Watch this very interesting video introducing the programs and mission of
Cornell Tech.
In the video, Cornell Tech Dean Greg Morrisett reports:
... The next era of tech is here and it's led by breakthroughs in artificial
intelligence and Cornell Tech is ready for it. In fact, every day we're
leveraging exciting new developments and digital technologies as an
opportunity for our students to become the leader society needs. Cornell
Tech has created a unique educational environment filled with exactly the
expertise and the wisdom needed to navigate through the age of AI. Whether
students are pursuing engineering, business design, or law, technology will
play a role in their future career. Cornell Tech is uniquely poised to put
students well on the path to be the real drivers of ai.
Our dual degree programs focus on urban tech, health tech, and media tech.
And truly, there's no better place in the world to study those industries
than here in New York City. We're empowering students to not only understand
human and computer interaction, but the role modern media plays in our daily
lives.
We're creating solutions for globally recognized healthcare facilities and
tackling infrastructure challenges that naturally develop in one of the
world's most densely populated metro areas. We are committed to giving you
as much as we get from New York City.
Technology is often recognized as a high revenue industry and it certainly
can be, but what we see here at Cornell Tech is students wanting to put tech
to work for the betterment of humanity. One of our primary visions as an
institution is to create lasting economic and social prosperity, whether
that's through the startups we launched, the jobs created in the process, or
the people served by our technologies....
Cornell Tech Electrical/Computer Engineering Masters Degree student Erin Murphy adds
about the Roosevelt Island campus:
... Living in New York and specifically Roosevelt Island has been an
incredible experience. Roosevelt Island itself has so much on it. There's so
many green spaces. It's just a really peaceful place to live and work, but yet
you're also one stop away from being in Midtown Manhattan or going into Queens
or a few ferry stops away from Brooklyn. So it's a really cool central area to
explore all that New York has to offer....
In 2010, the City of New York issued a challenge to top institutions from
around the world to propose a new or expanded applied sciences and
engineering campus in New York City. Cornell University and the
Technion–Israel Institute of Technology— two of the world’s leading
institutions in the fields of science, engineering, technology, and
research—were selected from among 18 proposals to make this vision a
reality. Shortly thereafter, the Jacobs Technion-Cornell Institute was
founded based on a $133 million gift from Dr. Irwin Mark Jacobs, Founding
Chairman and CEO Emeritus of Qualcomm, and his wife, Joan Klein Jacobs.
Cornell Tech first launched in 2012 in Google’s New York City building. In
2017, it migrated to its permanent location on Roosevelt Island—one of the
most technically and environmentally advanced campuses in the world. Today,
it is home to close to 50 tenure track and nontenured faculty members,
approximately 500 master’s students across eight programs, and more than 100
doctoral students in five fields. We are committed to developing principled
and innovative leaders who are practiced in interdisciplinary collaboration
and entrepreneurship.
As part of a land-grant institution, Cornell Tech is focused on giving back
to New York City. We apply our technologies in industries or sectors where
New York City is leading the country and the world, including health, urban
systems, media and democracy, cryptocurrencies and contracts, and public
interest technology. Many of our graduates also stay in New York, supporting
the continued growth of a vibrant tech ecosystem.
On February 15, 2024 former
NYC Mayor Mike Bloomberg
visited the Roosevelt Island
Cornell Tech campus.
It was a private event so there was no media present to cover Mr Bloomberg's
visit to Roosevelt Island.
I always enjoy talking to founders — especially @Cornell_Tech grads and
entrepreneurs who are driving innovation and growing businesses in New York
City. I had a great conversation with these leaders, who represent just a few
of the 100+ businesses that have emerged from the school since it started.
Thank you to Cornell Tech for hosting us this morning, and for continuing to
create opportunities for our city.
Former NYC Mayor Mike Bloomberg visited Cornell Tech today to celebrate the
launch of over 100 companies since the campus was founded and to have
breakfast with some of our amazing startup founders.
He and Bloomberg Philanthropies CEO Patti Harris met with Cornell Tech Dean
Greg Morrisett, Cornell University President Martha Pollack, Runway Director
Fernando Gomez-Baquero, Startup Studio Co-head Jenny Fielding, and startup
founders Vince Hartman, CEO and co-founder of Abstractive Health, Samantha
Lee, CEO and co-founder of Meili Technologies, Niamh O’Hara, CEO and
co-founder of Biotia, Charles Rodenkirch, CEO and founder of Sharper Sense,
J’Vanay Santos, CEO and co-founder of MyLÚA Health, and David Stein, CEO and
co-founder, Ash Wellness.
Cornell Tech is grateful to Mike Bloomberg, Patti Harris, and Bloomberg
Philanthropies for their ongoing support!
According to the
Instagram Page
of Bloomberg Philanthropies CEO Patty Harris :
During the Bloomberg administration, we knew that building a new applied
sciences university could create tens of thousands of jobs right here in NYC.
We set out to launch a global competition where @cornell_tech was selected to
be the first-ever school built for the digital age. Since then, Cornell Tech
grads have built more than 100 companies, which play an important role in
strengthening our city’s future. Today @MikeBloomberg and I met with faculty
and graduates of the program who are now entrepreneurs putting creativity,
innovation, and leadership at the heart of their work.
On June 16, 2015, Mayor Bloomberg took the Roosevelt Island Tram
on his way to speak at the Cornell Tech Roosevelt Island campus groundbreaking
ceremony.
rate fee increase for customers. In April 2023, after much community
opposition to the Motorgate parking rate increases,
RIOC revised it's plan stating:
... After careful consideration, RIOC has adjusted the monthly permit rates
at the Motorgate Garage – aiming to be fair and equitable to all Island
permit holders.
General Update:
Monthly permit holder rates will experience an annual 2% increase to
accommodate rising operating expenses and allow for further upgrades to the
facility, effective May 1, 2024.
Disabled Monthly Parking Permit Holders:
Beginning May 1, 2023, the Disabled monthly parking permit rate will be
reduced from the proposed $125 rate to $62.50 only for existing enrolled
customers before April 6, 2023, at 11:59 PM for a period of one year through
May 1, 2024. On May 1, 2024, the Disabled monthly rate will be aligned with
the Senior Citizen parking rate. All new customers applying for the Disabled
monthly parking permit rate will be subject to the proposed $125 rate....
During the February 15, 2024 RIOC Board of Directors Real Estate Development
Advisory Committee meeting, the new interim RIOC leadership of Deputy General
Counsel Gerrald Ellis and Chief Financial Officer Dhru Amin discussed the
upcoming May 1 parking rate increases for Motorgate customers.
The new Motorgate Parking rates (including tax) are proposed as follows.
According to Mr Ellis the Motorgate garage ownership is a partnership between RIOC (60% owner) and Manhattant Park (40% owner) and that:
Manhattan Park is going to tell you that these rates are subsidized. They are all below market....
RIOC Director Howard Polivy said the Motorgate rates are much lower that similar facilities in Queens.
RIOC Director Ben Fhala added:
... This is a public Enterprise so
it doesn't really matter what the market
rate is as long as we're not losing
money and we have enough money set aside
to make renovations....
According to RIOC CFO Dhru Amin
... currently our monthly revenue is about $180-190,000 so annually
it's about 2.3... the management fees are
around a million so we are in a surplus although there are some maintenance items that do come up at times either with the elevator or other
things but I think at the end of the day we're still at a surplus....
... Resident monthly revenue is about $120,000, resident reserve monthly is about $38,000, diplomat is about $6,000 non-resident monthly is $13,000 and non-resident reserve
monthly is $1,000...
Based upon the revenue amounts, the vast majority of Motorgate customers are Roosevelt Island residents.
I asked:
Because of the huge backlog of people looking for parking, is there any opportunity to build more parking at Motorgate? Supposedly there's a fourth quadrant that there's was a plan to build eventually is that something that RIOC has looked into at all?
Mr Ellis replied:
Actively, not to my knowledge. I've seen the actual physical brackets where you could mount I beams to build out the rest of the quadrant. It's obviously built with that in mind that the fourth quadrant to be filled in. I'll say that we're going to continue this discussion talking about capital projects...
Here's the full discussion February 15 REDAC discussion of Motorgate parking fees.
In February 2022, Roosevelt Island Residents Association (RIRA) Committee Chairs toured the Motorgate Garage exploring ideas for increasing parking spots and RIRA's Frank Farance proposed expanding the garage by building an addition in the currently vacant quadrant of the area.
Advantage QuickStart - Tennis Customized For Your Child's Age and Ability
Being in the right class is key to having a successful tennis experience! To
ensure this, we offer free 15-minute on court evaluations and virtual
consultations for new players. Site tours are also available during program
hours. These introductions are essential to our enrollment process and are
conducted personally by Joel Richmond and Site Directors.
Join iDig2Learn’s Bellies, Bins and Beauty food series for delicious
Saturday afternoon meals featuring expert guidance from local Roosevelt
Island resident and
chef Beatrice Ajaero, the owner of
Nneji eatery in Astoria.
Come inside and warm up with the company of neighbors new and old as we
learn more about food as fuel to keep us healthy and strong.
Space is limited to 45. RSVP the event keyword(s) to save your spot(s) and
mention how many you wish to attend. The Roosevelt Island location will be
confirmed once reservation is confirmed. Thanks to your generous donations
and grants from NYState Assembly Member Rebecca Seawright, NYCommunity
Trust (NYCT)/Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) and
Citizens Committee for NYC
for making these events possible.
Ms Delfico and iDig2Learn were recently featured in a Citizens Committee for
NYC Partner Spotlight. According to the
Citizens Committee for NYC:
Amid the towering skyscrapers of NYC lies an oasis of green activism:
iDig2Learn. This grassroots organization, spearheaded by the dedicated
leadership of Christina Delfico, is more than just a nature education
program; it's a vibrant community hub fostering connection, environmental
awareness, and sustainable practices.
Founded in 2012, iDig2Learn has blossomed into a force for good,
transforming Roosevelt Island and beyond. Their impact is multifaceted:
Connecting with Nature: They bridge the gap between urban residents and
the natural world, offering hands-on experiences like community gardens,
tree walks, and food waste reduction workshops.
Building Community: By fostering shared experiences and collaborative
projects, iDig2Learn fosters a strong sense of community, bringing
neighbors together to care for their environment.
Promoting Sustainability: Their "smart waste reduction" initiatives
educate residents on composting, recycling, and responsible consumption,
empowering them to make eco-conscious choices....
Click here for the full Partner Spotlight article.
Since the spring of 2022, over 150,000 migrants have arrived in NYC, with
a reported 70,000 living in shelters. Chefs and restaurateurs have stepped
in to help feed them, including Beatrice Ajaero of Astoria’s Nneji.
https://t.co/aBiOXeEFW5
... Many in the restaurant industry have stepped in to help feed these
people, some continuing or building on work and networks developed during
the pandemic. One of these restaurateurs is Beatrice Ajaero, who runs the
West African takeout shop Nneji in Astoria. We spoke with her about her work
feeding asylum seekers and other migrants, how she thinks about food access,
and making meals that can speak to multiple cultures...
In February, RIOC Deputy Counsel Gerrald Ellis & Acting-COO Mary Cunneen
went on an island walking tour with Audrey Tannen, island resident &
District Office Director for State Senator
@LizKrueger ,
& longtime island resident Joan Brooks, to assess different areas of
maintenance..
...particularly with regard to the z-bricks that line the island. RIOC’s
Maintenance team then made immediate fixes across different island
locations, which will reduce trip hazards and make navigating the island
much easier, especially for members of the disabled community.
— Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation (@RIOCny)
February 27, 2024
Ms Tannen adds:
Senator Krueger has heard from many residents concerned about the condition
of the sidewalks and roadways on RI. Deferred maintenance is not good for
the infrastructure and, more importantly, for safety when navigating the
Island. Gerald and Mary were very responsive to our request to hike the
Island. We strolled from Copabianco Field to Cornell Tech-Mary was taking
pictures and putting in tickets all along the way! Of course—it’s just a
beginning—we must continue to report and to maintain. Please submit those
repair tickets to
RIOC Tikkit.
While Joan and I were happy not only by the positive response but also by
the ACTIONS taken-we did express disillusionment that , although this work
should have been done; it wasn’t. We’re encouraged by the positive outcome
and look forward to continued partnership between RIOC, the community and
our office.
Ms Tannen is correct. So far, the
new interim RIOC leadership
of Deputy General Counsel Gerrald Ellis and Chief Financial Officer Dhru Amin
have brought a needed dose of transparency, communications and engagement to
the Roosevelt Island community.
The February 15 Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Real Estate Development
Advisory Committee discussed the issue of repaving the street and sidewalk
Z-Bricks as well as repairing the dangerous street crossings and potholes.
Here's the discussion.
Also, here's more on the
RIOC Tikkit system
for residents and RIOC staff to report problems.
During the January 17, 2024 RIOC Board Of Directors Operations Advisory
Committee meeting, Acting Chief Operating Officer Mary Cunneen provided this
presentation on the Tikkit system.
“WITNESS FOR THE PROSECUTION” TO OPEN AT MSTDA’S HOWE THEATRE It would be a
crime to miss it!!!
Court is officially in session! On Friday, March 8th at 7:00 pm, the curtain
will rise at Roosevelt Island's Main Street Theatre & Dance Alliance’s
Howe Theatre at 548 Main St. “Witness for the Prosecution” by Agatha Christie,
presented by MSTDA’S Adult Theatre Workshop, will run
Audience members will take part in the trial of the century as they enter
London’s “Old Bailey” Central Criminal Court of London for an interactive
performance of an iconic Agatha Christie murder mystery! Ticket purchasers may
even decide to serve as Jurors, sit in the jury box and deliver their verdict
after hearing shocking and passionate evidence from the witnesses! The 50s
Film Noir aesthetic will further envelope you in this thrilling world. Be
prepared to have all your senses swirling as you untangle the murderous web of
the mysterious death of Miss Emily French. Will Leonard Vole be charged guilty
or not guilty?
According to Director Mark Waite:
“Agatha Christie’s work is as popular now as it was when it was first
published and with good reason. Great story-telling, fabulous characters and
sparkling dialogue that is a joy not only to read but also to listen to and to
direct. Witness for the Prosecution is regarded as one of Agatha Christie’s
finest pieces of work and was adapted into a movie in 1957...”
As an established and innovative theatre, MSTDA strives to bring fresh and fun
perspectives to its audience, which in this case means breaking some
traditional barriers. Mark Waite acquired permission from the Agatha Christie
estate to change the gender, and thereby the dynamics and character
relationships, of certain roles in the play, “allowing us to explore not only
the xenophobia portrayed but also the stereotyping of female roles in an era
where women struggled in a male dominated world.” says Mr. Waite.
This shift is in alignment with past MSTDA productions. Recall “1776”,
directed by Jacqueline Lucid, which featured non-traditional casting of
females in many roles, including the lead role of John Adams! Also worth
mentioning is “The Monkey King, A Kung Fu Musical” which flipped the gender of
the legendary character of Monkey King to a girl. We believe our audience
deserves quality entertainment that is thoughtfully customized to today’s
cultural climate!
As previously reported, the north Roosevelt Island Tram cabin was taken out of service last week
for maintenance repairs. From Tuesday, February 20 through Friday, February 23
only one Tram cabin was working. The repairs were completed on Friday. Following
an inspection and approval by the NY State Department of Labor, both cabins were
back in service by Saturday afternoon.
During this past weekend, in addition to the hydraulic cylinder replacement
work performed on the Manhattan side station, POMA also installed the new
swing dampeners on both the North and South Cabins. You can see the new blue
dampeners on the outside of both ends of the cabin (pictured below).
Safety is always our first priority, and these sway dampeners are a
necessary and important safety feature. They should also make the
passenger experience a more pleasant one.
This work was the result of the New York State Department of Labor’s
inquiry into the tram swaying incidents at the request of Assembly Member
Seawright. As we continue to work with POMA to understand the root cause
of the swaying incidents, these new dampeners should help reduce the
actual cabin swaying in the event of another mid-air stop.
During the
November 14, 2023 RIOC Board of Directors
meeting, POMA's Roosevelt Island Tram Head Of Operations Armando Cordova
addressed safety concerns caused by the Tram's sudden stops and swinging
back and forth.
According to Mr Cordova the problem is caused by a wi-fi issue that is being
investigated. He assured everybody that the Tram is very safe and is not
under any pressure or influence to operate the Tram if he thought there was
any safety issue.
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.
