Update On RIOC President And General Counsel Workplace Racial Discrimination Lawsuit Against NY State Governor's Executive Chambers And DHCR Staff - More Filings From Lawyers And RIOC Director Provides Added Insight Into What Is Going On - Roosevelt Island Residents Petition Demanding Functioning And Competent RIOC

An update on the September 12 racial discrimination lawsuit filed in the Southern District Of New York by Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) President Shelton Haynes and General Counsel Gretchen Robinson against members of NY State Governor Kathy Hochul's executive chamber staff and NY State Homes and Community Renewal (DHCR) Commissioner Ruthanne Visnauskas and staff member Alejandro Valella.

The DHCR Commissioner or a designee serves as RIOC Board of Directors Chair.

Ms Visnauskas made a rare public Roosevelt Island appearance at the November 14 RIOC Board Of Directors meeting sitting and chatting frequently with Mr Haynes and Ms Robinson

and she was joined by Mr Vallela.

Whatever matters discussed were done in whispers so the subject of conversation between the Plaintiffs and Defendants in the lawsuit is not known although from all appearances it was very amicable.

As reported November 15:

During the November 14 Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Board of Directors Meeting Public Session, Roosevelt Island Historical Society (RIHS) President Judy Berdy spoke for many residents frustrated and angry with the ongoing dysfunction of RIOC...

Following Ms Berdy, I asked:

How can the Roosevelt Island community be assured that RIOC will operate efficiently and competently when it's President and General Counsel are suing the Governor's staff? 

 

There was no answer.

Roosevelt Island resident Roberta Kleiman has previously asked:

Please let's fix this broken system!

Dear RIOC Board,

How can we fix this????...

On November 16, Ms Kleiman wrote to the RIOC Directors and Mr Haynes asking:

Dear RIOC Board and Mr Haynes,

First I wish to thank all the residents and select board members who spoke at the board meeting this past Tuesday and helped fight for an effective, and elected RIOC Board of Directors. 

Unfortunately I was unable to attend but my main question is How can RIOC fairly and effectively govern Roosevelt Island when it’s 2 senior most executives are basically suing US!  We, Roosevelt Islanders, ARE the state!

Again, I wish to thank those who spoke on behalf of the community for their efforts to bring democracy to Roosevelt Island.

Thank you!

RIOC Board Director Ben Fhala (Seen at far right of image taken from November 14 RIOC Board Meeting video screenshot)

replied to Ms Kleiman today:

Dear Roberta,

I appreciate your ongoing contributions to the dialogue and engagement with this board.

As a Jewish Middle Eastern man with roots in Libya, I've drawn inspiration from the wise teachings of our spiritual leaders. These figures instilled in me a deep understanding that all humans are created in the image of God, and there's always something to learn from each person. Even when faced with adversity or actions I perceive as immoral, unethical, or lacking fiduciary care for RIOC's long-term needs, I strive to embody these teachings.

The most significant conversation I've had with Shelton Haynes and Gretchen Robinson occurred on July 19th. In that meeting, I witnessed a man in genuine distress, making serious claims of racial attacks against him and his staff. While he vaguely referenced members of his oversight, he specifically named multiple individuals in our community and asserted that he had been actively blocked by Chambers and HRC from addressing these attacks on his reputation and character, preventing him from sharing his experience freely. In my understanding, he believed these actions were racially motivated.

During this meeting, I asked Shelton if he could substantiate his claims and if he would be willing to present them to the board members. He agreed, indicating he would do so in the upcoming board meeting. However, during the same meeting, RIOC's General Counsel, Gretchen Robinson, acted more as Shelton's personal lawyer, frequently interjecting into my questions and statements and making me feel like a hostile witness.

At one point, the General Counsel warned me that continued public and RIOC engagement could lead to legal action against me. Despite this, I understood the invalidity of her claims and reported them to new board members Dr. Melamed and Professor Tang. We collectively sought an emergency meeting in August, but the chair, aligned with the General Counsel, denied our agenda items and arranged an executive session to train new board members, a session I deemed illegal under New York laws.

Despite raising concerns about inappropriate topics in the "welcome" meeting and subsequent executive session, in my only meeting with Shelton Haynes, I observed a distressed man in real pain. I genuinely want to hear his perspective and understand if his oversight has been acting in a way that is inappropriate, enabling others to damage his reputation and character.

While the new board members are uncomfortable with many issues presented to us over the last few months, we don't know enough about the claims between the defendants, and our focus is on being true oversight to RIOC and creating an access point and voice for our community.

Bringing me full circle, having a claim against your oversight doesn't translate into an inability to govern fairly and effectively. I remain hopeful that Shelton Haynes and Gretchen Robinson will enable the new board members to exercise genuine oversight going forward, despite actively denying us this opportunity over the last few months.

Please note that I've included Gretchen Robinson, our legal staff, the newly positioned Chair designate, and BCCed Dr. Melamed, who hasn't received access to her government email due to administrative delays at RIOC.

Thanks,

Ben Fhala* Resident Board Member

*Disclaimer: All statements made by Ben Fhala are made in his capacity as a RIOC Resident Board member. He does not represent the entirety of RIOC or the full board but serves as a Resident Board member, offering information to the community and its stakeholders.

Back to the Haynes/Robinson lawsuit.

As reported October 2, according to the Haynes/Robinson lawsuit: filed last September 12

This is a case about how the Executive Chamber for the Office of the Governor of New York (the “Chamber”) and the Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation (“RIOC”) have unfairly subjected Shelton J. Haynes and Gretchen K. Robinson (“Robinson,” and together with Haynes, the “Plaintiffs”), two African American executives, to continuous and pervasive discrimination by, including but not limited to, subjecting Haynes and Robinson to frequent unwarranted investigations by the New York State Inspector General (“NYSIG”) as well as ordering an independent investigation by an outside counsel – something not done for other, more serious allegations – based entirely on specious allegations of wrongdoing. The Chamber did so while simultaneously thwarting Haynes’s and Robinson’s efforts to fight back against the discrimination and defend themselves and RIOC against a multitude of defamatory statements made by a local blogger and a group of disgruntled former employees....

 And reported September 16, 2023:

... Though not named as defendants in the lawsuit, Mr Haynes and Ms Robinson claim in their lawsuit that NY State Senator Liz Krueger, NY State Assembly Member Rebecca Seawright and Roosevelt Island Daily publisher David Stone contributed to a "racist backlash" against them.

The lawsuit also claims that Mr Haynes and Ms Robinson were excluded from the appointment process of 3 new RIOC Board Members in an attempt to undermine their authority and "ability to discharge their job functions." Haynes and Robinson claim the 3 new RIOC board members are antagonistic to them.

Read the full lawsuit complaint....

Mr Fhala, Dr Melamed and Professor Tang are the 3 new RIOC Board members alleged by Mr Haynes and Ms Robinson to be antagonistic to them.

On November 7, the attorneys for Mr Haynes and Ms Robertson wrote to the Southern District NY Court Judge hearing their case:

...I write on behalf of Plaintiffs Shelton J. Haynes and Gretchen K. Robinson (“Plaintiffs”) to respectfully request that this Court stay proceedings pending the issuance of a Notice of Right to Sue Letter (“the Notice Letter”) by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (“EEOC”). Defendants do not consent to this request....

Attorneys for the defendants opposed the requested stay and replied on November 13:

... To the extent Plaintiffs’ legal strategy has always been to name the Chamber and RIOC alongside the individual Defendants, they prematurely filed this action before exhausting the administrative remedies as to those potential parties. Now Plaintiffs ask this Court to stay their own case indefinitely—a decision that would delay the individual Defendants’ right to respond to serious, although meritless, allegations—as they wait for an EEOC determination.

... More significantly, Defendants have been publicly accused of racial discrimination and retaliation and will suffer prejudice if they are prevented from promptly defending themselves. Defendants are government employees who are the subjects of serious allegations of wrongdoing. The lawsuit appears intended to inhibit Defendants’ ability to execute the duties of their offices, which has posed operational challenges for RIOC. Justice demands a prompt resolution of this case....

On November 16, the Haynes/Robinson attorneys responded:

... At this stage, all that Plaintiffs need to allege are “minimal” facts “suggesting an inference” of such animus. Id. Plaintiffs’ allegations easily meet that threshold. Notably, after its internal investigation, the law firm RIOC hired drafted a report confirming Plaintiffs’ claims of racial discrimination, and Defendants instructed the law firm to remove and sanitize those findings. Compl. ¶ 85. The only plausible explanation for Defendants’ instruction, particularly in light of the favorable inferences afforded to Plaintiffs on a motion to dismiss, is that Defendants sought to cover up the ongoing racial discrimination Plaintiffs faced. This fact alone is fatal to Defendants’ argument.

Plaintiffs’ allegations comparing the adverse conduct against them to the lack of adverse conduct against their white predecessors also raise an inference of racial animus. Plaintiffs allege, for example, that Defendants excluded them from the selection of new Board members, id. ¶¶ 1- 2, 92, and allowed them to be subjected to unwarranted investigations, id. ¶ 46, but treated their white predecessors differently—supporting an inference of racial animus. That racial animus is further demonstrated by Defendants (1) removing an African American Board member with an expiring term while permitting two white Board members to remain despite their expired terms, id. ¶ 103, and (2) preventing African American Board members from serving on their requested committees while appointing a white Board member to his requested committee, id. ¶¶ 103, 107.

Indeed, Plaintiffs’ comparators engaged in more severe misconduct (e.g., using racist and sexually inappropriate language, id. ¶ 7, and drinking alcohol and golfing on the job, id. ¶ 70)— which ultimately cost them their jobs—than that alleged against Plaintiffs, yet they were never investigated by an outside law firm. This raises an inference of racial animus sufficient to defeat a motion to dismiss.... 

Here are the letters from the attorneys for the plantiffs and defendants excerpted above.

Heres the Haynes/Robinson lawsuit complaint.

While this mess all plays out in Albany and the court:

NEW: absolutely wild stuff is happening on Roosevelt
Island. The CEO of the island’s governing body is suing his own bosses—Gov. Kathy Hochul’s admin—alleging they stopped him from going after the ex-employee whistleblowers who accused him of corruption:https://t.co/pc6egb0oTu

— Nick Garber (@nick_garber) September 21, 2023

Roosevelt Island residents have organized a petition drive 

demanding: 

A FUNCTIONING AND COMPETENT RIOC

You can sign the Petition here, if you agree or at the very least, demand attention be paid to Roosevelt Island residents, workers and all who care about the community.

You're Invited To Every Human A Home: A Free Benefit Concert For Our Most Vulnerable And Unhoused Neighbors Saturday November 18 At Historic Roosevelt Island Good Shepherd Chapel - All Donations Collected By Mosaic Church Go To City Relief And Mtree Organizations, Simple Tips For You To Help Too

It’s homeless awareness month

Join us on #Rooseveltisland this Saturday for a benefit concert. Donations go to @CityRelief_ and the ongoing work with un-housed neighbors & migrants

Reserve your space here https://t.co/ryrkJC2Hou pic.twitter.com/e0zAEvIDx9

— Dan Sadlier (@dansadlier) November 14, 2023

Roosevelt Island resident and Mosaic Church Pastor Dan Sadlier reports

#EVERYHUMAN A HOME

A benefit concert for our most vulnerable and unhoused neighbors.

As homelessness continues to rise in NYC and beyond, and as the developing world continues to fight for basic human needs, we at Mosaic Church long to steward the generosity of neighbors who currently have access to resources for our most vulnerable neighbors both (here) in the NY region, and (there), across the world in developing countries.

Join us for a free night of New York's finest music; from classical, to R&B, from recording pop artists, to internationally acclaimed pianists. We invite you and your friends to enjoy a variety of music in the historic Chapel of Good Shepherd, with the aim of raising 10K for two critical NGO's that are serving the most vulnerable in this moment.

Saturday, November 18th @ 5PM

543 Main Street, NY NY 10044

The Historic Chapel of the Good Shepherd

All donations collected by Mosaic Church will go directly to these two non-profit organizations below. The concert is free, with generous donations suggested.

Cityrelief.org- City Relief is a mobile outreach in NYC/NJ, offering people experiencing poverty and homelessness hot meals, supplies, and connections to resources for housing, employment, and health care. These connections change people’s lives. Over 60,000 neighbors were served just in the past 12 months.

Mtree.org- Mtree creates artful change, a renewal of marginalized communities in developing countries to become healthy, sustainable communities through art and design

Here is a collaborative piece from CEO of City Relief, Josiah Haken and Roosevelt Island Pastor Dan Sadlier

The holidays are a time to gather together with friends and loved ones to share a meal, watch sports, and remember the good things in life we too often take for granted. This year in particular, economic uncertainty, mental health challenges, political unrest, the residual effects of the Covid-19 pandemic, and more are competing to crush our spirits and peace of mind.

I (Josiah Haken) have found that the best way to shift from agonizing over what is wrong with the world to celebrating what is right is to choose compassion over complacency.

I have the privilege of leading an organization called City Relief. We go into the streets of New York and New Jersey with vehicles renovated as mobile soup kitchens that are used to share delicious meals as well as essentials like socks and toiletries with the unhoused community/

We eat with our guests and have ordinary dinner table conversations with them that, unfortunately, many people won’t. This establishes trust, which often gives us the opportunity to connect people to resources getting them off the street altogether.

Our volunteers consistently leave these events fulfilled, experiencing the joy of seeing their neighbors in need, not as a problem to solve, but as human beings worthy of compassion. This last year alone we were able to serve over 60,000 guests, many of them un-housed or in the shelter system.

Systemic problems as complex as homelessness often leave us feeling overwhelmed and paralyzed because any effort we make can feel futile. How will a few dollars here or a cup of coffee there improve a person’s situation anyway? In fact, many think such generosity actually exacerbates their situation by enabling people to continue panhandling, or worse, pay for drugs or alcohol.

I’d like to suggest a different narrative this holiday season. I have a friend that I’ll call Steven. He moved to New York City after college for a job that he lost when his mental health declined. He consequently lost his health insurance, effectively halting his treatment.

Steven slept in the street because he didn’t feel safe in the city’s congregate shelters, an all-too-common feeling among homeless New Yorkers.

Additionally, the shame of what people would think of his mental health and homelessness forced him into despair and isolation.

When I met him on the street, he was completely alone. I invited him to volunteer at our outreach events. City Relief makes a point to include our unhoused guests as contributors, not just beneficiaries.

Steven agreed, and over time, began to open up to our team. He found purpose and a sense of belonging through serving other people in a similar situation. Eventually, City Relief staff helped him find appropriate mental health care, stable housing, and a job that pays a living wage.

Maybe you’re not sure how you can help people like Steven -- you are not alone. I (Daniel Sadlier) have met hundreds of people over the years who want to make a difference but don’t know where to begin. I've talked with many of our Roosevelt Island neighbors that feel like the increase in NYC homelessness, alongside the migrant crisis, is too large to even know where to start. If that’s you, remember this: always start with what you have, right where you are. For myself and so many of our neighbors, that is right here on Roosevelt Island, where each year we see a handful of un-housed neighbors find their way to our little neighborhood in the east River

Steven shared with City Relief staff that even on his worst days, there were random people who offered him the dignity of eye contact, a short conversation, or even a cup of coffee. He insists that these small acts of compassion carried him through the most difficult seasons of his life.

What if your family and friends were to dedicate an hour this holiday season to assemble what I call kindness kits? These are Ziploc bags that have essentials like travel-size deodorants, body wash, toothbrushes, toothpaste, new socks, bottled water, or a gift card for a local coffee shop.

Once assembled, you can walk to the Roosevelt Island train station and look for people like Steven who might need help getting through the day. Or if that makes you uncomfortable, you can donate them to an organization like City Relief who will gladly distribute them on your behalf.

Another idea may be to collect winter coats, gloves, and hats that are in good condition and distribute or donate them to your neighbors who will spend a lot of time outside this winter. You could also make a financial donation to your nonprofit of choice and invite your friends or colleagues to follow suit. You will be surprised by how much helping others may end up helping you.

The truth is that many of us are experiencing difficulties right now. As a result, choosing compassion over complacency may not feel natural. But what we have learned from people like Steven is that when life is taking more from you than you have to give, the best thing to help yourself is to look for ways to help someone else.

"EVERY HUMAN A HOME '' BENEFIT CONCERT -On behalf of City Relief and Mosaic Church, we want to invite you to an epic benefit concert that will be held at the Chapel of The Good Shepherd this Saturday, Nov 18th at 5PM. Join us for folk, pop, R&B, and Classical from some of the best musicians around. In addition, learn a bit more about our current crisis here in New York, and how you can play your part to give every human a home

Sponsored Post - Roosevelt Island Rivercross Co-Op Spectacular 3 Bedroom Apartment Open House With Special Art Exhibit By Roosevelt Island's Own Eric Mackey Sunday November 19 - 12:30 To 1:30 PM

Open House Sunday November 19

Roosevelt Island

531 Main Street, Unit 1213

With Special Art Exhibit by Roosevelt Island's own

E R I C M A C K E Y

Eric Mackey is a realist painter based in Roosevelt Island. Following an 18-year career in the fashion industry, he has now returned to painting full-time and is currently working on a series of landscapes, exploring a survey of plein-air themes within the confines of his urban studio. 

Eric is also an accomplished portrait painter and muralist. His work can be seen at www.ericmackey.com or on Instagram at eric_mackey_art. 

 

Spectacular river and skyline views await in this sun-splashed 

3-bedroom, 2-bathroom featuring an expansive open layout and a spacious private balcony in one of Roosevelt Island's most respected full-service cooperatives. 

Join us at the Open House and enjoy the Art Exhibit.

Sunday, November 19th

12:30 pm - 1:30 pm

RiverCross | Apt 1213

3 BD 2 BA 1350 SF $1,345,000 

CHECK OUT THE HOME!   

Adib Mansour, The THRIVE Team COMPASS

Velofix Mobile Bike Repair And Maintenance Service Coming To Roosevelt Island Motorgate Helix Saturday November 18, Bring Your Bike Early To Secure A Spot - Local Bike Rider Has An Idea And With Help From RIOC Staff Get's It Done

A mobile bike repair shop, Velofix, is coming to the Roosevelt Island Motorgate Helix next to Foodtown (686 Main Street) Saturday November 18 from 10 AM to 4 PM.

Roosevelt Island resident and bicycle activist Paul Krikler reports: 

I ride my bike often and will drag it across the river to LIC for repair because I use it so much. It's really a pain especially if you can't wheel the bike far. 

That's when I had the idea to get a mobile bike van to come to Roosevelt Island. 

The plan is to have them come regularly Spring to Fall.

 According to the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC):

Dear Roosevelt Island Community:

We're excited to announce that Velofix, a mobile bike service that offers repairs and other bike maintenance services, is coming to Roosevelt Island this Saturday, November 18th from 10AM to 4PM under the Helix:

"North America's largest fleet of mobile bike shops, Velofix is dedicated to helping you save time, ride more, and embrace an active and healthy lifestyle by providing convenient, time-saving solutions for all your bike service needs. We will be at the Helix on Saturday, November 18th 10am-4pm. Bring your bike early to secure a spot on the schedule, and mention code RI112023 for a 10% discount on your service!"

No prior sign-up is necessary. Visit Velofix to learn more about services offered and pricing (use zip code 10021 on the website).

-Team RIOC

Roosevelt Island Residents Blast RIOC Dysfunctional Senior Management During November 14 RIOC Board Of Directors Meeting Public Session - RIOC's A "Swamp Of Hiring, Firing And Vanishing" Operating In "Absentia" Says RIHS President

During the November 14 Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Board of Directors Meeting Public Session, Roosevelt Island Historical Society (RIHS) President Judy Berdy spoke for many residents frustrated and angry with the ongoing dysfunction of RIOC including the proposed appointment of Acting Chief Operating Officer Mary Cuneen to the position on a permanent basis.

According to Ms Berdy:

Welcome I don't say this lightly. After 46 years on this Island, I've seen a lot but this evening the residents have to be heard. RIOC has been sinking into a swamp of hiring, firing and vanishings. Not answering questions. It's not known who is here, who's actually in person five days a week. Who's running the island. It's the great mystery. Aside from newsletters from the Second Floor, we hear little of what is actually happening of the administration for the Public Benefit Corporation.

Brian and Amanda are wonderful. They are the most responsive people to this community. You, the executives, have shamefully cut the Board Members out of the picture. When you are confronted you go to the bunkers. You have staff who try to serve the community as long as they stay under the radar.

Our Public Safety Department has had too many incidents of abusive behavior towards the residents who want to ride the tram elevator. Your new officers have not been taught what is painted on the vehicles - courtesy, respect and professionalism.

I don't want to tell you of  my co-worker who came and is 82 years old and was told she had to get on the back of the line because it didn't count she was 82 years old and a resident. The public safety officer put his foot in the door so she could not get on the tram. Well she won that one.

It is time to learn Community respect and not bully our elderly and special needs residents at the tram elevator. This abusive behavior gets more publicity and makes it always putting you on the defensive.

You are promoting someone tonight who refuses to talk to the community and the staff is scared of this person. This is the person who you want to run this island? Will this continue? An administration in absentia? Or do nothing for the community who live here? 

This is our community. I want all our board members to be heard and listened to because we are here 24/7. You're the hired help and we're the people that have paid in aggravation and exhaustion for the last few years. We do not need this. We need an Administration that cares about the community they work for or else they are welcome to leave and we'll get new people thank you.

The resolution approving Ms Cuneen as Chief Operating Officer was tabled and added for discussion to the Executive Session already scheduled following the public board meeting. At the conclusion of the Executive Session, there was no mention of Ms Cuneen so at least for now, her appointment as RIOC Chief Operating Officer was not approved.

Paul Krikler followed Ms Berdy during the Public Session. Mr Krikler asked RIOC to create a mobile Roosevelt Island Transit app to show the schedule for the Red Bus, Tram, Subway and ferry in real time.

Susheel Kurien followed Mr Krikler asking why 4 of the very limited Main Street Parking spaces are reserved for RIOC President Shelton Haynes and why does he not park in the Motorgate Garage or unreserved spaces like everyone else. Mr Kurien reports being told by RIOC Public Safety Chief Kevin Brown and former RIOC Communications VP Akeem Jamal that that every President in America has a reserved parking spot. Mr Jamal's departure from RIOC was announced during the Board meeting.

Here's video of what happened during this part of the Public Session.

Following Mr. Kurien, I asked: 

How can the Roosevelt Island community be assured that RIOC will operate efficiently and competently when it's President and General Counsel are suing the Governor's staff?

Stay tuned for more from this very interesting RIOC Board of Directors meeting. 

UPDATE 11/16 - Here's video of the full meeting.

RIOC Board Meeting 111423 from Diva Communications on Vimeo.

Scenes From Last Saturday's Grow NYC Roosevelt Island Stop N Swap, Over 5 Thousand Pounds Of Items Dropped Off - Learn About The Roosevelt Island Sustainability Guide Too For Local Events And Initiatives

The Fifth annual Grow NYC Roosevelt Island Stop n Swap took place last Saturday November 11 at the Carter Burden Network Roosevelt Island Older Adult Center.

According to Roosevelt Island resident and iDig2Learn founder Christina Delfico:

Stop N Swap early data from GrowNYC tabulates 5,000 pounds of good quality items dropped off and over 4,000 pounds found local homes. Partner Junk Lugger, the sustainably-minded removal company with charity relations, took the remainder. So glad so many came out to GrowNYC’s fifth Stop N Swap on Roosevelt Island at the Older Adult Center thanks to partner Lisa Fernandez and mgmt at Roosevelt Landings. 

Ms Delfico added: 

We spotlighted Stephanie Herlihy and the Roosevelt Island Sustainability Guide (RISG) she created as a hub for local events and ongoing initiatives that keep island neighborhood and neighbors healthy and clean. Community input welcomed.

63 people signed up for the RISG monthly updated email at the Stop N Swap. They are also new to Instagram.

We are grateful to Lisa Fernandez and Roosevelt Landings management, RIOC and PSD for supporting these annual reuse events!

I spoke with Ms Delfico and Ms Herlihy at the Roosevelt Island Stop n Swap about Roosevelt Island community sustainability initiatives.

 

Here are the first 3 Pages of inaugural Guide To Sustainability On Roosevelt Island.

Click here to read the rest of the Guide.

You can follow the Guide To Roosevelt Island Sustainability on Instagram and sign up to receive upcoming email Guides as well.

RIOC PSD Officers Prevent Roosevelt Island Mom With 2 Kids And Stroller Trying To Get Home From Using Tram Station Elevator To Avoid Long Line Of Mostly Sightseeing Tourists - What Is RIOC Policy For People Who Need Assistance Boarding The Tram?

On November 5, I asked Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) President Shelton Haynes and Public Safety Department Chief Chief Kevin Brown:

This weekend, I believe it was Friday, a Roosevelt Island mom with 2 kids and a stroller trying to get home was prevented from using the Tram elevator to get to the platform by Public Safety Officers.

The Tram line was very long, mostly tourists, and the Mom wanted to use the Tram elevator to avoid waiting in the long line.

Why did the PSD officers prevent the Mom from using the Tram elevator?

Here's a link to video showing what happened.

My understanding was that RIOC policy will allow elderly, disabled and parents with strollers/young children to skip the long Tram line by using the Tram elevator.

Is that no longer the case?

Please let me know if there will be a comment from RIOC.

There was no reply from Chief Brown or Mr Haynes.

RIOC Board Director Ben Fhala answered on November 10:

I want to seize this opportunity to emphasize my commitment to accessibility, drawing on my experience as the former Executive Vice President for the Roosevelt Island Disabled Association. Alongside Professor Lydia Tang, we have diligently worked to garner support from Director Kevin Brown, who has directed his staff to assist community members in need. I've personally observed individuals being granted access through the tram's exit to sit comfortably before boarding, and many residents have expressed gratitude for the support provided by the POMA staff and PSD officers.

On a personal note, Kevin Brown, the Director of PSD, has demonstrated incredible leadership, playing a pivotal role in instilling a mindset of empathy and assistance among his officers. From my observations of his interactions with the public and the stories shared by community members, I have full confidence in his leadership.

While I refrain from delving into specific cases at this time, I reiterate my trust in Director Kevin Brown and his dedication to the well-being of our residents.

Lastly, while we appreciate the exceptional work of PSD and POMA, it's essential to acknowledge that the TRAM can experience high traffic during peak operational hours. As residents, we can contribute by redirecting foot traffic to more spacious alternatives, such as the shuttle train and/or ferry. Both modes of transportation are accessible to members of our community with special needs. Our board members, with the support of elected officials, have worked diligently to maintain accessibility during the transitional MTA work on the F Shuttle train. While we continue to advocate for solutions for community members with accessibility needs, I encourage everyone to utilize the shuttle subway or ferry during "rush hours" when possible.

Thanks,

Ben Fhala*

Resident Board Member

*Disclaimer: All statements made by Ben Fhala are made in his capacity as a RIOC Resident Board member. He does not represent the entirety of RIOC or the full board but serves as a Resident Board member, offering information to the community and its stakeholders.

Mr Fhala had reported last August :

... We heard that from PSD if you're a senior or if you're a person with young children just go to the front of the lines and let them know that. They should allow you to go through....  

Chief Brown and Deputy Chief Anthony Amoroso discussed the issue of priority Roosevelt Island Tram boarding for people who need assistance during the September 19 PSD Community Engagement meeting:

Roosevelt Island Tram Operations, Chief Financial Officer And Chief Operating Officer Appointment Approval & Proposed Budget Among Items On November 14 RIOC Board Of Directors Meeting Agenda - Executive Session Closed To The Public Discussion On Litigation Too - Residents Invited To Attend And Ask Questions During Public Session

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Roosevelt (@rooseveltislander)

The Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Board of Directors will meet in person November 14 at 5:30 PM in the Cultural Center Theatre (548 Main Street) beginning at 5:30 PM.  

Among the items on the Agenda are:

V. New Business

1 - Appointment of Dhruvika Amin to the Position of Chief Financial Officer and Vice President for Financial Affairs of the Corporation (Board Action Required)

2- Appointment of Mary Cunneen to the Position of Vice President of Operations/Chief Operating Officer of the Corporation (Board Action Required)

3 - Presentation of the Proposed Budget for Fiscal Year 2024-25 (NO Board Action Required)

8 - Presentation by POMA to Discuss the Tram Operations

V1.

Chair’s Motion for Executive Session to Discuss:

a. proposed, pending or current litigation; and

b. the medical, financial, credit or employment history of a particular person or corporation, or matters leading to the appointment, employment, promotion, demotion, discipline, suspension, dismissal or removal of a particular person or corporation. 

Below is the full Agenda for the November 14 RIOC Board Of Directors meeting.

You're invited to attend the Board Meeting,  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.

You can view a livestream of the meeting here too.