Too Many Bicycle Riders On Roosevelt Island Sidewalks, Not Safe For Pedestrians - Citibike Rider On Sidewalk Today Passing Farmers Market In Front Of Watching Public Safety Officers

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Too many bicycles riding on Roosevelt Island sidewalks. Not safe. Today, Citibike rider on sidewalk passing Farmers Market in front of watching Public Safety Officers

A post shared by @ rooseveltislander on Jul 11, 2020 at 2:06pm PDT

As reported June 18:

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....

... During June 4 RIOC Board of Directors Meeting, bike safety was discussed by RIOC President Susan Rosenthal, RIOC Board Director David Kraut and Public Safety Chief Kevin Brown. RIOC Director David Kraut suggested a broader discussion within the Roosevelt Island community about bike policy may be needed.

PSD Chief Kevin Brown noted an increase in bike riders during the last few months of the Pandemic. Chief Brown has instructed PSD officers to be more visible on the street and to advise bike riders of the rules and regulations for safe and slow bike riding. Chief Brown added there will be greater enforcement of bike rules and regulations. Also, Chief Brown said that signage will be placed in certain areas that will instruct bike riders to dismount and walk with their bicycles.

Not any enforcement for the Citibike rider on sidewalk passing Farmers Market today.

Updated Covid Social Distancing Guidelines For Roosevelt Island Octagon Tennis Court Play From RIOC - Still No Doubles Play Allowed

According to the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC):

Since the re-opening, guidelines for the outdoor tennis courts have been updated and can be found here

As a reminder, courts remain open for singles play only until further notice. Players should continue to follow social distancing protocols and wear face masks/coverings when approaching the courts.

Hours of operation are 7:30 AM - 8:30 PM, 7 days a week.

There are six courts in total available for permitting. To reserve a court, log onto our reservation system here...

A Roosevelt Island tennis player asked earlier this week:

Is octagon open for doubles yet? RSD @96, RIRC, randalls, and 119 RSD all are.

According to the RIOC Guidelines, Doubles play is still not allowed.

Here's some pretty good Doubles play



at Wimbledon.

With some practice and teamwork, maybe you too can ... never mind, just have fun

Roosevelt Island's Got Talent & Main Street Theatre & Dance Alliance Present Virtual Variety Show Featuring Our Local Talent Sunday July 12 - Join The Fun & Join The Community On Zoom

Roosevelt Island resident Kaja Meade reports:

Variety show featuring local talent; produced by Main Street Theatre & Dance Alliance (MST&DA) and hosted by Roosevelt Island's Got Talent.

Sunday, July 12 from 5:00 pm to 6:00 pm

Roosevelt Island Love

Please click here to join us for a special show featuring Roosevelt Island Talent!

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Don’t miss this Sunday evening’s show! The link to watch the show is in bio here. Community that zooms together stays together! 😃 Thank you and 👏👏 to all of the talent that has entertained us over the summer. We still have a few more productions left for you to enjoy. Comment below and let us know if you’ve been able to see the show or if you plan to join us this week. #rooseveltislandnyc #rooseveltisland #mstda #talentshow #community #creativity @ktowey @kimbirdlee @rooseveltislandrealestate @mstda_ri @kajameade

A post shared by RI Neighborhood (@rooseveltislandlove) on Jul 9, 2020 at 12:17pm PDT

Why Were Roosevelt Island Trees On Promenade Cut Down Earlier This Week Ask Residents - RIOC Says It Was For Necessary Rejuvenation Pruning

Or cutting down trees say some residents pic.twitter.com/w9ywUwZSG2

— Roosevelt Islander (@Rooseveltisland) July 10, 2020

Roosevelt Island residents care passionately about our trees so when any are spotted being removed alarm bells ring. Last Wednesday was such a day when residents spotted trees and bushes being cut on the waterfront promenade near Eleanor's Pier.

The  Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) explains what was going on:

RIOC Working for You: Rejuvenation Pruning

On Wednesday, July 8th, led by our Director of Landscaping and Horticulture, Matthew Kibby, the RIOC Grounds Department performed rejuvenation pruning of overgrown Ilex glabra (Inkberry) plants in the vicinity of Eleanor’s Pier.

The overgrowth in the area was infringing upon benches and the walkway along the promenade. Inkberry were also shading out other area plantings and inhibiting visibility, including views of the river. RIOC began this process by cutting back half of these Inkberry plants in March 2020. This work was scheduled to be completed Thursday, July 9th.

In addition, tree pruning was also completed from the Ferry Landing north, to the south dog run, which was needed due to minimal visibility in that location.

Pruning is a horticultural and silvicultural practice involving the selective removal of certain parts of a plant, such as branches, buds, or roots. Pruning is an invaluable tool for developing and maintaining woody plants.

Read more »

Sponsored Post - Check Out Roosevelt Island Foodtown Supermarket July 10 - July 16 Product Offerings, Specials & Sales Items, Organic Salads, Shrimp, Healthy Snacks & Ice Cream - Online Shopping, Delivery Options, Digital Coupons & Social Media Facebook And Instagram Too

The Roosevelt Island Foodtown Supermarket

invites you to check out their July 10 - July 16 Weekly Flyer for  Product Offerings, Specials & Sales items.



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






and Instagram too.

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A balanced diet is an ice cream in each hand—wouldn’t you say? Happy National Ice Cream Month! 🍧🍨🍦 We have all your ice cream cravings to help you celebrate. What’s your favorite flavor? #rooseveltisland #foodtownrooseveltisland #icecreammonth

A post shared by @ foodtownri on Jul 8, 2020 at 1:37pm PDT

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Meat products update 🚨⁠⠀ ⁠⠀ With meat plants closing, and predicted meat shortages, we want all of our customers to know that we are FULLY stocked and are READY to meet your needs.⁠⠀ ⁠⠀ We cannot foresee the impact of these meat plant closings, however, we recommend you stocking up on your favorite cuts of meat and storing them in the event that they are affected.⁠⠀ ⁠⠀ Reference the USDA website for more information in regards to safely storing/freezing meat products.⁠⠀ ⁠⠀ #staywellstaysafe #beprepared #rooseveltisland

A post shared by @ foodtownri on May 5, 2020 at 12:28pm PDT

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Safety for everyone is our #1 priority. We are implementing a policy to test our associates' temperatures every morning, before they check in, to ensure a safe environment for them and our customers. Be safe, and take the necessary precautions. #foodtownrooseveltisland #nycstrong #flattenthecurve #staywellstaysafe

A post shared by @ foodtownri on Apr 7, 2020 at 4:18pm PDT

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Those on the front lines are the ones who deserve an abundance of gratitude during this time. This is simply to help us say “thank you.” Front line workers, here is the easy process: 1. Introduce yourself to our manager and show your ID 2. You will be able to cut the checkout line 3. You will receive a $5 coupon for your next purchase when you use a Foodtown club card On behalf of Foodtown, we appreciate you so much. #rooseveltisland #foodtownrooseveltisland #staywellstaysafe #nycessential

A post shared by @ foodtownri on Apr 20, 2020 at 7:01am PDT

Roosevelt Island Transportation This Weekend - F Train Service To And From Manhattan, Tram Passenger Limits At Discretion Of Operator, Ferry Service And Citibike Too - Wear Your Masks To Travel Safely For You And Others

According to the MTA, there is Roosevelt Island F Train Service to and from Manhattan this weekend.

If you're traveling with us, you must keep both your nose and mouth covered.

Here’s more about what you can do to keep safe during your trip: https://t.co/rnuUTJxent pic.twitter.com/nOlhRGnNzA

— NYCT Subway. Wear a Mask. Stop the Spread. (@NYCTSubway) July 10, 2020

👋 If you're returning to transit as part of Phase 3 tomorrow, we're looking forward to seeing you!

📺 Our team is here to tell you everything you need to know to have a safe trip.👇 pic.twitter.com/wyPET1Mb49

— NYCT Subway. Wear a Mask. Stop the Spread. (@NYCTSubway) July 5, 2020

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...

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

Also, Roosevelt Island has a new transportation option with the recent addition of Citbike docking stations

Roosevelt Island Non Perishable Extra Food Giveaway From RIDA And Carter Burden RI Senior Center Friday July 10 - All Those In Need Of Food Are Welcome, Fruit, Vegetables, Soup, Cereal, Bread, Canned Goods & More

Roosevelt Island Disabled Association (RIDA) President Wendy Hersh reports;

RIDA will open up the food pantry again on Friday July 10th from 4pm to 6pm at RI Senior Center (546 Main Street).

Lots of fresh produce, milk and non-perishables.

You MUST wear a MASK and GLOVES. Please bring your own bags or shopping cart. Entrance is through the garden off of the 540 Main St alley way. All those in need of food is welcome.

UPDATE 7/10 - Ms Hersh adds:

If it is raining, the food pantry line will start at Front Lobby of 546 Main Street.

One Week After Taking Covid 19 Nasal Swab Test At Roosevelt Island Mobile Pop Up Test Site, Some Residents Have Not Received Results - Here's What You Can Do To Maybe Get Results

Last week, from June 29 - July 2, 660 Roosevelt Island residents lined up to get a free Covid-19 nasal swab test at the NYC Health & Hospital Corp (NYC H&HC) Mobile Pop Up site under the Motorgate Helix.

 The overwhelming consensus of those who took the test was that the NYC H&HC team managing the Roosevelt Island Covid-19 Mobile Test Site did a great job from waiting on line, to registering and receiving the nasal swab.

Residents were told that the results will:

... be received by text, email, phone and mail within 3-5 days but could be as soon as 48 hours....

Roosevelt Island Free Covid-19 Mobile Pop Up site at Motorgate Place. Get your free Covid-19 nasal swab test on Roosevelt Island. It’s fast and easy. Results as early as 48 hours. ⁦@BenKallos⁩ @NYCHealthSystem⁩ ⁦⁦@RIOCny⁩ pic.twitter.com/T1h6oV5181

— Roosevelt Islander (@Rooseveltisland) June 30, 2020

But at least a dozen Roosevelt Island residents have still not received their Covid-19 test results.

I asked:

Anyone still waiting to get test results back from last week's Roosevelt Island Mobile Covid Pop Up Test Site? How soon did you get your results?

Residents replied:

Read more »

Don't Risk Your Life, Don't Risk Someone's Else's Life, Wear A Mask Says Governor Cuomo - RIOC Mask Guidelines For Roosevelt Island

This is why it's important to wear a mask/face covering in public when you can't keep your social distance away from others.

Here's the first couple minutes of our mask demonstration... and here's a link to the full story since I can only upload about 2 minutes of video on Twitter: https://t.co/N2YtcsSIPS pic.twitter.com/jj3g5bQY2e

— Kevin Kim (@NewsWithKevin) June 27, 2020

According to the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC):

RIOC Advisory: Mask Guidelines - July 7th, 2020

As New York City enters Phase 3 of New York Forward, it is important for all of us to take time to learn about the various aspects of the face mask/covering policy, as per the law.

What is a face mask/covering?

A face covering is anything that covers the nose and mouth including cloth masks, surgical masks, scarves, and any other covering that serves as a barrier to prevent breathing in airborne particles.

Who must wear a face mask/covering?

Read more »

RIOC Announces Temporary Pause Of Roosevelt Island Southpoint Park Shoreline Restoration Project To Provide Community With More Info - Assembly Member Rebecca Seawright To Host July 14 Virtual Town Hall With Acting RIOC President For Community To Ask Questions On Project

A Roosevelt Island resident asked yesterday:

I'm trying to better understand the posters around talking about 320 trees being cut down in Southpoint Park to make way for more walking paths. There seems to be plenty paths down there already. Do you have more information on this plan?

pic.twitter.com/dF1RH41Dsj

— Wildlife Freedom Foundation (@wffny) July 5, 2020

Today, I asked Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Acting President Shelton Haynes and the RIOC Board of Directors:

Any statement from RIOC regarding status of Southpoint Park shoreline project and petition from Wildlife Freedom Foundation opposing it?

Not exactly true. The Roosevelt Island Southpoint Park seawall is crumbling and needs repair. As part of the seawall repair, attractive pathways like LIC East River parks will be created to allow people access to the waterfront and any trees removed will be replaced says @RIOCny https://t.co/QQiTnWgLxK

— Roosevelt Islander (@Rooseveltisland) July 5, 2020

Assembly member Seawright signed the petition.

I am proud to have signed the petition to save the Roosevelt Island Shorelines. Over 320 trees will be removed, a huge loss for Roosevelt Island. Consider signing their petition here: https://t.co/BSpqY6rmRs

— Rebecca Seawright (@SeawrightForNY) July 6, 2020

Any comment on charge that 325 trees will be destroyed

Will the project be delayed or is it still on schedule. When will work begin?

 Image From RIOC

Acting RIOC President Shelton Haynes replied this evening:

The goal of the Roosevelt Island Southpoint Park project is to repair the erosion of the east and west seawalls and is critical to ensure the health and safety of the public while visiting Southpoint Park. The proposed plan was reviewed and approved by several federal, state, and local agencies charged with protecting the environment, including the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), the U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI)– Fish and Wildlife Services, the National Marine Fisheries Services (NOAA), and the New York State Departmental of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC). The RIOC Board of Directors unanimously approved the plan earlier this year.

Read more »

New York Public Library Starting Limited Service At Several Locations - But When Will The New Roosevelt Island NY Public Library Branch Finally Open, Entrance Signage Is In Place

According to the New York Public Library:

NYPL Updates: Coronavirus (COVID-19) Information

June 25, 2020 Update: Limited Reopening Starting July 13
As part of New York City’s reopening, The New York Public Library is beginning the careful, phased process of returning limited service to its physical locations. Starting on Monday, July 13, we will begin by offering grab-and-go service at eight library locations. At each of these locations, patrons will be able to access a limited area for returns and to pick up materials that they’ve reserved....

But residents are asking the same question about the long planned new Roosevelt Island Public Library as was asked in January 2020:

When will the New York Public Library (NYPL) open it's new Roosevelt Island branch location on the first floor of 504 Main Street replacing the current overcrowded and dilapidated branch?

Plans for the new Roosevelt Island NYPL branch library were first announced way back in July 2012 but construction did not start until October 2018. At that time, we were told to expect substantial completion of the new library by December 2019. As we know, that has not happened....

Today, I asked the NYPL:

I’ve noticed a lot of activity going on inside the construction of new Roosevelt Island library.

Any update on plans for the opening of Roosevelt Island NYPL?

A NYPL spokesperson replied:

... As a result of COVID, all capital projects in New York City were paused in March, including the work at Roosevelt Island Library. However, we are in conversation with our government partners about which projects can resume and happy to report that work has restarted at the branch. We expect the project to be completed in the next couple of months. The Library will notify patrons when the branch is scheduled to reopen.

Below is NYPL January 2016 presentation on the new Roosevelt Island branch library

Roosevelt Island Library - FINAL Presentation 1/2016


and video of the presentation.

iDig2Learn Presents A Virtual Roosevelt Island Workshop, Learning To Forage For Edible Food In Your Neighborhood With Meadows + More Tama Matsuoka Wong Wednesday July 8 - RSVP With Your Questions

Roosevelt Island resident and iDig2Learn founder Christina Delfico reports:

Wednesday, July 8th from Noon to 1PM

Join iDig2Learn to meet the amazing author and forager Tama Matsuoka Wong for a virtual workshop on foraging.

"Bringing Outdoors In: Learning to Forage for Edible Food In Your Neighborhood

RSVP to christinadelfico@gmail.com with the subject line: Forage 2020

If you have been enjoying more outdoor walks and noticing plants underneath your feet and wild berries on trees and wondering if they are edible, this is the workshop for you.

And please include your foraging question when you RSVP to iDig2Learn's founder at christinadelfico@gmail.com - we want to hear what you are wondering about!

This is a virtual iDig2Learn online experience - login information sent upon RSVP.

Special thanks to Open Space Institute for hosting this iDig2Learn workshop.

More on foraging with Tama Matsuoka Wong at her Meadows and More web site and this video.



Wishing you happy and tasty foraging.

Roosevelt Island Elected Officials Convene CB 8 Coler Task Force To Monitor Nursing Facility Treatment Of Residents, Shield Whistleblowers From Retribution And Increase Health & Hospitals Corp Transparency - Watch Video Of Virtual Coler Town Hall Questions From Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer To Coler CEO Robert Hughes

Roosevelt Island residents have been greatly concerned with reports of inadequate treatment received by residents at NYC Health & Hospitals Corp (H&HC) Coler Skilled Nursing and Rehab Facility (Coler) during the Coronavirus Pandemic as reported in the NY Post

Interesting: After @NYCHealthSystem told @nypost the accusations of mistreatment at Coler were "simply false" @NYCMayor expresses concern. "If something went wrong in the middle of this crisis I want to get to the bottom of it." Says H+H will investigate.https://t.co/5N14o4Wu6U

— Sally Goldenberg (@SallyGold) May 18, 2020

and expressed by Open Doors Poet/Coler resident Jay Molina

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A post shared by Open Doors NYC (@opendoorsnyc) on May 8, 2020 at 2:26pm PDT

On June 25, Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer hosted a Virtual Town Hall to discuss issues and answer community questons regarding treatment of Coler residents, or lack thereof, at the Roosevelt Island Skilled Nursing Facility during the Coronavirus Pandemic. Also, attending the Virtual Coler Town Hall were elected officials including Roosevelt Island NY State Assembly Member Rebecca Seawright, Coler Chief Executive Officer Robert Hughes, Coler resident Vincent Pierce, Manhattan Community Board  8 Chair Alida Camp and concerned Roosevelt Island residents.

Assembly Member Seawright began the Town Hall reading a June 25 letter sent from elected official to H&HC President Mitch Katz. According to this excerpt of the letter:

... we are constituting a community-based Coler Task Force under the auspices of Community Board 8, chaired by Alida Camp, CB8’s Chair and a professional mediator to be called upon when necessary. The Task Force will be composed of Coler residents and families, local stakeholders and elected officials. The Task Force will identify issues of concern and obtain timely responses from Health + Hospitals senior management, facilitate tours of Coler for members of the committee and elected officials, and ensure healthcare workers or residents who speak out are shielded from any retribution. We ask that senior-level officials from H + H be designated to work with the task force to ensure the highest communication and cooperation. Many of Coler's patients and staff are people of color, and we are particularly concerned about any disparities in care or treatment

We believe that the Task Force will play a valuable role in working with Health + Hospitals to bring clarity to the operations at Coler, especially in COVID testing and in the understanding of protocols. We believe that the Task Force will move us toward our mutual goal of protecting patients, supporting staff, and resolving issues at Coler.

Here's full video of the Coler Town Hall.

Read more »

660 Roosevelt Island Residents Received Covid-19 Nasal Swab Test At Last Week's 4 Day Mobile Pop Up Site - Any Results Yet?

660 Roosevelt Island residents lined up and

received the Covid-19 nasal swab test at the NYC Health & Hospital Corp (NYC H&HC)

Mobile Pop Up site under the Motorgate Helix from Monday June 29 to  Thursday July 2.

According to a NYC H&HC representative, the number of Roosevelt Island residents getting the Covid-19 test were:

133 - Monday June 29
173 - Tuesday, June 30
183 - Wednesday July 1
171 - Thursday July 2
Total - 660

80 tests daily at a mobile site is considered an excellent response.

I've requested the number of positive test results. Will update when info received.

More info at this prior post and here's briefing from NYC Council Member Ben Kallos

Thank you to @NYCHealthSystem, @RIOCny, and @CB8M for all of your help & support in setting up this free #Covid19 testing pop-up site on Roosevelt Island.

Testing is available under the Motorgate Helix from 10am - 4pm until Thursday (7/2). Stop by and get tested! pic.twitter.com/HjCQ0XTrPa

— Ben Kallos, NYC Council Member (@BenKallos) June 29, 2020

on the Roosevelt Island Covid-19 mobile pop up testing site.