Fish Heads, Guts And Trash Left Scattered Around Roosevelt Island East River Waterfront Promenade - Resident Wants RIOC Public Safety Department To Enforce Littering Laws And Fine Visitors For Leaving Disgusting Mess

A Roosevelt Island Tipster shares these photos and reports today:

Fisherman leaving their mess behind on Roosevelt Island. These pictures were taken this morning (April 16) near the Manhattan side of the Cornell Tech campus.

Fish heads and guts scattered around. Fast food scraps, plastic trash and bags blowing into the East River.

Is there a way for the Public Safety Department to enforce littering laws against the fisherman and other visitor with fines?

RIOC Listens To Roosevelt Island Community And Offers Free Access Hours To Swimming Pool, Fitness And Yoga Program For Seniors At Sportspark Recreational Center - It Was "A Team Effort With Good Outcome" Says Older Adult Center Director Lisa Fernandez

During the April 3 Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Board of Directors meeting Public Session, Roosevelt Island resident Mary McCechan and Carter Burden Network Roosevelt Island Older Adult Center Director Lisa Fernandez asked RIOC to implement a free access program for use by limited income Roosevelt Island seniors at the Sportspark pool 

and recreational center.

According to Ms McCechan:

... Older adults are the nations fastest growing population. The number of older adults in the State has ballooned. In New York City in this next deck decade, the number of older adults will surpass the number of children for the first time in history.

Governments and responsible community agencies are realigning and preparing policy and programs for these changing demographics across this nation.

The most serious challenges for older adults center on isolation, health, well-being and living on a fixed income. 

The pool at SportsPark can address all these challenges. Yet for older adults, the utilization of the pool has dropped by almost 47% from 285 to the current registration of 151. 

Given our current inflation rate, living on a fixed income has become particularly difficult. Cost is the biggest stated reason for older adults, not using the pool.

Traditionally during non-peak hours, there have always been free pool hours for the seniors on Roosevelt Island. We are asking that free hours for senior swimming be reestablished. 

This is about community building and as stakeholders together we can help ensure that older adults are active and engaged members of the Roosevelt Island community....

RIOC listened and yesterday announced a program providing free access for Roosevelt Island seniors at the Sportspark. According to RIOC Communications Director Bryant Daniels:

A few weeks ago, several island seniors met with our Constituent Services Department to discuss ways to improve senior utilization of Sportspark, specifically in the pool, which has always been a popular destination. It was a productive meeting, with our Constituent Services Department stating they would take the feedback back to Sportspark for review, and the Senior group indicating they would also bring it up at the next meeting of the RIOC Board of Directors. Following those events, the Sportspark team put together this new plan to offer free swim periods for island seniors on Mondays and Wednesdays from 11 am to 2 pm, starting April 15th. Additionally, for seniors who want to get active but may not want to swim, we’re also now offering a free afternoon yoga chair class every Tuesday from 12 pm to 12:45 pm in the Sportspark fitness studio. Seniors interested in taking advantage of these special program periods simply need to show ID at the Sportspark desk for proof of age. 

 We understand that many seniors are on a fixed income, and although Sportspark is already incredibly well-priced, we thought it was important to make these additional services available for older adults in the community who may have been on the fence about visiting the Sportspark complex.

I asked Mr Daniels:

How come if you use this program, you can’t use during other hours?

Mr Daniels replied:

We still have the reduced rate of $25 per month for seniors to use the facility anytime, whenever they want. These special hours and programs are designed for folks on a more limited fixed income, during hours we think will be popular.

Carter Burden Roosevelt Island Older Adult Center Director Lisa Fernandez adds:

This was a team effort; Mary McCechan, Elizabeth Berg, Ronnye Halper and myself originally met with Bryant Daniels & Amanda Dominguez.

They were very receptive and willing to listen. I’m really happy the older adult community has additional opportunities to stay fit and active.

Also, pleased that RIOC has been very open and communicative.

Again, a team effort with a good outcome! 

 Here's Ms McCechan and Ms Fenandez speaking at the April 3 RIOC Board meeting Public Session.

Kudos to the new Interim RIOC leadership of Deputy General Counsel Gerrald Ellis, Chief Financial Officer Dhru Amin, RIOC Board member Howard Polivy and the rest of the RIOC Board for listening and engaging with the Roosevelt Island residents to better serve our community.

The Sportspark recreational facility was re-opened  May 19, 2023 after a $12 million renovation and an initial huge increase in fee schedule imposted by the prior RIOC administration which was reversed after widespread community protest.

Come along on a tour of the Sportspark recreational facility given during its May 19 re-opening ceremony. 

More info on the Roosevelt Island Sportspark recreational facility programs, schedules and fees at the RIOC website.

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.

You're Invited To RIHS Free Lecture Showing Photos Of MTA's 63rd Street Tunnel, Second Avenue Subway, LIRR Grand Central Madison Station Before And After Construction Tuesday Evening April 16 At NYPL Roosevelt Island Branch - Presented By From A Nickel To A Token Author Andy Sparberg

The Roosevelt Island Historical Society (RIHS) is hosting a free lecture:

Roosevelt Island and The MTA 1968 Program for Action

Tuesday April 16 at the Roosevelt Island NY Public Library branch (504 Main Street).

According to RIHS:

The presentation is a series of photos, taken between 1971 and 2023, that depicts the 63rd Street Subway Tunnel, Second Avenue Subway and LIRR Grand Central Madison Station, both during and after completion. As a bonus, there will also be photos taken in the last 4 years from the Queensboro Bridge pedestrian pathway, and aboard the NYC Ferry that passes Roosevelt Island.

RIHS adds that the presentation will be given by Andy Sparberg who:

... is a lifelong New Yorker and has spent 30 years in the transportation field. He is retired from the MTA Long Island RR and is now an adjunct instructor at CUNY School of Labor and Urban Studies. He is author of the 2015 book From A Nickel To A Token...

You're Invited To A Roosevelt Island Evening Of Folk Music And Poetry At RIVAA Gallery Sunday April 14 - Elegant Verses And Soul Stirring Melodies

According to RIVAA Gallery:

On Sunday, April 14, 2024 at 5:30 PM, folk music and poetry blend together to offer you an enchanting evening of entertainment. Join us at RIVAA Gallery located at 527 Main Street, NY, NY 10044.

Entry is free, and please consider making a donation to support the performing artists and RIVAA's continued events. Thank you from all of us at the Roosevelt Island Visual Art Association.

SUPPORT RIVAA

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Man Tries To Snatch Egg From Roosevelt Island Canadian Goose Nest Near FDR Park And Kills Gander Defending The Nest

Canadian Geese can be found roaming all over Roosevelt Island.

For the most part, the geese and humans peacefully coexist on Roosevelt Island but that was not the case recently as reported by Roosevelt Island resident Micheline Hess on April 11:

Yesterday I was down near Four Freedoms Park and I noticed a goose that was sitting on a clutch of eggs out on the rocks by the water.

I went and told the woman who manages the cat compound because sometimes she moves the nests when they’re too exposed and the geese seem to trust her.

She told me she was aware of that nest, and went on to tell me about how recently, a grown-ass man approached that very nest and tried to snatch an egg from it. When the male goose ( gander?) attacked this man, he kicked it and then beat it with a large stick, ultimately killing it. The female is still on the nest.

I know a lot of folks dislike them because they poop everywhere and sometimes slow down traffic, but they don’t deserve to be harassed or hurt.

If you happen to see anyone hassling them, please harness your inner Karen or Ken and call these people out.

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Ms Hess is an artist who curated the recent Black History Month exhibition at RIVAA Gallery.

April 6 Assault At Roosevelt Island F Train Subway Station Platform And April 8 Assault At Motorgate Garage

The Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Public Safety Department (PSD) Daily Blotter reports 2 assaults taking place on Roosevelt Island this past week.

According to the RIOC PSD Blotter:

04/06/24 – 1913 – 400 Main Street – Assault – PSD, EMS, and NYPD responded – Report filed/ Transported to hospital.

04/08/24 – 0451 – 688 Main Street – Assault – PSD, EMS and NYPD responded – Report file

I asked RIOC Communications Director Bryant Daniels and the NYPD for more details about these incidents.

According to a NYPD spokesperson:

There is a report on file for a robbery, within the confines of the Transit District 20/114 Precinct. A 54 year-old female reported to police that on Saturday, April 6, 2024 at approximately 1900 hours, while on the northbound platform waiting for a train at the Roosevelt Island train station she observed two females that she had a prior dispute with. A verbal dispute ensued which became physical. The complainant was punched and kicked multiple times in the face ... She suffered bleeding and a broken nose. They also removed $20 and her wig. Both individuals fled the location in an unknown direction. There are no arrests and the investigation is ongoing.

Regarding the April 8 Motorgate assault incident, 

RIOC Communications Director Bryant Daniels reports:

At approximately 4:51AM PSD responded to a call of a reported assault at 688 Main Street. Upon arriving at the scene, they spoke with a victim who stated he had been assaulted by an adult male. The victim sustained minor injuries and was examined by EMS. PSD officers took down a description of the assailant, located and detained the individual also at 688 Main Street. NYPD also responded and placed the individual under arrest. There was no weapon involved in the incident and both individuals were non-residents.

Mr Daniels added that he believes the victim was a homeless individual.

As previously reported:

The Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Public Safety Department (PSD) hosted a March 12 community engagement meeting at the Good Shepherd Community Center.

RIOC PSD Chief Kevin Brown, Deputy Chief Anthony Amoroso, Deputy General Counsel/Interim Leadership Team member Gerrald Ellis, Communications Director Bryant Daniels and about a dozen Roosevelt Island residents attended the almost hour long meeting.

Among the issues discussed were:

• Overall low level of crime on Roosevelt Island but there are incidents of domestic violence and mental health issues,
• Issuance of parking summons and towing,
• Crowd control during Cherry Blossom Season and on the Roosevelt Island Tram,
• Shoplifting at Duane Reade,
• Missing packages at Roosevelt Landings
• Keeping communications open between PSD and the community,
• Lack of bathrooms,
• and more.

Here's full video of the March 12 Roosevelt Island Public Safety Community Engagement Meeting.

Get Your Tickets Now For The Adventures Of Robin Hood Presented By The Roosevelt Island Main Street Theatre & Dance Alliance Children's Theatre Friday April 12 Thru Sunday April 14

The Roosevelt Island Main Street Theatre & Dance Alliance (MST&DA) Children's Theatre program presents the Adventures Of Robin Hood this weekend, Friday April 12 - Sunday April 14.

MST&DA Executive Director Kristi Towey reports:

Join the MSTDA Children’s Theatre group as they take you deep into the depths of Sherwood Forest in ye jollie olde England and see Robin Hood and his Merry Crew rescue Maid Marion from the clutches of the evil Sheriff of Nottingham and his hapless band of castle guards.

Photo Credit Irina Hage/Irina Island Images

These two adventures were especially written by the award winning writer David Neilson originally for a summer theater camp in Sleepy Hollow, NY, but are now making their MSTDA debut and being performed for the first time back to back as one entire production.

Created in the slapstick tradition of English Pantomime and combining comedy farce and larger than life characters, this is Monty Pythonesque tribute to all that is silly about those crazy Brits and their strange customs - as well as throwing in a few ‘modern’ references that only the older members of the audience will understand.

Photo Credit Irina Hage/Irina Island Images

After all, as Bryan Adams said, everything we do - we do it for you...

Photo Credit Irina Hage/Irina Island Images

A real theatre treat for the whole family!

Get Your Tickets Now.

Here's more info about the MST&DA Production Theatres and other activities.

Follow MST&DA on Instagram too.

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Click here to get your tickets.