Roosevelt Island Bank Branch Search Update - RIOC President Says Westview Building Owner Not Willing To Help Get A Bank For Empty Space, Westview Owner Says Not True And Would Consider Any Leads Or Proposals For New Robust Retail Corridor

As reported June 18

Roosevelt Island has been without a bank since Amalgamted Bank closed it's Main Street branch last September. 

Since that time, the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC), Main Street Retail Master Leaseholder Hudson Related, local politicians and residents have been unable to persuade any bank to open on Roosevelt Island. 

During yesterday's RIOC Operations Advisory Committee meeting, RIOC President Shelton Haynes and Chief Financial Officer John O'Reilly reported that banks refuse to open a branch on Main Street. 

However, there is interest in opening a bank branch near the Roosevelt Island Transportation Hubs, Tram, Subway and Ferry in Southtown near the Riverwalk Buildings, Cornell Tech and the newly opened Graduate Hotel. 

RIOC plans to offer space in the renovated Sportspark building to a bank that may be interested in the location....

I asked Hudson Related's David Kramer:

Has Hudson tried getting a bank for Main Street? What do they say?

Mr Kramer replied:

We’ve tried to recruit a bank, and thus far, they’re only interested in being located in Riverwalk, where we don’t have a vacancy.

I’d be surprised if a bank was interested in Sportspark, not enough foot traffic for them.

Roosevelt Island Residents Association (RIRA) President Rossana Ceruzzi recently discussed the lack of a Roosevelt Island bank with RIOC President Shelton Haynes. According to Ms. Ceruzzi, Mr. Haynes said that Westview building (site of the former Amalgamated Bank) owner  David Hirschorn:

... is not willing to help...

get a bank on Roosevelt Island and Mr Hirschorn:

... doesn't want to work with us to use the old space.

I asked Mr Haynes if he wished to add to or clarify his comment about Mr Hirschorn. RIOC Public Information Officer Amy Smith replied:

Since Amalgamated Bank closed its branch on Roosevelt Island last year, RIOC has received several inquiries about bringing another bank to the island. As part of that strategy, RIOC approached Mr. Hirschhorn with the idea of bringing another bank to the Amalgamated Bank space but, unfortunately, he was not willing to entertain our proposal for a new bank at that location. And, unfortunately, many of the banks that have been approached to establish a presence on the island have declined our offer either because of limited storefronts large enough to outfit a new branch along Main Street, or because of an interest to be close to a transportation hub such as the F train or the Tram. That said, RIOC continues its search to bring a new bank to the island in an effort to fulfill the needs of the community.

RIOC CFO John O'Reilly followed up with a phone call with me yesterday saying that during a summer 2020 telephone conversation with himself, Mr Haynes and Mr Hirschorn, the Westview owner indicated he was being paid rent by Amalgamated Bank through September 2021 and was not interested in putting any effort at the time to market the space to another bank.

In response to my inquiry, Mr Hirschorn replied:

I was extremely disappointed when I first received notice from Amalgamated back in June 2020 that they would be permanently closing their Westview Branch.  Attached is the letter I sent to Amalgamated at the time reminding them of the importance to residents of having a banking facility here on Roosevelt Island and asking them to reconsider their decision to permanently close the branch.  Unfortunately, they were just not able to continue retail banking at Westview.

I then reached out to a very senior person at a major bank with whom I have a close relationship and discussed the possibility of his bank opening a branch in the former Amalgamated space.  I also asked him, as a special favor to me, to reach out to his banking colleagues as to whether they would consider the Westview location for their banks.  Regrettably, there was just no interest.  Remember, this was during the height of the pandemic, a difficult time for everyone.

I reached out to Shelton Haynes at RIOC to share with him what I had learned and to see what RIOC might be doing.  Mr. Haynes advised that his experience was similar to mine.  I suggested that he explore with the relevant NYS agencies whether there was some State incentives that could be offered to attract a new bank and asked him to be back in touch with me.  Until recently reading your article and listening to Mr. Haynes’ report to the RIOC Board, I was unaware of any steps RIOC had taken and did not know they were courting banks to locate at Sportspark.   I was disappointed, but not surprised, to hear Mr. Haynes report to the Board that based on his canvassing of banks, none were interested in opening a branch on Main Street, which would include Westview.

Since Amalgamated’s lease expires this month,  a decision needs to be made whether to remove the vault and safe deposit boxes.  I would imagine that any chance that a new bank would consider Westview as a banking site would be severely reduced once the vault and safe deposit boxes are removed as the cost to replace these items is quite significant.  I am glad that you reported on this topic since it is indeed very timely.   I reached out to Amalgamated yesterday, but regrettably they cannot reverse course.  If RIOC has any leads or proposals, I would certainly want to be able to consider them.  However, based on Mr. Haynes’ recent report to the Board,  the reality of the situation appears to be that no banks are interested in Main Street/Westview.  My understanding of the banking world today, particularly given the tremendous investment banks have made in their on-line banking platforms, is that Roosevelt Island is just not a location that would support a new brick and mortar branch.  Maybe RIOC knows something I do not.

The Westview retail space is at an interesting juncture.  RIOC will soon be vacating the Westview offices at 591 that it has occupied rent free for 45 years, having decided to move out and pay rent elsewhere.  The Westview Wine and Liquor store will be moving to Island House and of course the Amalgamated space is now empty.   While not something we planned, it does present an opportunity to rethink Westview’s commercial spaces.  With the pandemic hopefully behind us, and a return to a more normal business environment on the horizon, we look forward to creating a robust Westview retail corridor that provides services that the community wants.  In the meantime, we are hard at work completing the Westview cooperative conversion.  We will soon be offering fully renovated Westview Apartments with amazing River views (contact alyssa@developmentmarketingteam.com). 

On a final note, I was pleased to learn that RIOC intends to address the sunken roads, collapsed curbs and resulting damaged sidewalks at Westview (some of the worst of which are in front of the Amalgamated space), as part of its overall program to address these deficiencies throughout the Island.  This will certainly help attract retail tenants.  I just hope that we will see action soon.  Thank you RIOC.

Here's the RIOC Operations Advisory Committee meeting discussion about the possibility of a Sportspark Bank branch (25 minute mark). 

 

According to Mr. O'Reilly, Amalgamated Bank closed their Roosevelt Island branch with 800 customers and $9 million in deposits, needing $20 million to break even.At closing, RIOC had over $40 million in deposits at the Roosevelt Island Amalgamated Bank  branch. But, Amalgamated did not give the Roosevelt Island branch any credit in evaluating it's viability for the RIOC $40 million deposit which was credited to the Amalgamated corporate group.  

The Amalgamated Bank branch opened on Roosevelt Island in 2009. At that time, then Roosevelt Island NY State Assembly Member Micah Kellner reported:

On October 1st, I was proud to join Amalgamated Bank President and CEO Derrick Cephas, as well as Borough President Scott Stringer and a number of other distinguished guests, to mark the grand opening of Amalgamated’s new branch on Roosevelt Island. The opening marks the beginning of a new era of community banking for island residents — a secure replacement for the New York National Bank branch that closed this summer.

In July, I posted about how I worked with Assembly Banking Committee Chair Darryl Towns to ensure that the State Banking Department designated the island’s new Amalgamated branch as a Banking Development District (BDD) branch. This means that $10 million in public funds have been deposited with the new branch, providing the security it needs to serve as a reliable long-term bank for Roosevelt Islanders. Thanks to the BDD designation, as well as support from State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli, City Comptroller William C. Thompson, Jr., the Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation, and other stakeholders, island residents will continue to have a convenient location to do their banking for many years to come....

Apparently a $40 million deposit from RIOC is not sufficient incentive to keep or obtain a new bank branch on Roosevelt Island's Main Street.

Banks Refuse To Open Branch On Roosevelt Island Main Street But Will Consider Area Near RI Transportation Hub In Southtown, Says RIOC - Sportspark Building Being Offered

Roosevelt Island has been without a bank since Amalgamted Bank closed it's Main Street branch last September. 

Since that time, the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC), Main Street Retail Master Leaseholder Hudson Related, local politicians and residents have been unable to persuade any bank to open on Roosevelt Island. 

During yesterday's RIOC Operations Advisory Committee meeting, RIOC President Shelton Haynes and Chief Financial Officer John O'Reilly reported that banks refuse to open a branch on Main Street. 

However, there is interest in opening a bank branch near the Roosevelt Island Transportation Hubs, Tram, Subway and Ferry in Southtown near the Riverwalk Buildings, Cornell Tech and the newly opened Graduate Hotel. 

RIOC plans to offer space in the renovated Sportspark building to a bank that may be interested in the location.

Upon hearing of RIOC's plan, RIOC Directors Michael Shinozaki and David Kraut warned of expected community opposition to placing a bank in Sportspark, instead of on Main Street where most of the residents who have been asking for a bank branch live.  Mr Shinozaki said:

...The perception problem you're going to have is that this is a facility being put in for the benefit of Cornell and not for the residents of the Island...

Mr Kraut added:

... It's no good putting banks in Sportpark when the people live on Main Street... We always have to be careful who we're carrying water for. Are we carrying water for the people who live here or some other entity?...

Mr O'Reilly replied:

The issue is the banks themselves are reluctant to go to Main Street.... We're not pointing them to Sportspark....

...They see the Transportation hubs... attracting business to their brick and mortar....

Today I asked one Long Time Roosevelt Island resident who's been asking for a new Roosevelt Island bank branch about the possibility of Sportspark as a location. The reaction:

... As far as a bank — anywhere accessible by Red Bus is ok by me....

According to Mr. O'Reilly, Amalgamated Bank closed their Roosevelt Island branch with 800 customers and $9 million in deposits, needing $20 million to break even.At closing, RIOC had over $40 million in deposits at the Roosevelt Island Amalgamated Bank  branch. But, Amalgamated did not give the Roosevelt Island branch any credit in evaluating it's viability for the RIOC $40 million deposit which was credited to the Amalgamated corporate group.

Here's the RIOC Operations Advisory Committee meeting discussion about the possibility of a Sportspark Bank branch (25 minute mark).

RIOC OPS Committee - June 17 2021.m4v from Diva Communications on Vimeo.

Also, RIOC is seeking to place more ATM machines at various locations around Roosevelt Island.

Stay tune for more. 

UPDATE 8 PM - The Long Time Roosevelt Island Resident adds:

Totally agree with anyone who argues for the fact that most of the population lives between Manhattan Park and North of the Tram, and that the RIOC & Hudson Related folks as well as our newest neighbor totally disrespect the actual folks who live AND work here.  Especially the elderly, disabled and the Island businesses and non-profits that need an accessible brick & mortar bank.

Let the hotel & Cornell get some ATMs and give us a conveniently located branch of a financially stable, healthy Bank IN THE HEART OF THE ISLAND.

Roosevelt Island Without Any Bank Branch When Amalgamated Bank Closes September 25 - Resident Asks RIOC To Help Get New Bank For Roosevelt Island, Amalgamated President Says Residents Can Continue 24/7 Mobile/Online Services And ATM At Duane Reade

Amalgamated Bank announced earlier this month that it was closing their Roosevelt Island Main Street  branch

on September 25, 2020.

Amalgamated Bank opened the branch in July 2009 and will leave Roosevelt Island without any bank branch when it closes.

Roosevelt Island resident Raye Schwartz shares this message she sent to the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) asking for some help in getting a new bank branch to open here.

I’m writing because of the issue that’s going to impact many of us when Amalgamated Bank closes in September.

As it is, now during the Coronavirus Pandemic since this branch is shut, the ATM’s have been malfunctioning on some days so that one can’t even get some cash! If there is no other bank to replace them, many residents and workers will have serious issues, especially seniors, the disabled, parents with babies, and some building workers on a lunch break who may need immediate cash and can’t leave the island via mass transit or own cars to drive to a bank in Queens. Further, there are also some organizations such as the school PTA, Girl Scouts, etc. who have accounts.

It’s really urgent and I beg you to do everything you can to get another bank here ASAP. I know you are all very busy, but it’s really important as it affects so many of us.

RIOC shares this July 14 letter from Amalgamated President Keith Mestrich on the Roosevelt Island branch. According to Mr Mestrich:

Read more »

Amalgamated Bank Closing Roosevelt Island Main Street Branch In September - No Other Bank On Roosevelt Island

Amalgamated Bank

announced with a flyer on it's Main Street entrance door that their Roosevelt Island Main Street branch will be permanently closing

on September 26 of this year. The Amalgamated Bank Roosevelt Island branch opened in July 2009.

There is no other bank on Roosevelt Island.

The Westview retail space is controlled by building ownership and is not part of the Hudson Related Main Street Master Leasehold.

Roosevelt Island Senior Center Carter Burden Program Upcoming Events & Services - Amalgamated Bank Financial Health Presentation, Exercising Your Mind, Fresh Food For Seniors Sign Up, Museum Field Trip & More

Samantha Romero is the new Roosevelt Island Senior Center Carter Burden Program Outreach & Community Engagement Director. Ms Romero reports

Hello everyone!

I hope everyone has had a pleasant week! To those of you who have stopped by my office: thank you! It has been an absolute pleasure to meet you! However, I do want to take a second to formally introduce myself to everyone:

My name is Samantha Romero, & I have taken over as of June 12th as the new Director of Outreach & Community Engagement. I am newly married to an active-duty Marine who is stationed in Camp Lejeune (North Carolina), & am a graduate of East Carolina University (GO PIRATES!), where I obtained two Bachelor’s degrees: one in Criminal Justice & another in Family & Community Services. I am currently in ECU’s online Criminal Justice program to obtain my Master’s degree. I am a bit of a newcomer to New York City; I moved here in the summer of 2015 after growing up in a small community in south-eastern North Carolina. Previously, I have volunteered for other non-profit organizations in North Carolina, as well as worked for an Eviction Prevention Housing Subsidy unit in the Bronx. I am so excited for all that is to come with being the Outreach Director, & I am even more excited to get to know you all! I am eager to bring some new activities & events here to the center for you all to enjoy, so please feel free to drop by my office to say “Hello!” & offer any suggestions for things you would like to see here. Thank you again for a great first week, & I am looking forward to the weeks & months to come!

Open-Door Office Policy: My door will be open from 10:00am until 12:00pm Monday through Friday, or by appointment. You can also find me in the lunchroom until 12:30pm. I love to chat with you all! However, in order for me to ensure I can coordinate some awesome events/activities/field trips for you all, I have to allocate a certain amount time for planning & speaking on the phone with outside agencies. Thank you in advance for your understanding! Stay tuned for some new events coming your way…!

WEDNESDAY, 6/21:

Representatives from Senator Serrano’s office will be available from 11am-2pm in the lobby.

We will be having our June Birthday Celebration & Sing-Along Karaoke in the Cafeteria beginning at 12:30pm. Come enjoy some cake with us!

THURSDAY, 5/25:

Join us from 12:30-1:30pm for a special presentation by the Amalgamated Bank Financial Health Presentation. 

UPCOMING / SAVE THE DATE:

Michael Sherman’s Art Class People, Places, & Things Exhibition will be held on Wednesday June 28th, 2017 from 5:00pm-7:00pm. Make sure to stop by & indulge in some wine, cheese, & beautiful art!

The Alzheimer’s Foundation will be holding their “Exercise Your Mind: Brain-Healthy Living” Talk at 12:30pm on Thursday June 29th, 2017.

·Fresh Food for Seniors will begin sign-up on Monday June 26th & Tuesday June 27th. Sign-up will be held in the lobby. The pick-up will be Wednesday July 5th.

We are excited to announce an up-coming field trip to the Museum of the City of New York on Friday June 30th! We will be leaving the Senior Center at 12:00pm, & will be spending a couple of hours exploring & learning about the new exhibitions in the Museum. The van will have us back to the Senior Center by 4:00pm. If you are planning to enjoy lunch at the Senior Center prior to departure, please arrive by 11:20am. Sign-up with me in my office between 10:00am & 12:00pm Monday through Friday. Please note, sign-up is on a FIRST-COME FIRST-SERVE basis beginning Monday June 19th.

Join us for Broadway Health Care Staffing Bingo on Thursday July 6th from 1:00pm until 2:00pm in the Cafeteria.

Much more to come!

REMINDER:

Membership and all of our programming are FREE. A voluntary contribution of $1.50 is suggested for lunch.

Welcome Ms. Romero to Roosevelt Island.

You're Invited To Roosevelt Island FDR 4 Freedoms Park Imagination Playground May 20 & 21 - Build Whatever You Imagine With Giant Blocks, Pop Up Reading Room Too

Roosevelt Island's FDR 4 Freedoms Park will host the Imagination Playground this weekend. According to the FDR Four Freedoms Park:

Join us for a fun-filled weekend with these family friendly events! At Imagination Playground, channel Louis Kahn by building whatever you imagine with oversized, architectural blocks on the lawn.

Image From FDR Four Freedoms Park

At the Uni Project, our pop-up reading room, come sit, read, draw, and explore a curated collection of books and hands-on materials.

Image From FDR Four Freedoms Park

Free; no registration required.

Imagination Playground and the Uni Project will visit the Park on:
Saturday, May 20 & Sunday, May 21; Saturday, June 24 & Sunday, June 25; Saturday, September 16 & Sunday, September 17; Saturday, October 14 & Sunday, October 15.

ABOUT IMAGINATION PLAYGROUND

Imagination Playground is an innovative playground equipment system that transforms any space — schools, children's museums, parks and recreation, daycare centers, camps, hospitals, churches — into a play space that encourages learning, social development, movement, and above all fun.

ABOUT THE UNI PROJECT

The Uni Project is a nonprofit that brings learning opportunities to public space in New York City. Using custom-designed installations, the Uni Project pop ups in parks, plazas, and other public spaces to offer reading, drawing, and hands-on activities that let New Yorkers embrace the act of learning. The Uni Project partners with community organizations and city agencies, and we prioritize underserved locations.

The Uni Project is generously supported by NYC Council Members Ben Kallos & Mark Levine.

Imagination Playground is made possible by Amalgamated Bank, the bank of Roosevelt Island.

More info on the Uni Project



available at their web site.

Hillary Clinton Or Donald Trump? Last Day To Register To Vote In Upcoming Presidential Election October 14 - You Can Register At Roosevelt Island's Amalgamated Bank

Janet Falk reports:

Roosevelt Island residents can register to vote at Amalgamated Bank, located at 619 Main Street.

You must be a US citizen at least 18 years old and show identification, such as New York Drivers license, Social Security number or passport.

"This election is very important and every eligible voter should register," said Albert Salas, Vice President and Branch Manager.

Last day to register in New York is Friday, 10/14.

For more information, please call the bank at 212-413-8775.

#Decision2016 is 35 days away. Register to vote at https://t.co/iwx0fBtsFz
Don't miss your chance to make your voice heard. #bankwithpurpose

— Amalgamated Bank (@AmalgamatedBank) October 3, 2016

The election is November 8, 4 weeks from today.

The NYC Board of Elections has more information on registering to vote.

RIRA Youth Initiative Teaches Financial Literacy To Roosevelt Island Young Adults With Help Of Amalgamated Bank Execs - Will Use New Skills To Organize Program For Seniors And Disabled

Roosevelt Island Residents Association (RIRA) Community Polling and Youth Initiative Chair Adib Mansour reports:

YOUNG ADULTS ON ROOSEVELT ISLAND

The RIRA Survey showed that many residents feel the community is not doing enough for the young adults on Roosevelt Island. This has prompted me to create a new RIRA Initiative that has short and long term benefits. A new program was designed to focus on the middle school female students that were in the Soccer Leadership program created last year through the Roosevelt Island Beacon at PS/IS 217.

MAKE IT COUNT: A LEADERSHIP PROJECT

The initiative fits in a Civic Engagement category that will teach young adults on Roosevelt Island basic financial literacy: how a bank works, how a credit card differs from an ATM card, how to manage a budget and how / why saving money for future needs is valuable. It also introduces them to new job opportunities in the financial field. On the long term aspect, the young adults will organize activities or events for members of the Roosevelt Island Seniors Association and the Roosevelt Island Disabled Association and be recognized island-wide for their leadership engagement.

Amalgamated Bank:

In June, the group of young ladies visited Amalgamated Bank for a behind-the-scene tour and learned the ins-and-outs of a bank’s operations. Branch Manager Albert Salas and Retail Banking Representative George Alba

Image Of Roosevelt Island Youth Initiative Visit To Amalgamated Bank

provided a Banking 101 overview, as well as a description of future career opportunities. Some of the things they learned: Identifying the major types of insured financial institutions, as well as five reasons to use a bank; they learned how to open and maintain a bank account, the diverse bank services. At the end, they went into the bank’s Safe, which turned out to be a thrilling experience.

The students found the session highly informative and they also appreciated receiving Amalgamated Bank souvenirs.

Community Engagement:

We will provide the group with $200 credit card (unanimously approved by the RIRA Common Council) to come up with an event or program to serve the seniors and disabled on the island. This could be anything from a picnic to acquiring books to be read to the Seniors by the students on a long-term basis; etc.

The group had several meetings thus far where the young ladies volunteered to take on different responsibilities including budget, talent and dance performances, sound and music, costume and props, and much more. They would have to figure out the cost and budget for their project and determine the best possible way to spend their money. They will also have to engage the Roosevelt Islander blogger and the WIRE for publicity, as well as engaging with local politicians, the community leaders, RIOC, and RIRA. They are working on dance performances with the help of the Main Street Theatre & Dance Alliance.

The young adults will gain knowledge of banking, job opportunities, budgeting, and planning, as well as helping neighbors in their community, a win-win-win benefiting many aspects of the island.

The Future Leaders:

Here are the names of the young ladies in this RIRA leadership program and their responsibilities:

• Kaia K. Dance 2 / Cupckaes
• Tia Y. Dance 1 / Costume Coordinator
• Madison L. Food/Drinks Vendors Coordinator
• Jaden L. Location/ Publicity Coordinator
• Any L. Talent / General Coordinator
• Kyla P. Dance 2/ Food/Drinks Vendors Coordinator
• Sarah L. Music DJ Coordinator
• Lina B. Dance 3 / Costume Coordinator
• Tatiana D. Dance 3 / Budget Coordinator
• Kayla F. Dance 1 / Props Coordinator

For more information, please contact Adib Mansour at riradib@earthlink.net. We will announce the date of the final event that will be presented to the senior and disabled citizens of Roosevelt Island.

The full RIRA survey is here.

Childbirth In 19th Century America: The Role Of Charity Hospital - Free Lecture At The NYC Public Library Roosevelt Island Branch Tuesday April 12 - Sponsored By Roosevelt Island Historical Society & Amalgamated Bank

The Roosevelt Island Historical Society (RIHS) and Amalgamated Bank invite you to their fourth in a series of free lectures at the Roosevelt Island NY Public Library Branch (524 Main Street). According to RIHS:

The Roosevelt Island Historical Society and Amalgamated Bank Present a Free Lecture

Childbirth in 19th Century America: The Role of Charity Hospital

by Professor Jane Brickman, U. S. Merchant Marine Academy
New York Public Library Branch on Roosevelt Island
Tuesday, April 12 at 6:30 p.m.

For centuries, childbirth was a dangerous experience, for both women and their babies. In the 19th century, midwives, nurses and doctors at Charity Hospital, which operated on Roosevelt Island until 1957, were recognized as leaders/pioneers in making childbirth a safe experience. Jane Brickman, Professor of History at the United States Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, will describe some of their practices in a lecture at the New York Public Library at 524 Main Street, Roosevelt Island. The lecture is sponsored by the Roosevelt Island Historical Society and supported by Amalgamated Bank.

The event is FREE and open to the public.

DIRECTIONS: Take the Tram at 59th Street and Second Avenue or the F train to Roosevelt Island. Take the red bus (no charge) or walk eight minutes north to 524 Main Street.

Upcoming RIHS Events

Contact rooseveltislandhistory@gmail.com or 212-688-4836 for information on these exciting tours:

4/23 - 8th Annual Cherry Blossom Walk
5/14 - Subway Art Tour

Elder Web has more info about Charity Hospital:

1890: Life for Nurses and Patients in Charity Hospital, NY

Summary: Some excerpts from an article in Scribner Magazine that focus on life in Charity Hospital, the poorhouse hospital on Blackwell's Island (now Roosevelt Island), New York City.

Source: The Nineteenth Century in Print: Periodicals

The Training Of A Nurse
Scribner's magazine (Volume 8, Issue 5, November, 1890)

Following are some excerpts that focus on life in Charity Hospital, the poorhouse hospital located on Blackwell's Island, New York City (renamed Roosevelt Island in 1973).
Charity Hospital Patients

The patients in Charity Hospital are the very poor of the city; some of them are only morally sick and needing a home; they puzzle the doctors to make a diagnosis. Most of their sickness, as we nurses know, has been brought on by over-work, poverty, drunkenness, laziness, and the like, but some are worthy and deserving persons....

Click here to read more of the Scribner Magazine article about life at Roosevelt (Blackwell's) Island Charity Hospital in the 1890's excepted by Elder Web.

The NY Times has more on Charity Hospital.

You're Invited To SS Columbia And Return Of The Hudson River Day Liner Free Lecture At The NYC Public Library Roosevelt Island Branch Tuesday March 8 - Sponsored By Roosevelt Island Historical Society & Amalgamated Bank

The Roosevelt Island Historical Society (RIHS) and Amalgamated Bank invite you to the third in a series of free lectures at the Roosevelt Island NY Public Library Branch (524 Main Street). According to RIHS:

Image From SS Columbia

The Roosevelt Island Historical Society and

Amalgamated Bank

Present a Free Lecture

The SS Columbia and Return of the

Hudson River Day Liner

by Liz McEnaney, Executive Director of the SS Columbia Project

New York Public Library Branch on Roosevelt Island

Tuesday, March 8 at 6:30 p.m.

Steamboats ruled the Hudson River and many of America's waterways in the early 20th century. The SS Columbia is one such steamboat; it transported fun-seeking residents from downtown Detroit on an 18 mile, 90-minute pleasure trip to Bois Blanc Island in Canada. Liz McEnaney, Executive Director of the SS Columbia Project, will share the history of the 113-year old boat, its status as a National Historic Landmark vessel and plans to restore the Columbia to active service on the Hudson River in a lecture at the New York Public Library at 524 Main Street, Roosevelt Island. The lecture is sponsored by the Roosevelt Island Historical Society and supported by Amalgamated Bank.

The event is FREE and open to the public. It is the third in a series of spring lectures sponsored by the Roosevelt Island Historical Society. Save the date below for the final lecture in the series:

4/12/16 Jane Brickman, Childbirth in 19th-Century America: The Role of Charity Hospital

DIRECTIONS: Take the Tram at 59th Street and Second Avenue or the F train to Roosevelt Island. Take the red bus (no charge) or walk eight minutes north to 524 Main Street.

Note: Roosevelt Island was recently featured on the television show "$9.99 with Dave Evans." Click here to see the episode, which includes commentary by RIHS president Judith Berdy.

More info on the SS Columbia Project  available at their web site and this video.

The Stories Of The Williard Suitcases Free Lecture At The NYC Public Library Roosevelt Island Branch Tuesday February 9 - Sponsored By Roosevelt Island Historical Society & Amalgamated Bank

The Roosevelt Island Historical Society (RIHS) and Amalgamated Bank invite you to their second in a series of free lectures at the Roosevelt Island NY Public Library Branch (524 Main Street). According to RIHS:

THE STORIES OF THE SUITCASES: Lecture on Roosevelt Island

When Willard Psychiatric Center closed in 1995, an employee discovered a large collection of suitcases in storage in an attic. Many of these pieces of luggage contained the personal belongings of former patients. Jon Crispin has photographed the suitcases and their contents; his images offer a window into the lives and personal stories of patients admitted between 1910 and 1960.

Image Of One of the Willard Suitcases. Credit: Jon Crispin

He will share the photos in a lecture at the New York Public Library Branch on Roosevelt Island, on Tuesday, February 9, 2016 at 6:30 p.m.

Crispin has become fascinated by the more than 400 suitcases, seemingly frozen in time. The fact that the cases remained in storage, long after their owners were deceased, speaks to the close relationships between patients and staff and between members of the staff themselves, many of whom lived in the small town of Willard, some 45 miles northwest of Ithaca, where the asylum was the largest employer.

Learn about the suitcase project and view the stirring photographs in Crispin's lecture, sponsored by the Roosevelt Island Historical Society, and supported by Amalgamated Bank.

The event is FREE and open to the public. It is the second in a series of spring lectures sponsored by the Roosevelt Island Historical Society.

DIRECTIONS: Take the Tram at 59th Street and Second Avenue or the F train to Roosevelt Island. Take the red bus (no charge) or walk eight minutes north to 524 Main Street.

The Roosevelt Island Historical Society promotes awareness of our Island’s unique story and pursues preservation of its landmarks and artifacts. For more information, please visit www.rihs.us.

You can learn more at the Williard Suitcases web site, Jon Crispin's Notebook and this video



from the funded Kickstarter Campaign.

No Swish At Roosevelt Island Basketball Court - Amalgamated Bank Backboard Defective Net Needs To Be Replaced

This defective net teaches kids what basketball was like when they still played with peach baskets, i.e., terrible. pic.twitter.com/mUzq28ieZk

— Nick Turner (@SFNick) January 17, 2016

Is It Trash Or Treasure - Get The Answer From Urban Archaeologist Joan Geismar's Free Lecture Tuesday January 12 At Roosevelt Island Public Library Branch - Sponsored By Roosevelt Island Historical Society And Amalgamated Bank

The Roosevelt Island Historical Society (RIHS) and Amalgamated Bank invite you to their first 2016 Free Lecture at the Roosevelt Island NY Public Library Branch. According to RIHS:

Map of New York City, New York Department of Health, 1874, Library Of Congress

The Roosevelt Island Historical Society and
Amalgamated Bank
Present a Free Lecture

Is it Trash or is it Treasure?

by Urban Archaeologist Joan H. Geismar, Ph.D.
New York Public Library Branch on Roosevelt Island
Tuesday, January 12, 2016 at 6:30 p.m.

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and even garbage can be beautiful. To the municipality, garbage is a constant headache. To the city’s residents, it is a disagreeable nuisance. Joan H. Geismar, Ph.D., will explain how garbage is a treasure trove of information to the urban archaeologist in a lecture at the New York Public Library Branch on Roosevelt Island, on Tuesday, January 12, 2016 at 6:30 p.m.

As an example, an urban archaeological site—the 175 Water Street block in lower Manhattan—invites the question: Is it Trash or is it Treasure? Literally created from 18th-century detritus, and then the repository of 18th- and 19th-century trash, the block’s debris included a merchant ship that was sunk to structure the garbage-laden landfill. The derelict hulk was the site’s most extraordinary example of urban trash, as well as its most spectacular artifact.

Learn about the ship and the more than 350,000 less-sensational artifacts recovered from the site, as well as the research prompted by the finds in Dr. Geismar's lecture, sponsored by the Roosevelt Island Historical Society, and supported by Amalgamated Bank.

The event is FREE and open to the public. It is the first in a series of spring lectures sponsored by the Roosevelt Island Historical Society. Save the dates below for the remaining lectures in the series:

2/9/16 Jon Crispin: The Suitcases from Willard Hospital
3/8/16 Liz McEnaney: S.S. Columbia Project
4/12/16 Jane Brickman: Women in Health

The Roosevelt Island NY Public Library branch is at 524 Main Street.

Here's more on NYC Urban Archaeology beneath the city streets





and information on Urban Archaeologist Joan Geismar is available at her web site.

I wonder what would be found beneath Roosevelt Island?

Amalgamated Bank Donates $1 Thousand To Roosevelt Island Residents Association For CPR Training - Makes Additional Donations To Roosevelt Island Organizations Too

Roosevelt Island Amalgamated Bank Branch Manager Albert Salas announced a $1 Thousand donation to the Roosevelt Island Residents Association (RIRA) for CPR Training on behalf of Amalgamated Bank during the December 2 RIRA Common Council Meeting. Mr. Salas presented the $1 thousand check to RIRA President Jeff Escobar at that meeting

Image Of Amalgamated Bank Albert Salas Presenting Check To RIRA's Jeff Escobar

and said Amalgamated Bank is looking forward:

... to being more involved in community events....

RIRA President Jeff Escobar thanked Mr. Salas for the Amalgamated Bank donation and for its commitment to the community. Mr. Escobar added that Amalgamated Bank:

... has become our partner in the community.

Amalgamated Bank's Executive Vice President of Community Banking Samantha Berg reports on their donations to Roosevelt Island organizations including:

Roosevelt Island Resident Association (RIRA) - $1,000 for CPR classes

Roosevelt Island Historical Society - $2000 for their Lecture series, book donation and comped group tours

Roosevelt Island Disabled Association (RIDA) - $1000 for funding repairs to their 15 passenger wheelchair buss

The Roosevelt Island School PS/IS 217 – $1,000 plus support for their Halloween carnival

Roosevelt Island Visual Art Association (RIVAA) - $1,500 for arts education

Roosevelt Island Main Street Theatre & Dance Alliance - $1,500 for the scholarship and work study program

Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation (RIOC)

• Halloween Parade - § Sponsorship of kids giveaways and face painter
• Tree lighting Ceremony - § Sponsorship of Santa’s Corner

Four Freedoms Park Conservancy - $15,000 for their Imagination Playground

We have also supported ICLA da Silva Foundation and were recently at their gala.

Hopefully in 2015 we will be doing the Cherry Blossom Festival, Egg Hunt as well as Roosevelt Island Day. We are looking into a summer activity with RIRA as well.

Ms. Berg spoke at the December 5 Roosevelt Island Tree Lighting.



Here's more on Amalgamated Bank



and an Amalgamated Bank Roosevelt Island mortgage seminar.

UPDATE 10:30 PM - Amalgamated Bank is seeking a Branch Service Manager for Roosevelt Island. More information available at previous post.

Roosevelt Island Residents Association Social, Cultural & Educational Committee Report To November RIRA Common Council - Upcoming Projects, Events And Ideas

Below is Roosevelt Island Residents Association (RIRA) Social, Culture & Educational (SC&E) Committee

Image From RIRA

report to the RIRA November Common Council: 

Review of projects for the coming year 2016:

Egg hunt: March 19th or 27th: Simplified to egg hunt, prizes and giving books to families.

Cherry Blossom Festival: Tentatively scheduled for April 30th.

Roosevelt Island Day: scheduled by RIOC.

Hands‐Only CPR: on‐island advertising for training sessions in residents’ buildings, RI businesses’ staff members, and any Island organizations and groups. Recruit trainers. Jeff to include this information in his RIRA WIRE column. Amalgamated Bank has requested training for its employees. We discussed the need for RIRA CPR signs for placement at events.

Youth Initiative Subcommittee: Chair: Adib Mansour. Possible projects:

1. A chef will come teach families how to make pizzas. Chef Ciro Casella will cover all expenses for materials and will bring his own wood oven. Possible venue would be the PS/IS 217, or Nonno’s. It is intended to bring Middle School children and their parents together to learn about Italian culture and make pizza with a special recipe. 
2. Develop a skate board park on RI. 
3. Italian famous designer Stefano Imbert will do a book cover project with the youth. Working on the venue.

Other Possible projects:

Community Emergency Readiness Program: To be lead by Ellen Polivy. Program will involve CERT/RI CERT Team members, Hands‐Only CPR training. Ben Kallos' office will provide "Go‐bags" for islanders.

Preschool education seminar: Partner with the RI Parents' Network and schools.
Purpose: To help families navigate getting their children into appropriate schools and programs in the City. RIRA President, Jeff Escobar will lead, and SC&E will co‐sponsor this event.

Public Service Announcement project with the girl scouts. Girl Scouts to create signs for the island encouraging being good neighbors: help keep our community clean, etc.

Bollywood party / RIRA fund raising event: dinner / dance. Possibly January or February 2016.

Amalgamated Bank expressed interest to SC&E Chair, Lynne Shinozaki, in becoming more involved by financially helping with its projects and events.

Possible proposals for support:

• Co‐sponsoring CPR program by funding the cost (or partial cost?) of CPR banners and supplies: approximately $750 for CPR supplies ($500 for manikins, CPR training kit / 5 pack, CPR banners).
• Funding for Girl Scouts created PSA posters and, 
• Funding for youth initiative ($400‐$500).

Amalgamated Bank suggested that they would also like to support RIRA by having their staff personally volunteer at various RIRA events.

Put in a motion to RIRA for updated RIRA logo banners to be placed at events. Or ask Amalgamated Bank for funds?

Need to do an inventory of the RIRA storage space with SC&E event supplies.

Respectfully Submitted, Sharon Williams

HOCPR Subcommittee Chair

RIRA SC&E Chair Lynn Strong-Shinozaki gave this oral report to the November Common Council



reporting that the donated Kraitz Sculpture pictured below

will be installed this spring near Southpoint Park (pending approval by RIOC Board), encouraged RIRA members to reach out to residents in their building for Hands Only CPR Training and a Good Neighbor initiative with the Girl Scouts.

Amalgamated Bank Roosevelt Island Branch Service Manager Job Available - Apply Now

Amalgamated Bank is seeking to hire a Branch Service Manager for the Roosevelt Island location and would like to hire a qualified Roosevelt Island resident for the job.

Image From Amalgamated Bank Careers

According to the Amalgamated Bank job listing:

Branch Service Manager

About Amalgamated Bank

Since its founding in 1923 by the Amalgamated Clothing Workers of America, Amalgamated Bank has been committed to affordable and accessible banking for all. The bank is proud to continue to advance the rights of workers through shareholder activism, products and services designed to protect workers and advocacy. The Bank’s corporate divisions include Community Banking, Investment Management and Commercial Lending. Amalgamated has retail branches in New York City as well as branches in: Lyndhurst, New Jersey; Pasadena, California, and Washington, D.C.

Job Description

The branch channel continues to be a primary resource and lead sales generator for the purchase of bank products and services. The branch offers face-to-face interaction which results in relationship building and stronger loyalty from our clients.

Reporting to the Branch Manager, the Branch Service Manager will manage the day-to-day operational integrity of the branch and ensure the branch operates within all banking laws and regulations. The Branch Service Manager provides leadership, motivation and direction to the staff. Responsible for in-branch sales and service activities, the BSM ensures the branch delivers exceptional customer service and understands that service delivery through the branch channel is an important part of the omni-channel experience.

The Branch Service Manager expands relationships with new and existing customers, teaches customers to use advanced products such as online and mobile banking applications and ensures the delivery of a quality experience within the branch.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for the overall management of branch operations and carry out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with Bank policies, procedures and regulatory guidelines
• Approve, process transactions, authorizations, exceptions and adjustments
• Review and verify all previous days’ work to ensure accuracy and resolve any discrepancy that may exist
• Develop, train, coach and mentor branch staff
• Actively promote the Bank and its products and services
• Assist Branch Manager with the sales and onboarding of new and existing customers to ensure they are set up with the best products and services that meet their needs
• Works to cross-sell customers to automated products and services
• Proactively engage and assist in the management and servicing of customers through quick client resolution and correspondence with back-office support.
• Seed additional opportunities to better service and expand existing relationships
• Greet customers in a professional manner that creates a welcoming environment; this includes proper acknowledgement and introduction in accordance with Bank policies and service standards
• Identify customer needs through probing questions and offer appropriate products and services based on customer responses
• Provide exemplary customer service to include responding to customer calls, emails, and inquiries
• Participate in events and other financial literacy initiatives that support the financial needs of customers and prospects
• Community engagement
• Perform various administrative duties as directed

Job Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent work experience preferred
• Effective, professional written and verbal communication skills
• 3 years of branch operations management experience
• Knowledge of banking procedures and regulations

To apply for the position, you can send a note through the Amalgamated Bank Careers web site, send your resume directly to Samantha Berg, Executive Vice President, Community Banking or to Bryan Trevino, Director of Retail Banking.

Good luck.

More on Amalgamated Bank's Roosevelt Island branch from this prior post.

Amalgamated Bank Renews Lease For Roosevelt Island Branch & Seeking To Engage More With Community & Sponsor Local Organizations - Hosting Imagination Playground For Kids With FDR Four Freedoms Park Sunday October 25

Image Of Roosevelt Island Amalgamated Bank Storefront

Roosevelt Island's Amalgamated Bank reports:

Roosevelt Island’s only bank, Amalgamated Bank, Imagination Playground and Four Freedoms Park Conservancy are coming together today to host a fall festival in Four Freedoms Park on Sunday, October 25. The event, which includes giveaways such as children’s books, is geared toward children twelve and under with the goal of encouraging them to learn through cooperative play. Prior to the event, Amalgamated Bank provided a $15k sponsorship to Four Freedoms Park Conservancy, which went toward buying permanent, oversized construction blocks for the park. The park had previously rented the blocks.

Amalgamated Bank is the only bank on Roosevelt Island. The branch is currently undergoing renovations, though it remains open, and is expected to have completed such renovations by November of this year.

Who: Amalgamated Bank

Imagination Playground

Four Freedoms Park Conservancy

What: Fall festival recommended for children 12 and under

When: Sunday, October 25 from 11am-4pm

Where: FDR Four Freedoms Park (southern tip of Roosevelt Island)

Amalgamated Bank's Bryan Trevino, Director of Retail Banking, and Albert Salas, Roosevelt Island Branch Manager, spoke to the October 7 Roosevelt Island Residents Association (RIRA) Common Council Public Session.



Mr. Trevino noted that Amalgamated Bank has renewed its Roosevelt Island Main Street lease, is currently remodeling their Roosevelt Island bank branch and wish to become more engaged with the Roosevelt Island community. Amalgamated Bank is looking for suggestions from the community on how they can best serve and contribute to Roosevelt Island.

Mr. Salas reported that Amalgamated Bank will be sponsoring efforts by local organizations including the Roosevelt Island Disabled Association, RIRA, Roosevelt Island Historical Society and PS/IS 217.

More information on Amalgamated Bank available at their web site and from previous post on Amalgamated Bank Roosevelt Island mortgage offerings.

UPDATE 10/26 - Amalgamated Bank tweets scenes from the 10/25 Imagination Playground event

Had great time sponsoring @ImgPlayground at @4FreedomsPark on #rooseveltisland. Thx to all families that came out! pic.twitter.com/b3FRXjYDzf

— Amalgamated Bank (@AmalgamatedBank) October 26, 2015

and shares

these

photos.

Roosevelt Island Residents Association (RIRA) October 2015 Common Council Monthly Meeting Tonight - You're Invited To Attend And Raise Issues Of Concern

Image Of September 2015 RIRA Common Council Meeting

The Roosevelt Island Residents Association (RIRA) Common Council will meet this evening, October 7, at 7:30 PM in the Good Shepherd Community Center (543 Main Street).

Here's the Agenda.


As always, prior to the start of each monthly meeting there is a Public Session in which residents can come and address the Common Council Delegates on any issue of concern.

The NYC Economic Development Corporation (EDC) presentation on Roosevelt Island Ferry service originally scheduled for tonight's RIRA meeting has been postponed due to an illness on the Presentation Team. The NYC EDC Ferry Presentation has been rescheduled for the November RIRA meeting.

A representative of Amalgamated Bank will speak at tonight's RIRA meeting about Neighborhood Re-Introduction and Community Initiatives.

You're invited to come to tonight's RIRA meeting and learn what's happening on Roosevelt Island.

Looking For A Mortgage To Buy A Roosevelt Island Apartment? - Island House Residents Listen To Amalgamated Bank Mortgage Presentation Last Night

Image of Island House Entrance

Roosevelt Island's Island House rental building exited the Mitchell Lama program in September 2012.  As reported October 20, 2012 by former Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Acting President and current General Counsel Don Lewis:

... We are very pleased to note that, as result of several years of negotiations, Island House, a 400-unit affordable housing development on Roosevelt Island, will continue to remain affordable to its residents for the next 30 years. The Island House deal is historic in nature and marks the first successful conversion of a State Mitchell-Lama rental to affordable home ownership as a solution to a market-rate exit from Mitchell-Lama. Without the State’s intervention in extending affordability, apartments within Island House, a development at the threshold of leaving the Mitchell-Lama program, would have been allowed to be rented at market rates, severely affecting residents.

Under the Island House Affordability Plan, Island House, constructed in 1975 as one of the first four modern housing developments on Roosevelt Island, will exit the Mitchell-Lama program. The Affordability Plan, however, protects all current tenants by allowing them to remain in their apartments with future rent increases calculated in a manner similar to rent stabilized apartments. Rent protection will remain in effect for 30 years. The owner of Island House will apply to convert the building to Co-Op ownership. If the conversion is approved, current tenants will be offered the option to purchase their apartments at below market prices.

The Affordability Plan was initially drafted and agreed upon by the Island House owner and tenants. The Plan was later approved by a multi-agency working group that included: RIOC, which administers operations on Roosevelt Island; New York State Homes and Community Renewal (HCR), the State’s housing agency, which administers both the Mitchell-Lama program and the State’s rent laws; and Empire State Development (ESD), which in 1969, as the Urban Development Corporation, first leased the land under Island House from the City of New York. The Affordability Plan was the result of several years of negotiations among the agencies, the Island House Tenants Association, and owners’ representatives....

Island House is currently in the process of converting to a Condop (Co-op for residential units and condo for commercial units) under a non-eviction Affordability Plan.

Last night, January 22, Island House residents interested in purchasing their  Roosevelt Island apartment listened to a mortgage presentation by Amalgamated Bank Vice President Eric Ruskiewicz.

Here's what happened.

Part 1. Discussion of

• 20% down payment in two parts (10% at March 31 contract date and another 10% at closing date which is not yet known - speculation is June/July 2015),
• Interest Rates,
• Locking Interest Rates,
• Closing Costs
• issue regarding errors in names on apartment lease and 
• pre-approval letters.

Part 2. Discussion of:

• Locking Interest Rates,
• Amalgamated Bank fully committed to mortgage lending at Island House,
• Island House Ground Lease,
• Commitment Letters,
• Documents needed for mortgage application,
• Credit Scores,
• Amalgamated Bank keeps their mortgage loans and does not sell to secondary market.

Part 3. Discussion of:

• Bringing lawyer to closings,
• No minimum number of units in building need to be purchased in order to close on apartments,
• What happens when building ground lease expires (Not known),
• Apartment appraisals.

Part 4. Discussion of:

• Down payments,
• Meaning of pre-approval letter,
• Locked in interest rate,
• Application information,
• Home Equity Loan on Island House apartment not allowed and
• Mortgage discount for opening account at Roosevelt Island branch.

Part 5. Discussion of:

• No Pre-payment penalty,
• Allocation of principle and interest payment,
• Non taxable income counted higher on application and
• Credit checks.

More information on the Island House exit from Mitchell Lama program and Affordability Plan at this June 2012 post.

Also additional information on mortgages for Roosevelt Island apartments available at prior Amalgamated Band presentation.

Roosevelt Island Condo & Coop Mortgage Seminar Presented By Amalgamated Bank Thursday January 22

Are you interested in obtaining a mortgage for a Roosevelt Island apartment? Rivercross Co-ops and Riverwqlk Condos are currently for sale. Maybe someday soon the Island House and Westview privatization will become a reality and you can buy an apartment in those buildings too.

If you need financing for a Roosevelt Island Co-op or Condo, tomorrow night's Mortgage Seminar from the local Roosevelt Island Amalgamated Bank branch may be of interest.

According to Amalgamated Bank:

Join us at our free Mortgage Seminar
Thursday January 22 at 7 PM
Roosevelt Island Branch
619 Main Street
New York, NY 10044

Amalgamated Bank's Vice President Eric Ruskiewicz held a prior mortgage seminar last July 14. Here's what happened.

Part 1 - Introduction to the seminar including discussion of Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) products and Interest Rates.



Part 2 - Discussion of down payment, fixed and variable rates, appraisals, points, application process and individual Roosevelt Island building financing requirements.



Part 3 - Fixed and Variable rate loans, credit reports and credit scores, Fannie May and Freddie Mac Loans. Mr Ruskiewicz noted that Amalgamated Bank does not sell the mortgages it makes in the secondary market but holds on to the mortgage for the life of the loan.



Part 4 - End of the mortgage seminar.