Friday, September 27, 2019

Roosevelt Island Jazz Collaborative Playing Gallery RIVAA Fall For Arts Festival Kickoff Concert This Evening - Take A Listen, Our Version Of The Blue Note

Roosevelt Island's Gallery RIVAA turned into a top notch Jazz Club this evening at a kickoff event for tomorrow's Fall For Arts Festival.

The very talented Roosevelt Island Jazz Collaborative played for a lucky group of Roosevelt Island residents.

Take a listen.




Gallery RIVAA has become Roosevelt Island's version of The Blue Note Jazz Club - stop by next time there's a concert and tell your friends. You'll be glad you did.

Matt Katz opened with a folkie set ending with Irene Goodnight.

The Art Of Ice Cream, Indulge Yourself With Very Tasty Mud Ice Cream And Help Support Roosevelt Island's Gallery RIVAA - Paleo, Vegan, Dairy Free, Mr Green Tea & Mr Mochi Ice Cream Available For Purchase At Saturday's Roosevelt Island Farmers Market

You can help support the Roosevelt Island Gallery RIVAA by indulging yourself with some very tasty ice cream from the Mud Cart - Presenting the Gallery RIVAA Art Of Ice Cream.


According to Gallery RIVAA:
We’re starting at the Farmer’s Market tomorrow and we’ll be at Gallery RIVAA tonight! We take Credit Cards! Come on out and give our Ice Cream a try.

All profits support RIVAA and the Arts on Roosevelt Island!


The MUD Cart has arrived!

Contents include:

MUD –dairy free, vegan, paleo ice cream sweetened with dates! MUD believes ice cream lovers deserve a treat that is both indulgent AND nutritious. That is why they use only simple, plant based ingredients to make their products. Available in Chocolate, Vanilla and Coffee flavors (our cart currently has Vanilla and Coffee with Chocolate coming next delivery). $7.00 per pint

Mr Green Tea – Asian inspired ice cream that is served in more Michelin-rated restaurants than any other ice cream brand on the planet! Available in Green Tea, Ginger and Red Bean flavors. This is a rich creamy dairy-based ice cream. $7.00 per pint.

Mr Mochi – Mochi is a traditional Japanese dessert. It is a sweet rice dough wrapped around an ice cream ball – available in Mango, Strawberry, Chocolate, Vanilla, Green Tea and Red Bean flavors. All individually wrapped and sold by the piece. 1 for $2, 2 for $3, 3 for $5, 5 for $7,
More on Mud Ice Cream for their web site and info on Gallery RIVAA here.

The Sanctuary Is New Roosevelt Island Event Space At Former Dayspring Church Stone Cottage On East River Waterfront Promenade Opening Later This Month - Cocktail Bar, Speakeasy Bistro, Health Focused Restaurant & Outdoor Beer Garden Coming To The Sanctuary In Spring


Reported Wednesday September 23 on opening of the The Sanctuary, a new Roosevelt Island event space and restaurant located at the former Dayspring Church on the East River West Promenade  waterfront.



The first event at the Sanctuary will be a September 30 fundraiser for the Queens based Titan Theater Company.

As previously reported:
... A tipster reports that the owner of The Sanctuary also owns the Coffeed chain of multiple locations including  LIC Landing next to the Hunters Point ferry dock and New Leaf  stone cottage restaurant in Fort Tryon Park which appears similar to The Sanctuary on Roosevelt Island. I am told that Roosevelt Island's The Sanctuary is a personal project of the owner and not part of the Coffeed  properties.

Stay tuned for more news to come about The Sanctuary including plans for future events, community outreach and opening of the restaurant....
Here's more info on The Sanctuary from press release by Main Street Master Retail Leaseholder Hudson Related:
Hudson/Related today announced The Sanctuary, a new event space and restaurant located in a historic former church on Roosevelt Island. The 5,400 square foot space will offer visitors a health-focused restaurant, cocktail bar, outdoor beer garden and an event space, focusing on community fundraisers and events for non-profit organizations. Located at 851 Main Street, The Sanctuary is scheduled to open later this month, bringing a new community-focused space and breathing fresh air into the nearly 100-year-old building. The space will be run by New York City based Glow Group in partnership with The Sanctuary RI LLC and the nonprofit Helping Humans Across America.

The Sanctuary will be located in the former church of the Metropolitan Hospital, also formerly known as the Dayspring Church. Built in 1924, the charming stone and slate building is constructed of quarried grey gneiss. It has enormous stained glass windows and beautiful views of Manhattan Island and the East River.

“This beautiful, historic building has been a place of comfort and celebration for locals for nearly 100 years,” said Alexandra Kaplan, Project Manager at The Hudson Companies. “As the building lay vacant, we knew it had the potential to bring even more memories to this community. The Sanctuary will do just that, supporting local non-profits, offering healthy food options and creating a unique dining experience, all while maintaining the historical integrity of this incredible structure.”

The Glow Group is a highly collaborative entity that partners with local creative businesses and nonprofits, focusing on the shared goal to provide their community with meaningful event and dining experiences. It's is led by Frank "Turtle" Raffaele -- the restaurateur known for COFFEED, LIC Landing, and New Leaf Restaurant in Fort Tryon Park -- along with longtime business partner Gene Sky and tech entrepreneur Tom Chernaik. It has released a welcoming statement:

“When we first saw this historic structure, we were immediately awed by its architecture and location with sweeping views of the East River and Manhattan and it offers visitors a view of the bridges and the city like no other. We were even more impressed and excited at the prospect of operating on Roosevelt Island. All of the residents and local businesses here have been super-helpful and supportive and we are eager and overjoyed to serve this wonderful community. We are excited to work closely with the Roosevelt Island community and provide new dining and entertainment outings that local residents may not have had here before. We are equally gratified and excited to work with David Kramer and the amazing people at Hudson and Related, as we are proud believers in their vision to transform Main Street through rebranding, renovations, and improvements. Whether you come here for an event, a bite to eat, or a cocktail; our goal is for you to enjoy this fantastic and historic site and leave a little happier than when you came in.”

After hosting the critically acclaimed Titan Theater Company’s annual gala on September 30 featuring performances from Broadway actors, the Sanctuary will officially open to the public for events this fall, with a primary focus on community and non-profit events. The space will also be available for weddings, corporate functions and parties, and will host a number of events for the Roosevelt Island community throughout the fall, including a partnership series with Quiet Events, the group behind the popular Silent Disco parties. For more information on latest events, happenings, and bookings, visit the Sanctuary’s website at www.thesanctuaryri.com.

The restaurant at The Sanctuary is scheduled to open next spring. The chic speakeasy-style bistro will harness the building’s unique location to offer a dramatic experience that remains respectful to the historic location. The restaurant will serve a diverse offering of food and beverages, with a focus on plant-based options, while remaining available for event use. The space is dedicated to highlighting the building's unique location and history, while providing a contemporary experience for visitors through events, food and drink offerings, and fresh nightlife options for Roosevelt Island residents. The significant cocktail menu, a rarity on Roosevelt Island, will be curated by a mixologist to offer options befitting the setting.

The Sanctuary is the latest lease signed by Hudson/Related to bring an eclectic mix of storefronts and offerings to Roosevelt Island. Earlier this year, Hudson/Related announced a lease with Jupioca, a juice, smoothie and tea shop serving high-quality, fresh and nutritious meals and beverages. Other new storefronts include Liukoshui, a hot pot restaurant, and PupCulture, a pet care and spa service.

The Glow Group was founded to encourage public/private partnerships and to help activate underutilized public and private spaces for community benefit. Helping Humans Across America has raised funds to support various non-profit causes, including hosting fundraisers to support charitable endeavors across the nation over the past 12 years.
Concerns have been raised by some residents about parking and increased vehicle traffic to The Sanctuary.

According to the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC):
PSD will not be allowing any parking at the site, save for limited deliveries and perhaps the bare minimum of staff members (not VIPs). All existing fire lanes and roadways will be kept clear during all events. Anyone who drives to an event will have to park in Motorgate. Any other attendees to the event will be told to take public transportation, including our Red Bus service. PSD will be on hand to monitor the situation and make sure pedestrians do not go near the Octagon Comfort Station construction site or obstruct sidewalks or roadways. PSD will also be setting up an Uber turnaround away from the venue so as to minimize traffic congestion in the area for our residents. PSD will also monitor noise levels during events. Anyone who has a complaint can report it to PSD directly at 212-832-4545.
I've asked The Sanctuary ownership about parking plans. Will update when they reply.

The Twitterverse reacts:

Chabad Of Roosevelt Island Rosh Hashanah & Yom Kippur High Holiday Services 2019 - 5780 Schedule, L'Shanah Tova - Enjoy Maccabeats Book Of Good Life Video

The Chabad Of Roosevelt Island wish their Roosevelt Island friends and neighbors a happy, healthy and Sweet New Year. Below is the Chabad of Roosevelt Island Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur High Holiday Services schedule.


Join us for traditional services blende with contemporary messages in a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

NO MEMBERSHIP NECESSARY! NO TICKETS NECESSARY!

All programs and prayers will be held at The Roosevelt Island Community Cultural Center, Renwick Room & Lighthouse Room - 548 Main Street.
Click here for more info on Chabad of Roosevelt Island and to RSVP for High Holiday Services

La Shana Tova - Have A Good Year.

Roosevelt Island Jewish Congregation Invites Neighbors To Celebrate Rosh Hashanah & Yom Kippur High Holiday Services

According to the Roosevelt Island Jewish Congregation (RIJC):


SHANAH TOVAH !!

It is that time of the year -- time for the Days of Awe, time to reflect on the year now ending and to celebrate the year to come. It's been an exciting first year with Rabbi Joel Shaiman from start to finish, leading our services and shaking them up a bit, bringing new ideas to our festivals, holidays and activities, and engaging long-timers and newcomers to our congregation, serving RI for nearly 40 years.


Rabbi Joel and the RIJC invite you to celebrate Rosh Hashanah beginning this Sunday night at 7:00 pm September 29th, and continuing Monday the 30th & Tuesday October 1st.

All services & activities are held in our Sanctuary in the Cultural Center**
548 Main Street, unless otherwise noted.
Our Rosh Hashanah schedule:
Sunday September 29 - First Evening
7:00 pm -- Evening services

Monday September 30 - First Day
9:30 am -- Morning Services
10:15 am -- Children's Service in the Theatre
1:15 pm ( approximately) -- Tashlich at the Meditation Steps
No Evening Service

Tuesday October 1 - Second Day
9:30 am -- Morning Services

> Child Care will be available in the Blackwell Room,

Additional information & updates for Yom Kippur (October 8 & 9) and for Sukkot (October 13 - 21) are on our website, RIJC.org and will be sent out next week.

Questions? Suggestions? Help Us Set Up This Sunday?
Please Contact Nina at 212-688-0003.

Access the Cultural Center through the Breezeway next to 540 Main Street and then down the "Red Staircase". Follow signs to RIJC.

Disability, wheelchair & stroller access to the Center is through the Breezeway at 556 Main Street & then turn right, walking along rear of Roosevelt Landings Management & Public Safety offices to double doors with RIJC sign. Press buzzer for doors to open & take elevator down to 1st floor. Turn right for Center entrance & follow signs to RIJC.

Good News, Roosevelt Island F And E Train Service To And From Manhattan This Weekend, Tram & Ferry Service Too - Watch Video Of MTA Rep Talking Roosevelt Island Subway Service

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


to and from Manhattan this weekend. The E Train is serving Roosevelt Island in both directions too.

Both Roosevelt Island Tram cabins are operating and here's the NYC Ferry Roosevelt Island Astoria Route Schedule. 

During June 13 Roosevelt Island Town Hall Meeting organized by Council Member Ben Kallos, MTA representative Markus Book spoke about Roosevelt Island F Train subway service. Watch the full MTA Roosevelt Island presentation below.

Sponsored Post - Check Out Roosevelt Island Gristedes January 31 To February 6 Product Offerings, Specials & Sales Items - Spare Change Can Be Redeemed At Coin Machine Too

The Roosevelt Island Gristedes Supermarket


invites you to check out their January 31 - February 6 Product Offerings, Specials & Sales items.
Don't forget the 10% Roosevelt Island Seniors Discount on Tuesday and Sign Up for the Gristedes Diamond Loyalty Rewards Program.

You can also get your spare change redeemed at the Coinstar machine.


More Gristedes Supermarket information


available at their


 web site, Facebook Page and Twitter feed

Thursday, September 26, 2019

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


The Atlantic hurricane season began June 1.



The New York City Emergency Management Department (NYCEM) wants you to be prepared and Know Your Zone.

According to NYCEM:
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.


Check out the NYCEM web page for more info:



on Hurricane Zones and preparedness.

Here's some scenes of what Roosevelt Island looked like during Hurricane Sandy in October 2012



and report on damage caused by Hurricane Sandy.

Roosevelt Island Fall For Arts Festival This Weekend - Friday Night Kickoff With Local Musicians And All Day Saturday Painting Murals, Concerts, Amusements, Kite Flying, Book Birdhouse Story Time Unveiling & Much More

The annual Roosevelt Island Fall For Arts Festival is one of the best days on Roosevelt Island and is taking place this Saturday September 28. An extra treat this year is a Friday Night September 27 Kickoff Live Music event featuring local musicians at Gallery RIVAA from 6-8 PM


According to the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC)
The Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation (RIOC) hosts its Annual Fall for Arts Festival, a much-loved tradition featuring live mural painting, hands-on arts and crafts workshops for children and adults, amusements, and live entertainment. This year the mural theme is “EarthLove: Protect, Renew, Grow”, which will ask artists to create works that encourage the importance of respecting the environment. Attendees will be able to create art projects, fly kites and hear New York Public Library storytelling in FDR Four Freedoms State Park, take part in a kids’ sing-along, receive Henna and face painting designs, jump in the bounce houses, win giveaways, and enjoy live music performances, just to name a few of the many free activities!

The Roni Ben-Hur Brazilian Quintet, (facebook.com/RoniBenHurJazz/ ) will kick off the live entertainment at 1 PM with their warm, glowing style of Jazz. Next up at 2 PM are Reggae, Pop, and Afrobeat fusion band Flux and the Do Good Family, featuring local island residents. Afro-Cuban band Ritmosis (facebook.com/Ritmosis/) will close out the show at 4 PM with their upbeat Latin Jazz & Soul stylings!

Participating groups include: FDR Four Freedoms State Park, Materials for the Arts, The Music & Play Station, Sweetface Snoballs, Verizon, as well as local Roosevelt Island community groups such as the RI. Youth Center, R.I. Garden Club, R.I. Visual Arts Association, idig2Learn, and the R.I. Girl Scouts.


Southpoint Park

ALL DAY – Live Mural Painting
Art activities with Roosevelt Island Garden Club, idig2learn, Roosevelt Island Girl Scouts, Materials for the Arts, more. Verizon sponsored games and giveaways. Food trucks on site.

12:00-3:00pm – Children’s amusements, face painting & balloon artist, and free henna designs.

FDR Four Freedoms State Park

ALL DAY – Live Mural Painting

11:00am-4:00pm – Kite Flying for Peace & Human Rights
Includes kite making, storytime sessions & photo booth

Lawn South of Rivercross

ALL DAY – Live Mural Painting

Starting at 1:00 – Live Music at the Meditation Steps 1:00pm – Roni Ben-Hur Brazilian Quartet

3:00pm – Flux and The Do Good Family

4:00pm – Ritmosis
Also, come to the iDig2Learn and Roosevelt Island NY Public Library Book Birdhouse Unveiling Ceremony and Story Time


on Saturday from 9-9:30 AM.

Wednesday, September 25, 2019

Wow, Spectacular NYC East River Waterfront View From Up On A Roosevelt Island Roof Tonight



Click on full screen icon at bottom right of video for fantastic view.

Always peaceful when Up On The Roof.

The Sanctuary Is Roosevelt Island's New Event Space And Restaurant At Former Dayspring Church, Hosting First Party September 30 For Queens Based Titan Theater Company - Prodigal Son TV Show Filming At Site Today

Reported last May that Hudson Related was about to announce:

... exciting news to come about the vacant Dayspring Church space in response to my question about rumors of a restaurant to open in the space. Mr Kramer expects an announcement this week about the Dayspring Church space which has been marketed as a restaurant/events space....
No additional news has been forthcoming from Hudson Related to date but a recent walk to the beautiful stone cottage shows that the time is near for something to open.



That time will be as soon as September 30, when newly named The Sanctuary, a Roosevelt Island event space and restaurant will host it's first party. A fundraiser for Queens based Titan Theater Company.


A tipster reports that the owner of The Sanctuary also owns the Coffeed chain of multiple locations including  LIC Landing next to the Hunters Point ferry dock and New Leaf  stone cottage restaurant in Fort Tryon Park which appears similar to The Sanctuary on Roosevelt Island. I am told that Roosevelt Island's The Sanctuary is a personal project of the owner and not part of the Coffeed  properties.

Stay tuned for more news to come about The Sanctuary including plans for future events, community outreach and opening of the restaurant.

Earlier today, the new TV series Prodigal Son was filming


at The Sancturay, portraying it as a Church


shelter


and soup kitchen.

Sponsored Post -You're Invited To Design And Fly Your Own Kite In Honor Of International Peace Day & UN General Assembly At Roosevelt Island FDR Four Freedoms Park Saturday, September 28 - Also, What Does Freedom Mean To You?


The Roosevelt Island FDR Four Freedoms Park (FDR Park) invites you to Design and Fly A Kite to honor International Peace Day


According to the FDR 4 Freedoms Park:
Kite Flight for Peace & Human Rights

Saturday, September 28, 2019

11:00 AM 4:00 PM

In recognition of the United Nations General Assembly and International Peace Day, visitors are invited to design and fly kites selecting stripes, colors, and symbols that represent personal ideas about peace and freedom. Visitors of all ages will discover the fun of constructing and flying their very own kite, guaranteed to soar in the lightest of winds. Kite-making workshops are free and suitable for all ages.


Food will be available for purchase from Jamrock Jerk!

This event coincides with Roosevelt Island’s Fall for Arts Festival, an annual celebration of art and autumn, featuring live mural painting and other fun, family-friendly activities throughout the island.
Here are some scenes from the 2017 Roosevelt Island Kite Flying For Peace at FDR Four Freedoms Park



Click full screen icon at bottom right of screen for better view.

You can register for the event here. It's recommended.

Also, the FDR Park asks what freedom means to you?

Tuesday, September 24, 2019

Speaker Pelosi Announces Impeachment Inquiry Against President Trump Today - Roosevelt Island's Congresswoman Maloney Says Trump Must Be Impeached

So it begins. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi announced today the start of an official impeachment inquiry against President Trump.


Full statement by Pelosi

and reaction by Trump.



Roosevelt Island's Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney adds:


After 6 Months Being Out Of Service, Roosevelt Island F Train Subway Escalator To Street Fixed And Working This Evening

Coming home this evening was very surprised but pleased to see the Roosevelt Island F Train subway escalator to the Street


was working for the first time since being out of service


since last April.

It only took six months for the MTA to fix the escalator.

Are Your Roosevelt Island Recyclables Being Properly Disposed Of By Building Management - Resident Says Not At Roosevelt Landings But Building Management Says Largely Due To Resident Choices




But Roosevelt Island's garbage collection practices are not perfect. Recyclable trash items are not supposed to go into the Roosevelt Island Automated Vacuum Collection System (AVAC). It's amazing what gets shoved down the AVAC garbage system.


Last week, a Roosevelt Landings resident reported:
Following the lead of parents that are encouraging us to support the climate change march this Friday by us and our children, I have to share with Roosevelt Island what I found out regarding our recycling.

At least in Eastwood/Roosevelt Landings, all the items or bags left in the recycling containers are not recycled.

Why? Because they are not placed in CLEAR BAGS, and the building “doesn’t provide enough” according to the workers, neither is something workers want to do. So all recyclables are going down the chute.

So I urge you neighbors to ask in your buildings if your recyclables are being properly recycled and taken to the trash area across 40River Road, or if the building workers are throwing your items down the AVAC chute.

I am upset, angry but mostly sad, hurt and helpless. For a long time in Roosevelt Landings, I’ve been separating and recycling my trash. Even washing the jugs of milk and washing my cans.

It’s not fair!

Is there someone that can help with this situation? Or should we start a protest in our own neighborhood to address recycling situation in each building?
And added witnessing a building staffer:
... put in the chute a grocery size bag of my recyclables: one glass jar, 2 cans of tuna, a gallon jug of milk, 2 boxes of pasta and half a rim of used printer paper, plus several catalogs, plastic containers, plastic bags of the bread or ziplocks, starbucks cups,etc....

I'm so sad, literally I cried.
I asked Urban American's Josh Eisenberg for a reaction to the resident's report and comment about Roosevelt Landings recycling practices. Mr Eisenberg replied:
What gets recycled and what ends up in the trash is largely driven by the choices made by residents. Of course, it’s disappointing when an employee does not follow proper procedures with respect to trash collection. But there are more than 1000 apartments at Roosevelt Landings and dozens and dozens of AVAC chute rooms. Without specifics, we can issue a general reminder to the entire staff of their duties. If your commenter could provide more specifics as to what they saw and when they saw it, we can retrain those specific employees who made a mistake.

But to say that “all the items or bags left in the recycling containers are not recycled” and that “all recyclables are going down the chute” is simply untrue and an unfair characterization of the hard work that our union staff performs every day to clean and maintain such a large apartment complex.
I asked the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC):
Does RIOC have any policy regarding monitoring building efforts to comply with Avac recycling regulations?
A RIOC spokesperson replied:
Each building is responsible for their own garbage removal.

... RIOC puts its recyclable materials into a recycle bin in the AVAC yard, where it is collected separately from the rest of the garbage
According to the RIOC Capital Projects Planner:
AVAC Upgrades

Roosevelt Island’s Automated Vacuum Collection system (“AVAC”) needs upgrades after 40 years of service. The upgrade includes electric work to restore the controls currently affecting daily service, upgrade of the control system and installation of new blowers in the Terminal Station, and new valves in existing buildings.
A reliable source reports that plans are underway to improve environmental practices on Roosevelt Island by talking with all groups, RIOC, building managers and businesses to help understand what systems exist to better know what can be improved and all the steps needed to get there.

Will update when more info available.

Josh Eisenberg describes in detail Urban American's renewable energy and efficiency efforts at Roosevelt Landings.
Over the past eleven years, Urban American Management has made substantial investments at Roosevelt Landings to reduce the buildings carbon footprint through renewable energy measures, and energy efficiency measures. Roosevelt Landings is currently featured in the Building Energy Exchange exhibit at City Hall as one of the most successful deep energy retrofits of a multifamily building in New York City. Urban American is proud to have been one of the first management companies to sign on to the Mayor’s Carbon Challenge to meet citywide goals for carbon reduction and sustainability.

The Carbon Reduction features of the “Deep Energy Retrofit” at Roosevelt Landing includes:

Renewable Energy Measures: A cogeneration plant paired with new high-efficiency hot water heaters that use a single source of energy; natural gas, to generate electricity, and domestic hot water (DHW) for the building.

Energy-Efficiency Measures: A combination of advanced energy-efficiency retrofits composed of: a) air sealing of common spaces and resident apartments, b) smart grid controlled programmable thermostats and window sensors in all resident apartments, c) foam insulation applied to exterior exposed concrete slabs under resident apartments, d) new energy efficient windows throughout the complex and, e) LED lighting upgrade throughout the complex.

Building Resiliency: The cogeneration system installed at Roosevelt Landings is an example of improved infrastructure that will have a dramatic positive impact on people's lives during emergencies like Super Storm Sandy. Like many other buildings in New York, Roosevelt Landings was impacted by Sandy and suffered a temporary power outage that affected a third of its apartments due to flooding of a subterranean electrical room. The Combined Heat and Power (CHP) and boiler system located on the 21st floor of the property's tallest building and support building resiliency by providing residents with basic utilities like hot water for bathing and washing, and water for drinking and flushing and cleaning even when the electric grid is down. Further – electricity can be maintained in the generating room during a power outage, thereby also creating an emergency management command center.

In addition, the building participates in bulk power purchases, demand response programs, and has senior maintenance staff certified as Energy Efficient Building Operators.

Consequentially – Roosevelt Landings has reduced Carbon Emissions by 3,130,671 lbs (21%) between 2008 and 2018.

The impact of these measures is significant and demonstrated in the attached chart.

Though recycling is part of our sustainability plan at many buildings, in practice, recycling is very difficult to implement in a complex as large as Roosevelt Landings, particularly as it is driven largely by the responsibility of the tenants to properly follow recycling guidelines with respect to their trash.

UPDATE 5:45 PM

And:
... we recycle and the maintenance guys just throw it all down the AVAC! I keep Recycling the least I can for the planet!!!...
and:
... your statement is so true.

I share a bedroom wall with the AVAC suite. The noise from the chute that is not insulated. The crashing of garbage hitting the bottom floor is a problem I have addressed on many occasions with management.

Yes, some tenants do not recycle their garbage and throw their items on the floor of the avac room, However when maintenance men feel it's an inconvenience for them to make a trip downstairs to the basement to discard items from each floor, the Avac chute is an easy way to solve the problem.

No Roosevelt Island F Train Service Early This Morning Due To Smoke Condition On Tracks - Service Resumed After Smoke Clears But No Cause Found By FDNY Following Investigation

Early this morning, there was no Roosevelt Island F Train service due to smoke on the tracks. The Roosevelt Island Twitterverse alerted us to:


The MTA reported Roosevelt Island subway service was interrupted and condition was being investigated by the FDNY.

The MTA was asked for the result of FDNY investigation about the cause of the smoke on Roosevelt Island subway station tracks. No cause was found.


Monday, September 23, 2019

Dead Roosevelt Island Cherry Trees Being Cut Down From West Promenade Near Cornell Tech Campus Starting Tomorrow - 20 New Cherry Trees Will Begin Being Planted Next Day To Replace Says RIOC

Cutting down trees is a big deal on Roosevelt Island - we love our trees.


Today, the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC announced:
Beginning Tuesday, September 24th, RIOC will be removing dead cherry trees from the West Promenade near Cornell Tech. On September 25th, RIOC will begin installing twenty (20) new cherry trees. Please note the work will be performed by a contractor who will be staging small pieces of equipment near the site but will not block traffic. The contractor will also have safety provisions for pedestrians. Work is expected to be concluded on Friday, September 27th. This may be delayed by severe weather. All work will begin promptly at 7:00AM.


As always, if you see any unsafe working conditions, please advise PSD immediately by calling 212-832-4545 or by making a complaint via our Occupant Help Center

For more information, please visit our website.
Take a virtual walk thru the Roosevelt Island Cherry Trees on



West Promenade.

Welcome Granny Annie Irish Pub To Roosevelt Island - Hope To Open Springtime In Former Riverwalk Bar Space

Great news for Roosevelt Island residents looking for a new place to eat and drink.

Granny Annie's Bar & Kitchen will be taking over the premises formerly occupied by the Riverwalk Bar & Grill, empty since 2018 Labor Day.


I spoke today with the the new husband and wife ownership team, who plan on opening this spring, subject to construction and permitting issues, and intend Granny Annie's to be a neighborhood and family friendly place. Not a sports bar, though there will be TV's and certainly not a Frat Style, Beer Pong playing bar catering to off Island Zog and other sports teams that Riverwalk had become too often.

They have another place, The Beerkeeper bar/restaurant in Woodside Queens.

Stay tuned for more info on Roosevelt Island's new Granny Annie's Bar & Kitchen.

UPDATE 5:20 pm - Roosevelt Island social media is happy about our new Irish Pub.




You're Invited To Osteoporosis & Arthritis Health Seminar Presented By Weill Cornell Medicine, Cornell Tech & Roosevelt Island Seniors Association Tuesday Evening September 24 - Learn About Disease And Treatment Options, Please RSVP

Weill Cornell Medicine, Cornell Tech and the Roosevelt Island Seniors Association (RISA) are presenting an Osteoporosis & Arthritis Seminar Tuesday September 24. You're invited.


You are invited! Join us for a seminar on Osteoporosis and Arthritis on Tuesday, September 24th at 6:00 pm on the Cornell Tech campus, in the Bloomberg Center, 2 West Loop Road.

54 million Americans have low bone density or osteoporosis. One in two women and one in four men over the age of 50 will break a bone due to osteoporosis. The disease causes an estimated two million broken bones every year. Derek Hansen, MD Instructor in Orthopedic Surgery at Weill Cornell Medicine, will lead us in exploring what osteoporosis is and the treatment options available.

Click here: RSVP or call 646-891-0038 and leave a message or email: riseniorsa@gmail.com

Sponsored by Cornell Tech, Weill Cornell Medicine and the Roosevelt Island Senior Association (RISA).
More on Osteoporosis and Bone Disease here. and from the Mayo Clinic.

Sunday, September 22, 2019

Here We Go Again, Intermittent Roosevelt Island Bridge Closings This Week During 2019 United Nations General Assembly Session, East River West Channel Closed To Boat Traffic - Will Emergency Vehicles Be Delayed To Roosevelt Island For Convenience Of Recreational Boaters?

It's that time of year again for Roosevelt Island.


Mid September is the the opening of the United Nations General Assembly Session and 2019 is no different than previous years in terms of its impact on Roosevelt Island residents. The opening of the UN General Assembly means the diversion of all East River boat traffic to the Roosevelt Island East Channel Queens side for security precautions due to our proximity to the United Nations resulting in the intermittent closings of the Roosevelt Island Bridge.

According to the NYC Department of Transportation (DOT)
While the United Nations General Assembly is in session, from Sunday, September 22, through Saturday, September 28, the U.S. Coast Guard will close the West Channel of the East River, which is the main navigational channel, and divert all marine traffic to the East Channel, between Roosevelt Island and Queens. The NYC Department of Transportation will close the Roosevelt Island Bridge, as needed, for up to 15 minutes at a time between 6:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. to permit marine traffic to pass.

During these closures, the bridge will be closed to all vehicular, pedestrian and bicycle traffic. A variable message sign will be installed to inform the public. Emergency service providers have been informed of the special operational schedule.


The Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) adds:
The U.N. General Assembly will be in session from September 22, 2019 - September 28, 2019. The RI Bridge will open on demand from 6:00AM - 8:00PM. Please be advised that each opening should take anywhere from eight (8) to twelve (12) minutes to be completed. If you have any questions, please contact PSD at 212-832-4545.
NYC Ferry reports:
Service Alert – United Nations General Assembly – (9/22 – 9/27)

Due to the United Nations General Assembly, extra security restrictions on the East River may cause delays and/or cancellations on the Astoria, Soundview, East River, and the Lower East Side routes from September 22 – 27, 2019.
In response to the annual concerns by Roosevelt Island residents about the potential for emergency vehicle delays caused by the intermittent Bridge closings during UN General Assembly Week, RIOC advised in 2017:
During the last year, RIOC has been working with the NYC Office of Emergency Management and key representatives from FDNY, NYPD, NYC DOT Division of Bridges, NYC DEP, Health and Hospitals Corporation and Con Ed, to explore alternative emergency response options concerning the bridge during both the UN General Assembly and other situations where the bridge may get stuck or fail for any reason. By pre-staging emergency response vehicles and equipment, we are better prepared to respond to medical emergencies on Roosevelt Island. Furthermore, Con Ed has already pre-staged emergency gas and electric equipment on the Island in the event a gas or electric emergency were to take place and Con Ed trucks were unable to reach the Island due to a bridge malfunction.

During the UN General Assembly, and under the newly created Interagency Roosevelt Island Bridge Lift Protocol, the aforementioned City Agencies are responsible for the following:

NYC EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT
Organize pre-event interagency conference call with Public Safety Agencies

FDNY
Pre-Stage one Engine Company, one Ladder Company, and one BLS (Basic Life Support) Ambulance on Roosevelt Island. Alert Battalion 45 and Battalion 49 companies of Bridge Lifts.

NYPD
Assign resources as appropriate on Roosevelt Island

NYC DOT
Stage bridge oiler crew near bridge structure
Stage bridge electric crew near bridge structure

NYCDEP
Pre-staged water maintenance equipment available at an on-island DEP Facility

Consolidated Edison
Emergency gas and electric equipment pre-staged on Roosevelt Island Gas and electric emergency personnel will deploy to Roosevelt Island via Tramway or Subway as necessary

Health and Hospitals Corporation
Standard resource deployment

RIOC and its Public Safety Department thank all of these agencies for working together to develop these first steps toward a stronger emergency plan....
Will check to see if these procedures are in effect for 2019.