RIOC Shuts Down All Roosevelt Island Drinking Water Fountains For Possible Contamination After Receiving Report By Community Activist Frank Farance Of Al Lewis Playground Fountain Connection To Capobianco Field Irrigation System

Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Public Information Officer Alonza Robertson reports:

The Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation (RIOC) announced Friday that it will shut down drinking water fountains on the Island while it investigates potential water source line issues.

RIOC thanks Island resident Frank Farance for sharing his concerns about the fountains with RIOC.

Independent consultants have been enlisted to assist RIOC with its review.

 Image From Frank Farance

Earlier today, Roosevelt Island community activist Frank Farance posted this comment about possible contamination at Roosevelt Island water fountains.

More info on Cat Sanctuary water shut off and eventual restoration here.

Stay tuned for updates.

UPDATE 7/10 - RIOC President Susan Rosenthal's Community report today addresses the water fountain contamination subject:

WATER FOUNTAINS

Healthy Building International Inc. has been retained by the Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation (RIOC) to conduct water sampling and analysis at several drinking water fountain locations in parks and playgrounds across Roosevelt Island, RIOC President and CEO Susan Rosenthal said Tuesday.

The tests are designed to provide a comprehensive analysis of the water and to confirm its acceptability for consumption. The samples will be compared with the relevant federal Department of Environmental Protection (EPA) contaminant levels of microbials, metals and inorganic substances.

A plumbing engineer selected from RIOC’s newly formed A&E (Architectural and Engineering) Services committee (a panel of qualified, multi-disciplined architects and engineers) will help RIOC officials interpret the results, draft and consider potential solutions. The water analysis and a downstream review is focused on each specific point of water line connection to each actual fountain or public use spigot or valve.

RIOC announced last Friday that it was immediately shutting down water fountains after concerns, raised by Roosevelt Island resident Frank Farance about potential water source lines, prompted the agency to schedule the analysis.

“As-built drawings” – the final set of drawings a contractor files to document work, changes, construction processes and the location of all elements of the work completed and maintained - were not archived for work at all the parks and playgrounds built in the early 1970s and maintained thereafter. Those drawings document whether the playground fountains are connected to the irrigation lines or domestic water lines in the area. Without the “as-built” drawings for the other drinking fountains on the Island, RIOC cannot be certain about the connection source of all the other fountains.

RIOC had the “as-builts” for Southpoint Park’s drinking fountain from 2010 and can verify that the water is from its domestic line not the park’s irrigation system.

It was revealed during a recent water use disagreement with Wildlife Freedom Foundation (WFF), which runs cat sanctuaries on the Island, that the WFF water hose was using an irrigation line connection for its Southpoint sanctuary. (WFF has since said it was willing to continue to use “not potable,” irrigation water for their Southpoint sanctuary).

In addition to this project, The A&E services committee is expected to help RIOC manage capital projects, infrastructure maintenance and repairs – including the Sportspark renovations, the FDR Hope Memorial, the Firefighters Field comfort station/bathroom construction, future Lighthouse renovations, elevator consultant and Motorgate repairs - more efficiently and simply put, “get things done more quickly,” Rosenthal said....

PBS Channel 13 Series Treasures Of New York Features The Roosevelt Island Tram - Interviews Long Time Tram Operator Greg And RIOC President

Wonderful profile of the Roosevelt Island Tram by PBS Channel 13 Treasures Of New York. Watch and enjoy. Click full screen icon on bottom right of screen for best viewing.



It's a lovely portrayal of the Tram but does not show the constant problems of overcrowding and all too frequent cabins out of service.

But the Roosevelt Island Tram Cabin operators are a treasure.

Ballet Teacher Job Available At Roosevelt Island Main Street Theatre & Dance Alliance - Check Out MST&DA Summer Class Schedule Too

Roosevelt Island's Main Street Theatre & Dance Alliance (MST&DA) is seeking a ballet teacher for their summer classes.

Image From MST&DA

According to MST&DA:

MST&DA is seeking a Ballet teacher

Requirements:

Be available on Tuesdays and Thursday's from 5-6pm starting July 10th and ending August 16th. Possibly continuing to teach in the Fall and Spring on Saturday mornings.

Experience Necessary:

Ballet training

At least 2 years experience teaching ages 6 and up

Two references required

Resumes and inquiries should be sent to info@mstda.org

More info on MST&DA at their web page including Summer Class Schedule for adults and kids.

UPDATE 7/10 - The position has been filled.

Roosevelt Island Transportation This Weekend - Good News, F Train Service To And From Manhattan But Not South Of Lex/63rd, Both Tram Cabin Working But 57th Street F Train Station Closing July 9 - Thru December

According to the MTA, there will be Roosevelt Island F Train service



to and from Manhattan this weekend.

But no F line service south of Lex/63rd:

... SIGNAL IMPROVEMENTS | 9:30 PM Fri, Jul 6 to 5 AM Mon, Jul 9 F Service is rerouted in Manhattan and Brooklyn

No F service at 57 St, 47-50 Sts, 42 St-Bryant Pk, 23 St, 14 St, W 4 St, B'way-Lafayette St, 2 Av, Delancey St/Essex St, East Broadway, and York St.

F service operates between Jamaica-179 St and Lexington Av-63 St and via the Q express to/from Atlantic Av-Barclays Ctr (skipping DeKalb Av, days and evenings) and via the D to Stillwell Av....

Both Roosevelt Island Tram Cabins are in operation and the MTA Vending machine at Roosevelt Island Tram station is working.

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

Also, starting Monday July  9, the 57th Street F Train Station will be closed until December 2018.

STATION ENHANCEMENTS | Beginning 5 AM Monday, Jul 9 until December 2018 57 St F Station will close

Check out the new Mymta app for latest real time subway and bus info.

Sponsored Post - Check Out Roosevelt Island Gristedes July 13 To July 19 Product Offerings, Specials & Diamond Reward Items - Fresh Sushi & Poke Bowls Too

The Roosevelt Island Gristedes Supermarket

invites you to check out their July 13 - July 19 Product Offerings, Specials & Diamond Rewards items.

Don't forget the 10% Roosevelt Island Seniors Discount on Tuesday and Sign Up for the Gristedes Diamond Loyalty Rewards Program.

And Fresh Sushi and Poke Bowls available 

at the Roosevelt Island Gristedes Cafe.

More Gristedes Supermarket information available at their web site, Facebook Page and Twitter feed

There's No Crying In Baseball - Roosevelt Island Summer Outdoor Movie Series Showing A League Of Their Own At Southpoint Park Friday July 6 - Gorgeous East River Waterfront Views, Food Vendors And A Movie

The second in the series of 2018 Roosevelt Island Outdoor Summer Movies at Southpoint Park

Image Of June 22 Outdoor Movie Showing of Wonder Woman at Southpoint Park

takes place tomorrow, July 6, with the showing of A League Of Their Own.

According to the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC):

"A League of Their Own", the 1992 American sports comedy-drama film that tells a fictionalized account of the real-life All-American Girls Professional Baseball League, is the featured presentation tomorrow at the 2018 Roosevelt Island Summer Movie Series at Southpoint Park. Admission is free and the event includes contests, prizes, food vendors and a 40-foot premium screen.

Festivities begin at 7 p.m.

You know, there's no



crying in baseball.

Image From RIOC

The full 2018 Roosevelt Island Outdoor Summer Movies Series schedule:

Friday, June 22: Wonder Woman; (rain date June 29)
Friday, July 6: A League of Their Own; (rain date July 13)
Friday, July 20: Star Wars: Episode VIII - The Last Jedi; (rain date July 27)
Saturday, July 21: The Fifth Element; (rain date July 28)
Friday, August 3: Black Panther; (rain date August 10)
Friday, August 17: A Wrinkle in Time; (rain date August 24)

Great View Of The July 4 Fireworks Celebration From Roosevelt Island - Over 8 Thousand Residents And Visitors Watched From Cornell Tech Campus, FDR 4 Freedoms & Southpoint Park

According to the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) official count, 8,654 residents

and visitors attended the Roosevelt Island July 4 Fireworks Celebration

July 4 fireworks display seen from Roosevelt Island @4FreedomsPark tonight. pic.twitter.com/u0lIeqH7Dq

— Roosevelt Islander (@Rooseveltisland) July 5, 2018

at FDR 4 Freedoms Park,

루즈벨트아일랜드에서 보는 독립기념일 불꽃놀이
July the 4th Fireworks from Roosevelt Islandhttps://t.co/Yp7Qdg4rmt pic.twitter.com/DFpF3t6XYA

— sukie park (@nyculturebeat) July 5, 2018

Cornell Tech Campus and Southpoint Park last evening.

Here's the start of the Fireworks Celebration seen from East Side of FDR Park



and the finale.



Click on full screen icons on bottom right of video for great view.

Stay tuned for more.

UPDATE 5:50 PM - The view of the fireworks

Image From RIOC's Angela Vasquez

from Cornell Tech campus 

Image From RIOC's Angela Vasquez

was very good as well.

UPDATE 7/10 - Roosevelt Island resident Joanne Eichel shares this message she sent to RIOC Public Information Officer Alonza Roberston:

I wanted to let you know I thought the organization for the July 4th fireworks and the related activities was excellent.

The detailed maps in particular were very helpful, taking the guesswork out of the options for viewing the fireworks and pathways to get there.

Having the Cornell campus open to us was really lovely as another peaceful setting for relaxing and enjoying the refreshments.

Please feel free to share this with those responsible for making the July 4th celebration well organized and fun for the RI community.

HAPPY JULY 4 INDEPENDENCE DAY AMERICA FROM ROOSEVELT ISLAND

Image of John Trumbull's Declaration of Independence from US History

Hear familiar NPR voices read the Declaration of Independence. Read along here. https://t.co/FzInHsmvmE

— NPR (@NPR) July 4, 2018

It's also the 11th anniversary of Roosevelt Islander Online. Here's the first post from 2007 and it's about the Southpoint Park Fireworks Celebration.

Roosevelt Island July 4 Independence Day Fireworks Celebration At FDR Four Freedoms Park, Southpoint Park & Cornell Tech Campus - What You Need To Know

The 2017 July 4 Macy's Fireworks viewed from Roosevelt Island was spectacular



and this year's should be just as good if not better.

The Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) reports:

Fourth of July Reminders

As you prepare to attend and have fun at tomorrow’s fireworks viewing event, please read and share the following information with your friends, family and visitors.

There will be no street parking on any roads south of the Roosevelt Island Tram station beginning today at 8 p.m. through Wednesday’s fireworks viewing event.

On Wednesday, there will be limited visitor parking at the Motorgate. RI residents and patrons with a monthly permit/access card will be accommodated first. Residents and employees of Island businesses should be prepared to show proof of residency or employment at the Roosevelt Island Bridge. The Helix ramp has re-opened to two-way vehicular traffic.

The Red Bus and Tram will operate on a weekday schedule. The bus will not circulate south of the Tram station after 12 p.m. It will make all its other normal stops along the normal route. There will be no Octagon express bus. (There will be golf carts at Tram station to assist those needing additional help traveling south to the Cornell Tech campus or Southpoint Park).

The NYC ferry will operate up until 2 p.m. The MTA will operate a full F train schedule to and from Roosevelt Island. Residents and visitors are urged strongly to use public transportation when making their travel plans.

There will be security and bag checks at the various eastside and westside entry points (please see map bleow) to the day’s activities.

The Cornell Tech campus will be open all day. The school’s café will operate an outdoor grill, with food for purchase, beginning at noon. Southpoint Park will open at 5 p.m. and will host a bevy of food truck vendors, family and children’s games, amusements and DJ music.

You do not need a ticket to view the fireworks from either the Cornel Tech campus or Southpoint Park.

FDR Four Freedoms State Park will open at 6 p.m. Individual ticket holders should be prepared in advance to show their printout, or barcode ticket via their mobile device, when coming to the Four Freedoms Park security checkpoint.

The following list of items will not be allowed in the viewing areas:

• 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.

Thank you in advance for your cooperation in helping us host a safe and fun event for everyone.

Have a great time!

Good News, Roosevelt Island Tram Platform Renovation Project Done And Both Cabins Back In Service Today - Will "Hot As Hell" Cabins Ever Get Air Conditioning?

Good news this afternoon. The Roosevelt Island Tram Platform Renovation project has been completed

and both cabins are now operating.

According to Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (R(OC) Public Information Officer Alonza Robertson:

The Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation (RIOC) announced that “as of 4:38 p.m. today, July 3, both cabins of the Roosevelt Island Tram are now back in service. The platform construction work is complete.”

Both MetroCard vending machines have also been re-opened. The Tram will operate on a regular weekday schedule during the Fourth of July weekend.

RIOC thanks Island residents and the public for their patience during the construction period.

Some riders are again asking for Roosevelt Island Tram Cabin air conditioning. According to the Twitterverse:

According to @RIOCny air conditioning weight/energy will reduce Roosevelt Island Tram capacity and only 5 minutes. https://t.co/v87fHI8pMb https://t.co/ZjF3eMKouN

— Roosevelt Islander (@Rooseveltisland) July 3, 2018

True re only five minutes. But it can be a very sweaty five minutes. Helps that generally a breeze though that nicely flows through.

— Eric (@Eric11714) July 3, 2018

You're forgetting about the tram operators who bring us back and forth inside that sweltering cabin for 8 hours straight.

— Ketronix (@Ketronix_) July 3, 2018

You know what? You’re right. I just rode on there and it was hot as hell. I felt bad for the operator. They need a/c

— robmward (@robmward) July 3, 2018

My frustration stems from traveling on a non air conditioned tram during rush hour with frenzied tourists wearing Amazing Race sized backpacks and dragging on Jumanji worthy mountain bikes. I’m happy to share my beautiful island with all but it’s a big pain during commuter hrs.

— NamelyNorm (@NamelyNorm) July 3, 2018

Roosevelt Island Resident And Orphans International Worldwide Founder Jim Luce Hosting Friday July 6 Celebration Of The Dalai Lama's 83rd Birthday - Luce Takes Group Of Young Global Leaders To NY State Assembly Chamber Too

Roosevelt Island resident Jim Luce is the founder of Orphans International Worldwide (OIW), a New York state incorporated 501(c)(3) established in 1999 as a response to the global crisis facing orphaned children.



OIW is the co-sponsor, together with The Gaia Holistic Foundation and The Tibet Fund, of a July 6 event to celebrate the Dalai Lama's 83rd Birthday. Mr. Luce will be the Master of Ceremony for the celebration.

According to this press release announcing the event:

Every year on July 6th since his 80th birthday New Yorkers have come together to celebrate H.H. the Dalai Lama’s birthday. The event will be held on Friday, July 6 at 6:30pm, at Marriott Essex House located at 160 Central Park South, New York City.

The event is co-sponsored each year by Gaia Holistic Foundation, The Tibet Fund, and Orphans International Worldwide.

Because Tibet has no country nor embassy, a group started to gather on the birthday of H.H. and celebrate his life to convey his most important teaching: “Compassion.” To introduce the idea of ‘World Peach through Compassion’ to the nations of the world and to people who are suffering.

The director of Gaia Holistic Foundation, Dr. Kazuko Tatsumura-Hillyer states “Compassion means understanding of others and all sentient beings. We celebrate with those who sympathize with this and wish peace for all. Through this kind of caring for others, we can send out energy of collective sympathy throughout the world.”

“Over 100 people will do this together at our dinner gala, with flags of all nations in hands, and together we will send out this caring energy to the people of each country, creating the ‘100 monkeys effect.’ In addition to Tibetan Monks prayer for H.H. the Dalai Lama’s long life, major religious groups will also pray for the same meaning in their own words. Christian, Jewish, Moslem, Buddhist, native Tribes, and Hindu practitioners will join with us,” she states.

This year’s “World Peace through Compassion” awards will be given to Avrol Looking Horse from Sioux Tribe of the Lacota Nation and Eric Ripert from Le Bernadin for their contributions to the World Peace through Compassion. In addition, the Humanitarian Award will be given to broadcaster Rita Cosby. There will be also performances of Tibetan music and dancers, and Red Hawks Native Americans.

In this troubled world especially with so many thousands of displaced refugees, we need to send out the energy of caring for others and pray for the elimination of suffering. This is so appropriate to do this together on H.H.’s Birthday.”

Let's Celebrate Dalai Lama's 83rd Birthday

Click here to purchase a ticket and here for more info from The Tibet Fund.

Jim Luce is also the founder of the James Jay Dudley Luce Foundation whose mission is to:

... support young global leadership impacting positive social change, particularly in the fields of the Arts, Education, and Orphan Care.

Support includes microgrants and ‘spotlighting’ through social media and the Foundation's Stewardship Report on Connecting Goodness, which features original and aggregated content...

The J Luce Foundation Young Global Leaders



were recently introduced on the floor of the NY State Assembly chamber.

Roosevelt Island Family Video Goodbye To OUR ISLE - A Fantastic Tribute To Our Quirky Manhattan Wonderland

Beautiful goodbye video from @NewsyNick & family to Roosevelt Island wonderland. Good luck/best wishes in your new home. You’ll be missed. https://t.co/TnK59gitTS

— Roosevelt Islander (@Rooseveltisland) July 1, 2018

Breach Of Line Etiquette Causes Roosevelt Island Tram Pushing And Shoving Altercation With Tourists Causing Cabin To Return To Station Yesterday

The Roosevelt Island Tram has become a tourist destination

Are you going to #NYC and want to get an amazing view but don’t want to burn a hole in your wallet. Take the @rooseveltisland tram, an icon of @nycgo, to get a view like this for only $2.75. That’s correct, you heard me right. Be sure to check it out next time you’re in NY! pic.twitter.com/L5mSePjZTk

— Stephen Underwood (@StephenDayTrips) June 26, 2018

bringing more and more long lines and crowded cabins, particularly in recent weeks as only one cabin has been in opearation . For example this recent line.

Sometimes, tempers get raised while waiting on line.

A tipster reported yesterday that:

... a multi-person fight broke out on the Tram.

Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Public Information Officer Alonza Robertson explains what happened:

During the 7:15 p.m. Tram trip from Roosevelt Island to Manhattan on Saturday there was an altercation between two different groups in the tram cabin that forced the driver to reverse the trip and return to the Island where Public Safety Department (PSD) officers responded.

No arrests were made after the officers investigated what happened. From witness statements and interviews of the two parties - one couple and a tourist family group of nine people from Rhode Island - the altercation concerned boarding etiquette and involved pushing and shoving among the parties. Once the Tram arrived back at Roosevelt Island, PSD isolated the parties and took statements. There were no reported injuries. No arrests were made, however an incident report was prepared and filed at PSD.

The Tram resumed service at 7:30 p.m.

Some Roosevelt Islanders have suggested a separate, residents only Tram line.

At Least 2 More Weeks Of Long Lines For Single Roosevelt Island Tram Cabin In Service - RIOC Announces Roosevelt Island Tram Platform Renovation Project Delayed Due To Rainy Weather https://t.co/vEf2tvwtPI pic.twitter.com/sS5HwXR5qg

— Roosevelt Islander (@Rooseveltisland) June 13, 2018

They should have a residents priority line. And bikes and backpacks should be banned until the work is finished.

— NamelyNorm (@NamelyNorm) June 13, 2018

I'm not sure but considering the summer of 2018 is turning into #EscapefromRI what with the tram madness and the helix repair situation, there's gotta be a way to cut residents a break! 😩

— NamelyNorm (@NamelyNorm) June 13, 2018

RIOC could issue RI ID’s at their office after a resident shows their drivers license/ electric bill/ rental agreement. Like NY City ID but for RI. Then two lines and RI residents scan/ show ID....

— HEL2NYC (@NYTTYTTYY) June 13, 2018

Both Tram Cabins are scheduled to be back in service tomorrow afternoon.

UPDATE 4:50 - Clarification, incident took place on the line and not in cabin.