Hey Susan - RIOC President Susan Rosenthal Answers Questions From Roosevelt Island Residents, Send In Yours Too

The Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) has started a new feature, - Ask Hey Susan - in which RIOC President Susan Rosenthal

 will answer questions you ask her.

Here's the first installment of Ask Hey Susan.

𝗛𝗘𝗬 𝗦𝗨𝗦𝗔𝗡!

𝘈𝘴𝘬 𝘙𝘐𝘖𝘊 𝘗𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘪𝘥𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘚𝘶𝘴𝘢𝘯 𝘙𝘰𝘴𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘭 𝘢 𝘲𝘶𝘦𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯, 𝘢𝘯𝘺 𝘲𝘶𝘦𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘢𝘣𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘴 𝘰𝘯 𝘙𝘰𝘰𝘴𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘭𝘵 𝘐𝘴𝘭𝘢𝘯𝘥. 𝘚𝘶𝘣𝘮𝘪𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘲𝘶𝘦𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘵𝘰 𝘪𝘯𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘮𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯@𝘳𝘪𝘰𝘤.𝘯𝘺.𝘨𝘰𝘷.

𝗛𝗘𝗬 𝗦𝗨𝗦𝗔𝗡! “Is it possible to improve the aim of the Firefighter Field lights located near the old steam plant, facing north? The lights are aimed high and are sending glaring light into my apartment at 455 Main Street. I am sure other residents must be experiencing the same issue.”

𝗦𝗨𝗦𝗔𝗡: “As you may know, the Roosevelt Island Youth Fall Soccer League has relocated to Firefighter’s and Capobianco fields this season as the previously-used Octagon Field is closed for renovations.

Through the December 1st weekend, the league’s practices and games will be held and played at the fields on Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays (excluding holidays), including some evenings up to 9:30 p.m. The temporary field lighting at Firefighter’s has been installed to facilitate those activities. We have contacted the lighting contractor and asked them to return and make some adjustments to potential improve the glare into the nearby apartments. I will email you again once that has been completed.

Youth soccer is one of the more popular events on the Island and RIOC is attempting to accommodate more than 220 children, ages 5 – 18-years-old; split in four divisions and across 10 teams.

We apologize for this inconvenience."

(Follow-up Part 2) 𝗛𝗘𝗬 𝗦𝗨𝗦𝗔𝗡! “I noticed the lighting contractor making adjustments today (on Firefighters Field) and there is much improvement this evening. Thanks so much for the very prompt response and effective resolution, most appreciated!”

𝗦𝗨𝗦𝗔𝗡: “Great. Thank you for writing me back to let us know the situation is improved. Have a good night.”

𝗛𝗘𝗬 𝗦𝗨𝗦𝗔𝗡! "May I ask if there is any leasing office for residential on Roosevelt Island? I am thinking about moving here, but I cannot find any information about leasing office except brokers and agencies.

"If you do have, may I ask the office hours? Thank you very much for your help."

𝗦𝗨𝗦𝗔𝗡: "There are several different leasing companies that operate on the Island. You should Google “housing on Roosevelt Island” and you should get a list of the various residential buildings – Manhattan Park, The Octagon, Westview, Rivercross, Roosevelt Landings etc. - and their contact information.

"We at the Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation are the government of the Island, responsible for the development, maintenance and operations of the Island; we don’t handle the residential leasing."

𝗛𝗘𝗬 𝗦𝗨𝗦𝗔𝗡! “Hello, I am copying herewith for your information an email that I sent to MTA complaints this afternoon (not the first time on the same subject) since you are in charge of managing Roosevelt Island. Thank you.”

𝗦𝗨𝗦𝗔𝗡: “There was nothing attached. While we manage Roosevelt Island, the MTA is separate from us. We do have relationships with the intergovernmental unit at the MTA and can your share your concerns."

𝗛𝗘𝗬 𝗦𝗨𝗦𝗔𝗡! "Hello: As the face (&heart) of Roosevelt Island continues to change, I must say I am happy to see the benches along the river were replaced, happy to see rail replacement happening along the river, and the covering?/re-staining? of the graffiti on the meditation steps, the color seems a little haphazard but I suppose it will fade. I have 2 other observations/suggestions. 1)I've attached photos of a chunk of missing plank from the pier 2) the old guard rail that borders the short hill path from the top of meditation steps down the west side towards the Ginko trees... seems it would be much more attractive to remove it and at the least make a curb comparable to the River Ross edge, or hedges. The old -fashioned overkill road guard rail seems very rural & out of place. As always, your consideration appreciated."

𝗦𝗨𝗦𝗔𝗡: "Thank you for your email. We’ll check it out and get that fixed. In the future, to submit work requests for things broken on the Island you can use this link, from our website: https://rioc.ny.gov/Requesttracker.aspx

𝗛𝗘𝗬 𝗦𝗨𝗦𝗔𝗡! "After residing on RI for more than four decades; I am very excited to see the new signage sprouting up!

YES! I love, love the RI Welcome sign by the tram. I would like for my "vote" to be included in any final decision regarding the RI Welcome sign's status (hopefully it is not too late). In fact, I think we should have several randomly dotted around the island!"

"Also, I love the new way finding signs! Hooray! It is wonderful that tourists and visitors alike have the visual assistance they need to successfully navigate our beloved community."

𝗦𝗨𝗦𝗔𝗡: Thanks so much for reaching out; it’s great to get positive feedback! And, you are not alone! There’s no real “vote”—our Real Estate Development Advisory Committee will most likely discuss it in the months ahead. Meanwhile, I use the tram every day and watch the fun so many residents and visitors seem to have posing for photos. I love it too!"

𝘏𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘢 𝘲𝘶𝘦𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘙𝘐𝘖𝘊 𝘗𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘪𝘥𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘚𝘶𝘴𝘢𝘯 𝘙𝘰𝘴𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘭? 𝘚𝘶𝘣𝘮𝘪𝘵 𝘪𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘏𝘌𝘠 𝘚𝘜𝘚𝘈𝘕! 𝘢𝘵 𝘪𝘯𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘮𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯@𝘳𝘪𝘰𝘤.𝘯𝘺.𝘨𝘰𝘷.

Message From The Roosevelt Island Jewish Congregation - Rabbi Urges Members And Friends To Show Up For Shabbat To Honor Memory Of Pittsburgh Tree Of Life Victims And To Fight Anti Semitism And Other Forms Of Hate

The American Jewish Committee is encouraging everyone to #ShowUpForShabbat in a demonstration of solidarity for the 11 victims killed at the Tree of Life synagogue. https://t.co/zzXb5HhsmV

— NPR (@NPR) November 2, 2018

Nina Lublin. President of the Roosevelt Island Jewish Congregation, shares the following message on this particular Friday:

The Roosevelt Island Jewish Congregation, serving the RI Jewish community for over 35 years, joins the entire country in grieving for the 11 murdered women & men of the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh, and in praying for the on-going recovery of the 6 wounded.

Earlier this week our Rabbi, Joel Shaiman, led a service of prayers, comfort, discussion & action.

Our next Shabbat Service is next Friday, November 9th, at 7:00 pm, in the Sanctuary / Small Studio in the Cultural Center. Until then, please take a few minutes to read a Special Message from Rabbi Shaiman and decide how you will #ShowUpForShabbat this weekend, & beyond.

Rabbi Shaiman writes:

Last Shabbat, eleven of our brothers and sisters were brutally murdered at a Pittsburgh synagogue, as they joined together to pray, to celebrate out Jewish tradition, and to be together with our people. This Shabbat, to honor the memory of the victims, and to stand-up to anti-Semitism and all forms of hate, all synagogues nationwide will be participating in the #ShowUpForShabbat campaign.

Organized by the American Jewish Committee (AJC), Jewish communities across the country—along with elected officials, religious and civic leaders, and other allies, both Jewish and non-Jewish—will flock to synagogues for Shabbat services (tonight, Friday, and Saturday, November 2-3). Although the RIJC does not have services this weekend, we urge the members & friends of the RIJC & their families to attend services at other synagogues on Friday evening & Saturday morning, perhaps gather for Shabbat dinners or Kiddush lunches, and to reach out to neighbors who might be alone and in need of comfort & company. I look forward to seeing you next Friday night, November 9th.

My colleague Rabbi Noam Marans, Director of Interreligious and Intergroup Relations at the AJC writes:

It is a Shabbat of sadness and mourning. But it must also be a Shabbat of defiance and continuity, a Shabbat of gratitude and thanksgiving…We will not run away. We will not cower. We will not allow the hate of a few to drive out the love of the many…Faith leaders, civic officials and many millions of Americans have made it clear: An attack on one faith is an attack on all faiths. An attack on one American is an attack on all Americans.

As the families of the victims and the entire Pittsburgh Jewish community begin their mourning this week, I hope we can all find some comfort as the healing begins. Let us take inspiration from the Psalmist (30:11-12) who from the depths, looked to the heavens and proclaimed: “O God, be my help! You turned my lament into dancing, you undid my sackcloth and girded me with joy”.

Shabbat shalom.

As reported yesterday, the Chabad Of Roosevelt Island are hosting a Show Up For Shabbat Solidarity Service tomorrow, November 3 at the Cultural Center.

You're Invited To The Great Roosevelt Island Pumpkin Smash Saturday November 3 - Turning Halloween Waste To Compost For NYC Parks With NYC Compost Hosted By Big Reuse

Image From 2017 Roosevelt Island Pumpkin Smash

Roosevelt Island based iDig2Learn tweets:

Join us tomorrow SAT 11/3 from 11a-2p for 🎃 Smash on Manhattan Park’s lower lawn thanks to @RIOCny @BigReuse Roosevelt Island Garden Club, GRIN @NYCferry & @nypl will be there too! Pumpkin + Smash = compost for communities! pic.twitter.com/qXrQPMTtx9

— iDig2Learn (@iDig2Learn) November 2, 2018

and adds:

Don’t Let Your Pumpkin Haunt the Landfill!

On Saturday, November 3rd, on the Lower Lawn of Manhattan Park, from 11a-2p everyone is invited to climb up high and hurl their rotting Halloween pumpkins to the ground to splatter them into mush. Don't let your pumpkin haunt the landfill! Bring your pumpkin and gently used costume to donate. Join us for free coffee and pie from Gristedes and Wengerd Farm at Roosevelt Island’s third annual free “Pumpkin Smash,” with partners RIOC, RIGC, GRIN, Girl Scouts, iDig2Learn and the NYC Compost Project hosted by Big Reuse. NYC Ferry will be giving away one free 30-day ferry pass and Jennifer Minehardt from NYPL will have story time too. Dropping off food scraps are the first step in turning decomposed material into compost, and it educates young and old about harnessing natural systems to protect the environment.

Here are some scenes



from last year's first Great Roosevelt Island



Pumpkin Smash.

Roosevelt Island Weekend Transportation - No Roosevelt Island F Train Service To Manhattan This Weekend, Both Tram Cabins At Full Capacity And NYC Ferry New Fall RI Service Schedule

There is no Roosevelt Island F Train service to Manhattan this weekend. According to the MTA:

TRACK MAINTENANCE 9:45 PM Fri, Nov 2 to 5 AM Mon, Nov 5 Brooklyn-bound F trains run via the E from Roosevelt Av in Queens to Canal St in Manhattan and via the A o Jay St-MetroTech in Brooklyn

No Brooklyn-bound service at 21 St-Queensbridge, Roosevelt Island, Lexington Av/63, 47-50 Sts, 42 St-Bryant Pk, 34 St-Herald Sq, 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 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.

UPDATE 11/5:

Service Alert – NYC Ferry Winter Schedule Effective Monday, November 5

On Monday, November 5, the NYC Ferry Winter Schedule will go into effect. Please plan your commute accordingly.

For all schedules, please visit https://t.co/deB7HwZLxy

— NYC Ferry (@NYCferry) October 31, 2018

Here's the Winter Roosevelt Island Astoria Route schedule.

Meet The Roosevelt Island Public Safety Department, Their Mission And Duties - Working With NYPD And Emergency Preparedness Plan

Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Public Information Officer reports to the community on the mission and duties of the Public Safety Department. According to Mr. Robertson:

What is Public Safety?

The uniformed members of the Public Safety Department (PSD) are special patrolmen and women designated by the Police Commissioner of the City of New York, and authorized by Section 2.20 of the Criminal Procedure Law to act as peace officers. The PSD is a division of the Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation (RIOC), the NYS public-benefit authority that runs and maintains services for the Island and plans for its future development.

Duties

PSD officers are the front-line problem solvers for the Roosevelt Island community. Working closely with the NYPD’s 114th Precinct, with FDNY and their emergency medical services (EMS) - all based in Queens - the Public Safety Department provides a 24-hour-a-day, seven-day-a-week presence on the island.

Assistance

PSD assists in enforcing all State and City laws, including traffic regulations and those sections of the Penal Law, Criminal Procedure Law, and Vehicle and Traffic Laws as they pertain to Roosevelt Island. Officers are trained to know these laws and regulations, the laws of arrest and the constitutional rights of the individual. PSD officers have undergone extensive training for sensitivity to bias crimes and crimes involving sexual assault and harassment.

As of September 1, PSD officers have responded to 1,519 calls for service in 2018 consisting of more than 35 different types of requests including EMS, shoplifting, disabled cars and vehicle accidents, juvenile-related incidents, lost-and-found property, landlord-tenant disputes, grand larceny, robbery, assault and burglary.

And as testament to their work, Roosevelt Island has one of the lowest crime rates in New York City metropolitan area.

In addition, PSD officers handle traffic control, parking enforcement, and the escorting of over-sized trucks via the Helix for construction projects, commercial deliveries, and TV and movie shoots among others.

Led by Chief Jack McManus, (pictured below far left)

and Deputy Chief Kevin Brown, both former high-ranking officers for the NYPD, the Public Safety Department has more than 45 officers, and civilian employees, who work in three-different shifts covering 24 hours each day.

During the September 20 Roosevelt Island Emergency Preparedness Town Hall Meeting, NYPD 114 Precinct Officer Keith Matthes described working with the Roosevelt Island Public Safety Department



and Public Safety Department Deputy Director Kevin Brown reviewed Roosevelt Island emergency procedures plan



followed by



a question and answer period.

NYPD 114 Precinct Commander Deputy Inspector Nunes says Roosevelt Island is the safest area in the precinct.

Roosevelt Island Show Up For Shabbat Solidarity Service Combating Hate Saturday November 3 Hosted By Chabad Of Roosevelt Island - All Are Invited To Come

A new campaign is encouraging Americans of all faiths to visit synagogues for Shabbat services Friday and Saturday as a show of strength and love against hate https://t.co/vonco1VOze pic.twitter.com/f8p1QvyDwJ

— CNN (@CNN) October 31, 2018

“We’re not going to be cowed into silence,” said the leader of the organization in charge of the #ShowUpForShabbat campaign. “We’re not going to stay home. We’re going to show up.” https://t.co/CD0rqoIOWy

— NYT National News (@NYTNational) November 1, 2018

The Chabad of Roosevelt Island is participating in the national Show UP For Shabbat Solidarity Service on Saturday November 3 at the Cultural Center (548 Main Street).

According to Chabad Of Roosevelt Island Rabbi Zalman Duchman

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

In our daily prayer, we say ברכנו אבינו כלנו כאחד - Borcheinu Avinu Kulanu Ke'Echad - Bless us, Our Father, all of us as one, with the light of Your countenance. During these trying times, we need G-d's blessing and light, more than ever, to give us the strength and wisdom to respond appropriately. Join us, as we will say these words, just before 9:50am, this Shabbat morning, November 3, at the Cultural Center.

The Rebbe has ingrained in our hearts, the only way for us to respond: To combat indiscriminate evil, with indiscriminate love, to combat hating people just because of who they are with loving people just because of who they are - a human being created in the image of G-d. We have to honor these victims by dedicating ourselves even more to helping people see each other for the soul that shines within them, and by extension see ourselves as part of one whole.

Please let us know if you will be able to attend. Services begin at 9:00am.

May G-d send comfort to the families of those who were murdered, a complete and speedy recovery to those who were wounded, and heal the hearts of the entire community in Pittsburgh and beyond, who were affected by this tragedy.

Contact Nechama@RIJewish.org for more info.

There’s nothing more powerful than coming together to send a message that we are louder and stronger than hate.

Learn how you can get involved in #SolidarityShabbat this weekend: https://t.co/gpVTAEheAa#ShowUpForShabbat #NeverIsNow pic.twitter.com/uUxNPYcCr6

— UJA-Federation of NY (@UJAfedNY) November 1, 2018

Roosevelt Island Retail Update - PupCulture Pet Care Store Coming To Main Street This Spring

Roosevelt Island pet owners are going to be very happy with this news. PupCulture,

Dogs are obsessed with Pup Culture. Bring your pup by to see why! Visit https://t.co/59K8iHOWeR to learn more!https://t.co/EiJg7NelBb

— PupCulture NYC (@Pupculturesoho) February 27, 2016

a pet care service is coming to Roosevelt Island's 544 Main Street

and is expected to open in Spring 2019.

According to this press release today from Shops On Main Street Retail Master Leaseholder Hudson Related:

Hudson Related Retail LLC today announced the signing of pet care service PupCulture to a 10-year, 3,792-square foot lease at 544 Main Street, located along Roosevelt Island’s Shops on Main retail corridor. The addition of PupCulture will add to the growing, eclectic mix of storefronts at the Shops on Main, which include Mexican restaurant Onda, bubble tea shop BubbleCool and the forthcoming Liukoshui hot pot restaurant. Soon, Shops on Main visitors will be able to take their pets to the full-service outlet for day-care, grooming, walking and other pet needs. This will be PupCulture’s third location, adding to storefronts on Hudson Street in SoHo and Broome Street in Tribeca. PupCulture at 544 Main Street is expected to open in spring 2019.

“As soon as our team stumbled upon PupCulture, I knew we had to have them on Roosevelt Island,” said Jorge L. Jorge, Director of Leasing & Sales at Lisa Management. “This one-stop-shop for pet supplies will bring a needed service for the island’s pet lovers.”

“A pet shop has been on the wish list of island residents for many years,” said Alex Kaplan, Project Manager at The Hudson Companies. “I am glad we were able to fulfill that need.”

“Our goal is to provide a unique amenity of highest quality pet services (daycare, boarding, grooming, walking and pet sitting services) to the residents of Roosevelt Island and the surrounding neighborhoods,” said Ibrahim Almiheh, President of PupCulture.

David Ravvin of Lisa Management Inc. represented both Hudson Related Retail LLC and PupCulture in the deal. The Shops on Main also feature a salon, dry cleaner, wine shop, diner and Chinese restaurant, all of which add to the variety of retail along the corridor.

In March Lisa Management, the property management arm of The Hudson Companies, Inc, took over all marketing and leasing for the remaining available spaces on Main Street. These include 2,000 square feet at 521 Main St., 2,229 square feet at 563 Main St., and 2,172 square feet at 544 Main St. As property managers of the Shops on Main since 2002, Lisa Management is building on its extensive knowledge of Roosevelt Island retail in this expanded role.

According to the PupCulture web site:

Established in 2002, pupculture is one of the original pioneers of New York City's Dog Day care. We pride ourselves on treating your pets with the same kindness and affection that they receive at home. Our pet pampering services include Daycare and Boarding, Grooming and Spa Treatments, Dog Walking, In-Home Pet Feeding, Pick-up and Drop-off. We also carry a selection of fine pet accessories, treats, and health products in our boutique.

Welcome PupCulture



to Roosevelt Island.

Meet Frank Farance Candidate For Roosevelt Island Residents Association Common Council Vice President- Meet RIRA Building Candidates Thursday November 1 At Westview Building (625 Main Street)

The Roosevelt Island Residents Association (RIRA) Common Council is holding their 2018 election for President, Vice President and Building representatives on Tuesday, November 6.

Roosevelt Island resident Frank Farance

is a candidate for RIRA Vice President and submitted the following statement to the community.

Frank Farance

Candidate for RIRA Vice President

Island resident for 38 years, RIRA Common Council for 22 years and served as: Island House representative, RIRA President, Planning Committee Chair, Communication Committee Chair, RIRA Secretary, Public Safety Committee member, Island Services Committee member, Constitution and By-Laws Committee member, Public Purpose Funds Committee member, Government Relations Committee and Maple Tree Group member. I'm a parent of 16-year old twins.

Efforts I've initiated, led, or helped significantly:

• Water/Air Quality: I investigated contaminated water (carcinogens) at parks' drinking fountains ― already a half-year project, and still ongoing. I led RIRA's air quality effort during the Cornell construction, and I was able to bring all the stakeholders to the table: Cornell, RICC, and experts.
• Emergency Response: Member of RI's CERT team since 2006, staffed Hurricane Sandy and Hurricane Irene shelters, and staffed Hurricane Maria service center (Harlem) and worked at City's warehouse moving donations, supplies, and materiel to Puerto Rico. This summer, I developed with RIOC a drill and demonstration for flood mitigation for Roosevelt Island: quick-fill dams (8 minutes fill time) that can be deployed around the Island to protect buildings and infrastructure from hurricane flooding. I participated in the City's Dept. of Planning workshop on flood mitigation (sponsored by Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer), analyzed updated flood planes for Island's buildings.
• Affordability and Housing: I've helped preserve affordable housing, including the Island House conversion (a 15-year effort led by a half-dozen people), and advocating strongly for Westview's conversion, which was stalled at RIOC. I opposed Gristede's withdrawal of the WIC (women, infants, and children) program, got Manhattan Park Pool to end its discriminatory pricing.
• Finances: I've helped reveal the Island's finances, including getting RIOC to increase their budget look-ahead from 5 years to 15 years (which revealed RIOC financial problems). I've given the community insight on the ground leases - their strengths and weaknesses. I exposed RIOC's billion dollar debt/liability, which is an issue that all of us need to work on as it will soon affect our housing costs (whether rent or maintenance, whether subsidized or market-rate).
• Health/Safety: I took "Rat Academy" training (City's Department of Health), reported the severe rat infestation at PS/IS 217 (250-rat colony), and got the City to teach the Rat Academy on the Island for residents and building/merchant staff. Reported multiple health and security problems at the Motorgate "vomitorium". Reported safety problems with helix reconstruction (immediately fixed).
• Public Safety: Worked on many issues over the years, including improper recordkeeping on vertical patrols, building safety, park/promenade safety. I seek to balance the Rights of the Individual (no gratuitous arrests) with the Rights of Society (Quality of Life issues, such as late-night noise).
• Youth: I have worked with 1000+ youth over the past 15 years, including personally teaching, mentoring, and supporting 200 Island youth. For a decade, I've taught STEM to Island youth in weekly classes (robotics, Minecraft, SAT prep, etc.).

In the 2018-2020 term, my focus is (1) expanding RIRA to include all the Island's residents, such as Coler and Cornell, (2) giving merchants a voice, (3) improving Island's infrastructure, (4) improving RIOC's communication and responsiveness towards community needs. I will continue to stand up for the residents and their concerns, continue to invest time/effort in our community, and (as always) Speak Truth to Power.

David Lawson is also running for RIRA Vice President.

Lynn Strong-Shinozaki is running unopposed for RIRA President.

As previously reported:

The Roosevelt Island Residents Association (RIRA) Common Council is hosting a Meet Your Building Candidates 7:30 PM Thursday, November 1 at Westview, 625 Main Street. The location has been changed from Good Shepherd to Westview).

You're invited to attend.

Click here for RIRA Building Candidates too.

Happy Halloween - Check Out Scenes From Saturday's Roosevelt Island Halloween Extravaganza Celebration At Sportspark - Moved Inside Because Of Nor'Easter Storm Did Not Stop The Festivities

Happy Halloween. Today was a beautiful day to go Trick or Treating. Hope everyone had alot of fun.

The Roosevelt Island Halloween Parade scheduled for last Saturday was cancelled due to the Nor'easter storm but that did not stop festivities with the Extravaganza moving indoors to the Sportspark building.

Here are some scenes



from the October 27 Roosevelt Island Halloween Extravaganza.

Read more »

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:

Fall opens the door to an entirely new New York. Changing leaves, crisp air, and a long list of seasonal activities and things to do on Roosevelt Island.

In response to the cooling weather, take your workout inside and work up a sweat at the indoor tennis court on the south end of the island. For fantastic waterfront views, pay a visit to the North Point Lighthouse.

Bold, vibrant foliage isn’t restricted to Central Park (although if you wanted to witness it, the tram or F train could have you there in a few minutes.) The lush greenery of Roosevelt Island turns a colorful hue as we progress into fall. Bring a picnic and a blanket, and immerse yourself in the season.

After experiencing all that Manhattan and Roosevelt Island have to offer, head home to your luxurious refuge from the city. With high ceilings, spacious rooms, and generous natural light, you might forget you’re in New York. But the moment you look out the floor-to-ceiling windows and take in the panoramic views of the skyline, it will take your breath away.

The Related lifestyle brings luxury and convenience to the enchanting community on Roosevelt Island.

Contact Related Rentals for more leasing information.

Roosevelt Island Community Update From RIOC - Infrastructure Improvements Underway For Roads, Street Lights, Wireless Devices, Lighthouse Park Foot Bridges, Landscaping Upgrades & Sportspark Pool Temperature Fluctuations

According to the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC):

Island’s Infrastructure Rebuild Gains More Momentum

ISLAND ROADS

Several critical areas of Roosevelt Island’s asphalt roads in need of repairs to cracks, potholes and collapsed drains are being addressed by our road contractor that has started milling work and will continue with paving, rolling and striping today, October 30 through Thursday, November 1, the Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation said Tuesday.

The identified areas include West Road, by the MTA Subway Station; Main Street, by the Community Garden and The Octagon entrance; and the NYC Health + Hospitals/Coler loop. Four crosswalks, located on Main Street by the shops and Chapel of the Good Shepherd are to be restriped next week as well. The work is being performed by Rosemar Construction Company, of Long Island, N.Y, which specializes in a range of commercial, municipal/industrial and residential road work services.

LIGHT FIXTURES

Some 108 light-head fixtures on Roosevelt Island have been repaired and retro-fitted in the past 90 days including the replacement of old inefficient, incandescent light bulbs around the Island and at Sportspark pool with new LED bulbs and the rewiring of corroded electrical panels including at the Chapel of the Good Shepherd.

The new LED bulbs - which are activated by photoelectric sensors and timers - use less energy and last up to 50,000 hours as compared to the incandescent bulbs that used more  electricity and only had a light life of 10,000.

RIOC maintenance staff and Ral-Bar Electric of Long Island City, N.Y. have completed most of the work.

RIOC staff will also be applying identification stickers on each light fixture to help streamline the process of identifying which fixtures are out or experiencing problems in the future. If you see a light out, you now can simply tell us its number. That work is expected to be completed by the end of November.

(Pictured in the photos is Luis Fernandez, a member of RIOC’s Facilities Maintenance Department).

WIRELESS SMALL CELL ANTENNAS

Wireless device connectivity on Roosevelt Island is about to be vastly improved, and less congested, during the next few weeks.

Crown Castle International Corp., the nation’s largest provider of shared communications infrastructure, will be installing 22 unique small cell locations on the Island covering from north to south. The antennas and fiber-optic cable-based networking will provide coverage and capacity for up to four data/phone service carriers including Verizon

Small cells are important wireless infrastructure that increase capacity and connectivity for mobile devices. They are small, low-powered antennas that can be installed on light and utility poles, street signs, and even on rooftops. Crown Castle, under a 10-year licensing agreement, will be building and maintaining this fiber ring around Roosevelt Island to supply various locations with better connectivity.

As the Roosevelt Island community continues to grow, more residents, businesses, students and visitors are relying on wireless devices to connect to the Internet and communicate (more than 50 percent of all U.S. households rely only on wireless phones; and some 80 percent of all 911 calls are made from wireless devices). When too many people try to use their mobile devices, the network can become overloaded: calls drop or don’t connect.

Small cells, like the ones being installed around the Island, can and will relieve this wireless congestion.

LIGHTHOUSE PARK

Roosevelt Island’s Lighthouse Park will soon be receiving some direly needed repairs. RIOC recently announced it has hired an architectural firm to design renovations to the two pedestrian footbridges in the area, adjacent pavement work, park landscaping upgrades and the creation of a salt riparian habitat as part of a natural floodable landscape adjacent to the Lighthouse tower. The Lighthouse tower is now closed off to visitors until that work is completed by next Spring.

SPORTSPARK POOL

In recent weeks, we’ve received a few complaints that the pool water at Sportspark is too cold, although our goal is to keep the temperature in the vicinity of 84 degrees which sometimes fluctuates + or – 2 degrees. From our regular maintenance checks, we’ve determined that Sportspark’s recently-installed boiler is working fine, so we are continuously monitoring the temperatures and sensors and will work with the contractor (who installed the boiler) to determine how we can prevent future temperature fluctuations. We will provide an update once we’ve resolved the situation.

If You See Something, or Have a Question About Something, That Needs Fixing

The Community Request Tracker system is a new feature on the Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation’s website. The system allows RIOC to track and address maintenance, grounds and facilities issues submitted by Island residents, businesses and organizations.

For non-emergencies during the week and weekend, Island residents should not call the Island’s Public Safety Department (PSD) but rather submit a FIX IT ticket (click the link provided or go to the “Report A Problem” icon at the homepage of rioc.ny.gov,) and the request is immediately routed to the correct department.

If you need help navigating the system, call Alonza Robertson, RIOC’s public information officer at 212.832.4540.

Residents can report problems involving animal control, electrical, Island infrastructure, parks and recreation: dead trees, garbage, grass or landscaping; facility cleanliness, field damage and transportation: Red Bus service or the Tram.

For emergencies, during the week and weekends – electrical outages, flooding etc. - residents should immediately call PSD, at 212.832.4545, and PSD will call the appropriate Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation department to respond.

Again, if you see something, that’s a non-emergency, say something to us directly via a ticket and not to PSD.

Roosevelt Island Tram Metro Card Machines Not Accepting Credit Cards, Cash Only Until MTA And Verizon Fix Malfunction

A Roosevelt Island resident asked last night:

Tram station mta machines

I wondered if you knew or saw any announcement that all 4 MTA metrocards machines are not accepting cards? Numerous people were stranded on both sides and not one sign or attendant there to help. I have not taken tram since last week but some state this has been going on this weekend?

I asked Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Public Information Officer about the Tram Metrocard machines. Mr Robertson replied today:

Yes, the credit card machine function on the ticket machines at the Tram are not working.

We’re working with the MTA and Verizon to correct the situation. I’ll provide you an update once the problem gets resolved.

This afternoon the Tram Metrocard Machines

were still cash only.

Remembering The 11 People Shot And Killed At Pittsburgh's Tree Of Life Synagogue

Never thought this could happen in America.

Meet Lynn Strong-Shinozaki, Candidate For President Of Roosevelt Island Residents Association Common Council - Meet RIRA Building Candidates Thursday November 1 At Westview Building (625 Main Street)

The Roosevelt Island Residents Association (RIRA) Common Council is hosting a Meet Your Building Candidates 7:30 PM Thursday, November 1 at Westview, 625 Main Street. The location has been changed from Good Shepherd to Westview).

You're invited to attend.

 Meet Lynn Strong-Shinozaki, a candidate for RIRA President.

My name is Lynne Strong-Shinozaki

and I am running for President of the Roosevelt Island Residents’ Association and I need your vote on Nov. 6th.

• I have served on RIRA for over 25 years. I am currently the Vice President.
• I have chaired the Social, Cultural & Education Committee.
• I have worked with amazing people to protect our quality of life…”Saving the Cat Sanctuary”, “Saving the Tram”.
• Most of all I battle “Predatory Equity”…getting housing developers to treat our residents fairly.
• I have worked with amazing people and initiated some of our community activities…Cherry Blossom Festival, Skate RI, RIRA Showcase, Egg Hunt, Hands Only CPR, BENHUGS and Pay It Forward, a community based program to aid economically challenges individuals and families.
• Street Advisor has ranked Roosevelt Island the 2nd best neighborhood in Manhattan. We will strive to be #1.
• Roosevelt Island is becoming the best neighborhood in New York City and I am going to make damn sure it happens.
• Tuesday, Nov. 6th is Election Day. We need your vote to make changes in our government and I need your vote to make changes to protect Roosevelt Island.
• Roosevelt Island is under enormous development. Our community is expanding; development is bringing lots of people to the Island. I will work hard, as I have always done, to make sure that the safety and welfare of our residents are always protected.
• I need your help to keep what we have and to protect us when it comes to even greater increasing development.
• You, the residents of Roosevelt Island, are the key element to our success. We need to make sure that our voices are heard. I have and will always continue to work and protect the welfare of our residents.
• Together we will make Roosevelt Island the #1 best neighborhood in Manhattan.
• Many people are responsible for our success. I want to continue to expand and protect the incredible potentials of Roosevelt Island.

Please vote for me for President of the Roosevelt Island Residents’ Association on Nov. 6.

Thank you.

Ms Strong-Shinozaki is running unopposed as RIRA President. Current RIRA President Jeff Escobar is not running for re-election.

There are two candidates for RIRA Vice President - Frank Farance and David Lawson.

The RIRA Common Council has 44 Building Common Council Members:

Southtown: 11
Westview: 3
RiverCross: 3
2 River Road: 1
546 Main Street: 2
4 River Road: 1
Roosevelt Landings: 7
Manhattan Park: 8
Island House: 3
Octagon: 5

Below are RIRA Building candidates. Will post statements submitted by Building candidates.

Building Representatives by District:

Southtown

Sally Ashe

Justin Ellis

Dave Evans

Janet Falk

Michael J Rindler

Jennifer Weinstein

Sharon Williams


Roosevelt Landings

Cynthia Ahn

Nancy Brown

Shirley A. Coley

Phinda Dlamini

Linda Maynard-Hall

Rivercross


Laura Hussey

Kaja Meade


Island House

Rossana Ceruzzi

Adib Mansour A. F.

Lydia Tang

Frank Farance


Westview

Bafode Drame

Erin Feely-Nahem

Vadim Malinsky


Manhattan Park

Paula Beltrone

Chris Gassman

Eneaqua Lewis

Shuang Yu


Octagon

Robert Leung

Cristrobal A Oltra

F. Scott Piro

James Rosenthal

David Turley

RIOC Begins Roosevelt Island Main Street Repairs Tomorrow - Milling, Paving, Rolling And Striping

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

Several critical areas of Roosevelt Island’s asphalt roads in need of repairs to cracks, potholes and collapsed drains are being addressed by a road contractor that has started milling work and will continue with paving, rolling and striping tomorrow through Thursday, November 1.

The identified areas include West Road, by the MTA Subway Station; Main Street, by the Community Garden and The Octagon entrance; and the NYC Health + Hospitals/Coler loop. Four crosswalks, located on Main Street by the shops and Chapel of the Good Shepherd are to be restriped this week as well. The work is being performed by Rosemar Construction Company, of Long Island, N.Y, which specializes in a range of commercial, municipal/industrial and residential road work services.

Happy Birthday Roosevelt Island Subway Station, 29 Years Old Today - Watch It Being Built

#TodayinHistory: #OnThisDay in 1989, the 63rd Street Extension opened with three new stations: Lexington Avenue – 63rd Street, Roosevelt Island, and 21st Street – Queensbridge. These #NYTMCollection archival images show the Roosevelt Island and 21st Street – Queenbridge stations. pic.twitter.com/buYyPDi3af

— NY Transit Museum (@NYTransitMuseum) October 29, 2018

Here's a bit of history on the building of the 63rd street subway tunnel which connects Roosevelt Island to Manhattan. According to the 1971 film, the tunnel was supposed to be completed and in use by 1976.