WNYC Poems In Your NYC Neighborhood Series Features Poem About The Tram By Young Roosevelt Island Resident Kyle Shin And It's Terrific - Take A Listen

Roosevelt Island resident Matt Katz reported yesterday:

Sherie and I were listening to WNYC this morning as we usually do. After Brian Lehrer there is a program at noon called, "All of It." They were soliciting poems about local issues, mostly NYC, and they chose a poem about the Roosevelt Island Tram that was written and read by what sounded like a kid, named Kyle Shin.

It's a terrific poem, especially from a little kid.

According to WNYC:

Over the course of April, which is Poetry Month, WNYC producers have been asking our audience to submit their own poems about the places that are important to them, and what’s happening there. We talk about the project, and hear some poems read by the poets themselves along with Amanda Rozon, assistant producer at WNYC's Morning Edition who spearheaded WNYC's listener poetry project.

Here's more on the WNYC Poems From Your Neighborhood series including local resident Kyle Shin's poem about the Roosevelt Island Tram which can be heard at the 10 minute mark.

Take a listen. 

Here's text of the poem:

The Roosevelt Island Tramway by Kyle Shih

The Roosevelt Island Tramway, 

Fresh and clean, 

Empty and idle, 

Ready to do its duty.

The many passengers, 

Some tourists, some residents, 

Ready to board, 

Like on any ordinary day.

The gears and wheels, 

Spinning and turning, 

The tram, jolting, 

Gliding along the thick ropes.

Far above the cherry blossoms, 

Gaining altitude over the East River, 

Leaving Roosevelt Island, 

And entering Manhattan.

Parallel to the Queensboro Bridge, 

Passing by tall residential buildings, 

Entering a swarm of towers, 

And hovering over many cars and trees.

Losing altitude, 

Diving down, 

Slowly moving towards the platform, 

Passengers ready to leave.

Over and over, 

Crossing the river. From 6 AM to 2 AM, 

The tram welcomes all riders.

More info  

on WNYC Poems In Your Neighborhood here.

Six 9 Millimeter Bullets Found On Sidewalk In Front of Roosevelt Island 560 Main Street Building Last Thursday Evening - Ammunition Fell Out Of Bag Carried By Male Licensed To Carry A Firearm Entering The Building Says RIOC

I asked Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Public Safety Department (PSD) Chief Kevin Brown and Communications Director Bryant Daniels today: 

I understand that bullets were found on the sidewalk outside Roosevelt Landings several nights ago and were picked up by Public Safety Officers. 

Is that true? 

Are there any more details about this incident? Any statement from RIOC?

Mr Daniels answered:

At approximately 7:15 PM on May 9th, PSD was alerted to the presence of firearm ammunition on the ground in front of 560 Main Street.  PSD immediately responded to the scene, found and recovered the lost ammunition—six 9mm bullets—and notified the NYPD. 

C&C cameras were then checked, and video was discovered of the ammunition falling out of an adult male’s duffle bag while he was entering the building. The individual was identified by PSD, and he is licensed to carry a firearm in New York. At approximately 7:40 PM, NYPD officers arrived and took custody of the ammunition.

C&C is the managing agent for the Roosevelt Landings 460 Main Street building.

The RIOC May 9 PSD Daily Blotter describes the incident as follow:

05/09/24 -1914 – 560 Main Street – Suspicious Activity- PSD Responded – Report Filed

Roosevelt Island Riverwalk Buildings 3&4 Mortgage Refinancing Consent, Eleanor's Pier Emergency Repairs & Executive Session Litigation/Employment Issues Among Items For Tuesday May 14 RIOC Board Of Directors Meeting Agenda

The Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Board of Directors

will meet Tuesday May 14 in the Good Shepherd Community Center (543 Main Street) beginning at 6:00 PM. 

You're invited to attend, ask questions and share concerns about Roosevelt Island during the opening Public Session before the start of the RIOC Board meeting. Sign up to speak here.

Among the May 14 RIOC Board meeting Agenda items are:

... Ratification of Consent to Mortgage Refinancing by Riverwalk Place, LLC (Riverwalk 3) and Riverwalk Landing, LLC (Riverwalk 4) (Board Action Required)...

and 

Authorization to Enter into Contract with Cross Contracting, Inc. for Eleanor’s Pier Railing Replacement (Board Action Required)

and: 

... 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... 

Here's more info on the Hudson Related Riverwalk Building 3 & 4 refinancing.

The Executive Session is held in secret without the public allowed to attend. It's possible, though not confirmed, that the employment status of RIOC President Shelton Haynes and General Counsel Gretchen Robinson will be discussed during the May 14 Executive Session. Mr Haynes and Ms Robinson are currently on paid administrative leave pending an investigation of them about workplace concerns raised by RIOC employees.

Here's the full agenda for the meeting.

Board materials with supporting info for agenda items are here.

2024 Macy's July 4 Fireworks Celebration Moving From East River To The Hudson River, No View From Roosevelt Island This Year - Will You Miss Them?

On April 30, Macy's announced that their annual July 4 fireworks celebration will take place on Hudson River

after being on the East River for the last 10 years. According to Macy's April 30 press release:

On Thursday, July 4th, Macy’s will launch the annual Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks spectacle across the Hudson River, illuminating the New York City skyline through dazzling displays and pyrotechnics. Live spectators and viewers across the nation will be treated to a one-of-a-kind show featuring vibrant colors, shapes, light and sound. This year’s display will feature thousands of shells and an array of effects from barges positioned along the Hudson River with multiple viewing opportunities in Manhattan between West 14th and West 34th Streets and in New Jersey.

“This year’s Macy’s 4th of Fireworks display will launch an inspiring spectacle of patriotic color, light and sound from the Hudson River for the first time in more than a decade....

The East River Macy's July 4 Fireworks gave Roosevelt Island residents fantastic views of the fireworks 

>

but also brought large crowds of visitors.

In recent years, after the fireworks ended it took about 40 minutes for the large crowds to safely leave Roosevelt Island by Tram or subway under the watchful eye of the NYPD and Roosevelt Island Public Safety Department.

There was also the annual frustration with the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) fireworks ticket lottery for viewing at FDR Four Freedoms Park running out of tickets in less than 5 minutes.

RIOC reported today:

Dear Roosevelt Island Community:

It was announced last week that this year’s Macy’s Fourth of July Fireworks Show will be returning to the Hudson River for the first time since 2013.

Due to this change, Four Freedoms State Park will NOT be hosting their regular ticketed fireworks event this year, as the fireworks will not be visible from this location. RIOC will therefore not be running a ticket lottery or sending out any communications regarding a ticketed July 4th event to the community.

While we still expect higher than average traffic to the island on July 4th, we do not anticipate the numbers to reach what we typically see when the fireworks celebration is hosted on the East River.

Thank you and enjoy the warm spring/summer months!

-RIOC Executive Team

A long time Roosevelt Island resident reacted to the news of Macy's Fireworks moving this year from the East River to the Hudson this way:

Happy Friday!

And,

Yipee!!

I, for one, will not miss this one bit. But I’m sure many others will.

No Roosevelt Island F Train Service From Manhattan This Weekend Due To 63rd Street Tunnel Rehab Project Close Out Items - Plan For Long Roosevelt Island Manhattan Tram Station Lines

According to the MTA, there will be no Roosevelt Island F Train service from Manhattan this weekend due to:

63 St Project close-out Items

Plan accordingly for long lines at the Roosevelt Island Tram Manhattan Station.

The 63rd Street Tunnel Rehab Project began August 28, 2023, replacing regular F Train service with a shuttle service. Regular Roosevelt Island F Train service resumed April 1, 2024.

NBC Nightly News Feature Story Tonight On Roosevelt Island Southpoint Park SUGi Pocket Healing Forest Planted Last Month - Interview With Local Resident And iDig2Learn Founder Christina Delfico

NBC Nightly News featured local Roosevelt Island resident and iDig2Learn founder Christina Delfico in a story this evening about the Southpoint Park SUGi Pocket Healing Forest that was planted Saturday April 6.

Watch the story.

More info on the Roosevelt Island Healing Forest at the SUGi web site.

Here's my interview with Ms Delfico and SUGi Project Founder Elise Van Middelem during the April 6, 2024 planting.

And you can join iDig2Learn at the May 19 Forest Care Day.

Click here to RSVP.

You're Invited To A Free Thought Provoking Panel Discussion On The History, Impact and Ongoing Challenges Surrounding Banned Books In The U.S. At The Roosevelt Island FDR Four Freedoms Park May 16 - Sign Up Now To Secure Your Seat

The Roosevelt Island FDR Four Freedoms Park is hosting:

... a free thought-provoking May 16 panel discussion on the history, impact and ongoing challenges surrounding banned books in the U.S.

According to the FDR Four Freedom Park:

Beyond the Ban: Exploring the Landscape of Banned Books

Thursday, May 16 · 5 - 7pm

Join us for a lively discussion on controversial books that have been banned or challenged throughout history.

Come join us at Franklin D. Roosevelt Four Freedoms State Park for a thought-provoking discussion on banned books. Moderated by renowned journalist and editor Katrina vanden Heuvel, our panel of experts will delve into the controversial world of literature that has been censored or challenged throughout history. Discover the stories behind these banned books and explore the importance of freedom of expression. Don't miss out on this enlightening event!

Thank you to NYS OPRHP and NYS Natural Heritage Trust for the support for this free public program.

Make sure to register here to secure your spot.

Here's more on the fight over banned books in the U.S.

Register here for your seat at the May 16 FDR Four Freedoms Park Beyond the Ban: Exploring the Landscape of Banned Books panel discussion.

Watch Video Of RIOC Interim Leadership Interview With CB 8 Roosevelt Island Committee Chair Revealing "What It Takes To Run Roosevelt Island" - Informative Discussion Of Governance, Master Lease, Tram Overcrowding, Red Bus Delays, Tourism, Day To Day Repairs & More

Community Board 8 Roosevelt Island Committee Chair Paul Krikler moderated a fascinating and informative interview with Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Deputy General Counsel and member of the RIOC Interim Leadership Team Gerrald Ellis last night.

Mr Ellis began his presentation with a discussion of:

What It Takes To Run Roosevelt Island, 

summarized in the slides below.

Mr Ellis noted that Roosevelt Island:

... is entirely self-financed—we do not receive any supportive funding from the state. 

The majority of our funding comes from our ground rent and commercial leases.

Mr Ellis took comments and questions from Mr Krikler and other Roosevelt Island residents. 

I asked Mr Ellis:

 What are the 3 or 4 most important things on your plate right now?

Mr Ellis answered:

... That's a tough question. Obviously this interim situation is very difficult.... There are all kinds of challenges that just flow from that alone. That's at the top of my list ....  There are certain hiring decisions that we cannot or should not make while we're in this interim position. There are big projects that we can't explore or don't want to explore while we're in in this position. Basic day-to-day repairs we're obviously doing and they are big priorities for us.... 

... The Master Lease discussions are a major priority right now... An extension of the Master Lease. We have had conversations with the City of New York about this but we can't really make progress on those discussions or on that negotiation until we have more certainty internally about our own governance structure, about our own direction. There are internal/external all sorts of things that flow from that one issue that we we don't yet have permanent leadership...

... We have our next board meeting on the 14th. Maybe there's going to be some movement there. I'm optimistic but I don't know and I've learned not to get ahead of myself in hoping or in predicting that anything might or might not happen at a board meeting....

Mr Ellis also discussed problems with the Red Bus delays, overcrowding on the Roosevelt Island Tram and expressed a willingness to explore models from other cities that are attempting to manage problems caused by tourist overcrowding.

He reported that in a few weeks there will be a live traffic camera feed from both the Manhattan and Roosevelt Island Tram stations available for residents to see how large those line are so you can make a decision about using the Tram or the subway. Another improvement coming this summer is the Red Bus will have a location tracking system installed so that riders will know when it will be at any stop. 

Here's the full discussion from beginning to end. I highly recommend watching the entire video if you are interested in Roosevelt Island issues and governance.

Great job by Mr Krikler and Mr Ellis. This type of conversation and Roosevelt Island community engagement would not have happened under the prior RIOC administration.

CB 8 Roosevelt Island committee meetings are scheduled for the first Monday of the month. The next meeting will be on June 3 and will be a discussion will Mr Ellis about the Roosevelt Island Master Lease extension.

You're invited to attend and participate.

Former Resident Pays Tribute To His Deceased Dog Petey With A Farewell Tour Sprinkling His Ashes At Special Roosevelt Island Spots They Both Loved

Scott Piro is a former Roosevelt Island resident who when he lived here was very active advocating on behalf of local dog owners, traffic safety issues and participating in various community events. Mr Piro could often be seen walking around Roosevelt Island with his beloved dog Petey. 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Petey Piro (@peteypiro)

Mr Piro moved from Roosevelt Island several years ago but stays in touch with his Roosevelt Island friends.

Mr Piro returned last week to Roosevelt Island on a farewell tour to pay tribute to the deceased Petey by sprinkling some of the dog's ashes at the special Roosevelt Island locations they shared.

Follow along on Petey's Farewell Tribute with Mr Piro and friends.
 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Petey Piro (@peteypiro)

Mr Piro and other dog owners requested the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) name a future Dog Run for Petey during an October 17, 2019 Board of Directors Meeting.

NYC Health & Hospitals Corp Proposes Flood Mitigation Berm Surrounding Roosevelt Island Coler Hospital During May 2 Community Visioning Workshop - Watch Video Of Full Presentation, Q&A With Residents And Take The Online Project Input Survey

Representatives from the NYC Health & Hospitals Corp (H+H)) presented a plan for a proposed flood mitigation berm to surround Coler Hospital 

and answered questions from residents at a May 2 Roosevelt Island community visioning workshop.

According to H+H:

... Currently, H+H is in the pre-design phase for a new perimeter hazard mitigation system at NYC H+H/Coler. This mitigation system will create a berm barrier, provide protection for up to a 500-year coastal flood event, and protect the long-term care facility from major storm events....

Here's the May 2 presentation

 

and more info from NYC Health & Hospitals Corp about the Coler Coastal Resiliency Project.

Click this Project Survey link to give your thoughts and ideas about developing the space around Coler.

What's The Deal With Animal Sounds Coming From Car Circling Roosevelt Island Annoying Residents - Moooooooo, Mooooooo

A Roosevelt Island Tipster reports:

Over the last couple of weeks, I’ve been constantly hearing farm animal sounds (cow moos, rooster cock-a-doodle-doos, horse neighs) while working from my apartment. It seems like it’s a vehicle that keeps driving by as it gets louder and then quieter until it passes, but I haven’t been able to figure it out. Do you or anyone you know hear these sounds? Any idea what is making them? I’m pretty sure Roosevelt Island didn’t open a farm!

Here's the car making animal noises spotted on Main Street this afternoon. 

According to comments on the Roosevelt Islander Instagram page post:

• I thought i was going crazy. I heard this a little last summer too and a lot more often the past month. I thought i was going crazy as no one knew what i was talking about. Why are they playing these sounds?
• Car plays the sound all the time as if the residents want to hear the sound all the time. It is very annoying. I spoke to public safety and asked them to stop the car to ask that it not be played so much. Of course they did nothing to stop sound. I don’t know why residents need to hear this constantly. Want to listen to birds not this repeated tape. If you find car parked leave a note to driver with your complaint. Or flag down car and talk to driver.
• Is there any way we can ask him to stop? It’s really, really annoying at 7am and throughout the day
• Omg I hear this too
• I hear it too, so rude
• Just heard it today. Annoying
• Heard it today and it sounded like an animal suffering
• If it’s the same person I’m thinking of in the Challenger, he’s become a staple on the island that we all hear and recognize! For better or for worse 😂
• That my cousin Julio I’m a tell him chill. He still thinks he is Puerto Rico 😂

RIOC Reports Large Group Of Disorderly People Fighting On Roosevelt Island Main Street Last Night Closing Traffic For 25 Minutes - NYPD Arrests 2

Last evening about 8 PM I started getting messages and photos of a brawl on Main Street with a large response by NYPD, FDNY ambulances and Roosevelt Island Public Safety Department to the incident.

I asked Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Communications Director Bryant Daniels and PSD Chief Kevin Brown last night:

There are a lot of NYPD and ambulances tonight on Main Street. Residents report a brawl between groups on Main Street. Can you provide details as to what happened?

RIOC Communications Department Director Bryant Daniels answered this morning:

At about 8:30 PM in front of 546 Main Street there was a large group of disorderly people whose conduct descended into fighting. Both PSD and NYPD responded to the incident and two arrests were made by NYPD officers, one male and one female (juvenile), both charged with disorderly conduct. They were taken to the 114th precinct for processing. Due to the scope of the NYPD response, traffic was closed on Main Street for approximately 25 minutes. There were no reported injuries.

The RIOC PSD Daily Blotter reported the incident as follows:

05/02/24 – 2015 – 540 Main Street – Disorderly Group – PSD and NYPD responded – Report filed.

A NYPD Spokesperson adds:

A juvenile report* for disorderly conduct was issued a 14 year-old female. There were no other reports issued. 

*a report taken for a subject under 16 who allegedly committed an act that would constitute an offense if committed by an adult.

Take A Springtime Virtual Walk On Roosevelt Island East River Waterfront Promenade To The Lighthouse - Gorgeous NYC Waterfront View Of Manhattan

Let's go for a Roosevelt Island walk.

Sponsored Post - Volunteers Needed At Roosevelt Island FDR Four Freedoms State Park, Join Us For I Love My Park Day Saturday May 4 - Help Revitalize, Assemble, Repair And Repaint The Banned Book Library, Symbol Of Freedom Of Speech And Expression

The Roosevelt Island FDR Four Freedoms State Park is hosting I Love MY Park Day on Saturday May 4.

According to the FDR 4 Freedoms State Park

Join us on Saturday, May 4th for a special I Love My Park Day as we celebrate the Centennial of New York State Parks! Lend a hand to beautify FDR Four Freedoms State Park, a stunning memorial honoring freedom and democracy. During this election year, we are creating a Banned Book Library to remind park visitors of the importance of freedom of speech and expression.

• Free! Registration required
• Appropriate for ages 13+

Here’s how you can make a difference:

Revitalize the Banned Book Library: Assemble, repair, and repaint the unique Banned Book Library, a symbol of freedom of speech and expression. This will also be a fun arts and craft activity as we create books for the shelves!

Spruce Up the Seating: Refurbish, clean and prep 60 Adirondack chairs for the Great Lawn, ensuring a comfortable spot to relax and enjoy the park’s scenic views.

Mulch Matters: Rake and replenish mulch around the 120 Little Lead Linden tree pits, providing essential nutrients and moisture for a healthy park environment.

No experience necessary! We’ll provide all the tools and training you need. It’s a fun and rewarding day to give back to your community and make a lasting impact on this historic park. 

REGISTER HERE.

Contact Zoe Peerman at zpeerman@fdrffp.org if you have any questions!

Here's the 2023 FDR Four Freedoms State Park Banned Book Library.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by FDR Four Freedoms State Park (@4freedomspark)

You can also help support the FDR Four Freedoms Park 

by adopting an Adirondack Chair for a donation of $250 or more.

NYC Health & Hospitals Corp Invites Roosevelt Island Residents To May 2 Community Visioning Workshop To Discuss Design And Construction Of Coler East River Flood Mitigation Berm On Current Parking Lot Public Space

According to the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC)

Dear Roosevelt Island Community:

Please join NYC Health + Hospitals/Coler for a community visioning workshop to discuss the design and construction of a new perimeter hazard mitigation system at its long-term care facility this Thursday, May 2nd at Good Shepherd Chapel (details below):

Thursday, May 2, 2024

Open House from 5:30 pm to 7:00 pm

Chapel of the Good Shepherd; 543 Main St, New York, NY 10044

This project will address potential flooding vulnerabilities to protect the skilled nursing facility campus from major storm events. The project team wants your thoughts and ideas for the public space around NYC Health + Hospitals/Coler. Your participation in this workshop will help develop a public space that benefits everyone.

More info available at the Coler Coastal Resiliency Project website.

Click this Project Survey link to give your thoughts and ideas about developing the space around Coler.

Here's the NYC Health & Hospitals Corp March 14, 2024 Coler Berm presentation to the RIOC Real Estate Development Advisory Committee.

Click on 3 dots icon full screen mode for better view of slides.

NY Governor Kathy Hochul Visits Roosevelt Island Cornell Tech Campus Today To Announce $275 Million State Investment In Artificial Intelligence Research Consortium - She Also Addresses Columbia University Protests And References FDR Four Freedoms Park

NY State Governor Kathy Hochul visited the Roosevelt Island Cornell Tech campus today to announce the establishment of Empire AI:

... a first-of-its-kind consortium to secure New York’s place at the forefront of artificial intelligence research, as part of the FY 2025 Enacted Budget. The consortium will leverage a $275 million state investment to create and launch a state-of-the-art artificial intelligence computing center on the University at Buffalo’s campus. The center will be used by leading New York institutions to promote responsible research and development, create jobs and advance AI for the public good....

Empire AI will put New York at the forefront of the AI industry for generations to come.

Join me live in New York City: https://t.co/ANElcGF6RJ

— Governor Kathy Hochul (@GovKathyHochul) April 30, 2024

Governor Hochul spoke about the Columbia University protests to assembled media at Cornell Tech after the Empire AI announcement. Governor Hochul referenced the Roosevelt Island FDR Four Freedoms Park in her statement about the Columbia protest. According to Governor Hochul:

... Let me close with this: we are gathered here on Roosevelt Island, just steps from here is Four Freedoms Park. I’m reminded of Franklin Roosevelt's comments about the freedoms that Americans are entitled to – freedom of speech, freedom of worship, freedom from want and freedom from fear. All of these freedoms are essential. We have a right to speak and to worship. But it must be done without fear. As my predecessor FDR made clear, that is what everyone deserves and we’ll ensure that is the case.

Here's her full statement.

Here's more on the Columbia University protest from the PBS NewsHour today.

Will have more on today's Empire AI announcement at Cornell Tech soon.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Cornell Tech (@cornell_tech)

Roosevelt Island Main Street Retail Space Availability, Selection Of Retail Tenants, Tram & Motorgate Operations, Eleanor's Pier Emergency Repairs, AVAC Pipe Replacement & Bus Service On Agenda For May 1 Operations Advisory Committee Meeting - Public Invited To Attend

The Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Operations Advisory Committee is meeting 5:00 PM Wednesday May 1 at the Good Shepherd Community Center (543 Main Street). 

According to RIOC:

Please be advised that a meeting of the Operations Advisory Committee of the RIOC Board of Directors will be held on Wednesday, May 1, 2024, at 5:00 p.m. at the Good Shepherd Community Center, 543 Main St, Roosevelt Island, New York 10044.

AGENDA: 

1. Update by Hudson Related on the Commercial Spaces Availability and the Selection Process for Commercial Tenants;
2. Bus Contingency - Overview of an Option to Lease a Bus;
3. Update on Emergency Repairs (Eleanor’s Pier);
4. Update on Pipes Replacement for AVAC;
5. Presentation by Director Fhala on the Tram and the Motorgate Operations; and
6. Any Other Committee Business that May be Brought Before the Committee.

During the last RIOC Real Estate Development Advisory Committee meeting on March 14, 2024, RIOC Directors Fay Christian and Ben Fhala asked for information about how Main Street Retail Master Leaseholder Hudson Related selects tenants for any vacant stores. 

Tomorrow they can ask their questions and we'll see how Hudson Related answers.

Sponsored Post - Check Out The Roosevelt Island Café At Cornell Tech April 29 Weekly Menu For Breakfast, Lunch, Salad Bar, Coffee, Smoothies, Wifi For Your Laptop & Much More - How Are We Doing? Send Your Feedback By Email Too

Check out the April 29 weekly menu at the Roosevelt Island Cornell Tech Café.

We want to hear from you. Feel free to email us with any questions or concerns. Thank you for taking the time to let us know how we are doing. Any feedback can be emailed to thecafe-fbservices@tech.cornell.edu

The Cornell Tech Café is a great spot on Roosevelt Island   

for breakfast, Daily Hot Lunch Meals,  

Specialty & Grab and Go Sandwiches, Make Your Own Salads, Flatbread and Neapolitan Pizza, Salads, Soup, Coffee, Smoothies,

 beer, wine,

Sushi Thursday

and more.

Bring your laptop if you wish. The Cafe has very good wi-fi connection  

and a very relaxing outdoor patio.

The Cafe is open Monday thru Friday 8am to 7 pm. Saturday and Sundays 11am to 5pm.

More info at the Cornell Tech Café website and Instagram Page.

See you soon at the Cornell Tech Café.

Domestic Violence Assault Arrest Yesterday On Roosevelt Island - Victim Claims Being Struck Several Times With A Cane By Sibling

There was Roosevelt Island Public Safety Department and NYPD activity on Main Street yesterday morning blocking traffic and briefly suspending Red Bus Service.

I asked Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Communications Director Bryant Daniels:

Do you have any additional details regarding the assault arrest shown in PSD Blotter below?

04/28/24 – 1040 – 560 Main Street – Assault – PSD, NYPD, and EMS responded – Arrested by NYPD.

Mr Daniels answered:

At 10:40 AM Sunday an individual visited PSD and reported that they had been the victim of a domestic assault at a relative’s residence at 560 Main Street. The victim claimed the assailant, their sibling, struck them several times with a cane. Prior to arriving at PSD, the victim had also called 911 and reported the incident, resulting in an NYPD response. NYPD officers arrested the alleged perpetrator for assault at approximately 10:52 AM. No other weapons were involved.

During the October 17, 2023 Roosevelt Island Public Safety Community Engagement meeting, PSD Chief Kevin Brown reported that Roosevelt Island (I minute 22 second mark):

... has above average domestic violence issues. Half of my complaints a year are attributed to some kind of domestic violence. It runs the gamut, partners, spouses, children, parents...

Group Of Volunteer Visitors From Indian Based DSNDP Global Non Profit Celebrates Earth Day Last Saturday With A Roosevelt Island Cleanliness Drive Picking Up Garbage Left By Others

Some visitors to Roosevelt Island leave a dirty mess of garbage and others come to Roosevelt Island to help clean up and take away the garbage left by others.

A group of volunteer members from the Dr. Shri Nanasaheb Dharmadhikari Pratishthan (DSNDP) organization, celebrated Earth Day on Saturday April 27 in NYC with a cleanliness drive picking up garbage on Roosevelt Island. 

Most of the DSNDP volunteers travelled from Toronto. I spoke with with one volunteer from New Jersey.

According to the New Jersey volunteer, DSNDP is:

... a nonprofit organization based in India. We are a worldwide organization and one of our causes is that we work towards making the environment better and making the world a better place. What better occasion than to be celebrating this on Earth Day weekend?... 

... We are here at Roosevelt Island. It's a small group of around 8 to 10 people but the whole event has around 400 people who have traveled all the way from different states of the US and Canada and Mexico.... 

We have a presence in 18 states where we've already done so many events. Tree Plantation, Cleanliness Drive, Blood Donation - you name it and we have done it. 

We are very passionate about it. This is a great opportunity for us to tell you about our cause and just spread our word. Hopefully, more people are able to contribute to this cause....

... Our philosophy in Sanskrit or Hindi we say Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam which basically means the whole world is a one big family. We try our best to bring a sense of community among us our own members and even others. Anyone can volunteer in these events so if anyone's interested definitely reach out. You can also take a look at our website DSNDP.com if you want to know more about us... 

There was not alot of Trash on Roosevelt Island Saturday morning. When we spoke at the half way point of their garbage cleanup, 10 people had picked up  about 10 bags of trash in total.

This morning was a different garbage story. A Roosevelt Island Tipster shares this photo and reports:

Walking this morning- what is up with all the overflowing garbage? Tourists for the cherry blossoms? What a mess! I walked down to Cornell Tech this morning and had to stop at Duane Reade; the can near its doors was full, along with another near the parked cars walking toward the tram. The sanitation is usually good here; I know there is an increase with tourists now but I’ve never seen so much trash early in the AM.

The good news was that the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) had the area cleaned up 

today before 11 AM.