RIOC Says Roosevelt Island FDR Park July 4 Fireworks Celebration Viewing Tickets Limited Due To Health & Public Safety Concerns And They Do Not Reserve Tickets For Staff- No Answer Why Residents Were Not Given Ticket Priority As In Past Years And If Tickets Are Distributed Through Other Sources

Many Roosevelt Island residents are outraged over the way the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) handled last Wednesday's online ticket registration for viewing the July 4 Macy's Fireworks Celebration at FDR Four Freedoms Park.

As reported Wednesday, June 30:

At 1 PM today, the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) opened online ticket registration for July 4 Fireworks viewing celebration  at the FDR 4 Freedoms Park. Last Monday, RIOC announced that 1500 tickets would be available and added yesterday:...

... By 1:03 PM today, tickets were no longer available.....

.... I asked if residents received tickets. Among the responses:

• Who do these tickets go to? I logged on at 12:59 to check and it said it wasn’t available yet. When I logged on exactly at 1pm, and clicked register it said the tickets were no longer available.
• Smells fishy, or at least not well executed. No way these tickets went to residents only

I managed to snag a pair. I had my finger on the button at 12:59p and my info was preloaded. I figured they’d go in minutes. This really should be a residents priority event.

— NamelyNorm (@NamelyNorm) July 1, 2021

 Later that day I asked RIOC Public Information Officer Amy Smith:

How many total tickets were available for the July 4 FDR Park Fireworks viewing online registration today?

RIOC said on Monday there were 1500 tickets but the Eventbrite registration page said only 1100 tickets were available.

Which number is accurate? Why are the numbers different?

Also, are there any tickets distributed through sources other than the online registration process?

If yes, how many tickets and what are those other sources?

RIOC replied yesterday:

Over the course of 20 years, Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation (RIOC) has provided safe, enjoyable, and accessible opportunities to view the Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular. In so doing, RIOC has proudly partnered with community stakeholders such as FDR Four Freedoms State Park and Cornell Tech, among others, to optimize viewing experiences for this event. However, RIOC also has an obligation to maintain the health and public safety of its community and visitors alike. And, in order to do so, certain public safety controls such as ticketing, wrist-banding, security checkpoints, cooling stations, and first-aid must also be in place to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience within FDR Freedoms State Park and the lawns at Cornell Tech.

As such RIOC reserves the right to limit capacity in an effort to accomplish this mandate. And, despite rumors that have circulated in the community, RIOC has not, and does not reserve tickets for staff. 

We understand that this limited capacity will disappoint some residents who were unable to secure tickets to the FDR Four Freedoms State Park portion of the viewing event. But we encourage non-ticket holders to enjoy the lawns at Cornell Tech, as viewing of the fireworks will be possible at these locations. Additionally, attendees of the lawns at Cornell Tech will have full access to all event amenities including food trucks, restrooms, security checkpoints, first-aid, and cooling stations. 

We wish you all a safe and happy fourth of July!

I followed up asking RIOC Public Information Officer Amy Smith: 

... I think most  people understand the need to limit ticket capacity for health and safety concerns.

What gets residents upset is that the online ticket registration process is sold out after 2 minutes and that no process was set up to give Roosevelt Island residents priority for the tickets as has been done every year in the past.

Any comment from RIOC on that issue?

Also:

How many total tickets were available for the July 4 FDR Park Fireworks viewing online registration today?

RIOC said on Monday there were 1500 tickets but the Eventbrite registration page said only 1100 tickets were available.

Which number is accurate? Why are the numbers different?

Also, are there any tickets distributed through sources other than the online registration process? Does FDR Park, NY State or any other entity have an allotment of tickets?

If yes, how many tickets and what are those other sources?...

No response from RIOC. 

I learned today, not from RIOC, that tickets (number currently unknown) were given to the Roosevelt Island Disabled Association and Roosevelt Island Seniors Association for distribution to their members. 

It's interesting to note that the Macy's July 4 Fireworks info page is discouraging people from visiting Roosevelt Island and Hunters Point South Waterfront Park, both prime viewing spots, 

to watch the fireworks.

Roosevelt Island Bank Branch Search Update - RIOC President Says Westview Building Owner Not Willing To Help Get A Bank For Empty Space, Westview Owner Says Not True And Would Consider Any Leads Or Proposals For New Robust Retail Corridor

As reported June 18

Roosevelt Island has been without a bank since Amalgamted Bank closed it's Main Street branch last September. 

Since that time, the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC), Main Street Retail Master Leaseholder Hudson Related, local politicians and residents have been unable to persuade any bank to open on Roosevelt Island. 

During yesterday's RIOC Operations Advisory Committee meeting, RIOC President Shelton Haynes and Chief Financial Officer John O'Reilly reported that banks refuse to open a branch on Main Street. 

However, there is interest in opening a bank branch near the Roosevelt Island Transportation Hubs, Tram, Subway and Ferry in Southtown near the Riverwalk Buildings, Cornell Tech and the newly opened Graduate Hotel. 

RIOC plans to offer space in the renovated Sportspark building to a bank that may be interested in the location....

I asked Hudson Related's David Kramer:

Has Hudson tried getting a bank for Main Street? What do they say?

Mr Kramer replied:

We’ve tried to recruit a bank, and thus far, they’re only interested in being located in Riverwalk, where we don’t have a vacancy.

I’d be surprised if a bank was interested in Sportspark, not enough foot traffic for them.

Roosevelt Island Residents Association (RIRA) President Rossana Ceruzzi recently discussed the lack of a Roosevelt Island bank with RIOC President Shelton Haynes. According to Ms. Ceruzzi, Mr. Haynes said that Westview building (site of the former Amalgamated Bank) owner  David Hirschorn:

... is not willing to help...

get a bank on Roosevelt Island and Mr Hirschorn:

... doesn't want to work with us to use the old space.

I asked Mr Haynes if he wished to add to or clarify his comment about Mr Hirschorn. RIOC Public Information Officer Amy Smith replied:

Since Amalgamated Bank closed its branch on Roosevelt Island last year, RIOC has received several inquiries about bringing another bank to the island. As part of that strategy, RIOC approached Mr. Hirschhorn with the idea of bringing another bank to the Amalgamated Bank space but, unfortunately, he was not willing to entertain our proposal for a new bank at that location. And, unfortunately, many of the banks that have been approached to establish a presence on the island have declined our offer either because of limited storefronts large enough to outfit a new branch along Main Street, or because of an interest to be close to a transportation hub such as the F train or the Tram. That said, RIOC continues its search to bring a new bank to the island in an effort to fulfill the needs of the community.

RIOC CFO John O'Reilly followed up with a phone call with me yesterday saying that during a summer 2020 telephone conversation with himself, Mr Haynes and Mr Hirschorn, the Westview owner indicated he was being paid rent by Amalgamated Bank through September 2021 and was not interested in putting any effort at the time to market the space to another bank.

In response to my inquiry, Mr Hirschorn replied:

I was extremely disappointed when I first received notice from Amalgamated back in June 2020 that they would be permanently closing their Westview Branch.  Attached is the letter I sent to Amalgamated at the time reminding them of the importance to residents of having a banking facility here on Roosevelt Island and asking them to reconsider their decision to permanently close the branch.  Unfortunately, they were just not able to continue retail banking at Westview.

I then reached out to a very senior person at a major bank with whom I have a close relationship and discussed the possibility of his bank opening a branch in the former Amalgamated space.  I also asked him, as a special favor to me, to reach out to his banking colleagues as to whether they would consider the Westview location for their banks.  Regrettably, there was just no interest.  Remember, this was during the height of the pandemic, a difficult time for everyone.

I reached out to Shelton Haynes at RIOC to share with him what I had learned and to see what RIOC might be doing.  Mr. Haynes advised that his experience was similar to mine.  I suggested that he explore with the relevant NYS agencies whether there was some State incentives that could be offered to attract a new bank and asked him to be back in touch with me.  Until recently reading your article and listening to Mr. Haynes’ report to the RIOC Board, I was unaware of any steps RIOC had taken and did not know they were courting banks to locate at Sportspark.   I was disappointed, but not surprised, to hear Mr. Haynes report to the Board that based on his canvassing of banks, none were interested in opening a branch on Main Street, which would include Westview.

Since Amalgamated’s lease expires this month,  a decision needs to be made whether to remove the vault and safe deposit boxes.  I would imagine that any chance that a new bank would consider Westview as a banking site would be severely reduced once the vault and safe deposit boxes are removed as the cost to replace these items is quite significant.  I am glad that you reported on this topic since it is indeed very timely.   I reached out to Amalgamated yesterday, but regrettably they cannot reverse course.  If RIOC has any leads or proposals, I would certainly want to be able to consider them.  However, based on Mr. Haynes’ recent report to the Board,  the reality of the situation appears to be that no banks are interested in Main Street/Westview.  My understanding of the banking world today, particularly given the tremendous investment banks have made in their on-line banking platforms, is that Roosevelt Island is just not a location that would support a new brick and mortar branch.  Maybe RIOC knows something I do not.

The Westview retail space is at an interesting juncture.  RIOC will soon be vacating the Westview offices at 591 that it has occupied rent free for 45 years, having decided to move out and pay rent elsewhere.  The Westview Wine and Liquor store will be moving to Island House and of course the Amalgamated space is now empty.   While not something we planned, it does present an opportunity to rethink Westview’s commercial spaces.  With the pandemic hopefully behind us, and a return to a more normal business environment on the horizon, we look forward to creating a robust Westview retail corridor that provides services that the community wants.  In the meantime, we are hard at work completing the Westview cooperative conversion.  We will soon be offering fully renovated Westview Apartments with amazing River views (contact alyssa@developmentmarketingteam.com). 

On a final note, I was pleased to learn that RIOC intends to address the sunken roads, collapsed curbs and resulting damaged sidewalks at Westview (some of the worst of which are in front of the Amalgamated space), as part of its overall program to address these deficiencies throughout the Island.  This will certainly help attract retail tenants.  I just hope that we will see action soon.  Thank you RIOC.

Here's the RIOC Operations Advisory Committee meeting discussion about the possibility of a Sportspark Bank branch (25 minute mark). 

 

According to Mr. O'Reilly, Amalgamated Bank closed their Roosevelt Island branch with 800 customers and $9 million in deposits, needing $20 million to break even.At closing, RIOC had over $40 million in deposits at the Roosevelt Island Amalgamated Bank  branch. But, Amalgamated did not give the Roosevelt Island branch any credit in evaluating it's viability for the RIOC $40 million deposit which was credited to the Amalgamated corporate group.  

The Amalgamated Bank branch opened on Roosevelt Island in 2009. At that time, then Roosevelt Island NY State Assembly Member Micah Kellner reported:

On October 1st, I was proud to join Amalgamated Bank President and CEO Derrick Cephas, as well as Borough President Scott Stringer and a number of other distinguished guests, to mark the grand opening of Amalgamated’s new branch on Roosevelt Island. The opening marks the beginning of a new era of community banking for island residents — a secure replacement for the New York National Bank branch that closed this summer.

In July, I posted about how I worked with Assembly Banking Committee Chair Darryl Towns to ensure that the State Banking Department designated the island’s new Amalgamated branch as a Banking Development District (BDD) branch. This means that $10 million in public funds have been deposited with the new branch, providing the security it needs to serve as a reliable long-term bank for Roosevelt Islanders. Thanks to the BDD designation, as well as support from State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli, City Comptroller William C. Thompson, Jr., the Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation, and other stakeholders, island residents will continue to have a convenient location to do their banking for many years to come....

Apparently a $40 million deposit from RIOC is not sufficient incentive to keep or obtain a new bank branch on Roosevelt Island's Main Street.

Watch History Lesson By Time Traveler Mary Blackwell - Daughter And Wife Of Family That Owned What Is Now Roosevelt Island, Born In The 1650's

Watch the June 12, 2021 Roosevelt Island Day celebration visit and history lesson by Mary Blackwell, member of the family that owned what is now Roosevelt Island from the late 17th Century as Blackwell's Island until 1828 when the Island was sold to NYC. I spoke with Mrs Blackwell during Roosevelt Island Day 

at the Roosevelt Island Historical Society (RIHS) table.

Thank you Mary Blackwell— err, Lynne! Honored to have the support of one of Roosevelt Island’s terrific leaders and lovers of history. Happy Roosevelt Island Day!! https://t.co/FKKXrFKx1b

— Billy Freeland 🚴‍♂️🚠 (@BillyFreelandNY) June 12, 2021

According to RIHS:

The Blackwell family owned and farmed the island from the late 17th century until 1828, when it was sold to the City of New York. Blackwell's Island, as it was long known, had been inherited by Mary Manningham Blackwell from her stepfather, Captain John Manning. Captain Manning was granted a "patent" on the island by the British Governor Nicolls in 1668, a fortunate circumstance, since five years later, after mismanaging his command of New York's Fort James during a Dutch attack, he was tried by court martial and publicly disgraced. Manning moved to his island retreat and evidently found solace there. Reverend Charles Wolley, writing in 1701, tells us that he had often gone to Manning's Island to visit the Captain, "whose entertainment was commonly a bowl of rum-punch."

In Dutch times the island was known as Varckens Eylandt, which translates to Hog Island. It was purchased from two Indian chiefs by Governor Wouter van Twiller in 1637 and was already being farmed by 1639 under land grants from the Amsterdam Chamber of the West India Company....

Click here for more info about the Blackwell family from RIHS.

NYC Mobil Vaccine Clinic Van Offering Free Pfizer Covid 19 Vaccinations This Week On Roosevelt Island, No Appointment Necessary - 66% Roosevelt Island Residents Have At Least One Dose, 62% Fully Vaccinated

A New York City Mobil Vaccine Clinic Van  was offering free Roosevelt Island Pfizer Covid 19 vaccinations last week  and returned this week again offering free Pfizer Covid 19 vaccinations. This week the Covid 19 Vaccine Clinic Van is located next to Manhattan Park and the Motorgate Garage (688 Main Street) from 7 AM - 7 PM.

The vaccine clinic van is scheduled to be at the location until Friday, July 2.

According to the NYC Health Department Covid Statistics for Roosevelt Island Zip Code 10044, of an estimated population of 11,571:

• 7727 residents have at least one dose of vaccination (66.2%)
• 7267 residents fully vaccinated (62.26%)

The most recent 7 Day Covid Testing Data from June 21-77 for Roosevelt Island Zip Code 10044 shows 222 people tested and zero positive cases for a rate of 0%

The NYC Health Department neighborhood Covid Data Profile for Roosevelt Island zip code 10044 shows a total of 574 cases and 40 deaths.

"Who Do These Tickets Go To" For July 4 Fireworks Celebration Viewing At FDR Four Freedoms Park Asks Roosevelt Island Residents - RIOC Online Registration Opens At 1 PM Today, Tickets Unavailable 3 Minutes Later

At 1 PM today, the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) opened online ticket registration for July 4 Fireworks viewing celebration at the FDR 4 Freedoms Park. Last Monday, RIOC announced that 1500 tickets would be available and added yesterday:

It’s almost time to reserve your tickets! Registration for the Roosevelt Island Fourth of July Family Fireworks Celebration will be opening tomorrow, Wednesday, June 30th, at 1 PM. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to register for advanced tickets. Tickets will open to the general public the same day at 4 PM.

By 1:03 PM today, tickets were no longer available. 

I asked if residents received tickets. Among the responses:

• Who do these tickets go to? I logged on at 12:59 to check and it said it wasn’t available yet. When I logged on exactly at 1pm, and clicked register it said the tickets were no longer available.
• Smells fishy, or at least not well executed. No way these tickets went to residents only.
• they were open to the public! And again they were advertised on social media! I don’t understand, theses off island folks do not spend money here! There’s no commerce, they bring their food with them, So why?
• I was able to get 2 tickets for myself and my SO. I do live on R.I., but there was no address check. I guess I was lucky. I agree it's sad they don't prioritize
• There is no way to prove that all those who got the tickets are residents. They didn’t ask for the address. Only email address.
• This must be a joke! My husband tried at 1:00 and got kicked off the site. At 1:02 all tickets were gone!
• Luckily we got tickets! There should have been a separate link for residents and another for the public

RIOC announced at 2:30 PM today:

We’re sorry you missed it! Registration for the Roosevelt Island Fourth of July Family Fireworks Celebration is now officially closed, tickets sold out. For an alternative way of viewing the fireworks celebration on Roosevelt Island, see details below: 

The Cornell Tech campus will be open and available to the public as a viewing location, starting at 12 PM. 

• No ticket is needed for access but wristbands will be given out upon entry.
• Entrance is first-come, first-serve.
• All visitors will be subject to airport-style security.
• No entry is permitted after 9 PM. Latecomers will not be admitted.
• For full event details go to: rioc.ny.gov/373

 All attendees who have NOT been vaccinated against COVID-19 are reminded to kindly wear a mask throughout the event. 

Please be sure to review our Prohibited Items list for the event at: rioc.ny.gov/588 and stay tuned for further July 4th guidance about island transportation, closures, and other important updates. 

Upon any potential safety concerns or overcrowding, we reserve the right to limit access to Roosevelt Island and the fireworks viewing locations. Thank you.

I asked RIOC Public Information Officer Amy Smith:

How many total tickets were available for the July 4 FDR Park Fireworks viewing online registration today?

RIOC said on Monday there were 1500 tickets but the Eventbrite registration page said only 1100 tickets were available.

Which number is accurate? Why are the numbers different?

Also, are there any tickets distributed through sources other than the online registration process?

If yes, how many tickets and what are those other sources?

Will update when answer received.

UPDATE 7/2 - RIOC responds to July 4 Ticket complaints. According to RIOC:

Over the course of 20 years, Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation (RIOC) has provided safe, enjoyable, and accessible opportunities to view the Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular. In so doing, RIOC has proudly partnered with community stakeholders such as FDR Four Freedoms State Park and Cornell Tech, among others, to optimize viewing experiences for this event. However, RIOC also has an obligation to maintain the health and public safety of its community and visitors alike. And, in order to do so, certain public safety controls such as ticketing, wrist-banding, security checkpoints, cooling stations, and first-aid must also be in place to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience within FDR Freedoms State Park and the lawns at Cornell Tech.

As such RIOC reserves the right to limit capacity in an effort to accomplish this mandate. And, despite rumors that have circulated in the community, RIOC has not, and does not reserve tickets for staff. 

We understand that this limited capacity will disappoint some residents who were unable to secure tickets to the FDR Four Freedoms State Park portion of the viewing event. But we encourage non-ticket holders to enjoy the lawns at Cornell Tech, as viewing of the fireworks will be possible at these locations. Additionally, attendees of the lawns at Cornell Tech will have full access to all event amenities including food trucks, restrooms, security checkpoints, first-aid, and cooling stations. 

We wish you all a safe and happy fourth of July!

I followed up asking RIOC Public Information Officer Amy Smith: 

... I think most  people understand the need to limit ticket capacity for health and safety concerns.

What gets residents upset is that the online ticket registration process is sold out after 2 minutes and that no process was set up to give Roosevelt Island residents priority for the tickets as has been done every year in the past.

Any comment from RIOC on that issue?

Also:

How many total tickets were available for the July 4 FDR Park Fireworks viewing online registration today?

RIOC said on Monday there were 1500 tickets but the Eventbrite registration page said only 1100 tickets were available.

Which number is accurate? Why are the numbers different?

Also, are there any tickets distributed through sources other than the online registration process? Does FDR Park, NY State or any other entity have an allotment of tickets?

If yes, how many tickets and what are those other sources?...

Will update if RIOC answers.

Watch CUNY TV Diverse City Program Report On Roosevelt Island - Utopia Beginnings As A Cheaper, Quieter, Car Free Alternative To Manhattan, RIDA's Struggle To Successfully Build Hope Memorial Depicting FDR In A Wheelchair, Coler Covid Crisis, Nightmarish Asylum History, Underground Garbage Removal & More

According to CUNY TV:

DiverseCITY highlights the beautiful mosaic that is New York, one neighborhood at a time. The monthly series features a bit of history, shares community issues of concern, and profiles businesses that are unique to their neighborhood. Hosted by Zyphus Lebrun (Study With the Best, Independent Sources), the show hopes to familiarize New Yorkers with their neighboring communities. 

 Our Roosevelt Island neighborhood was the subject of June 16 CUNY DiverseCity program

It's well done and interesting. Watch.

Status Of Roosevelt Island New Tram Station Elevators, Southpoint Park Shoreline, FDR Hope And Nelly Bly Memorial Projects Among Items Discussed In RIOC President Shelton Haynes June 24 Community Report To Board Directors - Dog Run, Food Pantry, Horticultural Beautification Strategy, Road Striping And More Too

Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) President Shelton Haynes presented his Community Report to the the June 24 RIOC Board of Directors Meeting,  

Mr Haynes began his report by congratulating Roosevelt Island resident and long time RIOC Board Director David Kraut for his 27 years on the RIOC Board and virtually presented Mr. Kraut with a plaque commemorating his service.

Here's video of the RIOC President's Report.

Mr Haynes announced upcoming Roosevelt Island Community events,

updates on a variety of issues,

closing of the Swift Covid 19 Pop Up testing site,

status of new Tram Station Elevator 

Southpoint Park Shoreline

and Nelly Bly Memorial Projects.

Also discussed in the President's report were:

1500 Tickets Available For Macy's July 4 Fireworks Celebration Viewing At Roosevelt Island FDR Four Freedoms Park Says RIOC - Online Ticket Registration Opens Wednesday June 30 But Unclear If Ticket Priority For Roosevelt Island Residents As In All Other Prior Years

The Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) announced this afternoon:

New York's iconic fireworks display returns to the East River this year and Roosevelt Island will once again be a viewing location. The show begins at approximately 9:25 PM on Sunday, July 4th. More details about the show are available at Macys.com.

 

The Cornell Tech campus will be open and available to the public as a viewing location, starting at 12 PM.

• No ticket is needed for access but wristbands will be given out upon entry.
• Entrance is first-come, first-serve.
• All visitors will be subject to airport-style security.
• No entry is permitted after 9 PM. Latecomers will not be admitted.
• For full event details go to: rioc.ny.gov/373

FDR Four Freedoms State Park will host a limited-ticket viewing from 6 PM-10:30 PM.

• Registration is required and will open on Wednesday, June 30th at 1 PM. For details on tickets go to: rioc.ny.gov/587
• 1,500 tickets are available for Four Freedoms Park.
• You can register for up to FOUR free tickets PER HOUSEHOLD using your name, address, and email address.
• Only attendees with tickets will be allowed to enter Four Freedoms Park; no tickets will be available at the door. 
• No entry is permitted after 9 PM. Latecomers will not be admitted. 

All attendees who have NOT been vaccinated against COVID-19 are reminded to kindly wear a mask throughout the event.

Please be sure to review our Prohibited Items list for the event at: rioc.ny.gov/588 and stay tuned for further July 4^th guidance about island transportation, closures, and other important updates. 

Upon any potential safety concerns or overcrowding, we reserve the right to limit access to Roosevelt Island and the fireworks viewing locations. Thank you. 

Absent from the RIOC announcement is any indication that Roosevelt Island residents will receive priority in registering for the online July 4 Fireworks Celebration tickets at FDR Park which has been the practice in all other prior years.

Upon receiving the announcement, I asked RIOC Public Information Officer Amy Smith:

Will Roosevelt Island residents be given priority to get the online tickets as has been done in previous years?

Stay tuned for any update from RIOC to my question about ticket priority for Roosevelt Island residents.

The Cornell Cafe is expected to be closed for July 4.

Captain Jenkins and Chief Brown of Roosevelt Island Public Safety met on Roosevelt Island to plan for the 4th of July fireworks detail to keep you safe. @RIOCny @NYPDQueensNorth @NYPD108Pct pic.twitter.com/psq5mWxroH

— NYPD 114th Precinct (@NYPD114Pct) June 16, 2021

The 2018 July 4 Macy's Fireworks celebration was the last time Roosevelt Island had a great view. Here was the July 4 2018 fireworks finale seen from FDR 4 Freedoms Park.

UPDATE 8:55 PM - RIOC adds:

As we look forward to celebrating Independence Day, the below guidelines will be in effect for the holiday weekend, beginning Friday, July 2nd, through Monday, July 5th for island transportation and RIOC-controlled open spaces and facilities: 

TRANSPORTATION:

• Tram - The Tram will run regular weekend service on 7/2nd, 7/3rd and 7/5th. A rush hour schedule will be implemented on Sunday, July 4th between 7 AM – 8 PM, with both Trams operating at full capacity. There will be no Tram shuttle bus. Please see holiday weekend schedule info at: rioc.ny.gov/302
• Red Bus – The Red Bus will run on its weekend schedule on Fri. 7/2nd, Sat. 7/3rd and Mon. 7/5th. On Sunday, July 4th, the Red Bus will run on the weekday schedule and there will be no Octagon Express bus. Please see schedule at: rioc.ny.gov/368
• F Train - Please plan your travel accordingly and visit mta.info/weekender or call 511 for more information. For electronic updates on F Train service, sign up for MTA Alerts at mymtaalerts.com
• NYC Ferry Service - Please note that ferry service across all routes will end early on Sunday, July 4th. The last Wall Street/Pier 11 departure bound for E 90th Street will be at 4:19 PM. The last E 90th Street departure bound for Wall Street/Pier 11 will be at 4:38 PM. For more info, go to: Ferry.nyc 

PARKING:

Please be aware of the following guidance for island parking and vehicular traffic: 

Beginning Friday, July 2nd at 11 PM through Monday July 5th at 11 PM, there will be no street parking south of the R.I. Tram station. Additionally, parking restrictions will be implemented in the following areas: 

1. Around the entire Cornell Tech Campus (East /West Loop Roads and North/South Loop Roads) 
2. In the vicinity of 250 - 281 Main Street

On Sunday, July 4th:

• No vehicular traffic except for resident, emergency and delivery vehicles will be allowed on the Roosevelt Island Bridge, from 11 AM to 11 PM. 
• Visitor parking at the Motorgate Garage will be limited to ensure adequate parking for residents and patrons with a monthly permit. Residents without a monthly access card should be prepared to show proof of residency when approaching the Roosevelt Island Bridge at Vernon Boulevard.  
• Residents who need to park in Motorgate should arrive no later than 3 PM on Sunday, July 4th to secure admittance into the garage.

FACILITY & PARK CLOSURES 

SUNDAY, JULY 4TH:

• All RIOC administrative offices
• Sportspark
• Southpoint Park, unless you have a valid ticket to the Fireworks event
• Four Freedoms Park, unless you have a valid ticket to the Fireworks event

MONDAY, JULY 5TH:

• All RIOC administrative offices
• Sportspark

In addition, the Public Safety Department (PSD) will be patrolling the island, with extra patrols focusing on parks, recreation and transportation areas.

For further details on the Roosevelt Island Fourth of July Family Fireworks Celebration, please visit: rioc.ny.gov/373

As a reminder, kindly continue to practice physical distancing, wear face masks/coverings in accordance with CDC guidelines (including wearing masks on public transportation like the Roosevelt Island Tram and Red Bus), and take other necessary precautions to minimize the risk of COVID-19 transmission, such as frequent hand-washing.

Have a safe and healthy holiday weekend!

UPDATE 6/29 - RIOC advisory sent out at 5:49 PM:

It’s almost time to reserve your tickets! Registration for the Roosevelt Island Fourth of July Family Fireworks Celebration will be opening tomorrow, Wednesday, June 30th, at 1 PM. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to register for advanced tickets. Tickets will open to the general public the same day at 4 PM. For details on tickets, go to: rioc.ny.gov/587...

The advisory makes no sense. There is no "advanced" tickets registration for Roosevelt Island residents at 1 PM and "general public" registration at 4 PM. The RIOC web site, publicly available to anyone clearly says that ticket registration starts at 1 PM for anyone, whether or not you are a Roosevelt Island resident.

UPDATE 6/30 1;15 PM:

Tickets were available at 1 PM on the Event Bright web site. By 1:05 they were no longer available.

Am receiving many messages similar to this one from a Roosevelt Island resident:

Who do these tickets go to? I logged on at 12:59 to check and it said it wasn’t available yet. When I logged on exactly at 1pm, and clicked register it said the tickets were no longer available.

I asked RIOC: 

The July 4 ticket registration began at 1 PM. By 1:05 tickets were no longer available.

Is this a glitch in the ticketing system or are tickets no longer available?

Also, the registration page said 1100 tickets were available. RIOC has been saying 1500. Why the discrepancy?

Stay tuned for updates. 

UPDATE 4:55 PM - RIOC announced at 2:30 PM:

We’re sorry you missed it! Registration for the Roosevelt Island Fourth of July Family Fireworks Celebration is now officially closed, tickets sold out. For an alternative way of viewing the fireworks celebration on Roosevelt Island, see details below: 

The Cornell Tech campus will be open and available to the public as a viewing location, starting at 12 PM. 

• No ticket is needed for access but wristbands will be given out upon entry.
• Entrance is first-come, first-serve.
• All visitors will be subject to airport-style security.
• No entry is permitted after 9 PM. Latecomers will not be admitted.
• For full event details go to: rioc.ny.gov/373

 All attendees who have NOT been vaccinated against COVID-19 are reminded to kindly wear a mask throughout the event. 

Please be sure to review our Prohibited Items list for the event at: rioc.ny.gov/588 and stay tuned for further July 4th guidance about island transportation, closures, and other important updates. 

Upon any potential safety concerns or overcrowding, we reserve the right to limit access to Roosevelt Island and the fireworks viewing locations. Thank you.

UPDATE 5:45 - More here.

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Learn or improve your tennis game, take up rock wall climbing, express yourself with an art project 

COME VISIT ANYTIME! Call us anytime to schedule a family tour: East side, 212.935.0250 or West side, 646.884.9649. We’d love to see you! 

 Flexible options for busy families!

At Advantage Camps, we know you have a lot going on – all summer long! So we make it easy to include our camp in your plans.

• Sign up for full days with lots of activities
• Opt for single days with a 10-, 20- or 30 pack
• Choose a single week
• Select multiple weeks and save
• Even share days or weeks among siblings

ADVANTAGE CAMPS ARE STILL ABOUT FUN!  

Swimming, field & gym sports and more! 

Tennis for everyone—beginners to experienced players 

Enrichment classes stimulate young minds!

Art activities make self-expression fun! 

STEAM projects introduce new concepts, spark curiosity 

Build models, explore design 

Always something new to discover, learn & enjoy! 

New friends, new experiences – best summer ever! 

Lunch included for full days!

For More info about Advantage Day Camps at Roosevelt Island Racquet Club (281 Main Street) visit their website or call 212.935.0250  

Watch Video Highlights Of Roosevelt Island Jazz Jam At Gallery RIVAA Celebrating Return Of Live Music After Long Covid Lapse - Can't Wait For More Roosevelt Island Live Music

Gallery RIVAA hosted a Jazz Jam this afternoon celebrating the return of live music after a long lapse due to the Covid pandemic. Take a listen to a few minutes of wonderful live music.

The musicians were:

• Susheel Kurien Guitar 
• Steven Golub tenor, 
•  Erik Swimmer Tenor. 
• Nobu Yamasaki bass, 
• Nicole keys, 
• Christine Reisner vocal and violin, 
• Ron Kushner keys, 
• Kaz Oguro alto, 
• Roger Flather drums, 
• Dan Yalisove clarinet
  

If you want to play in the next Roosevelt Island Jazz Jam, please contact 10044jazz@gmail.com

Roosevelt Island Tram Cabin Social Distancing Capacity Limitations Are Over, Tram Returns To Full Capacity Service Monday June 28 Says RIOC - Face Coverings Still Required On Tram

 The Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) announced on May 21, 2020:

... Tram Passenger Limits

In an effort to ensure social distancing and reduce spreading COVID-19, the Roosevelt Island Tram will be limited to a maximum of thirteen (13) passengers until further notice. POMA, the tram’s operator, has installed social distancing decals on the tram cabin to inform passengers how far away they should be standing from each other. Please note that the number of passengers may be changed in response to COVID-19 infection rates....

During the past year, Roosevelt Island Tram social distancing capacity limitations gradually increased to the current 55 and starting tomorrow will return to the pre-covid full Tram cabin capacity of 110 passengers.

According to RIOC:

As New York continues to move forward after reaching a 70% vaccination rate, the Roosevelt Island Tram will return to full capacity starting on Monday, June 28th.

Face coverings are still required on the Roosevelt Island Tram.

Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation Update: pic.twitter.com/cImdCjEis9

— RIOC NYS (@RIOCny) June 25, 2021