NY Post Reports Roosevelt Island Operating Corp President Fired For Racially And Sexually Offensive Language After Complaint Made By RIOC Employee To Governor's Office

This evening, I asked Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Public Information Officer Terrence McCauley:

Has there been any change in Susan Rosenthal’s status as RIOC President?

Have not received any response from Mr McCauley but received this statement from Ms Rosenthal:

Please be advised that all communications regarding RIOC matters should be directed to Shelton Haynes, shelton.haynes@rioc.ny.gov.

The NY Post reported a few hours later:

Roosevelt Island Operating Corp. head fired over 'racially and sexually offensive' remarks https://t.co/pliNM82cc9 pic.twitter.com/NVZmjnu0Qu

— New York Post (@nypost) June 20, 2020

Stay tuned for more.

UPDATE 6/20 - Statement from Rich Azzopardi, Senior advisor to NY Governor Andrew Cuomo:

A complaint was made to the Governor’s office and others on June 12th by an employee of the Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation that alleged that the President of the organization had u‎sed inappropriate language and engaged in inappropriate conduct in the workplace.

This complaint was immediately referred to the New York State Governor’s Office of Employee Relations for investigation. This investigation substantiated that the President had used racially and sexually offensive language, in clear violation of State policy and the strict standards set by this Administration. The President was Immediately terminated.

UPDATE 6/21 - Roosevelt Island NY State Assembly Member Rebecca Seawright comments on firing of Ms.Rosenthal:

The top priority must be to ensure the continuity of operations and services for the residents of Roosevelt Island during these most challenging times. We will look to the new leadership of the Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation for such assurances plus regular and transparent communication going forward.

UPDATE 2:15 PM - Roosevelt Island real estate developer (Southtown Riverwalk Buildings and Shops On Main Street) David Kramer of Hudson Related adds:

Read more »

Roosevelt Island MST&DA Invites You To A Special Virtual Theater Event Saturday June 20- Magis Theater Company Presentation Of Thornton Wilder's The Alcestiad And The Healing Sun Launch Party For New Interactive Web Site

Main Street Theatre & Dance Alliance (MST&DA) Assistant Executive Director Kimbirdlee Fadner reports:

MST&DA has begun a partnership with world re-known Magis Theatre Co and is involved in the bringing of a fascinating play by Thornton Wilder, titled "The Alcestiad" to Roosevelt Island. It was originally slated to open next weekend (June 20th) at Four Freedoms Park.

There is a virtual event on Saturday, June 20th at 7pm called "The Healing Sun" that I feel is very poignant at this moment and time.

Here is a link to their website, 

Image From Magis Theater Company

MST&DA Executive Director Kristi Towey adds:

Magis Theatre will reveal a new interactive website dedicated to the development of the show. It will also feature Roosevelt Island and how The Alcestiad relates to the locations that would have been part of the performance. The actors will give a sneak peek into the work they have been doing to prepare.

Read more »

Coronavirus Shutdown Easing - Roosevelt Island Playgrounds Opening Monday June 22 Says RIOC, Mayor deBlasio Speaks On Phase 2 Re-Openings

The Roosevelt Island playgrounds, closed due to the Coronavirus Pandemic shutdown

will re-open Monday June 22.

According to the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC):

Here's NYC Mayor de Blasio on Phase 2 re-openings.

BREAKING: @NYCMayor announces that playgrounds will REOPEN on Monday.

Learn more about Phase Two of reopening right now: https://t.co/EZuguYVB46

— NYC Mayor's Office (@NYCMayorsOffice) June 18, 2020

Coronavirus Lockdown Easing, Roosevelt Island Octagon Tennis Courts Opening Saturday June 20, Singles Only Play, 1 Hour Reservations, Masks Required When Walking To And From Assigned Court

The Roosevelt Island Octagon Tennis courts, currently closed due to the Coronavirus Pandemic lockdown,

will re-open Saturday, April 20.

Tennis Courts to Reopen June 20th

Please view message details at: https://t.co/tYaBbkHTA0 pic.twitter.com/xNBKmZayAD

— RIOC NYS (@RIOCny) June 12, 2020

According to the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC):

Read more »

Roosevelt Island Community Report From RIOC President Susan Rosenthal - Thanks Residents For Organizing March For Justice, Distributing Face Coverings, Delivering Food To Those In Need & More During Coronavirus Pandemic Shutdown

During the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC)  June 4 Board of Directors meeting, RIOC President Susan Rosenthal thanked residents for their community service during the Coronavirus Pandemic lockdown. Ms. Rosenthal thanked:

• Zoe Lopez and Thalia St Hubert, the young organizers of inspiring June 3 Roosevelt Island March For Justice,
• Lynn Shinozaki for helping to distribute thousands of face masks to the Roosevelt Island community
• Joyce Short helping come up with a procedure for opening Tennis Courts scheduled to begin June 20
• David Lawson for help working on bicycle safety plan and
• Wendy Hersh for organizing food deliveries to Roosevelt Island elderly, disabled, homebound and anyone else who was in need.

Ms Rosenthal also reviewed status of various Roosevelt Island capital projects including the Motorgate waterproofing (50% complete)  and new Tram Elevator (20% complete).

No Roosevelt Island F Train Service To Manhattan This Weekend - Tram Operator Has Discretion To Increase 13 Passenger Social Distancing Limit Based On Conditions At Time Says RIOC

According to the MTA:

ELECTRICAL IMPROVEMENTS Jun 19 - 22, Fri 9:45 PM to Mon 1 AM (No subway service overnight between 1 AM and 5 AM) Brooklyn-bound F trains run via the E from Roosevelt Av to 5 Av/53 St

Trains resume regular service at 47-50 Sts.

No Brooklyn-bound F service at 21 St-Queensbridge, Roosevelt Island, Lexington Av/63 St and 57 St....

The Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) adds:

Tram Passenger Limits

As the region begins to reopen and more people return to work, the tram will have more riders. The tram operator has the discretion to allow an increase in the stated thirteen passenger limit based on conditions at a given time. If you feel a tram car is too crowded, we encourage you to wait for the next one. If you see an unsafe condition, please notify a the tram operator or a Public Safety Officer or call PSD directly at 212-832-4545.

The Roosevelt Island Tramway will be closed from 1:00 AM until 6:00 AM to ensure that disinfecting measures can be performed. Regular tram service will resume at 6:00 AM each day and continue until 1:00 AM the following morning. These early morning closures will continue each day until further notice.

Red Buses will continue to run on a Weekend Schedule until further notice.

Here's the NYC Ferry Roosevelt Island Astoria Route Schedule.

Sponsored Post - Check Out Roosevelt Island Foodtown Supermarket June 19 - June 25 Product Offerings, Specials & Sales Items - Online Shopping, Delivery Options, Digital Coupons & Social Media Facebook And Instagram Too

The Roosevelt Island Foodtown Supermarket

invites you to check out their June 19 - June 25 Flyer for  Product Offerings, Specials & Sales items.

Roosevelt Island Foodtown Supermarket Weekly Flyer

Click here to visit the Roosevelt Island Foodtown Supermarket web site for online shopping, delivery options, digital coupons, weekly flyer and more.

Follow Roosevelt Island Foodtown Supermarket on Facebook

Read more »

Citibike And More Bicycle Riders Coming To Roosevelt Island - RIOC & RIRA Looking For Solutions To Improve Bike Safety Including Go Slow Signage, Separate Striped Lanes For Bikes & Pedestrians, PSD Enforcement Of Rules & Dismounting Of Bikes In Certain Areas

Reported last Tuesday that installation of 4 Citibike Docking stations with approximately 72 bicycles will begin at the end of June with service starting in July.

Reaction from Roosevelt Island residents varied - some supported:

• CitiBike stations will be a plus for residents to easily get around and will allow those coming to the island the opportunity to get off their bikes and shop on the island if our stores and restaurants are ever allowed to open.
• This is excellent news.
• While I think it’s time we get Citi Bike, four stations is just ridiculous.

 Others have safety concerns:

• The quantity of bikes on the island is getting out of hand and dangerous.
• I was walking tonight and was kind of being harassed by four city bike riders. They ride and get really close to you as they pass throwing one off balance!
  
• Damn there’s already tons of these guys over here. Is there anyway we can stop this?

And some suggestions for implementing a safe Roosevelt Island bike plan:

If we’re going to allow an increase in bike traffic then there needs to be proper management.

Dedicated MARKED 2way bike lanes / proper signage. We have to implement this now and not wait until after the fact. It’s harder to implement boundaries when you allow a free for all to take over. NO bikes on the Main Street sidewalk. Also, no bikes on the Queens side path between Riverwalk Point and South Point. The pathway is too narrow. For this section the dedicated bike path should direct bikers to Main St to East Main Street.

It can work with proper leadership and management.

The bikes are coming, so we need solutions.

To be honest we need to also work on reducing the number of vehicles. If you are just visiting the Island—the lookie loos, you should park at Motorgate. From there, you can walk/bike/red bus. This is NYC. I don’t understand why walking is so offensive.

We have to take control of our home.

I wish RI was a gated community. I digress!

The Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) addressed bike safety issue in their June 17 Advisory:

Bike Safety On Roosevelt Island

As we look forward to having Citi Bike on Roosevelt Island in July, we must also take steps to improve bike safety. In addition to stepping up enforcement, the Public Safety Department is also in the process of ordering new signage that will remind bike riders to obey speed limits, be mindful of crosswalks and to be careful of those around them. We will share these signs with you once they arrive.

Follow along with this virtual bike ride on the streets, promenade and sidewalks of  Roosevelt Island



During June 2 Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Operations Advisory Committee video conference meeting, I asked:

Residents have been concerned over the increased number of bike riders, mostly appears to be visitors, riding on sidewalks and waterfront promenade creating unsafe conditions for pedestrians, including elderly and kids.

What can RIOC do about creating safe sidewalks and pathways. Signage is not enough. Will PSD officers be stationed outside to monitor safe bike riding.

RIOC President Susan Rosenthal answered that RIOC is putting together a team with the Public Safety Department and Roosevelt Island Residents Association (RIRA) Interim President David Lawson to find a solution for bicycle riding safety issues including signage and striping the Promenades for separate bike and pedestrian sections.

Read more »

Watch Video Of NY 1 Democratic Party Primary Debate To Represent 12th Congressional District Including Roosevelt Island - Incumbent Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney Running Against Challengers Suraj Patel, Lauren Ashcraft & Peter Harrison

NY 1 hosted a Democratic Party Primary Debate to represent the 12th Congressional District, which includes Roosevelt Island, last night with incumbent Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney and challengers:

• Suraj Patel,
• Lauren Ashcraft and
• Peter Harrison.

In a NY1 debate, @RepMaloney touted her legislative record as evidence she’ll get police reform legislation passed in Washington.

Challengers @surajpatelnyc, @VoteAshcraft, and @PeteHarrisonNYC contend her record has actually hurt New Yorkers. #NY1Politics pic.twitter.com/4lOjAty3V5

— Spectrum News NY1 (@NY1) June 16, 2020

Click here to watch the full debate.

The primary is June 23 but you can vote now.

Roosevelt Island early voting location is 440 east 26 street. https://t.co/OiWnVpDwHL pic.twitter.com/LfFAf9XRfT

— Roosevelt Islander (@Rooseveltisland) June 13, 2020

UPDATE 8:10 PM - Freelancers Union President Rafael Espinal hosts a June 15 forum with the Democratic primary candidates for New York's 12th Congressional District: Rep. Carolyn Maloney, Peter Harrison, Suraj Patel, and Lauren Ashcraft.

Sponsored Post - Get A Free Covid-19 Test Today New York City, Free Quick & Easy - Closest Roosevelt Island Locations Are In Long Island City And Upper East Side

the results are in & the mayor is negative for COVID-19 https://t.co/rfKSbLyeFd

— Freddi Goldstein (@FreddiGoldstein) June 17, 2020

According to the NYC Covid-19 Information Portal

What is COVID-19?

COVID-19 is a severe respiratory syndrome and infectious disease. Its symptoms include but are not limited to fever, cough, shortness of breath, loss of taste or smell. However, not all people have symptoms when they have COVID-19.

What does the COVID-19 test consist of?

The COVID-19 diagnostic test is safe, free, and easy. A nasal swab, oral swab or saliva sample may be used.

Who can get tested?

All New Yorkers should get tested now, whether or not you have symptoms or are at increased risk.

How often should I get tested?

If your first COVID test is negative, you should get tested again if you

• are concerned about possible exposure
• have spent time in a large crowd
• have had exposure to someone with confirmed or possible COVID-19
• have symptoms
• work in a congregate setting like a nursing home or shelter are planning to visit someone at high risk for severe COVID-19 illness

How long do results take?

Most results are returned in about 48 hours.

Do I need insurance?

You do NOT need insurance to get a diagnostic test.

Privacy

Your test results are confidential.

Where can I get tested?

There are hundreds of convenient testing sites across the city. We also have mobile testing units visiting boroughs. To find a testing site near you, type your zip code into the below.

To find a Covid1-19 Testing site near you, type your zip code at this link....

Here's a screenshot of Covid 19 Testing Locations

in Long Island City and the Upper East Side that are closest to Roosevelt Island.

Click on this link for the exact addresses.

Roosevelt Island Non Perishable Extra Food Giveaway From RIDA Wednesday June 17 At Senior Center -Soup, Cereal, Bread & Canned Goods

Roosevelt Island Disabled Association (RIDA) President Wendy Hope reports:

Are you in need of any non-perishable food items?

Image From RIDA Facebook Page

The Roosevelt Island Disabled Association has extra food that we can give to you. Come to the senior center (546 Main Street) GARDEN ENTRANCE ONLY...Wednesday, June 17th from 9:30AM to 11:00AM. You must wear mask and gloves. Please bring your own bag or cart!

Learn more about RIDA's food delivery to residents during the Coronavirus Pandemic lockdown.

Roosevelt Island Wildlife Freedom Foundation Says Cat Sanctuary To Be Evicted From Southpoint Park With No Immediate Place To Go - RIOC Says Cat Sanctuary Will Have New And Better Facility, Needs To Move So Southpoint Shoreline Construction Project Can Begin

The Wildlife Freedom Foundation (WFF):

... is a non-profit 501c3 organization formed for the purpose of protecting and conserving wildlife and rescuing and caring for abandoned and stray animals in NYC.

Among other causes, we work: to control and reduce the population of stray cats in NYC through the “Trap-Neuter-Release” and get them adopted when possible; to provide permanent care for abandoned and/or not adoptable cats; to advocate to prevent and end ALL forms of cruelty towards animals.

For the past 10 years, the WFF

has maintained a Cat Sanctuary

in Roosevelt Island's Southpoint Park.



On June 11, the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) announced plans to work with WFF to move the Southpoint Park Cat Sanctuary to a new, mutually agreeable location in Southpoint Park because of the start of the Southpoint Shoreline Construction project..

But, Roosevelt Island resident and WFF Founder Rossana Ceruzzi reports today:

Cats To Be Evicted From Southpoint Sanctuary With No Immediate Place to Go

It started amicably.

Read more »

Installation Of Roosevelt Island Citibike Docking Stations Beginning At End Of June, Service Starts In July Says RIOC - Some Residents Concerned About Safety, Is Roosevelt Island Prepared For Increased Bike Traffic

Feb 2020 RI Citibike Presentation

As reported March 9:

Citibike sharing docking stations are finally coming to Roosevelt Island this spring nearly 10 years after the first Roosevelt Island bike sharing demo in 2010 and in 2014 being the neighborhood with most requests for the Citibke system.

Today, I asked the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC):

Any update on when Citibike will begin service on Roosevelt Island?

Have there been any changes due to Coronavirus pandemic?

RIOC Public Information Officer Terrence McCauley answered:

Fortunately, the service has not been delayed due to COVID-19. The installation is scheduled to begin at the end of the month with the service to begin sometime in July.

Reactions from Roosevelt Island residents to Citibike is mixed. Some very happy that the service is available on Roosevelt island.

@Rooseveltisland @RIOCny @CitiBikeNYC Any news on the expansion to Roosevelt Island?
It will be easier to socially distance on a bike than on the F train!#CitiBike

— Thierry Rolling (@T19R84) April 30, 2020

Others are concerned about safety issues from increased number of bike riders speeding on the Promenade.

Ah yes. Summer weather on Roosevelt Island! Where cyclists have no idea how to ride here and nearly crash into me(a pregnant lady with a stroller). Just trying to get home after getting milk for my kiddo 🥴 #rooseveltisland #CitiBike #whatbikelane #whatarerules #SocialDistancing

— mrs (@itsElizaRo) May 16, 2020

With good weather there are way more tourists biking around. Today many were going very fast along the east promenade. Roosevelt Island is not prepared for this massive bike traffic and it's highly probable that one day a young kid will get seriously hurt. FYI @RIOCny @BenKallos

— Rubén B. (@motxilo) May 2, 2020

And riding on sidewalks.

Taken yesterday Sunday afternoon, riding fast as usual (they were two riders btw), passing in front of the PSD office. pic.twitter.com/LMGUvUMMA6

— Rubén B. (@motxilo) June 15, 2020

There will be 4 Roosevelt Island docking stations with a total of approximately 72 bicycles located at

• Southpoint Park
• Adjacent to new comfort station at Firefighters Field between Tram Station and Ferry Dock
• Under the Helix at Motorgate
• Adjacent to the Octagon Building

Meet Suraj Patel And Lauren Ashcraft, Democratic Party Primary Candidates To Represent Roosevelt Island In Congress - Mail In Ballot Request Deadline June 16, Early Vote In Person Now Thru June 21, Election Day June 23

There's still time to request your mail in ballot, until June 16, to vote in the June 23 Democratic Party primary for candidates to represent Roosevelt Island in the 12th Congressional District.

Did you know there’s a primary election on June 23? You can vote by mail if you request your absentee ballot by June 16!

Go to https://t.co/tbhzPm99Oa to request your ballot today. pic.twitter.com/GDuCucBfcd

— NYC Mayor's Office (@NYCMayorsOffice) June 13, 2020

You can also vote early in person until June 21. The Roosevelt Island early vote location is 440 East 26 Street.

Why doesn't Roosevelt Island have its own early voting site?!? https://t.co/wtn8meSzSb

— Kim Moscaritolo (@kimmosc) June 13, 2020

Good question.

The sole election on the ballot for Roosevelt Island is the Democratic Party Primary for Congress. The candidates are:

• Incumbent Carolyn Maloney
• Suraj Patel,
• Peter Harrison and 
• Lauren Ashcraft

I spoke with two of the Democratic Party Primary Candidates, Suraj Patel



and Lauren Ashcraft,



at last Saturday's Roosevelt Island Farmers Market.

There is a NY 12 Democratic Party Primary Congressional Forum this evening.

NYC! This Monday, plan to join our live forum with the Democratic primary candidates for the 12th Congressional District, moderated by Freelancers Union President @RLEspinal. pic.twitter.com/77rPvH5uIl

— Freelancers Union (@freelancersu) June 12, 2020