We're havin' a party
Everybody's swinging
Dancing to the music
On the radio
So listen, Mr. DJ
Keep those records playing
'Cause I'm having such a good time
Dancing with my baby
You Tube Video of Southside Johnny and Bruce Springsteen Having a Party in 1978
... As part of that effort to stay ahead of the competition, Catsimatidis revealed he is switching some of his Gristedes stores to the D’Agostino brand — and vice versa.
In addition, the company may decide to open more Foodtown supermarkets, a brand Catsimatidis doesn’t own but does license in suburban areas....
... Catsimatidis said, “It’s getting tougher and tougher to do business and the community should support their local supermarkets, because if there’s no supermarkets at all, it’ll get much worse.”
Stay tuned for more info on the Roosevelt Island Foodtown Supermarket coming soon.
Last Friday, a Roosevelt Island Southtown resident took this picture of human excrement
on a Riverwalk Commons bench and sidewalk noting:
... This is a significant health hazard for the public community....
The feces remained thru at least Sunday afternoon,
before being washed away by the rain.
Another Southtown resident reported on Saturday:
The last four days as I have been leaving the island, there has been human excrement on the seats of the benches that flank the walk to the subway.
Apparently a number of homeless have stopped using the bushes due to the rat population and are now using the benches at night.
This is what we're up against with a growing homeless population and no social service to speak of. The same gentleman (who was seen doing this) spit at me Wednesday, ... he screamed, "what, you too good for me now?" He also urinated in front of a young child, and became menacing when asked by the parent not to. Public safety declined to take any action, under DeBlasio's policy of not intervening unless they witness the event. video/pictures are not sufficient.
RIOC has done nothing to clean. There is also accumulating litter to the north of 475, and the cigarette butts in the Commons between 425 and 455 are in the thousands last time i photographed.
The dog run is never cleaned, and more folk are not cleaning after their dogs elsewhere.
Cleaning is not a priority on this Island: the Commons is never cleaned, the area north of 475 is awash in litter, the fruit stand has grease stains and food that attract rats,
... I pulled a boat load of Starbucks trash out of the West Garden yesterday (the reason we have rats).
RIOC saw fit to spend $225,000 on useless holiday decorations, but can't clean or re-plant damaged grounds.
I'm not sure how to approach this, but i believe some action (beginning with a public discussion) is preferable to none.
The homeless issue was discussed during October 22 Roosevelt Island Residents Association (RIRA) Public Safety Committee (PSC) meeting with Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Public Safety (PSD) Chief Kevin Brown and Deputy Chief Anthony Amoroso
UPDATE 9 PM - Comments from readers:
I have asked the homeless outreach team responsible for RI , to try to engage with the few homeless we have here. Sadly the homeless here are generally going to be 'hard to reach' and difficult to house/move on for various reasons. Stop and talk to them to find out why, they are all happy to chat (except the lady in black 😟) they are also happy to receive some food. We have no proof who 💩 on that bench ,it could have been someone drunk or an animal ?
We seem to have more homeless people in the train station! This needs to be a topic for discussion in our community.
Homelessness is a SEVERE health hazard for the homeless.
Maybe there should be more public restrooms?
UPDATE 12/31 - More reader comments:
A while back I asked a PSD officer what he was going to do about 2 homeless persons sleeping on the benches under the arcades. The answer was: As long as they don’t bother the others, we’re not doing anything about it. What do you think, PSD, are we bothered now?
I have seen a quite sick homeless man for long time. He is installed between the subway building and Starbucks, leaving dirty clothes and belongings on the Starbucks outdoor chairs and tables, so no more enjoying that for me.
That bum has been there since September. I have complained specifically to sbux. No action. I m going to start calling 311 soon. It is a disgraceful corporate policy to permit vagrants to domicile in the cafes. Nothing humane about it. They are mentally ill and should be removed. I don't care where to, just not sitting among paying customers. When public order is not maintained, your entire elected local and state government has failed. How these people use the franking privilege to boast about their dubious legislative achievements is beyond me. We also pay for our own 'public safety ' force, which is utterly ineffective. A pox on all their houses.
I hope you never find yourself in such circumstances.
BTW who do we speak with about all the people who let their animals pee and poop in the commons. There are kids and humans that lay down on the grass as well as play😣.The tiny no animals on the grass is not working. Perhaps some tickets are needed.
... What should I do if I see an individual or a group of individuals that appear to be street homeless?
For the most immediate response, New Yorkers who see individuals they believe to be homeless and in need should contact 3-1-1 via phone or mobile app and request outreach assistance. You should call 911 if the individual appears to pose an immediate risk to themselves or others or there is criminal activity.
What happens when I call 311 to report a homeless New Yorker in need of assistance?
Individual calls 311 and a Service Request (SR) is created
SR is evaluated and assigned to a service provider or a partner Agency, like NYPD, as needed
If assigned to a service provider, outreach team is dispatched within an hour of receiving the request
Service provider outreach teams attempt to locate that individual and if found directly engage the individual, assess for safety and encourage them to accept services and transition off the streets.
How do outreach teams engage a homeless New Yorker in need of assistance?
Experienced outreach teams from not-for-profit service providers canvass the five boroughs 24/7/365 as part of our citywide effort to identify and engage individuals who may be homeless, encourage them to accept services, and ultimately help them transition off the streets. Additionally, DHS performs joint outreach operations with community stakeholders and Agency partners, including the NYPD, the Parks Department, the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, and the Department of Transportation to utilize each Agency's expertise, engage more New Yorkers, and offer more supports. Outreach teams have helped approximately 2,000 homeless New Yorkers off the streets citywide, thanks to new investments and a doubling of the size of those teams.
There are restrooms open to the public on the island at both ends right? Can there be more signage to let the homeless population know they have options?
beginning January 1 for renovations. Roosevelt Island Sportspark Pool swimmers were unhappy to learn that there were no other pools available during the time Sportspark Pool was closed unless they lived in one of the indoor building pools in Rivercross and Westview buildings.
A Roosevelt Island Tiptster reported last Saturday that the Sportspark Pool renovations were being delayed and would not close this winter for renovations. According to the Tipster:
... the pool will close on January 1 and re-open about a week later. The locker room renovations have been postponed until April.
I asked RIOC today about the status of the Sportspark Pool. RIOC Public Information Officer Terrence McCauley replied with good news for Roosevelt Island Sportspark swimmers:
After reviewing responses for the Requests for Proposals (RFP) it received for the planned Sportspark renovations, RIOC has made the determination to re-issue the RFP. This will delay closure due to renovations until later in 2020. Sportspark will remain open until then.
However, the east side (pool) of Sportspark will be temporarily closed from Wednesday, January 1, 2020 through Sunday, January 5, 2020 so that our staff may undertake extensive cleaning of that part of the facility. The west side (gym/multipurpose) will operate on a normal schedule throughout this time.
The Pool
The pool is now available for permitting from Monday, January 6, 2020 through Wednesday, April 1, 2020. Please contact Lt. Wanda Coleman or Stephanie Patino at PSD at 212-832-4545 for details.
Open Swim hours:
Monday – Friday 7AM – 11AM
Saturday – Sunday 12:00PM – 7:00PM
We thank you for your cooperation and apologize for any inconvenience.
The Chabad of Roosevelt Island invite you to celebrate the lighting of the Chanukah Memorah 7th Night Candle Lighitng on Saturday December 28 from 6:30 pm to 9:00 pm at the Rivercross Lawn.
Join the community as we light the big Chanukah Menorah. Enjoy some hot latkes and other Chanukah treats!
2019 is coming to a close… let’s have a roaring good time welcoming 2020! We’re partying like Gatsby himself as the new decade begins. But be careful who you tell! This speakeasy is hidden in an abandoned church, and you’ll need the password to get inside. No snitches allowed!
This amazing night includes our 3 live DJ’s playing all your favorite songs, a live feed from Times Square so we can join in on the countdown, a midnight champagne toast, photo booth, and plenty of giggle juice (wine and beer) to go around!
Your ticket includes an open bar from 9:00 pm-10:30 pm, complimentary champagne toast at midnight, and of course a pair of headphones to tune into your favorite DJ! This is sure to sell out, so get your tickets today!
Your 3 Live DJ’s are spinning all night:
DJ 1 (Green): Top 40 Dance Hits
DJ 2 (Red): 80’s, 90’s & 2K Throwbacks
DJ 3 (Blue): Hip Hop/R&B
Your Experience Includes:
• A pair of Quiet Events headphones
• Glow in the dark gear
• 3 live DJ’s battling for your attention
• 1.5 hour open bar including beer, wine, and champagne (9:00 pm-10:30 pm)
Reports are coming in of Santa Claus sightings from all around the world. You can even follow Santa moment by moment as he travels around the world with the aid of Norad's Santa Tracker.
A call into the Ops Center to one of Santa Tracker volunteers...call us at 1-877-HI-NORAD pic.twitter.com/Js86J21vbU
Santa will arrive on Roosevelt Island in a few hours. When he does, it may be on his specially designed, Reindeer powered, Roosevelt Island Tram Cabin sled.
Roosevelt Island Tram Reindeer Cards from Marty Atkins
powered by our own
Roosevelt Island Reindeer.
Have you been good this year asked Santa Claus earlier this month
Phase 1 of Sportspark’s Renovation and Modernization Project will begin early 2020 and will focus on the pool wing of the facility. Improvements include a new HVAC system, new windows, interior renovations to meet ADA code, upgrades to the pool filtration system, lobby and locker room upgrades. These improvements will ensure that Sportspark remains an affordable, active and engaged resource to island residents.
As part of this renovation, the pool will be closed for public use. We did not accept any pool permit requests for the 2020 Spring and Summer seasons because we expect the pool to be closed for use through Fall 2020. A formal pool closure duration will be posted once the contractor is selected and a contract is executed. When it reopens, the pool will have new locker facilities, a modern dehumidification system, upgraded filtration system and new duct work that will allow staff greater control over the pool temperature and air quality.
As a reminder, RIOC has phased the work to minimize disruption of services to our patrons. During construction, the gymnasium and other west wing facilities will remain available for use. We appreciate your patience as we complete these necessary repairs.
We will provide the specific pool closure schedule later this month. We apologize in advance for any inconvenience during these necessary improvements.
The Chabad of Roosevelt Island will celebrate the lighting of the Chanukah Memorah on Saturday December 28 from 6:30 pm to 9:00 pm at the Rivercross Lawn.
Join the community as we light the big Chanukah Menorah. Enjoy some hot latkes and other Chanukah treats!
The terrific Maccabeats A Cappella singing group share with us their latke recipe
The holiday season is here....and this time of year is hard times for some of us...if you are in need of food or warm coats, sweaters etc....please come see us at the RI Senior Center today, Sunday December 22nd from. 1pm to 5pm.
The holidays are a special time of year when we share special moments with our family, friends, neighbors and loved ones, looking ahead to a new year filled with promise and opportunity. During this season of hope and joy, the Roosevelt Island Disabled Association offers our sincere thanks to all our neighbors for their continued support and collaboration.
We will be open every day until Christmas form 12 noon to 5 p.m. and from noon to 7 p.m. on Saturday, December 21st.
The RIHS visitor center has a great selection of merchandise for visitors but much more for islanders. Many neighbors tell me that they have never entered the visitor center in the 13 years we have been operating. We should take to word visitor out of our name to tempt our neighbors to come in, shop and support the RIHS.
Faster than Amazon,
but make sure you don't snooze,
Touchable merchandise,
Puzzling puzzles,
Come by the Kiosk where it's easier to choose,
(Blackwell's Island Mug)
Gloves for kiddies, warm and cozy,
to match those for mom and dad!
Ornaments to decorate your door or your hall,
Dance away dance away all!
(Blackwell House Ornament)
Fun and goofy gifts
and charming sales staff,
Free tissue paper,
Painless charge card payments,
We can even help you wrap!
(Julia Gash Illustrated Magnets + Totes)
Socks to keep your tootsies warm,
To schlep your goodies, grab a tote,
Buy a book or two to cheer or depress you,
We have illustrated maps,
and many more gifts to float your boat!
Don't forget some doggie keychains [so your pooch can leave and return without you].
(Children's Amtrak Train Set)
We have cubes galore in our store,
each with a treat,
but nothing to eat!
(Roosevelt Island Stuffed Squirrels)
But with 8 elf-sized cups, our Keurig is loaded
decaf, cocoa, teas:
Green!
Parisian!
Breakfast!
Delightful options to meet those caffeine needs!
(Roosevelt Island Historic Landmark wooden block set)
Come visit our shop,
and duck out sight.
Our elves will greet you at the door,
[Ellen, Bill, Barb, and Jon].
Sorry, no ear buds here,
but plenty of options to make your [last-minute] shopping a delight!
VISITOR CENTER KIOSK HOURS:
DECEMBER 21ST
12 Noon to 7 p.m.
THE KIOSK WILL BE OPEN ALL OTHER DAYS
12 Noon to 5 p.m.
The Cafe And Parliament Will Have Modified Hours Beginning December 16 And Closed December 21 - January 5
For the weeks of December 16-20 & January 6-10 and January 13-17, 2020 both locations will feature a simplified menu including sandwiches, quiche, soups, salads and grab & go items
Parliament 8am-5 pm M-F/ closed weekends
The Cafe 11;30 AM - 2 PM M-F/ closed weekends.
Normal menu offerings will resume on January 21, 2020
Known as The Bridge Man, photographer Dave Frieder has climbed 20 of New York’s great bridges to photograph them in intimate and distinctive ways. His photographs are now published in a book, The Magnificent Bridges of New York City. Gain a new perspective as he discusses his approach to capturing the engineering behind and supporting the bridges that you may take for granted, at a lecture presented by the Roosevelt Island Historical Society at the New York Public Library Branch on Roosevelt Island, on Thursday, December 19, 2019 at 6:30 p.m.
The lecture is FREE and open to the public. It is the second in Society’s annual series of fall lectures, which is supported by funds provided by Amalgamated Bank, Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation's Public Purpose Fund, and New York City Council Member Ben Kallos, with funding from the New York City Department of Youth and Community Development.
DIRECTIONS: Take the Tram at 59th Street and Second Avenue or the F train to Roosevelt Island. Take the red bus (no charge) or walk eight minutes north to 524 Main Street.
Watch this fascinating ABC Channel 7 UP Close interview with Dave The Bridge Man Frieder.
The Cornell Tech campus location on Roosevelt Island offers residents an opportunity to participate in timely and interesting discussions about important current and future issues concerning technology and society. Last evening, December 16, the Cornell Tech Digital Life Initiative (DLI) hosted:
— Digital Life Initiative @ Cornell Tech (@dlicornelltech) December 17, 2019
Among the issues discussed at last evenings Roosevelt Island Community Conversation were social media political manipulation of elections on Facebook. Responding to a question on this subject from a Roosevelt Island resident, DLI's Yael Eisenstat said:
... when a political advertiser wants to advertise to you, traditionally they would have to on network news or even cable news they can target you by location. They can have different ads run in different markets but they couldn't get as specific as - I want this ad to be shown to women of this certain age who have this certain political leaning who look like they might be voting for this person.
I won't get into all the details on how marketing works but it means that you and you might live near each other but the two of you might be served completely different ads and if that's the case than we're not coming from the same starting point. We don't even have the beginning starting point of where this conversation began because we're each being shown different things.
So for me, the big question, the big debacle around whether or not politicians should be allowed to lie in ads. Again that is a bigger debate about how you feel about freedom of speech versus paid advertising.
My bigger concern is the way we are able to be targeted with those ads and if we allow unchecked lying and political advertising to be hyper-targeted to us. There is no way that's an even playing field or what a democracy means in order to thrive....
Other question included personal targeted advertising by companies and individuals web browsing being tracked online.
Here's the full Cornell Tech DLI Roosevelt Island Community Conversation from beginning to end. Stay tuned for announcement of next Roosevelt Island event.
The Cornell Tech DLI intends to continue the Roosevelt Island Community conversations in 2020.
As you stroll down Main Street this holiday season remember that we Shopkeepers are thankful for the opportunity to know such friendly Islanders. Wishing all the best.
Seeking blank holiday cards with envelopes for the NYPL Library Program on Rikers Island. All denominations needed!
Your donations will allow incarcerated patrons to write home for the holidays.
Buy a box or donate unused cards you have lying around! All cards can be dropped off at the
Roosevelt Island Library at 524 Main Street anytime before December 19th.
Blank just means unwritten in/unused, the cards can absolutely have printed messages! And anything received before 12/18 will be taken to Rikers this year, anything after that point will be saved for Christmas 2020.
You are invited to Cornell Tech’s final “community conversation” of the year:
Why are those ads following me around the Internet? And other questions about digital life.
In the spirit of the season, hot chocolate and cookies will be served!
Cornell Tech's Digital Life Initiative focuses on the ethics, policy, politics, and quality of life in emerging digital technologies. Join a dynamic panel discussion on big questions about technology and society, including privacy, social media, behavioral advertising, and media manipulation. Panelists include Helen Nissenbaum, Lee McGuigan, Noa Mor, Yael Eisenstat, and MC Forelle.
Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Director of Community Relations Erica Spencer-El and President Susan Rosenthal did a pretty good job as Co-Hosts of the event too.
Are you looking for a Roosevelt Island Cat Sitter?
Longtime resident will feed and lovingly care for your cat while you're away, making sure your pet is safe and happy at home. I will also help with mail, plants etc. References available.
Roosevelt Island is a mixed income, racially diverse waterfront community situated in the East River of New York City between Manhattan and Queens and is jurisdictionally part of Manhattan. The Roosevelt Island Tramway, which connects Roosevelt Island to the rest of Manhattan, has become the iconic symbol of Roosevelt Island to its residents.
The Purpose of this Blog is to provide accurate and timely information about Roosevelt Island as well as a forum for residents to express opinions and engage in a dialogue to improve our community.
