This week marks major holidays for three different faiths: Passover, Easter
and Ramadan, and joining Morning Joe to discuss the holidays are Rabbi Matthew
Gewirtz, Imam Wahy-ud Deen Shareef and Bishop Robert Barron.
On a beautiful afternoon last week, I was taking the Ferry back to Roosevelt
Island. As I was watching the water on the East River pass by, I thought of the
song
Roosevelt Island by
Dutch artist
Pieternel..
Although the song is about coming to Roosevelt Island on the Tram, the ferry was
a fitting substitute for me.
When I lived in NYC I was trying to let go of my broken heart. One day I
visited Roosevelt Island, the aerial tram was such a nice ride: flying in the
air, underneath me busy NYC traffic, the swirling East River and then this
tiny island. That only would be a reason to go there! Something about water
makes me relaxed and grounded. When I walked towards the end of the island I
thought it would be really nice if you could just let go of your worries, send
them left and right of you, like the river splits left and right when it meets
an island. And then the island itself would be the carefree zone. All you have
to do is just walk all the way to the end, take a seat and see how the river
comes back together.
Sometimes things don’t come back together. But I learned, letting go of the thought of it getting back together, is better. It opens up possibilities, gives you unexpected joy and the choice of change. “Let the river decide” This is an important lesson for me and therefore I named my album Roosevelt Island. Thank you for reading and your interest to know the story behind the song.
For years, Roosevelt Island residents traveling back and forth to Manhattan have
pleaded for a separate Roosevelt Island Tram line to avoid the long waits
caused by those using the Tram as an amusement park ride or tourist joyride
attraction.
... Events are coming up. This is the springtime. Cherry blossom is here.
Walk along the Promenade you see the cherry blossom trees. What does that
do? That brings in more people to the island.
How are we addressing the issue of crowding on the Tram, on the weekend
especially.
We do have a plan....We have people lined up orderly waiting for the
tram...
... Public Safety will be on the Tram plazas both on the Roosevelt Island side
and the Manhattan side to ensure your safety but we're going to ask you to be
patient. I know that's a hard thing to do but we have to be patient. There's
only 125 people who can ride in the tram at the time... there are visitors
also but our goal is to make sure you get on the Tram safely and have you
lined up in an orderly fashion.
The first question during the meeting's Q & A session was from a woman
using a walker. She asked for a Roosevelt Island Tram pass to be given to
residents going to work or doing shopping. The pass would give residents
priority boarding the Tram so as to to avoid the long delays, huge lines and
safety hazards caused by overcrowding from tourists on the Roosevelt Island
Tram.
Initially, RIOC Assistant Vice President of Communications Akeem Jamal
appeared to not want to answer this question during the meeting because in his
view it was not "on topic" for a Public Safety question. He suggested
discussing the issue "off line".
Chief Brown and RIOC President Shelton Haynes knew better than Mr Jamal, who
has been in charge of RIOC communications for less than a year. They both
understood the huge lines at the Roosevelt Island Tram is a Public Safety
issue and provided an answer to the question, though it was not an answer most
residents would like.
Priority Tram boarding for Roosevelt Island residents will not be done.
According to Chief Brown:
The Tram is just like the F Train. We can't say that all the residents can
ride the F Train first.
RIOC President Shelton Haynes added:
... This has been a topic of discussion for a very long time. We're very
empathetic and this is something we've contemplated for quite some time. The
Tram is a public transportation hub and as much as we would like to ... it's
not something we can do as much as it would make things easier for
residents....
Here's the type of long lines at the Tram that Roosevelt Island residents can
look forward to in the coming months
There are times in the middle of the day after I do some shopping or go to a
doctor’s appointment when I come back on that tram. I am fairly certain that
I am one of the only residents on the tram. (I am not taking pictures. I am
not in a huge group. I am not talking about the Statue of Liberty, etc.)
It is very crowded and often, I have food that needs to be refrigerated. I
am not alone.
It would be wonderful if those of us who live on the island could get our
shopping into our refrigerators.
Also, when we go into Manhattan (or Queens) and do our shopping ourselves
instead of having a delivery van come, that is one fewer truck or car that
has to come to our island. So, it is good for all of us.
I would love to try a pilot program that gives residents priority.
I didn’t even mention people with disabilities. Some folks who live on our
island physically can’t wait in lines and can’t physically make it to the F
stop if they notice a line.
And:
Did they compare the F train to the tram to justify declining the
request?
The F train holds 4,000 passengers, and lines are never wrapped around the
block to get on the train.
The tram holds up to 125 passengers, and the MTA closure on the island and
summer tourism will cause long lines and inconvenience for island
residents.
We need better leaders who will truly advocate for island residents' needs.
The whole island needs a transportation study done.
The situation with the tourists is becoming ridiculous! I have been saying
for a long time now that residents and those who work on the island should
have boarding priority! The F train is not the tram. Comparing the capacity
of one vs the other is preposterous.
I’m sorry but this is unacceptable. I’m not an island resident, but I feel
for them as I see long lines of tourists riding the tram 🚠just for fun.
Thanks for your solidarity and for showing empathy, which apparently Mr.
Haynes does not have.
Can’t compare the F train with the tram! What a ridiculous
comparison!!
It’s true that the tram is a public transportation entity. Yet it’s also
true that, unlike other public transportation entities, like the train or
bus, tourists ride the tram for the sake of riding the tram (i.e the views,
the experience, etc.). Though convenient, I’ve never met someone who wanted
to ride the F train for fun. For that reason alone, I think it’s hard to
accept all transportation as equal in use.
If the city won’t give us OMNY than we should declare ourselves a separate
entity. Besides priority entrance we should charge a tourist fee. It’s done
all over Europe especially in the summer. Residents of islands pay a reduced
fare as compared to tourists. NYC tourists pay a fortune for Ellis Island,
Empire State Etc. Charge them $20. Round trip for the tram and throw in a
map!
This guy doesn’t want to do the work that’s just the bottom line. Or he has
no power at all.
Yesterday I was coming back from work. Super tired at 6pm. The tramway was
packed. I even though it was due to one tramway working. When the person in
charge of moving the tramway told me both of them were working I couldn’t
believe it. I almost couldn’t fit in. I was so tired.
The comparison with the F train is absurd. The F train is not advertised as
a tourist attraction and the tram is, and is used as one, while Island
residents need to use the tram to commute efficiently to and from their
homes. This is a callous disregard for the needs of Island residents and the
unwillingness to promote the public good.
So no priority line…as most likely they don’t want to operationalize such
option nor manage it. So continue to invite and market RI, increase traffic,
and create hardship for residents. Maybe we start with a simpler solution
run 2 trams 8AM-8PM, if it’s slow run one until traffic picks up. At least
take some responsibility and action in support the people who actually live
on the island with limited commuting options.
Total bullshit. There should at least be priority boarding during rush hour
times, PUBLIC ROADS HAVE PRIORITY LANES (HOV, BUS LANES)!! Stop using
government funding as an excuse for doing nothing. If the issue is with the
tram being a Govt owned system, maybe listen to your constituents and CHANGE
THE LAWS. Isn't that your job?
It is 100% possible. They just don't have the incentive to fight/work hard
enough for it. - We need people who don't simply hear 'no' and give up.
I understand the F train, but the tram is literally there to just go to the
island. If the train is not stopping on the island…like usual on the
weekends, residents should have priority.
Yesterday, I asked NY State Governor
Kathy Hochul and
Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Board of Directors
Chairperson
(also Commissioner of NY State Homes and Community Renewal)
Ruthanne Visnauskas:
Roosevelt Islander Online has previously reported on corruption allegations
made by former RIOC employees against senior Rioc management including
current Rioc President Shelton Haynes as well as a whistleblower lawsuit
filed by former Rioc employees who allege they were fired because they
reported their concerns to the NY State Inspector General.
Three ex-employees of the state body that controls Roosevelt Island say
their bosses steered public money toward a personal friend, concealed
details about a drowning death, then fired whistleblowers who raised
objections:
Does Governor Hochul have any comment on this matter of great concern to the
Roosevelt Island community? Does the Governor have confidence in Shelton
Haynes remaining as Rioc President?
A spokesperson for Governor Hochul answered:
We’ll decline comment due to the pending litigation.
I followed up:
I understand limitations caused by the lawsuit.
But can you comment as to whether there is any investigation by the State
regarding these charges and if Shelton Haynes will remain Rioc President
while the allegations are pending?
These are very serious allegations of great concern to the Roosevelt Island
community.
Will update if there is a reply.
According to Roosevelt Island NY State Assembly Member
Rebecca Seawright:
The reports made by whistleblowers, 3 former Roosevelt Island Operating
Corporation (RIOC) employees are alarming. I along with my Roosevelt Island
constituents continue to fight for transparency and accountability from RIOC,
the governing agency.
Ms Seawright adds:
Roosevelt Islanders deserve quality representation that is responsive and transparent. When I and other elected officials received an anonymous report from RIOC employees on March 21, 2022, I immediately referred the complaint to the New York State Inspector General for appropriate follow-up and action. Constituents consistently report that the Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation (RIOC) has been unresponsive in the day to day operations of the agency. The dysfunction and veil of secrecy cited throughout the pending lawsuit is distressing and unacceptable. I will continue fighting to ensure RIOC is held accountable and that the people of Roosevelt Island receive the services and attention they most assuredly deserve.
Here's the lawsuit filed by former RIOC employees.
RIOC President
Shelton Haynes
did not respond to my request for comment on the matter.
... Through an attorney, Haynes and RIOC declined to be interviewed. Their
attorney, Howard Miller, said in a statement that the allegations made
against the corporation are “completely false and fabricated.” “The lawsuit
itself is a means of exacting a settlement over the severance pay that was
offered to the plaintiffs,” Miller said in a statement....
... RIOC has filed a motion to dismiss the suit, which remains pending.
Meanwhile, in mid-March, the corporation hit back with its own defamation
lawsuit
against the three fired employees—the latest chapter in years of controversy
that have clouded the agency’s work....
During the April 3, 2023 RIOC Board of Directors meeting, there was no mention
by Mr Haynes or the Board Directors of any chaos or corruption allegations but
there was a last minute item placed on the meeting agenda for an Executive
Session (meaning, in secret and closed to the public)
concerning pending litigation.
Nor did Mr Haynes address any of the corruption and management chaos
allegations in his President's Report to the community. Instead he praised his
RIOC team and noted that in 2 weeks he will be celebrating his 7th anniversary
working at RIOC.
Here's the RIOC President's Report from Mr Haynes.
This is a reminder that the first of our newly announced Public Safety Department (PSD) Community Engagement Meetings is happening TONIGHT from 6PM-7PM at the Chapel of the Good Shepherd (543 Main Street). pic.twitter.com/VLsCWLhHIU
— Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation (@RIOCny) April 4, 2023
Whether you are a Seder veteran with answers to all four questions or a
curious explorer with 40 questions of your own, Chabad's Seder offers a
stimulating & satisfying experience.
If anyone needs Shmurah Matzah for the Seder or anything else Passover related, they can reach out to us - Nechama@RIJewish.org.
Thank you and happy Passover!
More information available on the Chabad of Roosevelt Island Passover Seder at
their
website or
contact nechama@rijewish.org.
Passover's Four Questions are presented by the
Maccabeats
and here's 20 things you can enjoy doing with Matzah after Passover.
Best wishes for a Happy Roosevelt Island Passover.
The 2023 Cherry Blossoms have started to bloom at various spots on Roosevelt Island. Let's go for a virtual walk and enjoy the Roosevelt Island Cherry Blossoms seen today.
As of today, RIOC is scheduled to have a Board of Directors meeting tomorrow, April 3.
You're invited to attend, ask questions and share concerns about Roosevelt Island during the opening Public Session before the start of the meeting. Sign up to speak here.
But be aware that RIOC Board Members and staff usually do not respond to
questions during the Public Session though sometimes they may do so or address
the subject later during the actual Board meeting.
If you have a question or concern, give it a try, you may get a
response.
APRIL 3, 2023 MEETING OF
THE ROOSEVELT ISLAND OPERATING CORPORATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS
THE CULTURAL CENTER THEATER, 548 MAIN STREET,
ROOSEVELT ISLAND, NEW YORK1
Call to Order
Roll Call
Approval of Minutes
5:30 P.M2
1. December 22, 2022 Board Meeting (Board Action Required)
1 It is anticipated that certain Board members will attend the meeting via videoconference pursuant to Public Officers
Law §103-a. The link to a webcast for public will be posted on RIOC’s website by 12:00 pm on Monday, April 3,
2023.
2 The RIOC Board Meeting will commence following a public comment period. The public comment period is not
part of the meeting.
Roosevelt Island is a mixed income, racially diverse waterfront community situated in the East River of New York City between Manhattan and Queens and is jurisdictionally part of Manhattan. The Roosevelt Island Tramway, which connects Roosevelt Island to the rest of Manhattan, has become the iconic symbol of Roosevelt Island to its residents.
The Purpose of this Blog is to provide accurate and timely information about Roosevelt Island as well as a forum for residents to express opinions and engage in a dialogue to improve our community.
