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.

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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.

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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.