More good news. During June 13 Roosevelt Island Town Hall Meeting organized by Council Member Ben Kallos, MTA representative Markus Book reported that there are no planned Roosevelt Island F Train weekend disruptions until August 16 weekend.
Watch the full MTA Roosevelt Island presentation below.
On hot summer days, Roosevelt Island residents and visitors alike would love to get a sip of water from one of our drinking fountains.
But, according to the Roosevelt Island Twitterverse:
Hey @RIOCny and @BenKallos Do you have any public drinking fountains that actually work on Roosevelt Island? I tried 3 separate ones next to 3 separate busy playgrounds on my run, all covered in spider webs. Everyone said they broke since 2018 and never fixed @NYCParks🌡🔥🥵
The Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation (RIOC) announced Friday that it will shut down drinking water fountains on the Island while it investigates potential water source line issues.
RIOC thanks Island resident Frank Farance for sharing his concerns about the fountains with RIOC.
Independent consultants have been enlisted to assist RIOC with its review....
What is the current status of Roosevelt Island drinking water fountains.
They had been turned off last year due to safety fears from contaminated water. Has that problem been fixed?...
A RIOC Spokesperson answered:
The fountains were turned off because our system did not comply with new Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) guidelines that had been passed after the Island’s water system was installed. RIOC issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the work, but only one bidder responded who could not meet the established project goals for state’s Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprise (MWBE) regulations. So RIOC sought a waiver.
Additionally, RIOC executives met with representatives of the Empire State Development Corporation (ESDC), which is the governing body that oversees approval of waivers for MWBE projects. The purpose of the meeting was to seek guidance on how to move this project forward. The State rejected the contractor’s third submission for a waiver to lower the project goals for MWBE work, so RIOC had no choice but to put the work on hold. (Please note that RIOC had already solicited bids from dozens of MWBE-qualified plumbers during the RFP process, but were unsuccessful in generating interest.)
RIOC will move forward to restore the water fountains by adding upgraded fountains to the scope of active projects. For example, the Lighthouse Park restoration will repair the fountain at that location. An upgraded fountain will be added to the new comfort station at Firefighter’s Field. The water fountain at Southpoint Park already complies with DEP guidelines.
It's unlikely the water fountains will be fixed this year.
But, on weekends, you can get a free glass of ice water at the outdoor table set up by the thoughtful folks at Nisi Restaurant. As the Nisi sign says:
It's going to be hot. Please help yourself to a cup of cold water and stay hydrated. See you at Nisi.
You can also get free water at the Roosevelt Island Starbucks.
continues this weekend with the showing of Ready Player One on Friday August 2.
According to the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC)
RIOC's Outdoor Summer Movie Series continues this Friday, 8/2 with 'Ready Player One' at Southpoint Park. Music, trivia, food & fun start at 7 PM. Movie begins at sunset, weather permitting. Admission is free.
The final movies oft he 2019 Roosevelt Island Summer Movie Series at Southpoint Park is:
Friday August 23 - Clueless
Enjoy the movie, East River waterfront view and have fun.
Today, it wan announced that Roosevelt Landings was sold as part of a portfolio package of apartments to L+M Development Partners and Invesco Real Estate. According to Crains NY:
... L+M Development Partners and Invesco Real Estate agreed to pay $1.2 billion for 2,800 Manhattan market-rate rental apartments, and plan to return the bulk of them to affordability.
The partnership is buying five buildings in Harlem and Roosevelt Island, according to a statement by L+M....
Not known at this time how the sale will effect Roosevelt Landings residents.
I asked Urban American's Josh Eisenberg:
I understand Roosevelt Landings was just sold as part of portfolio package to L+M Development Partners and Invesco Real Estate.
Is that true?
Any statement from Urban American? Will you continue as managing agent for Roosevelt Landings?
Have not received comment yet.
I asked Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) President Susan Rosenthal:
How does this effect Roosevelt Island ? Will RIOC receive transfer fee payment as it did last time it was sold?
RIOC Spokesperson replied:
Since we have not seen a copy of the agreement and do not know the terms of the deal other than what has been reported in the press, we really can't comment on it at this time.
... According to a September 10, 2014 Memo from former RIOC President Charlene Indelicato in support of the 2014 sale of Roosevelt Landings to Brookfield Properties, the buyer ("Assignee"):
... is bound to comply with the HAP (Housing Assistance Payment) Contracts in effect with respect to tenants receiving Section 8 benefits. In addition, pursuant to The North Town Tenant Settlement Agreement, a “Landlord Assistance Program” is being provided to various tenants. North Town’s obligations under this Settlement Agreement and Landlord Assistance Program will be among the obligations assumed by Assignee at closing....
A Transaction fee based upon the sale value of Roosevelt Landings is due RIOC as well. RIOC received $2.7 million for the 2014 Roosevelt Landings sale based upon a Roosevelt Landings valuation of $272 Million.
Here's press release from L&M Development announcing the transaction:
Image From L&M Development Press Release
L+M Development Partners and Invesco Real Estate today announced entering into a contract to purchase and preserve five former Mitchell-Lama developments in Manhattan from Urban American and Brookfield Asset Management. The regulatory agreements, covering all 2,800 units and enacted in partnership with the New York City Department of Housing Preservation & Development (HPD) and New York State Homes & Community Renewal (HCR), will secure long-term tenant protections, allowing L+M and Invesco to return more than 1,800 units in Manhattan to long-term regulation. The deal, a rare victory in the preservation of former City and State Mitchell-Lama developments at this scale, was funded through the L+M Workforce Housing Fund, which completed fundraising in 2019 and was established to make social impact investments in affordable and workforce housing assets primarily in the New York City metropolitan area. L+M raised roughly $500 million through the Fund and intends to invest the capital over the next several years.
“We really view this as a significant win for existing residents in this portfolio and for the City of New York, particularly when it comes to bringing former Mitchell Lama units back into regulation," said L+M Development Partners Managing Director Eben Ellertson. "L+M's approach has always centered around creating affordable housing and keeping residents in their homes, and our Workforce Housing Fund represents a continuation of that work. This deal sends a strong message about how government and committed private sector partners can make a real impact in addressing the need for high-quality workforce housing in New York City. Thanks to our partners at the City, State and Invesco for seeing it through.”
“This landmark transaction will reclaim a large portfolio of once-affordable housing and provide thousands of New Yorkers the security of knowing that they can afford to stay in their communities for years to come,” said HPD Commissioner Louise Carroll. “I thank our development partners for joining us in taking significant strides toward preserving the affordability of New York City neighborhoods and I look forward to our continued collaboration on this project.”
“At a time when quality and affordable rental housing is in short supply, Roosevelt Landings will bring more than 1,000 apartments back into long-term regulation,” said New York State Homes and Community Renewal Commissioner RuthAnne Visnauskas. “As part of Governor Cuomo’s $20 billion five-year 100,000-unit housing plan, we will continue to support projects that preserve and create safe, affordable housing opportunities for New Yorkers.”
"More than anything, this deal is win for tenants in these former Mitchell Lama properties that had been lost over the past decade to the free market," said New York City Council Member Diana Ayala. "Thanks to this agreement, nearly 3,000 units will be protected under a regulatory framework, residents will remain in their homes, and upgrades will be made that can be enjoyed by all tenants. We thank the City, the State and their private partners for coming together to do right by these longstanding communities in my district.”
"This agreement will have a lasting impact on the lives of all residents living in these properties," said New York State Senator Brian A. Benjamin. "This is the way government and the private sector should work together -- to preserve and improve housing for those who live there, and to make improvements for existing and future residents. I hope this sets an example in other parts of my district and around the city as well, where the need to preserve and create high-quality affordable and workforce housing has never been greater.”
“It’s hard to express just how much this agreement means for the tenants living in these buildings," said Heritage TA President Faheem Abdul-Razzaaq. "Our residents are proud, longtime members of their communities. When we learned that protections would return to the property, we were overjoyed. Our families have been here for years and now we know: we're staying here."
The former Mitchell-Lama developments were built between 1975 and 1980 and include River Crossing, the Heritage, the Miles and the Parker in East and Central Harlem, and Roosevelt Landings on Roosevelt Island. The 2.2 million square foot portfolio exited the Mitchell Lama program in 2005. To return the units to affordability, L+M and Invesco intend to work with HPD to enact a regulatory agreement to protect residents living in the East and Central Harlem properties and work with HCR to do the same for Roosevelt Landing, which is governed under State authority.
The preservation transaction will commit L+M and Invesco – and any future owner – to long-term regulation. At the same time, it will restrict any future new development on the sites to 100 percent affordable housing.
L+M and Invesco will immediately begin a $50 million series of capital improvements across the portfolio, including the continuation of energy savings measures begun by Urban American, implementation of structural upgrades as well as the addition of amenities to common areas, which will be available to all residents.
“In 2007, we set out on a path to reverse decades of mismanagement and make these communities a safer and better place to live,” said Josh Eisenberg, a principal of Urban American. “Over the last 12 years we spent more than $100 million on new common areas, full window and terrace replacements, new mechanical systems, modernized elevators, and the largest residential energy efficiency project in the city’s history. With the critical assistance of HPD and the support and cooperation we received from our residents, Urban American renovated the apartments of more than 1,000 subsidized families without any increased cost to them. We are thrilled to see L+M and Invesco continue our legacy of improvements and further upgrade these communities while maintaining affordability for hardworking families in New York City.”
"This is a unique, highly sought after portfolio, situated across two submarkets poised for continued above-market growth," said Adam Spies, Chairman, Capital Markets at Cushman & Wakefield. "L+M and Invesco deserve significant credit for their proposal, and we congratulate all parties on the transaction."
Cushman & Wakefield advised the sellers on the transaction. Adam Spies and Doug Harmon led the Cushman & Wakefield team, which also included Josh King, Adam Doneger, Michael Collins and Marcella Fasulo.
Will update when more info available.
UPDATE 8/1 - A source with knowledge of the transaction clarifies that Roosevelt Landings has not been sold yet but that a contract to purchase the property has been entered into, adding:
... The property has not been sold yet.
... a contract is not a sale, just a promise to sell if the buyer shows up with the purchase money on the agreed upon closing date. Until then, Urban American and Brookfield still own and manage the properties until that date.
The Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) announced today that cars
will soon be banned from driving along the East Side Waterfront Promenade.
According to a RIOC Spokesperson:
New Traffic Bollards Placed on Eastern Promenade Soon
In response to complaints about people driving along the eastern promenade, RIOC will soon be installing barriers and placing signage at key locations to prevent cars from accessing this area. RIOC and emergency vehicles will still be able to reach the promenade if necessary. Pedestrians and bicyclists will not be impeded by these barriers in any way. Placement of the barriers will begin over the next several weeks.
RIOC is taking these measures as part of its on-going commitment to keep Roosevelt Island safe for pedestrians, children and bicyclists. If you see unauthorized vehicles in these areas, please contact PSD immediately at 212-832-4545.
Asked whether the East Side Waterfront Promenade ban includes Child School buses:
the Spokesperson added:
No. We’ve already coordinated this with the principle and school buses serving the school will not be banned.
A Roosevelt Island tipster forwards this email obtained from Related Management announcing the re-opening of waiting list for affordable housing apartments in the Riverwalk Landing #4 (425 Main Street)
luxury apartment building.
Dear Applicant,
Thank you for your interest in Riverwalk Landing #4. This exciting complex on Roosevelt Island has opened its waiting list for studio, one, and two-bedroom apartments under an affordable housing program. Riverwalk Landing #4 is a luxury site featuring spacious modern apartments with a washer/dryer in each unit, a 24-hour attended lobby, on-site resident manager, health club, children’s playroom, rooftop party room and storage bins. (Please note that some amenities require a fee.) Roosevelt Island has easy access to both Manhattan and Queens.
Enclosed is a preliminary application. Please read through all sections carefully and print your responses clearly and thoroughly. All areas of the application must be completed where applicable or it cannot be processed.
The above-mentioned apartments are being made available to households with the following annual minimum and maximum income levels:
In regard to unit assignments, please note that a 2-person per bedroom standard will be applied for maximum occupancy consideration and that a 1-person per bedroom standard will be applied for minimum occupancy consideration. Example: A 3-person household may be considered for a 2-bedroom or 3-bedroom unit if the site has those unit types available. Your application will only be considered for those unit sizes you check on the front page of the application.
Completed applications will be logged on a first-come first-served basis.
When completed, this application may be returned by regular mail to the address below, or by email to ahgadmin@related.com.
Only the application should be submitted at this time. If your application is selected for further processing, additional information will be requested at that time.
If any applicant willfully submits false information, misrepresentations, or incomplete information, his/her application will be rejected.
Please make sure the head-of-household has filled out the entire application as completely and accurately as possible, signs the application, and then sends it to:
Related Management
PMB #6174
1 Penn Plaza
New York, NY 10119
We look forward to receiving your application.
Very Truly Yours,
Related Management
The Tipster adds:
I hope lots of islanders apply ASAP.
According to Related representatives:
... they’re reopening the waiting list for building 4, Riverwalk Landing, which has 25 affordable units. Usually what happens is that there’s an initial list from the initial lottery, and at some point it gets stale or depleted and they re-open it.
but none of the units are currently available.
Below is the application for Roosevelt Island 425 Main Street Building 4 affordable housing units.
As previously reported, Hudson Related currently has under construction across the street from 425 Main Street at 460 Main Street,
a 341 unit affordable housing building scheduled to open in December 2020/January 2021:
.... Riverwalk 8 is the eighth building completed by Hudson and the Related Companies in the Riverwalk neighborhood. The building’s 341 units are available exclusively to low-income, middle, and moderate income households ranging from 40 to 165% of AMI. The building contains a fitness center, yoga studio, children’s playroom, bike storage, party lounge, game room, library, and a 24-hour attended lobby....
... In late spring/summer 2020 Hudson Related will begin local media advertising, distribute flyers and conduct informational seminars on how to apply for the affordable housing units using NYC Housing Connects. 4 months prior to the expected start of unit leasing, the Housing Connects lottery will commence. Leasing is expected to begin in December 2020/January 2021....
Hudson Related is expected to post a web site this September with unit types, income ranges and projected rents for Riverwalk 8 at 460 Main Street.
Here's Hudson Related's David Kramer talking about currently under construction Riverwalk Building 8 and the future market rate rental Riverwalk Building 9 during May 29, 2019 Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Real Estate Development Advisory Committee meeting.
... The apartment quantity by size in Southtown Building 8 is broken down as follows:
81 - studio
158 - 1BR
51 - 2 BR
50 - 3 BR
Depending on family and apartment size, income-level based rents (calculated based on the AMI) will vary from a minimum of $505 a month for a studio; to $3,431 for a three-bedroom....
There are six hurricane evacuation zones, ranked by the risk of storm surge impact, with zone 1 being the most likely to flood. In the event of a hurricane or tropical storm, residents in these zones may be ordered to evacuate.
Roosevelt Island is located in two zones - Zone 2
and Zone 3.
All but one of the Roosevelt Island residential building and the Cornell Tech campus are located in Zone 3. The NYCEM KnowYour Hurricane Zone Map below shows Zone 2 in cream color and Zone 3 in yellow.
The Octagon Building, Coler Hospital, Lighthouse Park and FDR Park are located in Zone 2.
Roosevelt Island Historical Society (RIHS) President Judy Berdy tells us this is a picture of Goldwater Hospital Convalescent Camp on the site of what is now the Manhattan Park Building complex.
I have a business idea that would solve a huge problem for a large percentage of Roosevelt Islanders. Particularly, residents of Roosevelt Landings and perhaps 2 - 4 River Road.
As a resident of Roosevelt Landings for 25 years, I know first hand the massive problem with package deliveries. We do not have a doorman or concierge so packages are left in the lobby or in front of our apartment doors leaving them vulnerable to theft. Getting our packages in a timely manner is a major issue.
The solution: a storefront facility on Main Street that will receive packages on behalf of residents (who choose to sign up) so that they can pick up their packages at a convenient time.
I am hoping to lease the space at 559 Main Street.
Before I make this massive investment, I want to gauge interest from the community.
A Community Concierge for Roosevelt Island Residents
How would you like to have a secure facility right here on Main Street to receive your packages for you, notify you upon arrival and keep them safe and secure until you are able to retrieve them at your convenience?
Package deliveries are an essential part of every day lives within the Roosevelt Island community, however, some of our residents do not have the benefit of a doorman or concierge to receive our packages when we are not home.
There is a great solution in the works!
Package Haven will be your community concierge and you will never have to worry about missing any more package deliveries! We would like to open up a facility on Main Street to provide the community with this service.
Here's what we need from you to make this happen:
If you are interested in these services and would sign up for them, please complete this survey and let us know!...
Do you have a Roosevelt Island concern or complaint that you want fixed or addressed by the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC). How about a crosswalk that needs to be painted,
a construction related issue,
It would be really great if the construction on @Rooseveltisland didn’t flood the pedestrian walkway everyday. People like to get to work without soaked socks. pic.twitter.com/eYy1eUBZbm
As of Monday, July 29, 2019, the Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation (RIOC) will be replacing the Citizen Request Tracker with Tikkit.
Tikkit has easy-to-use on-line forms designed to capture concerns and complaints from our residents, employees and stakeholders. Users can even use their smartphones to attach images or other documentation to help RIOC see the exact nature of the issue.
Once an issue is logged into the Tikkit system, the user can track RIOC’s progress in addressing the problem via automatic notifications. Users will also be able to respond directly to the notification without having to go through the extra step of logging back in to Tikkit.
It would be useful for the issues raised through the RIOC Tikkit system to be publicly available for the community to see what they are and how they are resolved.
A similar system began in 2010, RI 311 See Click Fix allowed the public to track issues submitted to RIOC.
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.
