Celebrate Children's Storytelling On Roosevelt Island With The Knowledge Project's I Write & Go Summer Writing Workshop For Kids 6 To 12 - Sundays And Wednesday's At FDR 4 Freedoms Park, Registration Encouraged

Denis Prendi of The Knowledge Project reports: 

TKP is a non-profit 501 (c) 3 organization based in New York City for over 20 years, with the sole purpose of advancing creative writing for K-12 young people. TKP has partnered with MOMA, NYC libraries, public schools, NYU, Fordham, and Columbia as well as businesses like Barnes and Noble, EL Dario, Microsoft, and Oracle to enrich and sustain its programs. We are launching our new initiative, I Write & Go on Roosevelt Island at the FDR Four Freedoms Park. It is a free, 90-minute creative writing program facilitated by an author and 2 Associate Writers (HS and college students). Starting this Sunday, authors such as Melissa Powell, David Tabatski and Sarah Porter will be guiding children through a spark of their own imagination.

According to The Knowledge Project:

Wednesdays & Sundays in July & August

At FDR Four Freedoms State Park on Roosevelt Island, Wednesdays 10:30 am - 12 noon and Sundays 2 pm - 3:30 pm

Find the place where imaginations grow. TKP's I Write & Go: Authors and kids writing together with unique guidance by authors on the craft of writing.

Kids 6-12 can write & tell stories as far as their imaginations take them. Free 90-minute sessions are offered each Wednesday and Sunday in July and August 2022. Seating is limited.

Pre-registration is encouraged.

Professional authors ignite storytelling with fun challenges, by reading passages from books, and guiding young writers. TKP Associate Writers (published HS and college students) are on hand to inspire storytelling and artwork design techniques.

Click here for  more info and to pre-register for The Knowledge Project's I Write And Go program at the FDR 4 Freedoms Park.

Roosevelt Island Transportation Could Be A Huge Mess This Weekend, Planned F Train Subway Service Disruptions And Only 1 Tram Cabin In Service - Be Prepared For Long Lines, No Response From RIOC To Community Concern

Yesterday, I asked Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) President Shelton Haynes: 

There is no Roosevelt Island F Train Service to Manhattan Friday - Saturday Night and no Roosevelt Island F Train Service from Manhattan Saturday Night to Monday Morning. See attached photo.

With only 1 Tram cabin in service and weekend visitors expected, does RIOC have any plans to address this situation?

Will RIOC run a Manhattan Red Bus Shuttle this weekend?

Does the MTA have any plans to increase bus service this weekend?

Does RIOC have any comment on the transportation situation this weekend to the community?

No reply from RIOC.

According to the MTA there is no Roosevelt Island F Train service to Manhattan from Friday 9:45 PM to Saturday 10 PM

and no Roosevelt Island F Train service from Manhattan Saturday 11:45 PM to Monday 5 AM.

Be prepared for long lines at the Tram.

NYC Mayor Eric Adams Unveils NYC Ferry Forward Plan With New Equitable Fare Structure - Reduced Ticket Price For Seniors, Disabled And Low Income Riders, $2.75 For Frequent Riders And $4 For Single Riders - Hey RIOC, Can You Do Same For The Roosevelt Island Tram?

On July 6:

New York City Comptroller Brad Lander released an audit showing NYC Economic Development Corporation (EDC) underreported nearly a quarter of a billion dollars in NYC Ferry expenditures during former Mayor Bill de Blasio’s Administration. EDC incurred a total of $758 million dollars in total ferry-related expenditures from July 1, 2015 through December 31, 2021, yet only reported $534 million as ferry-related expenses in its audited financial statements and other records. The total City subsidy-per-ride is nearly double the original estimate of $6.60 and has been consistently underreported. The press conference livestream is available here....

I've ridden and enjoy the ferry, but the universal $2.75 fare is a bad deal for taxpayers.

We should explore dynamic pricing that better reflects ridership needs.

That’s one of the recommendations in my office’s audit of the NYC ferry system. pic.twitter.com/IrepOP7Gfm

— Comptroller Brad Lander (@NYCComptroller) July 9, 2022

Why assume that residents and workers of Roosevelt Island, Astoria, LIC and other NYC waterfront communities who use @NYCferry could afford to pay more? Is it possible to keep $2.75 fare for NYC residents and charge more to tourists who are using ferry instead of Circle Line?

— Roosevelt Islander (@Rooseveltisland) July 5, 2022

The answer is yes and the plan includes reduced fares for seniors, disabled and low income ferry riders too. 

At the Astoria Ferry Landing today, NYC Mayor Eric Adams:

... unveiled “NYC Ferry Forward,” his vision for a more equitable, accessible, and fiscally sustainable citywide ferry system. The plan includes a new NYC Ferry Discount Program — modeled after the city’s Fair Fares program for subways and buses, which offers reduced-fair rides for seniors, people with disabilities, and low-income riders. Starting in September, at least 1 million - New Yorkers can take advantage of the program and ride the ferry, one way, for the low price of $1.35. The plan also features a new, progressive fare structure, free trip vouchers and expanded outreach to NYCHA residents, makes it easier for New Yorkers to bike to and from the ferry, and creates opportunities for revenue generation....

According to this press release today from the Mayor's Office:

... The plan also focuses on increasing revenue and ridership by establishing a new, dynamic, and progressive fare structure, which reduces costs to the city. This means keeping the cost low for regular riders, while asking infrequent riders to pay a little more. The plan ensures everyday riders can still take advantage of the $2.75 fare by purchasing aa 10-trip pack for $27.50, while single ride fares will cost $4.00 for visitors or infrequent riders. This scale will allow the system to continue to best serve riders, while generating as much as $2 million in additional annual revenue, helping to reduce the system's public subsidy. Mayor Adams will also eliminate the $1.00 bike fee across the entire NYC Ferry system to help encourage environmentally sustainable multi-modal transportation. Now, New Yorkers are more encouraged to bike to and from the ferry, while also taking a mode of transportation that decreases commuters' reliance on cars and simultaneously reducing the city's carbon footprint. The elimination of the $1.00 bike fee and fare changes take effect on September 12, 2022. The city will be working with NYC Ferry operator City Experiences to implement these initiatives over the coming weeks....

I asked Mayor Adams:

During weekends, places like Roosevelt Island, Long Island City, residents can't get on the ferry because it's so crowded, usually with tourists. Is there any plan to increase capacity on the boat so that residents can use the ferry as they want to do it on weekends?

Mayor Adams replied: 

I want to be extremely clear. George Washington, from tourists and George Washington from everywhere. I want them all. We want people to spend money, and I like my multi-billion dollar tourist industry that we have here. We should look at it. I think that's what Andrew said. How do we look at those boats are underutilized, and let's look at what the routes are. We're going to continue to evolve. This is an administration that's not afraid to evolve. If there are those locations where there's a high number of uses, then we got to pivot and shift. We got to evolve. We're going to continue to evolve. I want my tourists here. I want to be clear. That's a multi-billion dollar industry. I love seeing them here. I give them one piece of advice. Spend money, spend money.

We're going to analyze where we are and we would like to increase wherever it's possible. We're going to analyze where we are and that's what this team is doing to see if we need to extend, expand. We're going to continue to pivot and shift to make sure that we can get as many people as possible utilizing the boats.

Watch here.

 

Mayor Adams adds:

...If you don't have access to transportation, it's going to impact your overall quality of life. Some people may look at the dollar amount. We have to get this done. This is an investment in these children's and families and communities that have been historically ignored. We have to supplement if people are living in rich areas, high rich transit areas, or other areas, we have to balance this transportation system. It's not fair right now. If you live in the central of Manhattan, you have access to buses, access to trains, access to ferries, access to everything you need. This community doesn't have that. That is just not fair. That's not equitable. That is what we're talking about....

Today is the beginning of a new chapter for our ferry system.

Our plan for the @NYCferry gives more New Yorkers choices when they're getting around and it offers lower fares for low-income riders.

This is how we remain an innovator in public transportation. pic.twitter.com/x9N4KQNcYp

— Mayor Eric Adams (@NYCMayor) July 14, 2022

More and more New Yorkers are now using @NYCFerry to get to work and travel around the city, revitalizing our waterfront communities and small businesses.

Learn how the NYC Ferry Forward vision plan will improve equity and access to the ferry.

➡️https://t.co/8N3T2N9EU7 pic.twitter.com/GHcjTprJBd

— NYCEDC (@NYCEDC) July 14, 2022

The "Rockaway Rocket" for $8 is still a steal when you consider the American Princess (the perfect name for this) charges $30 round trip for Pier 11 to Fort Tilden!!!!! https://t.co/izctq3PwPChttps://t.co/pqqu51WM3g

— katie honan (@katie_honan) July 14, 2022

Here's the full NYC Ferry Forward presentation today at the Astoria Ferry Landing.

Perhaps, the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp can implement a similar pricing structure for the Roosevelt Island Tram.

15th Annual Waterfront Alliance City Of Water Day Celebration Saturday July 16 - First Time City Of Water Event Comes To Roosevelt Island At Ferry Terminal, You're Invited To Learn About East River Water Quality And Effects Of Storms On Shoreline

City of Water Day is this Saturday, July 16! Join us and @OurWaterfront in celebrating NYC's waterways and shorelines — explore salt marshes, go kayaking in Jamaica Bay, volunteer + more: https://t.co/wXiWZhLiW6 pic.twitter.com/v7dczHD3Vm

— NYC Parks (@NYCParks) July 12, 2022

The Waterfront Alliance: 

... is working to provide more opportunities for people to get on and touch the water, as well as improve community engagement in waterfront development processes, leading to more equitable, healthy, and resilient coastal communities. Through different public forums, community board presentations, and one-on-one discussions, we seek to elevate the role of community-driven design and planning for waterfront public spaces and ensure that benefits of our waterways are accessible to all. 

According to The Waterfront Alliance: 

City of Water Day

July 16, 2022

Located throughout the New York-New Jersey region

The 15th annual City of Water Day returns to the shores of the metropolitan region on Saturday, July 16, 2022. A celebration of the waters that surround us, and an opportunity to learn about the current and future impacts of climate change and sea level rise, City of Water Day is organized by the Waterfront Alliance, the NY-NJ Harbor & Estuary Program (HEP), and many other partners. From boat rides to kayaking, from water quality workshops to birdwatching walks, City of Water Day activities are free and open to all. Underscoring the importance of a resilient and equitably shared waterfront, dozens of shoreline communities in New York and New Jersey will produce satellite In Your Neighborhood events on July 16, City of Water Day. Find an activity In Your Neighborhood by visiting cityofwaterday.org.

Efforts to raise awareness about the waters around us and the impacts of climate change continue with Art at the BlueLine, a free, outdoor climate art exhibition in Lower Manhattan’s Seaport, opening Saturday, July 16. Matthew López-Jensen, Sarah Nelson Wright and Edrex Fontanilla, and Mary Mattingly (and contributing artists) will present three art installations at the future high tide line, or “BlueLine.” The works of art aim to illuminate the effects of sea level rise and coastal storms on the region. Learn more at cityofwaterday.org.

I asked the Waterfront Alliance City Of Water organizers:

Will there be any City of Water Day events on Roosevelt Island?

In the past, Roosevelt Island has not been part of City of Water Day. Why is that.

A Waterfront Alliance spokesperson replied: 

We will be having an event at Roosevelt Island; please see the event details below.

Regarding why RI has not been part of City of Water Day in the past, that is because all events are organized by local communities, so it's up to local organizations to develop options.

We're so happy that RI will be included in this year's City of Water Day.

Event Name - Exploring the Waterfront on Roosevelt Island

Event Organizer - Waterfront Alliance

Descriptive Paragraph - Join Waterfront Alliance from 11am to 3pm at the Roosevelt Island Ferry Terminal as they lead activities and discussions about the water surrounding Roosevelt Island! Waterfront Alliance staff will be testing the quality of the water surrounding the island, comparing the results with commonly found household items. Attendees will also get a chance to explore the effects of storms on waterfronts by playing with our model shoreline and will be able to explore their creative side at a coloring station.

Event Location - Roosevelt Island Ferry, East Main Street, New York, NY

Learn more about City Of Water Day activities in New York/New Jersey communities and the work of the Waterfront Alliance.

Explore unique public art installations focused on the #climate in @TheSeaportNYC. Art at the BlueLine runs from 7/16 thru 7/31 as an extension of #CityOfWaterDay! Join us for the #BlueLineArt kick-off on Saturday morning. @SeaportMuseum https://t.co/ulG75NVvp4 pic.twitter.com/mz8w9xDIkI

— Waterfront Alliance (@OurWaterfront) July 13, 2022

 

This Is Unsettling - NYC Emergency Management Department New Public Service Announcement On Nuclear Preparedness, Better Safe Than Sorry Says Mayor Eric Adams

According to this NYC Emergency Management Department press release issued yesterday:

New York City Emergency Management Department today launched a new public service announcement (PSA) that focuses on nuclear preparedness. While the likelihood of a nuclear weapon incident occurring in/near New York City is very low, it is important New Yorkers know the steps to stay safe. The new PSA encourages New Yorkers to take key, simple steps in the event of such an incident.

“New York City Emergency Management has a multitude of free resources for New Yorkers to prepare for emergencies, including no-notice events,” said New York City Emergency Management Commissioner Zach Iscol. “As the threat landscape continues to evolve, it is important that New Yorkers know we are preparing for any imminent threats and are providing them with the resources they need to stay safe and informed.”

The PSA outlines three key steps New Yorkers should take:

• Get inside.
• Stay inside.
• Stay tuned.

NYC Emergency Management works with several local, state, and federal agencies to organize emergency response. In partnership with NYPD, FDNY, NYC Department of Health & Mental Hygiene, MTA, and FEMA, the agency hosts the PlanNowNYC website, which focuses on preparing for terrorist attacks and other no-notice events, including nuclear events, as well as the steps to take if such an event occurs.

The City also uses several forms of media to alert the public in an emergency, including Notify NYC, the City of New York's free, official emergency communications program. New Yorkers are encouraged to sign up for these free emergency alerts in their preferred language and format by visiting the website at NYC.gov/notifynyc or by calling 311.

Mayor Adams defends NYC public service announcement on surviving nuclear attack: ‘Better safe than sorry’ https://t.co/LLw7pw8OgT

— MSN (@MSN) July 12, 2022

With nearly 400,000 views in its first day of release, Mayor Eric Adams defended New York City's newest PSA, saying a nuclear attack preparedness spot from the Office of Emergency Management was a "great idea" born out of the ongoing Russian war in Ukraine https://t.co/5dCkAQbumL

— Kelly McKinney (@kellymnyc) July 12, 2022

NBC News reports:

Even then "stay inside" doesn't go very far: Are you even at home? If not, will others let you inside? What about children at school? Do they try to get home? What if your building collapsed? What if you were injured in the blast and need medical care? What about food? Water?

— Dr. Jeffrey Lewis (@ArmsControlWonk) July 11, 2022

Only 1 Metro Card Machine Working On All Of Roosevelt Island, Both Tram Metro Card Machines Not Working, One Subway Metro Card Machine Working - MTA Says Sorry For Inconvenience And Will Correct, RIOC Says Nothing

Only 1 Metro Card Machine working on Roosevelt Island right now. Both Tram Machines out of service until at least July 21 during @RIOCny Tram Haul Rope Replacement. 1 Machine working at @mta Roosevelt Island subway station. Help! @JulieMenin @SeawrightForNY @RiocCeo pic.twitter.com/R1Nd9Wfmeu

— Roosevelt Islander (@Rooseveltisland) July 11, 2022

Hi, there. Those machines self-report and our team will respond to get them corrected. Sorry for the inconvenience. ^KB

— NYCT Subway. Wear a Mask. (@NYCTSubway) July 11, 2022

If only the Roosevelt Island Tram had OMNY payment system.

Thank you @RepMaloney for signing the petition to bring OMNY to the Roosevelt Island Tram. Please join her…@LASHINOZAKI @Rooseveltisland https://t.co/YB04Cro2fH pic.twitter.com/s6AXSX3vJr

— Paul Krikler (he/him) 🚲🛴🦽🚠🚂 (@PaulKrikler) July 9, 2022

Also, according to the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC): 

Please be advised that due to the Tram haul rope replacement on Tuesday, July 12th , the Tram will operate on an hourly schedule from 10 AM to 2 PM. We appreciate your patience during this time.

UPDATE 7/12 - RIOC adds:

Please be advised that on Tuesday, July 12th. the South Tram cabin will operate its normal schedule between 10am and 2pm.  The hourly schedule has been cancelled.

Follow Along On A 45 Minute Barefoot Run Around Roosevelt Island But Don't Try To Cool Down With A Dip In The East River

Two visitors recently shared videos of their run around Roosevelt Island.

 Follow along with Treadmill The World on a virtual 45 minute barefoot run around Roosevelt Island.

Also, Les Aventures Extraordinaires d'un Runner Ordinaire came for a run on Roosevelt Island and added a dip in the East River. 

Not a good idea to swim in the East River from Roosevelt Island.