RIOC Shuts Down Roosevelt Island Octagon Sports Field Today For Major Renovation To Begin In Fall - Artificial Turf Unsafe With Numerous Snags, Rips And Tears

The Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) announced the closing of the Octagon Sports Field



today.

According RIOC:

Deteriorating turf conditions at the Octagon Sports Field have forced its closure, the Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation announced today.

The field, which is located on the northern part of the Island, is an outdoor soccer field, used by the community daily and is one of the most popular fields on Roosevelt Island. It is used from March to mid-November, for activities including soccer, football, lacrosse, and rugby.

Existing permit holders including several adult sports leagues that held paid reservations-at $175 per hour- are being contacted and will be given refunds, RIOC said.

Due to numerous unsafe snags, rips and tears on its turf, RIOC plans to repair and redevelop the field as well as all surrounding fixtures and facilities, including comfort stations, seating, security features, and lighting design.

This major renovation will begin in the Fall of 2018.

The soccer program, organized this past spring by RIOC, will still be offered in the fall at different locations.

Rollerbladers Show Off Their Skating Moves At Dope Spots All Over Roosevelt Island - Check Out The Cool Video

Roosevelt Island Skate in New York City by BINY https://t.co/yEyNJbBCAz pic.twitter.com/Mrp42LKs2B

— Big Wheel Blading (@bigwheelblading) August 17, 2018

The Blade In New York Rollerblade crew:

... heads to Roosevelt Island to hit some dope spots the island has to offer

and shows off



their skating skills at the Motorgate Rotunda, Meditation Steps, Cornell Tech Campus and inside the Motorgate Garage.

Roosevelt Island Transportation This Weekend - No F Train Service To Manhattan - Both Tram Cabins Operating And NYC Ferry Has More RI Service

There is no Roosevelt Island F Train Service to Manhattan this weekend.

According to the MTA:

SIGNAL IMPROVEMENTS | 10:45 PM Fri, Aug 17 to 5 AM Mon, Aug 20 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 service at 21 St-Queensbridge, Roosevelt Island, Lexington Av/63, 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.

  Also:

STATION ENHANCEMENTS | Until December 2018 57 St F Station is closed

Both Roosevelt Island Tram Cabins are in operation.

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

Sponsored Post - Check Out Roosevelt Island Gristedes August 24 To August 30 Product Offerings, Specials & Sales Items - Grab And Go Prepared Items Too

The Roosevelt Island Gristedes Supermarket

invites you to check out their August 24 - August 30 Product Offerings, Specials & Sales items.

And Grab & Go Prepared Items too.

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

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

Roosevelt Island Jobs Available With RIOC For Youth Center Program Assistants And Communications/Event Coordinator

How would you like to have a short commute and walk to work at the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC)?  RIOC has positions available for Youth Center Program Assistants and a Communications/Event Coordinator.

Image From RIOC

According to RIOC

TITLE: Youth Center Program Assistant(s)
Annual Base Salary: $45,000
Reports to: Director of Community Affairs
Position Status:Full time

SUMMARY:

The Program Assistant is responsible for overseeing the Youth Center’s Fall, Winter, Spring and Summer programs. The incumbent provides quality customer service and ensures a safe, fun, and positive environment within the youth and teen program.

KEY FUNCTIONS:

• Plan seasonal sports curriculum, coordinate and promote the Roosevelt Island Youth Sports Programs
• Work hands-on in programming these activities
• Provide quality customer service to members, volunteers and participants
• Obtain, organize and manage volunteer staff to assist with the operations of the programs
• Assist with youth development programs
• Successfully obtain and file registration forms and waivers from participants
• Suggest and place order requests for equipment pertinent to the program within the operational budget
• Perform administrative duties which support the Youth Center Program
• Assist with the research and implementation and delivery of sport specific training for volunteer coaches
• Assist with other administrative duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Associate’s degree in Social Work, Family Studies, Psychology, Education, Liberal Arts, other related field or equivalent experience.
• Excellent attention to detail and office procedures.
• Experience in DYCD programs.
• Ability to collaborate as part of a team.
• Knowledge of and history working with youth and providing services consistent with positive youth development principals.

More info and to apply here.

Also:

Communications & Event Coordinator

DEPT: Community Affairs

Local government agency seeks a strong writer with unbeatable organizational skills and a desire to work closely with a small NYC community.

Summary:

As Communications and Event Coordinator, you will work in the agency’s Community Affairs department on many exciting projects on a daily basis. Examples include planning an Island-wide arts festival, soliciting community input on new capital projects, putting together and writing a community newsletter, meeting with local groups to discuss or promote their latest activities, and more. If you enjoy finding creative solutions to diverse challenges and having high level of autonomy, this may be the job for you.

Major Responsibilities:

• Writing and editing newsletters, statements, press releases, and media alerts for clarity, tone, and accuracy.
• Planning and coordinating several yearly free community events & event series.
• Getting the word out to the public through the web, print, and social media about important events, initiatives, and developments in the corporation and community.
• Responding to press and public inquiries; working with various internal departments to fact-check and craft accurate statements and responses.
• Promoting a consistent, positive public image for the corporation with a focus on transparency; maintaining an open line of communication with the community.

Must-have Skills:

• Impeccable grammar and writing skills
• Ability to adjust the tone of your writing to suit a specific audience
• Capability to multitask and stay calm under pressure
• Top-notch project management, organization, and communication skills
• Experience with HTML/CSS, graphic design, or photography is a plus
• Marketing or communications background strongly preferred
• Prior event coordination or planning experience
• Most importantly…You should have a strong desire to learn and grow!...

... Job Type: Full-time

Salary: $50,000.00 to $60,000.00 /year

More info and to apply here.

Good luck!!!!!

Roosevelt Island Way Finding Directional Signage Installed At Tram Plaza Today - Giant RI Welcome Monument Foundation In Place Too

Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) President Susan Rosenthal reported last March:

... RI Welcome Sign and Wayfinding Signage

The RIOC Board’s Real Estate Committee voted February 27 to move forward on the RI welcome sign’s fabrication. The big red letters – which I’m sure many of you have seen or heard about - are set to be displayed near Tram Plaza for a three-month trial period to allow a lengthier time to gauge public comment. I have a $1 bet with Judy Berdy, operator of the Roosevelt Island Visitors Center and president of the Roosevelt Island Historical Society (RIHS), that the welcome sign will increase foot traffic to the center and result in more business and revenue for RIHS. When I collect on the bet, I’ll share with you how many more dollars she’s made due to influx of more customers.

In addition to the welcome sign, the much-needed and often-asked for wayfinding signs and kiosks - which will offer visitors additional information and directions to island businesses and landmarks beyond the Tram - are set to be installed in August....

After talking about having Roosevelt Island Way Finding directional signage for at least the last 4 years, today workers installed the signage starting at the Tram Plaza.

Also, the foundation

for the Giant RI Welcome Monument logo  at the Tram Plaza is in place. (mock up below of Giant RI shown last February)

According to a RIOC agreement with Hudson Related, the Giant RI Welcome Monument is installed on a three month trial basis to determine what the community thinks of it.

Hopefully, this Gigantic Eyesore will be removed at the end of the trial period.

UPDATE 5:15 PM - More wayfinding directional signage at Riverwalk Commons,

Rivercross

and in front of RIOC HQ.

The Roosevelt Island Twitterverse reacts:

It's only missing a sign pointing to the NYC Ferry, but other than that it looks very helpful.

— Ketronix (@Ketronix_) August 16, 2018

I miss the Roosevelt Island that I grew up on. Not this new overcrowded boujie ass place. IF YOU DON’T KNOW WHERE SHIT IS, YA DON’T BELONG HERE 🗣 !!! pic.twitter.com/8JQwPrJNQi

— מליסה. (@ms_melisssss) August 16, 2018

NYC Environmental Protection Dep't Fences Off Roosevelt Island Octagon Park BBQ Pits And Picnic Tables For Water Tunnel Emergency Access Road Months Ago - Construction Delays Frustrate Residents And RIOC Alike - What's The Problem?

A Roosevelt Island Octagon Building resident asked when the NYC Department of Environmental Protection

access road project

will be completed:

Can you by chance let us know when this construction will take place?

It’s by the Octagon by the bbq pits. It was supposed to be an access road. We cannot get any info from the building or RIOC. There are no signs. No permits, nothing. Work was supposed to be complete by May...

Another Octagon resident added:

... 50% of those nice new BBQs and Picnic tables in the Octagon Park are getting removed (supposedly relocated) to make way for an “emergency access road” to the Water Tunnel facility.

A lot of parents and residents up here are concerned.... There is no timeline for how long the large fence and paved road will be there. According to a supervisor on-site, the road will be permanent. Kinda shocking that a huge portion of park area where all residents from the island (and off-island) enjoy picnicking/BBQ-ing is being permanently removed for an emergency access road, especially when the facility is already accessible via paved roads....

I asked the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) about the status of project. RIOC Public Information Officer Alonza Robertson replied yesterday:

“We are just as frustrated as the community is with the lack of progress on this access road project being handled by the City’s Department of Environmental Protection.

The road’s construction – which is to be grass paved and blend with the existing Octagon building campus and be used for emergency responses only – started April 23 and was expected to be complete by June.

Several trees adjacent to the Octagon, some picnic tables and barbecue grills, along with the iconic Sabrina statue were to be replaced and or relocated nearby to clear space.

We have reached out to NYC Councilmember Ben Kallos for help in getting a project update. Our General Counsel informed me this morning that we should expect additional information this week about when the project is expected to restart and be finished.

I will share that information with the community as soon as that happens.”

Roosevelt Island NYC Council Member Ben Kallos' office reported that they are looking into the matter.

Below is the NYC DEP announcement of the access road project

What Is Happening Here?

The New York City Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) will be performing construction for an emergency access road to the DEP Roosevelt Island site that will be used for emergency responses only. The road will be grass paved and is intended to blend with the existing Octagon building campus. This work is in conjunction with City Water Tunnel No. 3.

When Will Work Take Place?

Work is anticipated from April 23, 2018 to early June 2018. Work hours are Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

What Is the Anticipated Community Impact?

DEP will be working closely with the Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation, as several trees adjacent to the Octagon, as well as some picnic area furniture (tables and barbecues) will be relocated or replaced nearby to clear space for the additional access road. The Sabrina Statue will be cautiously moved out of the access road path.

What will be the protection?

Chain link fence with privacy screening will be installed around the access road work, for public safety. Clear signage will be placed along the fencing, providing construction information and any pedestrian detour direction.

Will update when more info available.

UPDATE 4:55 PM - RIOC Public Information Officer Alonza Robertson adds:

We just received word that city DEP is confirmed to start construction the first week of September.

They did not send an anticipated completion date.

Meet Adam Roberts, NY State Democratic Party Committee Candidate For 76 Assembly District Including Roosevelt Island - Aims To Bring Reform And Accountability To The Dems

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

Adam Roberts reports:

I’m Adam Roberts, a candidate for Democratic State Committee in the 76th district.

Though only 26 years old, I’ve built up a great amount of public service experience over the past decade. This includes, working for Council Member Ben Kallos, producing a documentary for PBS, working for UJA-Federation, and serving as the Democratic District Leader for Yorkville.

As Democratic State Committee Member, I’d represent Roosevelt Island and the Upper East Side. The Democratic State Committee is the governing body of the New York State Democratic Party. Responsibilities of the Democratic State Committee include determining the party’s platform and positions, which races resources are allocated to, who our Democratic National Committee (DNC) Members are, and who the party endorses in statewide races.

Right now, the New York State Democratic Party needs to undergo major changes. Corruption in Albany is rampant, while the state party is disorganized and ineffective. This is all to the detriment of Roosevelt Island.

We need to make sure the Democratic Party works for Roosevelt Island. A fractured and corrupt party hinders the passage of important legislation regarding those issues most important to Roosevelt Island. Improvements in affordable housing, transportation, and healthcare all get stalled because of widespread corruption and disorganization.

We need the Democratic State Committee to stand up to bad actors and hold them accountable. Myself and Lauren Trapanotto, my running mate, are seeking to reform the New York State Democratic Party. If elected, I’ll fight for the State Committee to:

• Clean up corruption in Albany
• Make the Democratic Party more progressive
• Build up local Democratic organizations
• Stay neutral in Democratic primaries
• Allow for the election of DNC Members
• Investigate corruption and sexual harassment

We need change in Albany for Roosevelt Island to prosper. Most crucially, we need new leadership to make these changes. In the Democratic Primary on Thursday, September 13, please be sure to vote for me, Adam Roberts, and my running mate Lauren Trapanotto.

Here's Mr Roberts, Ms Trapanotto (on right) and their colleagues petitioning during Roosevelt Island Day

Perfect weather for Roosevelt Island Day and an awesome day of petitioning with @adamrobertsnyc and @FourFreedomsNYC. Now time for some ice cream 😎🍦 pic.twitter.com/WtWfZnRmts

— Lauren Trapanotto (@ltraps23) June 16, 2018

and after receiving the endorsement of Four Freedoms Democratic Club, explaining what they hope to accomplish as NY State Democratic Party Committee member.



Mr Roberts is running against the incumbent, Jonathan Piel

Jonathan Piel New State Committee Member 76AD & Madelaine Piel #LenoxHillDems #scotusginsburg 9/21/16 @LenoxHillDC pic.twitter.com/wWKh7ADKLu

— Jonathan Piel NYC (@JP4StateCom76AD) September 22, 2016

and Ms Trapanotto is running against the incumbent, Ruth Halberg.

VOTE FOR Ruth she tells the Truth, My name is Ruth Halberg. I'm a progressive Democrat, and running in the Primary. I am the incumbent NYS Committeewoman for the 76AD, a neighborhood including the Upper East Side, Yorkville & Roosevelt Island. #RuthHalberg

— Ruth C. Halberg (@RuthCHalberg) June 26, 2018

Roosevelt Island Main Street Retail Update - Good News, Cafe Eleanor Panini Bar Owner Says He Expects To Open In 2 Months At Rivercross Location, With Beer And Wine License

Some good Roosevelt Island Main Street retail news.

I spoke last Friday with the owner of Cafe Eleanor, the Panini bar to be located in the Rivercross building at

503 Main Street.

According to the owner, construction has started inside the premises and he hopes to be open in two months.

Cafe Eleanor will have a beer and wine license as well.

Cafe Eleanor owner also owns the Wholesome Food Factory Organic Market and Island Wines on Main Street.

On Friday, I asked Shops On Main Street Retail Master Leaseholder Hudson Related:

... any update on the Mexican restaurant or other new retailers?

Hudson'Related's Alexandra Kaplan replied:

No other news of note right now.