Friday, September 28, 2018

SPONSORED POST - Roosevelt Island Luxury Waterfront Apartments Available At Riverwalk Crossing & Riverwalk Point - Contact Related Rentals For Leasing Information

Are you looking for a luxury apartment rental on Roosevelt Island? Check out the current Roosevelt Island apartment being offered by Related Rentals at Riverwalk Crossing (405 Main Street)


and Riverwalk Point (480 Main Street)


Studio, 1, 2 & 3 bedroom apartments with gorgeous waterfront views are available.

According to Related Rentals:
Although September promises a swift change of seasons, the warm days remind us summer is not completely gone. There is still time to enjoy outdoor activities like flying kites at Four Freedoms Park and leisurely strolls around the island in the afternoon.


From the sun terraces of Riverwalk Crossing and Riverwalk Point,


 the days of rooftop BBQs are not yet over.
 

Have dinner al fresco while enjoying an unobstructed view of the Queensboro Bridge, or watch the sun set over the Manhattan skyline.

As baseball season comes to a close, kids can work off excess energy at the outdoor playground just steps from Riverwalk Point, or they can become little explorers and enjoy countless hours of adventures in the on-site children’s playroom.


Fall may be just around the corner, but it isn’t here yet. Soak up the last of farmer’s markets, community activities, and short-sleeve weather before the next season blows in.
Contact Related Rentals for more leasing information.

Roosevelt Island Resident Jennifer Ann Shore Publishes Debut Novel Titled New Wave - A Young/New Adult Dystopian Fiction Book With Plenty Of Inspiration From Living On Our Island

Roosevelt Island resident Jennifer Ann Shore


recently published her debut novel titled New Wave.

According to Ms. Shore, New Wave is:
... a young adult/new adult dystopian fiction book that although is set in the Galápagos, contains plenty of inspiration from my own experience living on an island in New York (especially on really, really hot summer days). I spent many hours in the Starbucks and Cornell Tech cafe writing and editing my manuscript — and even more time walking around the lighthouse or down by Four Freedoms Park listening to music, watching the water hit the rocks, and working through scenes in my head.
Ms Shore's web site describes New Wave:
The Islands of Anarchy Series, Book One

When seventeen-year-old Mol is caught committing a crime, she kicks and screams her way into a dull existence of servitude in the Authority, the suffocating patriarchal regime that oversees The Network of Islands. Her penance makes her restless, and she soon finds an outlet to direct her attention — the young Commander who is at the root of her unhappiness.

Available in paperback and on KindleBarnes & Noble, Smashwords, iBooks, and Kobo.
Congrats on the novel and good luck with rest of the series.

Roosevelt Island Fall For Arts Festival Saturday October October 6 - Murals, Music, Dance, Amusements, Fun For The Whole Family

The annual Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Fall For Festival takes place Saturday October 6 at three different locations, Southpoint Park, FDR Four Freedoms Park and the Rivercross lawn.

Below is the schedule of events.


Saturday October 6, 11 AM - 5 PM

Southpoint Park

ALL DAY – Live Mural Painting

Art activities with Roosevelt Island Garden Club, New York Public Library, Materials for the Arts, more. Verizon sponsored games and giveaways. Food trucks on site.

11am – International Dance Classes with the Main Street Theatre & Dance Alliance

12-3pm – Children’s amusements from Frankie’s Carnival Time, Clown Magic face painting & balloon artist, and Zoya Designs henna

1pm – Music & Play Station Sing-A-Long

2pm – Music & Play Station Jump Into a Book reading & art activity

FDR Four Freedoms State Park

ALL DAY – Live Mural Painting

10:30am-12:45pm – Free Yoga sessions on the lawn with Jax Schott

1-4pm – Live Music

1pm – The Aaron Short Band (Rock)

2pm – The Swingin’ Ray Abrams Big Band (Jazz) 3pm – The Funktion (Funk)

Lawn South of Rivercross

ALL DAY – Live Mural Painting
Roosevelt Island Fall For Arts Festival is a wonderful day for the entire community.

Here are some scenes from last year.

Roosevelt Island Transportation This Weekend - F Train Service To And From Manhattan, F Rerouted In Manhattan, Both Tram Cabins At Full Capacity And NYC Ferry New Fall RI Service Schedule

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



to and from Manhattan this weekend. 

But:

... TRACK REPLACEMENT 9:30 PM Fri, Sep 28 to 5 AM Mon, Oct 1 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 runs between Jamaica-179 St and Lexington Av-63 St, and via the Q express to/from Atlantic Av-Barclays Ctr...
Also:
... STATION ENHANCEMENTS | Until December 2018 57 St F Station is closed...
Both Tram Cabins operating at full capacity.

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

Sponsored Post - Check Out Roosevelt Island Gristedes October 5 To October 11 Product Offerings, Specials & Sales Items - Grab And Go Prepared Items Too

The Roosevelt Island Gristedes Supermarket


invites you to check out their October 5 - October 11 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

Thursday, September 27, 2018

Thoughts On The Christine Blasey Ford - Brett Kavanugh Supreme Court Nomination Senate Hearings Today, What Do You Think?

Did you watch or listen to the hearings today?

Here's a useful summary



and some reactions.



What do you think?

UPDATE 9/28 - The FBI will investigate.

Roosevelt Island Garden Club Hosting 2nd Annual Free Classical Musician's Rehearsal Symphony Orchestra Concert At Community Garden Sunday September 30 - You're Invited!!!

The Roosevelt Island Garden Club (RIGC) invites you to their Second Annual Classical Music Concert in the Community Garden. According to the RIGC:

​2nd Annual Classical Music in the Community Garden

Sunday, September 30th 4:30-6:00pm (rain date: October 7)

FREE & OPEN TO THE PUBLIC!

Once again this year, the Roosevelt Island Garden Club is thrilled to be hosting a concert of the Classical Musicians' Rehearsal Symphony Orchestra, founded by Arlene Stock, in the Community Garden.


Come join neighbors, garden club members, and music lovers for an afternoon of classical music among the late-summer flowers. Admission is free and open to the public. Bring your own chairs or stroll the paths of the garden while music fills the air!
Here's a brief sample from the 2017 concert.



According to the Classical Musicians' Rehearsal Symphony Orchestra web site:
... We are a reading orchestra, so we don't perform — we just play, perhaps each of us for different reasons, for most of us because we have to, but certainly for all of us because we love to. For some, the works we program in our community orchestra are a first reading; for others, encore visitations with beloved scores; for everyone, fulfilling music-making with kindred spirits.

We are always seeking more musicians, so take a look at our program history and get in touch with us for information about joining our orchestra....
More info on the RIGC available at their web site, including how to become a member.

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 Office hours are Monday to Thursday 9AM - 5PM, Friday 9 AM - 4 PM, Saturday and Sunday 10AM- 3 PM. Phone # 646-977-7974.

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, September 26, 2018

Rat Poison Loose Grains Found At Roosevelt Island Southtown Riverwalk Lawn Last Weekend - Be Careful, Children And Dogs Play In Area

In 2013, several dead squirrels 
 


were found at Roosevelt Island outdoor public spaces attributed to the unauthorized use of rat poison.

Last Sunday, Roosevelt Island resident and Wildlife Freedom Foundation (WFF) President Rossana Ceruzzi reported:
I found rat poison in loose grains


on the Hudson Related Riverwalk 405-15  property yesterday - South East of subway on the green strip property facing Manhattan.

Place where not only dogs but children play

I called RIOC Public Safety Department and the Managers at 405 and 425. Following my call, the 405 manager sent the employee you see in the picture to help sweeping off the loose grains.


Symptoms may not be seen up to 5 days after exposure to rodenticide

In the vicious mind of the perpetrator is the attempt to kill the squirrels as the rodenticide has been sprinkled in small quantities and only around trees where squirrel live. Please note that rodenticides are formulated as baits and have ingredients like peanut butter that attract animals
As of today, Ms Ceruzzi reports no poison symptoms found.

In July 2012, dead squirrels were found on the Riverwalk 455 Main Street Lawn. The FDNY investigated
 

for hazardous materials but no toxins were found.

Roosevelt Island Resident Asks Why Is Rivercross Lawn Tree Being Cut Down Today - RIOC Conducting Extensive Island Wide Tree Pruning And Dead Tree Removal This Week

Roosevelt Island residents care passionately about their trees. This afternoon, a Roosevelt Island resident observed this Tree being cut down on the Rivercross Lawn


and wanted to know why?

I asked Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Public Information Office Alonza Robertson:
A Rivercross resident just asked why a tree is currently being cut down on Rivercross lawn.

Is this being done by RIOC or Rivercross.

Any explanation?
Mr Roberson replied:
It’s part of tree pruning work being done by RIOC.

Crews are conducting extensive tree pruning and removing dead trees at Southpoint Park, the Rivercross Lawn and Capobianco Field. Safety areas are set up around the work zones.

(I’d originally set out an advisory about this on September 14).
Mr Roberson added:
BTW, The dead tree at Rivercross a Norway Maple Leaf. We are looking to replace it.

Below is the September 14 RIOC Tree Pruning advisory:
Beginning Monday, September 17 until Monday, September 24 crews will be conducting extensive tree pruning and removing dead trees at Southpoint Park, the Rivercross Lawn and Capobianco Field. Safety areas will be set up around the work zones.

At this time, we do not anticipate any major road or sidewalk closures.
UPDATE 9/27 - Here's what remains of one of the Rivercross Lawn Trees cut down yesterday.


A long time Roosevelt Island resident reacts to the Trees being cut down:
This is heartbreaking. When RIOC's war on our island trees will stop?

I've been observing the mass destruction of our island's trees for the last 16 years. I was hoping RIOC would start repairing the devastation they created. But no! It is just getting worse.

The 2 large OAK trees in the middle of the green lawn South of Rivercross near the Meditation Steps were just chopped down.

They were healthy trees that previous generations left to us to enjoy. Residents and visitors have been resting during the summer in the shade of those old beautiful trees.

Birds were nesting in its brunches, families of squirrels lived there for generations. And now they are gone!

As many, many other trees we used to enjoy along Main Street, along the river and in our yards and parks. When are they going to be replaced? Our future generation has been deprived of those good trees, as it takes 50 plus years to grow a tree.

I have a lot of questions to RIOC:
  • Who makes a decision a out which tree has to be cut down?
  • Does RIOC have an arborist expert? If yes,
  • Is this expert accountable? Can we see reports? Contractors’ report??
  • What about residents’ opinions, feelings, attachments, sentiments?
  • Are they just cutting trees to reduce the cost of maintenance? It is cheaper for them to cut the grass than take care of brunches.
  • Do you call it tree maintenance? It is a holocaust!!
  • What about migrating birds?!? We are in the middle of the Atlantic Flyway and there soon will be no trees for birds to rest!
  • When are the residents going to speak up aloud their concerns??o
  • How many trees were planted to replace the trees cut down? Look along the Main Street: all the tree patches are planted with flowers, not trees.
  • Are we getting trees replaced? The same type that was cut down? When is it going to happen?
  • Shall the residents organize and re-plant trees themselves and stand guard to them?
It is time for residents to hold RIOC accountable for this horrible environmental damage on our island!

This trees massacre should stop now! And new trees must be re-planted ASAP!

Long time and a highly concerned resident.
UPDATE 9/28 - RIOC issued the following statement this evening:
American sweetgums are among the favorites to replace two dying Norway Maple trees that were removed Thursday from the lawn south of the Rivercross co-op at 531 Main Street.
 

The low-maintenance, deciduous shade tree’s scientific name is Liquidambar styraciflua. It often exudes an aromatic balsam/gum that some describe as liquid amber; thus, its common name of sweetgum. The medium-sized to large tree typically grows anywhere from 50–70 feet tall with trunks measuring two-to-three feet in diameter. The trees, which have a brilliant Fall leaf mixture of yellows, oranges, purples and reds, can live to 400 years.

Red oaks are also being considered as replacements. It is believed both species would grow well in this lawn area. The schedule and exact location for the replacement planning has yet to be finalized.

(Do you have some suggestions on what type of trees should be planted on the lawn as replacements? Email your thoughts to the Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation c/o Alonza Robertson, alonza.robertson@rioc.ny.gov.)

An ISA-certified arborist did a recent health survey of Roosevelt Island trees at Southpoint Park, Capobianco Field and the lawn near Rivercross. The Mount Vernon-based tree expert was tasked, by the Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation, with identifying dead or declining trees that posed safety hazards.

Two Norway maples, both longtime fixtures at the Rivercross lawn area, were found to be in serious declining health with more than 60 percent of the limbs in the trees’ crowns dead, presenting a major safety hazard to anyone located in the spaces under the trees. Norway maples have a reputation for falling branches and limbs as the tree weakens.

In addition to the dead limbs and subsequent safety hazard, the arborist also found that the trees showed:
  • Evidence of stress
  • Insect (bores) activity
  • Large amounts of deadwood
  • Stress cracks along the base of tree
  • Weak structure
There is no spray or alternative treatment that would have reversed the condition as their root systems – which tend to grow close to the ground surface – also were girdling or strangling the trees with its own roots.

“We have next weekend’s Fall for Arts Festival taking place on the lawn where the two dead trees were located and we wanted to make sure the hazardous trees were removed prior to the event for safety reasons. The other trees in the area have received pruning as well to remove any other dead branches,” said Susan Rosenthal, RIOC’s president and CEO.

Tuesday, September 25, 2018

Roosevelt Island Veterans Celebration Saturday November 10 Honoring All Who Served - Please Contact RIOC If You Are A Veteran, Spouse, Widow(er) Or Know Of One

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

Please contact us if you are, or know of, a U.S. military veteran, a spouse or widow living on Roosevelt Island.

More details about the program will be coming shortly.

RIOC President Susan Rosenthal reported during December 8, 2016 Board meeting of efforts to provide services for Roosevelt Island veterans



and that there are at least 300 veterans living on Roosevelt Island.

If you are a veteran living on Roosevelt Island, spouse, widow(er) or know of one, please contact RIOC (212.832.4540) for more info.

Roosevelt Island Tram Cabin Returns To Full Weight Capacity - Malfunctioning Gearbox Repaired By Swiss Engineering Experts

Earlier this month a Roosevelt Island resident asked:

Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Public Information Officer Alonza Robertson adds today:
Both Roosevelt Island Trams are operating at full capacity after a recent period of the North Tram cabin running on a reduced or 50 percent passenger weight-load capacity, RIOC said Monday.

On August 31, the North Tram gearbox began to produce intermittent noises, which were localized to the intermediate gear inside of the box. Out of concern of the potential risk of damage to the equipment, the component was removed from service.

Each Tram operates using two motors and two gearboxes; if one is removed, operators must also remove about 50 percent of the load, RIOC said.

Because the Tram was designed with multiple redundancies, engineers from Leitner-Pomo – the operations company that RIOC contracts to run the Tram – were able to remove this gearbox and continue to operate using the remaining motor/gearbox combination at the reduced capacity.

The gearbox is manufactured by Kissling AG, a Swedish company; and a decision was made to bring in the engineering experts from the manufacturer to handle the repair. A Kissling crew traveled to Roosevelt Island from Bachenbülach, Switzerland, inspected and determined the location of the noise to be coming from a keyway on the intermediate gear shaft. That part was replaced by a shaft from the spare gearbox, which Leitner-Pomo had here on location. The spare gearbox is now slated to be rebuilt.

The Tram returned to full-load service last Monday, September 17.

RIOC apologizes for the inconvenience and thanks Island residents, RI workers, students and visitors that ride the Tram regularly for their patience.

Spider Man Returns to Roosevelt Island - Spotted Climbing Roosevelt Island Bridge Last Week


Spider Man seems to like Roosevelt Island, he was spotted last year near the subway station


and taking care of some personal business.
But, Spider Man will always be remembered for saving Roosevelt Island Tram Riders



from the Green Goblin.

Sponsored Post - NYC Emergency Management Department Wants You To Know Your Hurricane Zone, Be Ready And Be Prepared - Roosevelt Island Is Zone 2 & 3

The New York City Emergency Management Department wants you to be prepared and Know Your Hurricane Evacuation Zone.



According to the NYC Emergency Management Department:
To mark the beginning of the 2018 Atlantic hurricane season, the New York City Emergency Management Department ...  launched a new phase of the Know Your Zone hurricane awareness campaign to encourage New Yorkers to find out whether they live in one of the city’s six hurricane evacuation zones. Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 through November 30. The 2018 Know Your Zone campaign includes new video public service announcements (PSAs) demonstrating that New Yorkers have the power to prepare for hurricanes by knowing the hazards they may face, having a plan, and staying informed.

“Start preparing for hurricane season now so you’ll be ready long before a hurricane threatens New York City,” said New York City Emergency Management Commissioner Joseph Esposito. “Find out whether you live in a hurricane evacuation zone, and make an emergency plan with your family by visiting NYC.gov/knowyourzone or calling 311."

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has issued its 2018 Atlantic hurricane season outlook with forecasters predicting a near or above-normal season. NOAA’s forecasters predict a 70 percent likelihood of 10 to 16 named storms of which 5 to 9 could become hurricanes (winds of 74+ mph), including 1 to 4 major hurricanes (category 3, 4, or 5; winds of 111+ mph).

To help raise awareness of hurricane season, Know Your Zone advertisements will be displayed on bus shelters and Link NYC kiosks and will run in newspapers throughout the five boroughs beginning in June. Through the Know Your Zone campaign, NYC Emergency Management aims to reach the roughly three million New Yorkers living within the city’s hurricane evacuation zones. Areas of the city subject to storm surge flooding are divided into six evacuation zones (1 through 6) based on risk of storm surge flooding. The City may order residents to evacuate depending on a hurricane’s track and projected storm surge.

New Yorkers should take key steps to prepare for the start of hurricane season
  • Know your zone – Find out whether you live in one of the city’s six hurricane evacuation zones. Use the Hurricane Evacuation Zone Finder at NYC.gov/knowyourzone or call 311 (212-639-9675 for Video Relay Service, or TTY: 212-504-4115) to find out if your address is located in an evacuation zone. If you live in an evacuation zone, have a plan for where you will go if an evacuation order is issued for your area.
  • Know what to do – Make a plan so you know what to do, how to find each other, and how to communicate if a hurricane strikes. Use the Ready New York: My Emergency Plan at NYC.gov/myemergencyplan, or use the Ready NYC mobile application, available for smartphones and tablets.
  • Stay informed – Sign up for Notify NYC to receive free emergency notifications and updates via email, phone, SMS/text, or Twitter. Messages are also available in American Sign Language (ASL). Get the free mobile application, visit NYC.gov/notifynyc, call 311, or follow @NotifyNYC on Twitter.
Roosevelt Island is located in Hurricane Zones 2

Image From NYC OEM

and 3.

Image From NYC OEM

Most of Roosevelt Island,

Image From NYC OEM

including all of the residential buildings and Cornell Tech campus, are located in Zone 3.

Coler Hospital,

Image From NYC OEM

Lighthouse and FDR Four Freedoms Park are located in Zone 2.

Be Ready

and Prepared.
During September 20 Roosevelt Island Emergency Preparedness Town Hall Meeting, NYC Emergency Management Senior Outreach Coordinator Ed Powell described the  Agency's role in coordinating all types of NYC emergency situation responses.



More video from the September 20 Roosevelt Island Emergency Preparedness Town Hall will be posted soon.

Monday, September 24, 2018

Cornell Tech Starting Series Of Roosevelt Island Community Conversations With Faculty Members - Learn About Computer Vision, Machine Learning And Augmented Reality With Prof Serge Belongie Tuesday September 25, More To Come

Cornell Tech is starting a series of Roosevelt Island community conversations with  members of their faculty beginning tomorrow, Tuesday, September 25, with Professor Serge Belongie.

You're invited.

According to Cornell Tech:

Community Conversations with Cornell Tech Faculty

Professor Belongie will talk about his research group's work in Computer Vision, Machine Learning, and Augmented Reality at Cornell Tech. He will also take questions from the audience.

COMING UP
  • Oct. 17th: Prof. Nicola Dell
  • Nov. 29th: Prof. Mor Naaman
  • Dec. 11th: Prof. James Grimmelmann
These events are free and open to the public.

To Register use link: https://bit.ly/2xiqcgJ

Or call 646-971-3744 and leave your name and phone number. (RSVP not required but will make access to the building easier)

Professor Belongie explains computer vision in video below.



During the August 16 Roosevelt Island Cornell Tech Construction & Community Task Force meeting.



Cornell Tech Assistant Director of Community & Government Relations Jane Swanson described the upcoming series of community conversation with Cornell Tech Faculty and Roosevelt Island residents.