On a rainy afternoon last Saturday, September 30, a group of Roosevelt Island
residents gathered under covering to thank and celebrate the
Pennsylvania based Wengerd family for 35 years of bringing the Saturday Farmers Market to
Roosevelt Island.
Roosevelt Island resident and Community Board 8 (CB 8) Roosevelt Island Committee Chair Paul Krikler organized the gathering and presented Israel Wengerd with a CB 8 resolution honoring the Wengerd Family Farmers Market service to the Roosevelt Island community. The resolution stating in part:
... WHEREAS; The Wengerd Farmers Market has provided an invaluable addition to life on Roosevelt Island over decades; and
WHEREAS; The Wengerd Farmers Market crew always leaves the market site spotless at the end of the day;
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that Community Board 8 Manhattan relishes the opportunity to thank Israel Wengerd, his family, the cashiers and all the other staff for all the years of dedicated service to this community.
Mr Krikler was joined by Amanda Brown of the PS/IS 217 PTA. The PTA runs runs the Farmers Market. Ms Brown presented Mr Wengerd with a painting made by the school's students thanking him for the Farmers Market which provides funding for many of the PTA's programs.
Here's what happened and
here's the full CB8 resolution.
See you tomorrow at the Roosevelt Island Farmers Market.
The 8th Annual Tim Sheehy Classic will be held at 9 am on Sunday, October 6th
2024 at Pony Field on Roosevelt Island.
Join us for a meaningful and fun day of softball as we come together to
support a cause near and dear to us: raising funds for ALS patient care. The
Tim Sheehy Classic is not just another fundraiser; it’s a tribute to the
spirit of community, nostalgia, and hope.
This event holds a special place in our hearts as we gather not just to
play, but to remember and make a difference. Whether you’re playing,
fundraising, or cheering on a team, your presence and support are
invaluable.
Click the link below to make a donation to your favorite player as they
raise money towards their team’s fundraising goal:
Between games at the 2021 Softball Classic, founding Project Main Street Board
Member Michael Rosen welcomed everybody coming out to support Project Main
Street and spoke about his Roosevelt Island friend Tim Sheehy. According to Mr
Rosen:
I want to thank everybody for coming out to the Tim Sheehy Classic to
benefit Project Main Street.
Project Main Street as most of you know is an ALS charity. We support people
living with ALS.
We were founded by Tim Sheehy, a childhood friend of most of ours, a long
time Roosevelt Island resident who cared about helping other people at a
time when nobody would have felt bad if he was just thinking about himself.
But when Tim was diagnosed with ALS he was concerned with helping other
people with ALS even after he was gone. He put together Project Main Street.
The connection to Roosevelt Island is obvious. Most of the founders and the
people that have worked on Project Main Street are from Roosevelt Island.
The name itself is dedicated to Roosevelt Island. This is a Roosevelt
Island-born charity that has helped people since 2006 across the country.
Together this small volunteer organization that Tim Sheehy conceived in his
mind has raised over 1.5 million dollars for people. So today we're talking
about Project Main Street. We're talking about ALS.
We're also talking about Roosevelt Island because this is what makes this
event so special to us. To come out here on the field that we used to play
on when we were kids. To see all of our old friends together not just
getting together but getting together to do something good for society is so
meaningful to us and to have all the new friends that come here that are not
from Roosevelt Island but have joined this family and become part of the
Roosevelt Island Project Main Street family.
We thank you....
Here are some scenes from the 2021 Project Main Street Tim Sheehy Softball
Classic game at Capobianco Field.
Chicago Cubs play by play announcer Jon "Boog" Sciambi grew up with Tim Sheehy
on Roosevelt Island.
The Roosevelt Island Tram is the preeminent transportation option for
islanders traveling to and from Manhattan. We are proud to have such a
unique mode of transportation serving our community and are always looking
for ways to improve overall service, safety, and ride quality, particularly
for our senior and disabled passengers.
Working in collaboration with our Tram operator, Leitner-POMA, we have
decided to implement the following changes to the Tram schedule starting
next Monday, October 7th. These changes are designed to create a smoother
ride by moderately slowing the cabins, which in turn should reduce jostling
and overall instances of heavy cabin swaying:
Trams will run every 10.5 minutes during morning and evening rush hour,
and every 21 minutes during non-rush hour.
Rush hour service will be extended a half-hour later for mornings
(7AM-10:30AM).
Rush hour service will begin a half-hour earlier for afternoons/evenings
(2:30PM-8PM).
By adding extra rush hour service, we hope to provide island travelers with
an easier daily commute, particularly students who are returning to the
island from school. These adjustments should also help preserve the Tram
long-term by reducing stress on components.
We appreciate your continued support as we strive to enhance our Tram
service. Your feedback is invaluable, so please feel free to reach out with
any thoughts or questions about these changes to info@rioc.ny.gov.
... a disruption in the wi-fi communications system between the Tram Cabin and station is the cause of the sudden Tram stoppage
resulting in the cabin swinging back and forth. The cause of the
communications disruption has been under investigation for several months
but has not yet been found....
Apparently, six months later, the cause has still not been found.
What do Roosevelt Island residents think of the slower Tram speed ride over
the East River and longer wait times for the Tram to depart in order to reduce
the occasional swinging Tram cabin incidents?
Not surprisingly, residents are not happy and many think the Tram is no longer, as
RIOC says, the:
... preeminent transportation option for islanders traveling to and from
Manhattan....
Rather than RIOC:
... always looking for ways to improve overall service, safety, and ride quality, particularly for our senior and disabled passengers....
RIOC has instead allowed the Tram to primarily become an overcrowded sightseeing attraction for tourists.
Due to the overcrowding of the Tram with sightseeing tourists, Roosevelt Island older adults and disabled residents cannot access the Tram and many are afraid to ride it. It will be even worse now with the new schedule.
For instance, one long time resident responded to today's RIOC announcement with:
If you can’t dazzle us with brilliance & competence, baffle us with BS & no remedies for folks who are elderly, mobility- or sensory-impaired, and are actual residents who, especially in the mornings, need barrier-free, fully accessible transit from RI to Manhattan.
According to this resident:
Just saw notice that tram will now run more slowly, every 10.5 minutes for
peak service (instead of 7.5) and every 21 for off-peak (instead of 15). Not
sure how this is going to help with the overcrowding and long line problems.
This is a recipe for disaster. Must make tram for resident and island worker
commuters only. No tourists!
Another resident:
We’ve been residents riding the Tram since 1977. While we understand that wear
and tear and maintenance are issues that need to be managed, the idea of
having only 3 trips per hour in non rush hours instead of 4 is unrealistic
given the current population and influx of visitors at all times. What might
be workable is to give cabin operators discretion to run additional trips if
they cannot fit everyone who is waiting. The waiting areas are already too
small to handle the crowds and they become dangerous (and unhealthy) when
people are jammed together for long periods. And ongoing long lines in bad
weather without shelter is going to cause further problems for residents,
particularly the elderly.
It’s from Department of Labor who have been consistently checking on the tram
since earlier this year Unfortunately even *if* the mandated schedule change
is baseless, I don’t think any amount of community protest will change the
DOL’s mind they probably could not care less about any petition we do or
anything else of the sort.
RIOC declined to comment if the Department of Labor mandated today's Tram changes.
More comments from Roosevelt Island residents on RIOC's announcement today to
slow the speed of the Tram and increase Tram waiting time.
I’m concerned that that this will lead to longer lines, which in my
opinion is worse overall than the risk of swaying. The longer lines
will not dissuade tourists, so it’ll become even worse for residents.
Furthermore, if there are any issues with the subway, the tram lines will
become even worse than they already are. Having a residents-only
line would alleviate some of these issues
The kids start school pretty much all around the same time. I would assume
there would not be many kids going to school at 10am. Decreasing the
frequency will definitely increase the lines.
The tram was not designed for the heavy usage it’s now experiencing. Its
current usage rate is asking for a disaster to happen.
Ultimately, RIOC needs to decide if they care about the quality of life
and freedom of movement of Roosevelt island residents and if so, what they
are willing to do about it
When RIOC said Sportspark would cost something like $300/month, they got a
ton of backlash and lowered the prices substantially. Any hope of forcing
a re-think on this tram change?
If nothing is done to assist residents and mitigate overcrowding, it’s
going to be like the anti-tourist campaigns in Barcelona, Portugal, etc
this summer
How about reducing tourist transit?
Resident priority boarding seems like the bare minimum but resident-only
for the duration of reduced service would be sweet
Don’t yell at me when I suggest this, but what if we did something like
they do for the ferry - charge single trips $4.00 - or more. But you could
get a multiple trip pass and then it is $2.90. Then, tourists would
have to think if they wanted to bring 8 people over just to ride both
ways
Honestly idk if that would be enough of a deterrent. Make it $15 and call
it Roosevelt island congregation pricing
There is a whole new 430 building yet to open … 900 more residents
yay
Yep. I have been saying all along that you cannot increase the number of
residents without increasing transportation options and capacity
accordingly. So there it is.
The only reason the Tram is are having such maintenance problems is
probably coz they are overloaded. They should focus on that issue rather
than changing the schedule and inconveniencing residents. This is so
unacceptable to working residents and school kids.
I think a shuttle ferry, walking bridge, elevator to the 59th street
bridge, etc. are all great ideas but the quickest and most easy to
implement immediately is cutting down on tourist overcrowding and
unnecessary trips. This is an island where people live and work, not just
an amusement park. We’re not Randall’s island or governor’s island and
right now it feels like that’s the priority and we’re an afterthought
which was tested at the Socrates Sculpture Park way back in 2008.
UPDATE 10/3 - Roosevelt Island Manhattan Tram station jam packed again this evening.
A resident trying to come home tonight reports:
Two residents on wheelchairs couldn’t get on because of all the tourists
Since these tourists think this is a ride or the running of the bulls and have no respect, at least PSD could tell them to let wheelchairs, seniors and people with young kids and strollers board first
I had to stop some tourists to let a wheelchair and a family with a stroller and kids board
They were complaining at me, but at that point I just didn’t care
Took me 30 minutes to board the tram since I stood on line
I was telling people inside “show some respect, this is not a tourist ride”. They kept complaining in German, but I just don’t care anymore.
Another tourist asked to go in front of us to take pics for the view. We didn’t move. It was a mom with a stroller they were asking
Tourists saying this is horrible. I hope they don’t take the tram anymore, it is crammed, they don’t get any views.
RIOC could not care less about residents even if they tried.
The Chabad Of Roosevelt Island invite you to Rosh Hashanah services Wednesday October 2 - Thursday October 5 and Yom Kippur services Friday October 11- Saturday October 12 at the Roosevelt Island Cultural Center Large Studio (548 Main Street).
Celebrate High Holidays 5785
Inspiring High Holiday Services with Meaning and Melody!
No Affiliation Necessary
Traditional and Inspirational Services
Warm and Friendly Atmosphere
Special Children's Program
For more info and to RSVP for Rosh Hashanah Dinner
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
thecafefbservices@tech.cornell.edu
As we begin the New Year, 5785, the Roosevelt Island Jewish Congregation wishes you a healthy, happy and peaceful New Year.
We are the oldest, longest-serving community congregation on the island, with over 40 years of service to more than one generation of Islanders.
We are excited to welcome our Guest Rabbi, Marna Sapsowitz, from Olympia, WA, a very long-time friend of RIJC members Angela Santamaria & Howard Schwartz. Rabbi Sapsowitz will be joined by returning Cantor, Sandra Goodman. Long-time RIJC members Amber Levanon Seligson & Michal Melamed have been instrumental in assisting Rabbi S with the Order of Services, recruiting Torah readers and other key service participants and more.
All Services will be conducted in the Small Studio/RIJC Sanctuary or in the Howe Theatre, both located in the RI Cultural Center, 548 Main Street. Additional details, Special video & print directions & more information can be found at RIJC.org as well as our RIJC Zoom link.
OUR SCHEDULE
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 2nd
6:00 pm — First Night Services / Rosh Hashanah
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 3rd
9:30 am — First Day Services / Rosh Hashanah
11:00 am — Children’s Service
2:00 pm (approx) — Tashlich at the Meditation Steps
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 4th
9:30 am — Second Day Services / Rosh Hashanah
COMING SOON —
RIJC’s updated schedule for Yom Kippur, Friday October 11th & Saturday October 12.
If a coastal storm or hurricane hits NYC, would you know what to do?
Know Your Zone!
If a big storm hits, The City may order residents in certain zones to
evacuate depending on the hurricane's track and projected storm surge.
Knowing your hurricane evacuation zone in advance can prevent stress and
evacuation delays if you are asked to evacuate because of an incoming
hurricane or coastal storm.
The Hurricane Evacuation Zone Finder will let you know if you’re located
in a zone and will show you your nearest evacuaton center. You can also
call 311 (212-639-9675 for Video Relay Service, or TTY: 212-504-4115) to
find out if you live in a zone.
The Hurricane Evacuation Zone Finder also shows City evacuation centers
which are all pet friendly.
Note: FEMA Flood zones are used to determine flood insurance requirements
and building code. Residents should not use FEMA’s flood zones to
determine the need to evacuate during coastal storms. The City will
determine which of the hurricane evacuation zones (from zone 1 up through
zone 6) should be evacuated based on the characteristics of an actual
storm as it is approaching the city. For more information about flood
zones, visit
www.floodhelpny.org.
depending upon the location of your building. As shown in the
NYC Hurricane Evacuation Zone Finder
below, the Roosevelt Island buildings colored in brown are in Zone 2 and those
colored in Yellow are in Zone 3. The nearby Evacuation Centers are shown
too.
The Octagon, Manhattan Park, Westview, Island House, Roosevelt Landings,
Cornell Tech, Coler Hospital and Riverwalk 480, 475, 460 and 430 Main Street
buildings are in Zone 2.
Riverwalk 405, 425, 455, 465 and Rivercross (531) buildings are in Zone 3.
Click here
for the NYCEM Hurricane Zone Finder and
Sign Up Here
to get hurricane and other emergency alerts from NYCEM.
Here's some scenes
of what Roosevelt Island looked like during Hurricane Sandy in October
2012
Please be advised that the South Tram Cabin will be offline from Monday, September 30th, through Sunday, October 6th, for necessary repair work by our operator, Leitner-POMA.
The North Cabin will remain in operation during this time.
If possible, we encourage you to consider using the F-Train, Q102 Bus, or Ferry for off-island travel during this period.
POMA will work to complete the repairs as quickly as possible, and we will notify the community once the South Cabin is back in service. Thank you for your patience and understanding!
-RIOC Transportation
RIOC Communications Department Director Bryant Daniels adds:
They’re replacing some gearbox couplings on the South Cabin. It’s more preventative maintenance, replacing older components. They’ll try to get it done as quickly as possible, but it will be a multi-day job.
The work was originally scheduled for the week of September 23. It was pushed back to this upcoming week because of last week's UN General Assembly week.
Plan for jam packed crowds on the single working Tram cabin this week.
The Thrillist travel and adventure channel recently did a very good story about the Tram. Watch it.
Long lines at the Roosevelt Island Tram Manhattan station this evening. According to a Tipster:
... it took 20 minutes (but also, I am very experienced with this and know where to go and to go around and so on. I think someone inexperienced would need one more tram.)
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.
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