Manhattan Borough President Candidate Mark Levine Meets And Speaks To Roosevelt Island Residents At Farmers Market Today - Watch Video Of What He Has To Say About Imagining A Better Manhattan & Roosevelt Island

Mark Levine is a NYC Council Member representing the Upper West Side, Harlem & Washington Heights and is running for Manhattan Borough President to succeed Gale Brewer who is term limited. Mr Levine was at the Roosevelt Island Farmers Market today

meeting and talking with residents about local issues.

#TeamLevine joined @MarkLevineNYC at the Roosevelt Island farmer’s market! We loved talking to residents about how they #ImagineABetterManhattan, including public banking, reinvesting in the Roosevelt Island community, and bike lines. pic.twitter.com/L1FZKlDzNN

— Team Levine 👟 (@TeamLevineNYC) May 8, 2021

46 days until the primary, and here’s another idea to #ImagineABetterManhattan:

==> Let's make mountains of trash bags a thing of the past on crowded Manhattan sidewalks. It's time we catch up to other cities and install sealed, on-street containers. pic.twitter.com/QV4d8e0pMM

— Mark D. Levine (@MarkLevineNYC) May 8, 2021

I spoke with Mr. Levine at the Farmers Market about his ideas to #ImagineABetterManhattan and better Roosevelt Island including bringing a local bank branch to Roosevelt Island, making sure resident needs are prioritized by the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) and working to insure that Cornell Tech gives back to the Roosevelt Island Community. Mr Levine spoke of his role as Chair of the NYC Council Health Committee fighting the Covid 19 pandemic too. 

Here's what Mr Levine had to say.

Saw the lovely @MarkLevineNYC at the farmers market on Roosevelt island earlier! Even though I can’t vote cuz of my immigration status I’d still like to voice my support for this guy for his amazing job over the past few months with covid vax and many other issues! pic.twitter.com/uSR1SFDNAN

— Robert Yuzhe Song (@astrorobb) May 8, 2021

Learn more about Mr Levine's campaign for Manhattan Borough President at his website.

Mr Levine's opponents in the June 22 Democratic Party Primary are: 

• Lindsey Boylan   
• Elizabeth Caputo   
• Ben Kallos   
• Brad Holyman (Roosevelt Island Farmers Market Interview here)
  
• Kimberly Watkins 
• Michael Lewyn 

Roosevelt Island will have an early voting site from June 12 to 20 at the Sportspark facility (250 Main Street) for Manhattan Borough President and other June 22 NYC election day contests.

You may ask what exactly does a Borough President do? According to The City:

... A borough president is an advocate for their borough in a number of ways. 

First, they have a sizable chunk of change at their disposal to fund local initiatives, groups and projects like buying technology for public schools, renovating local parks or spearheading community health outreach.

Borough presidents share about 5% of the city budget to fund things in their borough — about $4 billion among them, according to the city’s Campaign Finance Board.

Borough presidents can also introduce bills in the City Council, though they do not get a vote.
They weigh in on land use proposals — in other words, development projects that need public approval — with an advisory vote and written decision. Their input is not binding, but it can be quite influential if they are staunchly for or against a project and lobby Council members or the mayor. 

Working with local City Council members, Borough presidents also appoint all members of community boards, the local bodies that weigh in on everything from new bike lanes to liquor licenses for restaurants. With that power, the borough presidents can exert significant sway over neighborhood-level politics and projects....

Click here for more from The City on NYC Borough Presidents.

And Gothamist has more on what the Borough President does.  

Roosevelt Island Transportation This Weekend - Earlier Confusion, But There Is Roosevelt Island F Train Service To And From Manhattan This Weekend, R Train Too

Despite signage on the Roosevelt Island F Train subway station to the contrary, the MTA says there will be Roosevelt Island F Train service to and from Manhattan this weekend.

Hi there. Apologies for the misinformation. We actually just confirmed that there is F train service at Roosevelt Island this weekend and that the signage is from last weekend. We are reaching out to our stations supervision to remove this sign. ^JW

— NYCT Subway. Wear a Mask. (@NYCTSubway) May 7, 2021

R train service from Roosevelt Island to and from Manahttan too. 

The Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) adds:

While we continue to follow social distancing and align our operations with New York Forward guidance, we also continue to incrementally increase the number of passengers permitted on the Tram. Tram capacity will increase on Monday, March 8th, from 35 to 55 passengers per cabin, and we will continue to assess and gradually increase ridership in phases. We understand the need for this mode of transportation, however, the health and safety of our riders and operators are our priority. We appreciate your cooperation.

Here's the NYC Ferry Roosevelt Island Astoria Route Schedule which extends to East 90th street on the Upper East Side. 

And Roosevelt Island Ciibike docking stations too.

Update On Verdant Power Roosevelt Island Tidal Energy Project, East River Water Turbines Replaced With More Environmental Friendly, Lower Cost & More Efficient Plastic Rotors - Roosevelt Island May Become Water, Solar, Renewable Energy Showcase To The World

As reported October 20, 2020:

Since 2002, Verdant Power's Roosevelt Island Tidal Energy Project (RITE) has been developing water turbine technology to generate electric power from the currents of the East River next to the Roosevelt Island Foodtown (formerly Gristedes) supermarket on the Queens side of the East River.

Last Thursday, October 22, Verdant Power continued development of the technology by deploying their 5th Generation Water Turbine in the East River....

Earlier this week, after the turbines have been in the East River for 6 months, Verdant Power returned to Roosevelt Island 

for a maintenance exercise to demonstrate how easily the turbines can go in and out of the water. 

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Also, Verdant Power retrieved and replaced the turbines installed 6 months ago with a new environmentally friendly plastic rotor designed by the US Department of Energy which Verdant says will lowers the cost and operate more efficiently for the next 6 months of testing in the East River salt water.

I spoke with Verdant Power's Founder and Chief Marketing Officer Trey Taylor last Wednesday before the new turbines were lowered back down into the East River.

Mr Taylor said to date the RITE East River water turbines have produced 200 megawatt hours of electricity for the Con Ed distribution power grid, which he says is a new record, and that the turbines have performed at a rate 40% higher than they thought it would.

Mr Taylor also spoke about working with Con Ed to set up energy storage on Roosevelt Island. He added that eventually, with the US Department of Energy, NY State and Empire State Development Corp, the RITE project could convert into a world class demonstration center of renewable hybrid energy systems leading to climate change improvements and many jobs.  

According to Mr Taylor, the hope is to turn Roosevelt Island into a water, solar and renewable energy showcase to the world.

Here's my conversation with Verdant Power's Trey Taylor.

More info on Verdant Power Roosevelt Island Tidal Energy Project at their web site and US Department of Energy.

Sponsored Post - Check Out Roosevelt Island Foodtown Supermarket May 7- May 13 Spring Savings, Product Offerings & Mother's Day Special Items - Online Shopping, Delivery Option, Digital Coupons & 30 Day Health Challenge Too

The Roosevelt Island Foodtown Supermarket    

invites you to check out their May 7 - May 13 Weekly Flyer for Product Offerings, Specials and 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.

Check Out Mother's Day Gifts At Roosevelt Island Historical Society Visitors Center Kiosk

The Roosevelt Island Historical Society (RIHS) invites you to their Visitors Center Kiosk at the Tram Plaza 

to check out some of their merchandise for Mother's Day Gifts. 

According to RIHS:

Perfect for Mom, our QUOTABLE ELEANOR, COOKIES FOR ELEANOR, ROOSEVELT ISLAND AND OUR ZINE….ALSO A GREAT MODGY VASE AN FLORAL POUCH.

A dog lovers gift APRON, POUCH AND NOTEBOOK

For someone with Queens roots………….GREAT BOOKS ON OUR NEIGHBOR BOROUGH

More RIHS merchandise here.

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Roosevelt Island Getting NYC Early Voting Pollsite Location From June 12 To June 20 For 2021 Primary Election Announced NY State Assembly Member Rebecca Seawright Today - RIOC And NYC Board Of Elections Reach Agreement To Use Sportspark For Early Voting

Roosevelt Island residents waited on a long line stretching outside the PS/IS 217 polling location and wrapping around the Westview building next door

                                   Image of November 2, 2020 Roosevelt Island Voting Line From Julia Chang

to cast their vote in the November 2020 election.

It should be much easier for Roosevelt Island residents to vote in future elections, including the upcoming June 2021 Primary, because Early Voting is coming to Roosevelt Island.

Today, Roosevelt Island and Upper East Side Assembly Member Rebecca Seawright announced an Early Voting polling site for  Roosevelt Island at the Sportspark facility (250 Main Street).

@Rooseveltisland asked and we answered. We secured an agreement with @RIOC to bring early voting to Roosevelt Island this June. Sportspark Gymnasium will be open for early voting Saturday, June 12 to Sunday, June 20.

— Rebecca Seawright (@SeawrightForNY) May 6, 2021

According to this May 6 press release from Ms Seawright:

Assembly Member Rebecca Seawright announced today that Roosevelt Island's Sportspark Gymnasium will be available as an additional early voting pollsite from Saturday, June 12 to Sunday, June 20, according to an agreement she successfully reached with New York City Board of Elections and Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation's (RIOC) President and CEO Shelton J. Haynes.  

Assembly Member Rebecca Seawright said, "Roosevelt Islanders asked and we answered. In coordination with RIOC to bring early voting to Roosevelt Island this June. We must fulfill the intent of early voting including the ease of convenient voting times including early morning, late evening, and weekend hours. We are proud to support the establishment of additional sites to eliminate lines and long wait times that deter voters." 

Seawright had previously secured an additional early voting site for the general election last October at Marymount Manhattan College in order to help relieve the persistently long lines at Robert F. Wagner Middle School on the Upper East Side of Manhattan. The story made national news as she threatened litigation calling on the Board of Elections to open additional early voting sites to alleviate the pressure on the single largest early voting site in the state, overburdened with 118,000 eligible voters in what she described as “the horrendous treatment of the disabled, senior citizens, and working men and women-- voters who have stood in line for several hours to cast their ballots, including in the rain."

As reported last October 2

... There is no early voting polling station on Roosevelt Island. This week the Robert Wagner Middle School at 225 East 75th Street was the only early voting period polling location for Roosevelt Island.... 

...Roosevelt Island needs an early voting site here for our many elderly and disabled residents....

Can you @SeawrightForNY get additional NYC voting site on Roosevelt Island. @RIOCny offered Sportspark facility to @BOENYC weeks ago. https://t.co/anOPw2s3Ec

— Roosevelt Islander (@Rooseveltisland) October 28, 2020

RIOC President Shelton Haynes, responding to an inquiry by a resident asking for an early voting site on Roosevelt Island before the November 2020 election, reported: 

As an update, Judy Berdy introduced me to the Manhattan Deputy Chief Clerk from the Borough Administration’s  office in mid-September. We then arranged for their staff to tour Sportspark as a potential early voting location from October 23rd to November 3rd. Sportspark met all of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)requirements and was a large enough space but unfortunately they elected to not use this facility.

Ms Seawright delivered and Roosevelt Island residents will now be able to Early Vote at the Sportspark Facility

Kudos to all the electeds and activists who fought to bring early voting to Roosevelt Island! A victory for increased participation in our democracy. https://t.co/hefvbXGTfz

— Billy Freeland 🚴‍♂️🚠 (@BillyFreelandNY) May 6, 2021

Roosevelt Island Cafe @Cornell Tech Is Hiring Cooks, Baristas And Porters - Apply Now And Tell Your Friends

The Roosevelt Island Cornell Tech Cafe is hiring:

The Cafe’ is hiring cooks, baristas and porters. If you or anyone you know might be interested In working in a fun, friendly, team minded atmosphere and you have a passion for customer service please send all inquiries and resumes to our email address thecafe-fbservices@tech.cornell.edu

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Roosevelt Island Operating Corp Seeking New Chief Operating Officer To Oversee RIOC Strategy And Business - Also, A Director Of Transportation For Red Bus, Motorpool And Related Facilities

The Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) is seeking a new Chief Operating Officer and Director of Transportation.

According to the Idealist job website:

VICE PRESIDENT OF OPERATIONS / CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Roosevelt Island Operating Corporaton
SALARY RANGE: $175,000 - $190,000 

POSITION SUMMARY: Under the general supervision of the President/Chief Executive Officer (CEO) the Chief Operating Officer (COO) oversees all strategic and business operations for Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation (RIOC). The COO is responsible for developing and executing the operational strategy in support with RIOC’s vision. The COO will oversee various departments as assigned by the President and CEO. This position complements the external-facing responsibilities of the President/CEO and works closing with the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and the Vice President/General Counsel.... 

Click here for more info and to apply for the position. 

Shelton Haynes was the RIOC Chief Operating Officer before being named  Acting President last June and President last March.

Also:

Director Of Transportation, Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation

SALARY RANGE: $110 - $120K/Annually

RIOC is searching for an experienced Transportation Director for its Bus Operations, Motorpool and other transportation related facilities or operations. Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer, the Director of Transportation will be responsible for managing the overall department which includes two major functional areas, Bus Operations and Motorpool.... 

Click here for more info and to apply. 

Cy Opperman has been the very competent and professional RIOC Director of Transportation since 2011. If he is leaving RIOC, it is a big loss for the Roosevelt Island community.

The RIOC website does not list either of these positions available, or any others, on its job opportunities page.

Volunteers Ready To Clean Up, Remove Weeds And Beautify Shabby And Deteriorating Roosevelt Island Riverwak Commons Area Poorly Maintained By RIOC Says Southtown Resident - But Waiting 2 Weeks So Far For RIOC Boss To Approve So Work Can Begin

Roosevelt Island resident Josina Baez is sick and tired of the shabby and deteriorating condition of the Riverwalk Commons landscaping maintained by the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) - or more precisely, its lack of proper care and maintenance.

Ms Baez writes:

Over the past few years the People’s (Riverwalk) Commons, because of lack of regular maintenance, has seriously deteriorated. Even the planting of annual flowers  was discontinued. 

New York City parks and numerous NY City local communities have volunteers who are assisting the NY Park’s department in taking care of their gardens. I believe we can do the same on Roosevelt Island. 

2 weeks ago with 2 other residents I met with Matthew Kibby, the chief of Roosevelt Island Grounds Dept. and we walked the Commons. Mr. Kibby having only +/- 10 people to take care of the whole island indicated that he would appreciate our RI residents help, but he had to get permission of his Boss for this to happen.

My request was: Clean up and weed and plant some annuals again. 

I DID NOT ASK FOR ANY FUNDS. 

I'm told this "Boss" sent my request to the RIOC LEGAL Dep't  and there it got stuck: no reply, no answer, no reason given for a YES or NO.

In the meantime the weeds are full grown plants by now and the Commons looks “run-down”. The Commons belongs to all RI residents, a place where residents come together to enjoy the outside, to socialize, to relax, to watch their children play. It also should be a place of beauty.

I spoke to Ms Baez today about her efforts to clean up and beautify the Roosevelt Island Riverwalk Commons.

Here's what she had to say.

 

As we finished our talk, RIOC groundskeepers were spotted cutting hedges around the Riverwalk Commons though according to Ms Baez and others, 

the groundskeepers should be using hand trimmers, not power trimming saw, to cut the hedges.

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You're Invited To Roosevelt Island Political Engagement Group Virtual Zoom Fireside Chat With Manhattan Borough President Candidate Mark Levine Tonight, May 3 - Watch Prior Chats With NYC Council Candidates Billy Freeland,Julie Menin And Rebecca Lamorte

As previously reported:

Joyce Short and Ellen Polivy, two long-time Roosevelt Island activists, founded the Political Engagement Group (PEG) in order to revive Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s concept of “Fireside Chats,” right here on Roosevelt Island. Their aim is to provide voters on the Upper Eastside and Roosevelt Island with a personal view of the people, their platforms, and their interests in our communities, in order to help their neighbors make enlightened decisions when they cast their votes on June 22nd.

“What better place to recreate FDR’s concept that began 88 years ago, almost to the very day we’ll begin; Monday, March 15th at 8:00 PM,” said Joyce Short. “We’ll be interviewing candidates each Monday and Wednesday evening, at either 7:30 or 8 PM, for Mayor, Borough President, District Attorney, City Council, and Democratic District Leader....

The next Roosevelt Island PEG Fireside Chat is tonight, May 3, with Mark Levine who is a candidate in the June 22 Democratic Party Primary for Manhattan Borough President.

Contact jm_short@ymail.com for Zoom link to the PEG Fireside Chat with Mark Levine and to send questions. 

According to Mr Levine's Manhattan Borough President campaign website:

City Councilmember Mark Levine is a leading voice in New York City for tenants rights, public health, and equity in our schools, transit, parks, and housing. 

Mark has twice been elected to represent the 7th Council district–one of the most diverse in New York City–covering West Harlem/Hamilton Heights, Morningside Heights, and parts of the Upper West Side and Washington Heights....

ICYMI: My conversation with @TweetBenMax on @MNN59 about my campaign for Borough President, and our plan for the come-back of Manhattan and NYC:https://t.co/WYcVEewf8N

— Mark D. Levine (@MarkLevineNYC) April 21, 2021

Learn more about Mr Levine's campaign for Manhattan Borough President at his website.

Mr Levin's opponents in the June 22 Democratic Party Manhattan Borough President Primary are: 

• Lindsey Boylan   
• Elizabeth Caputo   
• Ben Kallos   
• Brad Hoylman  
  
• Kimberly Watkins 
• Michael Lewyn 
  

You may ask what exactly does a Borough President do? According to The City:

... A borough president is an advocate for their borough in a number of ways. 

First, they have a sizable chunk of change at their disposal to fund local initiatives, groups and projects like buying technology for public schools, renovating local parks or spearheading community health outreach.

Borough presidents share about 5% of the city budget to fund things in their borough — about $4 billion among them, according to the city’s Campaign Finance Board.

Borough presidents can also introduce bills in the City Council, though they do not get a vote.
They weigh in on land use proposals — in other words, development projects that need public approval — with an advisory vote and written decision. Their input is not binding, but it can be quite influential if they are staunchly for or against a project and lobby Council members or the mayor. 

Working with local City Council members, Borough presidents also appoint all members of community boards, the local bodies that weigh in on everything from new bike lanes to liquor licenses for restaurants. With that power, the borough presidents can exert significant sway over neighborhood-level politics and projects....

Click here for more from The City on NYC Borough Presidents.

And the Gothamist has more on what the Borough President does.

Watch earlier Roosevelt Island Fireside Chats with NYC Council Democratic Party Primary Candidates to represent Roosevelt Island and the Upper East Side: 

Billy Freeland,


Julie Menin


and Rebecca Lamorte.