restrooms.

Use of public transportation is strongly encouraged. No parking will be available on Roosevelt Island.
No entrance is permitted into Four Freedoms State Park after 9 p.m.

EVENT PROHIBITED ITEMS

NO alcoholic beverages
NO beach umbrellas, tents, or canopies
NO large coolers, oversized bags or backpacks
NO grills or cooking
NO fireworks, sharp objects, and weapons of any kind
NO bicycles, roller skates, scooters, skateboards, or sports activities (Bicycles brought to the site may be chained outside the event area. Please remember to bring a chain and lock with you if you must reach the event by bicycle.)
NO camera tripods and lighting equipment.
NO portable audio systems or speakers. Music will be broadcast throughout the evening.
NO glass bottles
NO smoking
NO bullhorns or noise makers
NO pets other than licensed service animals
NO littering
NO tree-climbing, fi­shing, or feeding of wildlife
NO climbing of embankments or seawalls

Individuals who bring any banned items to the event will be asked to leave them outside the security area. RIOC and its staff assumes no responsibility for unattended items.

ALL BAGS WILL BE SUBJECT TO SEARCH AND COULD PROHIBIT ENTRY.

FOOD

Attendees will be able to purchase grill specials, beverages and Cornell Ice Cream on the Cornell Tech patio, as well as from several food trucks in Southpoint Park; including Dippin’ Dots, Wafels & Dinges, Paris on Wheels, Sweetface Snoballs and Nathan’s.

No food is allowed inside FDR Four Freedoms State Park attendees please limit beverages to water.

ENTERTAINMENT

Starting at 5:30 p.m. in Southpoint Park, children’s activities and entertainment, including bounce houses, double inflatable slides, a balloon artist and face painters will be available. There will also be DJ music entertainment and a simulcast broadcast of the Macy’s Fireworks soundtrack in Southpoint Park.

DIRECTIONS

Cornel Tech, Southpoint Park and FDR Four Freedoms State Park are located on the southern half of the Roosevelt Island, all south of the Roosevelt Island Tram Station. Visitors are strongly encouraged to use public transportation to attend the event. No parking will be available on Roosevelt Island on July 4.

Subway: Take F Train to the Roosevelt Island stop. Follow signs to Cornell Tech, Southpoint Park and FDR Four Freedoms State Park.

Ferry: Take the Astoria line to Roosevelt Island. Follow signs to Cornell Tech, Southpoint and FDR Four Freedoms State Park. The ferry service will end at 2 p.m. on July 4.

Tram: Take the Tram at 59th Street and 2nd Avenue. Travel time to Roosevelt Island is five minutes with trams departing every 7 1/2 minutes. Exit at the Roosevelt Island Tram Station. Follow signs to Cornell Tech, Southpoint Park and FDR Four Freedoms State Park. If you take the Tram to Roosevelt Island from 59th and 2nd, you can use your MTA subway card. MTA subway cards are available at the Tram station in Manhattan.

Bus: From Queensboro Plaza overpass, take the stairway down north side to corner of Crescent and Bridge Plaza North. Take the Q102 Queens surface bus to Roosevelt Island. Follow signs to Cornell Tech, Southpoint Park and FDR Four Freedoms State Park.

ACCESSIBILITY SERVICES

For guests with limited mobility who require assistance, golf carts will be operating on the Island; picking guests up at the Roosevelt Island Tram Plaza, and dropping them off at the security checkpoint outside Southpoint Park. RIOC staff will be on the ground between the Tram and the park entrance on the south end of the Island to help guests with directions and to answer questions.
UPDATE 6/28 - The Roosevelt Island residents advanced notice tickets for FDR Park Fireworks viewing were sold out in less than an hour.


UPDATE 7/1 - From The Cafe on Cornell Tech campus.
We will be hosting some food and beverage options for the 4th of July.

Our main grill will be up and running by noon on Wednesday and we anticipate serving until the fireworks display.

UPDATE 7/3 - From RIOC:
On Wednesday July 4, visitor parking at the Motorgate garage will be limited to ensure adequate parking for residents and patrons with a monthly permit. Residents without a monthly access card should be prepared to show proof of residency when approaching the Roosevelt Island Bridge at Vernon Boulevard.

Residents who need to park in Motorgate should arrive no later than 5 p.m., on July 4, to secure admittance.

Also there is no street parking on all Roosevelt Island roads south of the Tram station beginning at 8 p.m. Tuesday, July 3.

Meet Lauren Trapanotto, NY State Democratic Party Committee Candidate For 76 Assembly District Including Roosevelt Island - Aims To Drive Change And Bring Reform To The Dems

Are you interested in NY State Democratic Party politics? This is for you.

Lauren Trapanotto reports

The Democratic Party is divided into three levels, with elected representatives at the National, State, and County Committees. 

I am a candidate for the New York State Democratic Committee in the 76th Assembly District, which includes Roosevelt Island. The election will be held on Thursday, September 13 on the Democratic Primary ballot.

My name is Lauren Trapanotto


and I am running to represent Roosevelt Island on the Democratic Party's State Committee. I am running because I believe our Party has failed to live up to its values, and that Democratic voters are taken advantage of by politicians who know that progressives have few other options on election day. If elected, I will be the advocate we need, working to break the hold establishment figures have and pushing the Party to take a stronger stance against bad actors in Albany.

The State Committee has the potential to meaningfully shape the political landscape here in New York for the better, but has served mostly as a rubber stamp for incumbent bosses in Albany seeking to maintain control. It is responsible for overseeing campaign spending, writing the Party’s platform, and selecting Democratic National Committee Members. The Committee can also “fast track” its favored candidates onto the September primary ballot - as it did in the governor’s race earlier this year - allowing them to avoid the expensive and time consuming statewide petitioning process.This all affects how the Party operates and when done behind closed doors can end up biasing our elections.

Last year, as part of a grassroots effort to break insiders’ hold on the Democratic Party, I became a member of the Democratic County Committee and helped kick off a broad reform movement to open up the Party and limit the role of lobbyists and consultants in the leadership. We will be voting on the proposed reforms later this summer. If elected to the State Committee I intend to do the same in Albany, fighting to prevent the Party leadership from treating our campaign fund like a piggy bank and ensuring the Party remains neutral in primary elections at all levels until voters have chosen our nominee. You can read the rest of my platform here. I am proud to be supported in the race by the Four Freedoms Democratic Club, which has been at the forefront of the movement to clean up our Party and is engaging progressive activists right here in the 76th AD.

I am running against a 20-plus year incumbent, but I am confident in my chances, because I know what most of you know: that the Democratic Party in New York needs change. I want to be the driver for that change, and I hope I'll have your support.

You may have seen me around the island collecting signatures to get my name on the ballot. If you do see me, I hope you will sign and take a minute to chat about what I am working on. I will be attending the Roosevelt Island Town Hall on Thursday, June 28 at Chapel of the Good Shepherd from 6-8 PM. If you’d like to learn more about my campaign, please check out www.votelauren.nyc and my Facebook page.
Ms Trapanotto (pictures at right) and her colleagues were seen petitioning during Roosevelt Island Day.
Come meet Ms Trapanotto at the Roosevelt Island Town Hall with our elected officials tomorrow, June 28.

Ms Trapanotto is running against the incumbent, Ruth Halberg.

Tuesday, June 26, 2018

Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney Wins Democratic Party Primary Tonight Against Newcomer Suraj Patel - But Closer Than Expected

UPDATE 6/27:

Report From RIOC President Susan Rosenthal - Roosevelt Island July 4 Celebration Ticket Distribution/Security, Tram Cabin Service, Helix Repair, Tram Elevator, Public Purpose Applications, Cooling Center & Westvew Privatization

Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) President Susan Rosenthal reported to the June 25 RIOC Board of Directors meeting (video of full meeting will be available here) on the following subjects.

  • July 4 Fireworks celebration at FDR Four Freedoms Park, Cornell Tech campus and Southpoint Park - Tickets for viewing Fireworks at FDR Park will be made available to Roosevelt Island residents one day in advance of the General Public.
  • There will be more security this year with NYPD and private security. Every person will have to go through check points. Total security from Roosevelt Island Bridge to FDR Park.
  • Southpoint Park activities will include Bounce houses, Giant Slides, Inflated Obstacle Course, 5 food trucks, plenty of toilets
  • Both trams cabins will be running by July 4.
  • Both sides of Helix will be open by July 4
  • Tram Elevator project has started with fencing placed in Manhattan Tram Plaza area
  • Public purpose applications will be available in July
  • Roosevelt Island cooling centers will be open during day and evening until 10 PM.
  • Westview privatization - diligently working on trying to resolve open issues - Board may be called back during the summer to approve an agreement
Here's Ms. Rosenthal's report.

95 Year Old Roosevelt Island Resident And Pioneering NYPD Detective Mary Fitzgerald Honored As 2018 Women Of Distinction Wednesday June 27 At Senior Center By NY State Senator Jose Serrano

Roosevelt Island NY State Senator Jose Serrano will honor Roosevelt Island resident Mary Fitzgerald as a 2018 Woman Of Distinction. According to Senator Serrano's office:

On Wednesday, June 27th (tomorrow) Senator José M. Serrano (D-Manhattan/Bronx) will be recognizing pioneer NYPD Detective Mary Eileen Fitzgerald as the 2018 Woman of Distinction for the 29th Senate District.

A Bronx native, Ms. Fitzgerald had an illustrious career in the NYPD spanning several decades from 1952-1983. During her time in the NYPD, Fitzgerald protected several of the 20th century’s most iconic women— from Israel’s Prime Minister Golda Meir and Queen Sophia of Spain to First Ladies Jackie Kennedy, Lady Bird Johnson and Nancy Reagan. She spent 31 years serving the residents of New York City in the NYPD before retiring in 1983 at the age of sixty.

"Women like Mary paved the way for the more than 6,000 female NYPD officers active today," said Senator Serrano. "Her incredible story, spanning three decades of serving the people of our city, is an important part of New York history and I am proud to honor her as this year's Woman of Distinction.”

The Woman of Distinction award highlights outstanding women living and working in New York State whose contributions have greatly enriched the quality of life in their communities and beyond.

Last January, Ms Fitzgerald celebrated her 95th birthday.

Congrats, Ms Fitzgerald!

More on former NYPD Detective and Roosevelt Island resident Mary Fitzgerald at this prior post.

Federal, State And City Elected Officials Come To Roosevelt Island For Town Hall Meeting Thursday Evening June 28, What Are Your Roosevelt Island Issues And Concerns?

According to Roosevelt Island's NYC Council Member Ben Kallos

Start Time
Thursday, June 28, 2018 - 6:00pm
End Time
Thursday, June 28, 2018 - 8:00pm
Location

Chapel of the Good Shepherd, 543 Main Street
Roosevelt Island, NY 10044
United States

Hear updates from your elected officials and have an opportunity to discuss neighborhood topics or concerns.

Roosevelt Island Garden Club Hosts Mid Week Gardening Classes For Kids & Teens - 4-6 Spots Open For Each Class, Sign Up Now

The Roosevelt Island Garden Club (RIGC) reports:

Mid-week Gardening Experiences for Kids &Teens at RIGC


Do what? Join RIGC for gardening experiences for youth this summer. Pre-4th grade and up. Four-six spots open at each class.


How? Send an email to rigardencluboutreach@gmail.com. Send back the liability waiver/permission slip and get return confirmation before attending.

When? 4:30 to 6:00 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays

June 26th, June 28th, July 3rd, July 5th,

July 10th, July 12, July 17th, July 19th

Flexible schedule: Sign up to for one class or for all.

Who? Activities with Julia Ferguson, RIGC member.

Where? Meet at the back gate of RIGC right off the Pony Field.
More info on the Roosevelt Island Garden Club available at their web site.

Happy Gardening.

Monday, June 25, 2018

Incumbent Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney Versus Newcomer Suraj Patel In Democratic Party Primary Tuesday June 26 To Represent Roosevelt Island And Portions Of Manhattan, Brooklyn And Queens - Come Out And Vote If You Are A Democrat

Roosevelt Island's long time Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney

has an oppenent in the June 26 Democratic Party primary tomorrow. Political newcomer Suraj Patel
is running against Ms Maloney, a 25 year incumbent,
to represent the 12 Congressional District that includes Roosevelt Island as well as other portions of Manhattan, Brooklyn and Queens (District Map here).

Mr. Patel spoke with me and the Roosevelt Island Daily during his June 8 visit to the Roosevelt Island Senior Center.

The Roosevelt Island Daily asked Mr. Patel about Roosevelt Island issues 



and I followed up asking about the power of Congressional seniority and incumbency on the race.

Here's Ms Maloney


and Mr. Patel


greeting residents during Roosevelt Island Day.

The polling location for most Roosevelt Island residents is PS/IS 217 at 645 Main Street except for Octagon residents who vote at Coler Hospital ( 900 Main Street)

Watch this candidate's forum with Ms. Maloney and Mr. Patel hosted by



Empire State Indivisible and Indivisible Brooklyn.

RIOC Board Of Directors Meeting Today - Approval Of Annual Report, New Roosevelt Island Youth Center Department, Seawall Reconstruction, Motorgate Repairs, Bike Ramp/Lane, Octagon Field Lighting Fixtures & More On Agenda

The Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Board of Directors will meet 5:30 PM today at the Cultural Center Theater, 548 Main Street.

(Image Of May 17 RIOC Board Meeting)

Prior to the start of the RIOC Board meeting, there will be a public comment period. Sign up here to speak at the meeting.

According to RIOC:
AMENDED AGENDA

JUNE 25, 2018 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

1 The RIOC Board Meeting will commence following a public comment period. The public comment period is not part of the meeting.

I. Call to Order

II. Roll Call

III. Approval of Minutes

1. May 17, 2018 Board Meeting (Board Action Required)

IV. Old Business

V. New Business 1. Presentation of RIOC's Audited Financial Statements for Fiscal Year Ending March 31, 2018

2. Approval of Annual Report for Fiscal Year Ending March 31, 2018 (Board Action Required)

3. Approval of Report on Procurement Contracts for Fiscal Year Ending March 31, 2018 (Board Action Required)

4. Approval of Report on Investments for Fiscal Year Ending March 31, 2018 (Board Action Required)

5. Approval of Property Report for Fiscal Year Ending March 31, 2018 (Board Action Required)

6. Authorization to Amend the Contract with Langan Engineering, Environmental, Services, Inc. for Design and Engineering of the Southpoint Park Seawall Reconstruction Project (Board Action Required)

7. Authorization of Architectural and Engineering Task Order for the Youth Center Renovation (Board Action Required)

8. Authorization to Amend the Contract with Architecture and Engineering Group, PC for Motorgate Garage Repairs Design (Board Action Required)

9. Authorization of Modification of the RIOC Budget for Fiscal Year 2018-2019 Creating the RIOC Youth Center Department (Board Action Required)

10. Designation of Internal Control Officer (Board Action Required)

11. Authorization to Enter into Contract with Dewberry Engineers Inc. for Design Services for the Bike Ramp and East Side Bike Lane Project. (Board Action Required)

12. Authorization to Enter into Contract with Ral-Bar Electric, Inc. for On-call Electrical Services (Board Action Required)

13. Ratification of Contract with Genesee Valley Ford LLC for the Purchase of the Garbage Truck (Board Action Required)

14. Authorization to Enter into Contract with Led Solutions, Inc. for Replacement of the Octagon Field Lighting Fixtures (Board Action Required)

15. Authorization to Enter into Contract with Gryphon Construction, Inc. for Construction Services for the Youth Center Renovation Project (Board Action Required)

16. President’s Report

17. Committee Reports a. Audit Committee

b. Governance Committee

c. Operations Advisory Committee

d. Real Estate Development Advisory Committee

18. Public Safety Report

VI. Adjournment
June 25 RIOC Board meeting Agenda and Board materials here.

If you're interested, take a look at the RIOC Financial Statement and Annual Report in the June Board materials. A lot of info to digest..