Roosevelt Island Bank Update - RIOC Gives Promotional Tour Offering Sportspark And Former Amalgamated Sites For Location, Assembly Member Rebecca Seawright Arranged Tour And Says 5 Banks Showed Interest In Roosevelt Island

The Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) announced October 28:

On Monday, October 25th, Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation (RIOC), with support of elected officials, the Roosevelt Island Resident Association (RIRA), Community Board 8 and other community representatives, held an open house for financial institutions interested in bringing a full-service branch to the island. Those in attendance toured two locations on the island. They were also offered a Red Bus tour of the island and engaged in a Q&A session to better understand our unique community. We look forward to updating the community as discussions continue. 

The two locations RIOC presented as possible bank locations were space at a renovated Sportspark (250 Main Street) and the former Amalgamated Bank site (619 Main Street) which closed in September 2020.

Here's the promotional brochure RIOC prepared for the bank presentation.

RIOC declined to invite members of the Roosevelt Island media to cover the Bank Open House that included elected officials and several local residents in attendance.

In reply to my question about the Roosevelt Island Bank Open House, NY State Assembly Member Rebecca Seawright reported:

Our aggressive marketing and recruitment campaign garnered five banking institutions with deep roots in New York and a strong affinity for community banking. Senior representatives from Apple Bank, TD Bank, Metropolitan Commercial Bank, Ridgewood Savings Bank, and New York Community Bank came to our open house with great interest in learning more about the growing economy and the vibrant residential and educational communities on Roosevelt Island. They asked many good questions and visited several attractive venue opportunities.

At my request, representatives from the state Department of Financial Services attended to explain the state Banking Designation District, or BDD, designation for the island. This program offers an attractive $10 million in subsidized public deposits and other benefits. 

These conversations are continuing with several state agencies. The feedback has been positive, productive, and helpful. I am grateful for the strong cooperation of my partners in government, including Representative Carolyn Maloney, State Senator Jose Serrano, and Councilman Ben Kallos.

Image From Rebecca Seawright October 29 Newsletter

NYC Council Member Ben Kallos adds:

It was a pleasure touring potential sites to bring a bank back to Roosevelt Island, alongside Manhattan Borough President Brewer and Assembly Member Seawright. Several banks joined us, and if we are able to get this going soon, it will be a testament to the community's efforts and the real need for a local bank on the Island.

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 Community Board 8 Committee Discusses RI Bridge Bike Lane Resurfacing, Can WIRE Newspaper Return, Coler Task Force, Search For Community Bank, Helicopter Noise & More

The Community Board 8 Roosevelt Island Committee held an April 15 virtual Zoom meeting. According to the meeting Agenda, subjects discussed included:

Roosevelt Island Bridge Bike Land Resurfacing Update - Joint with Transportation Committee. 

Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation Capital Projects Presentation. 

Resurrect the WIRE initiative to bring back our local paper. 

Status of the Coler Task Force, 

Friends of Coler 

Old Business 

Status of Community Bank 

Status of Helicopter Task force 

Additional Vaccine Pop-Up site 

New Business 

 Lynne Strong-Shinozaki, Chair Roosevelt Island

 Here's the discussion.

Grand Opening Of New Roosevelt Island Amalgamated Bank Branch Thursday, October 1 At 10: AM

Image of Amalgamated Bank Logo

I received the following announcement regarding Roosevelt Island's new Amalgamated Bank Branch Grand Opening Ceremonies on Thursday October 1.

Hello. Please include in your Roosevelt Islander’s calendar of events the Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting ceremonies at Amalgamated Bank’s first branch on Roosevelt Island. Located at 619 Main Street, Amalgamated’s program on Thursday, October 1 will begin at 10 AM.

Special invited guests will include: R.I.O.C. President and CEO Stephen Shane, New York City Department of Finance Commissioner David M. Frankel, Manhattan Borough President Scott M. Stringer, New York State Assembly Member Micah Z. Kellner and Amalgamated Bank’s President and CEO Derrick D. Cephas.

Special Guest will be Principal Mandana Beckman, teachers and students as well as parents from P.S./I.S. 217. In mid October, Roosevelt Island’s elementary and middle school students will take part in Amalgamated’s Children and Tween Green Savings Program. The children will open savings accounts at the Bank and with help from their teachers, classmates and parents will start to get into the habit of savings money. They also gain skills about how to make choices on spending or saving their money.

Let's hope that Amalgamated Bank succeeds unlike the previous bank branches that have opened and closed on Roosevelt Island.

RIOC sends the following parking advisory regarding the event:

Please be advised there will be no parking from 591 Main Street to 625 Main Street between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. due to the Grand Opening of the Amalgamated Bank.

Your cooperation during this time is greatly appreciated.

Amalgamated Bank To Open Full Service Roosevelt Island Branch On July 20

Image of NY National Bank soon to be Amalgamated Bank from RI 360

RIOC President Steve Shane forwards the press release below announcing that Amalgamated Bank will be assuming NY National Bank's lease for 619 Main Street and opening up a branch office at that location starting July 20.

New York National Bank and Amalgamated Bank Jointly Announce Arrangement to Continue Branch Banking on Roosevelt Island

Roosevelt Island, New York – July 13, 2009 – New York National Bank (NYNB) and Amalgamated Bank (Amalgamated) have announced an agreement involving NYNB’s branch at 619 Main Street on Roosevelt Island. Under the arrangement, Amalgamated will assume NYNB’s lease of its Roosevelt Island space and open a new full service branch at the Main Street location on July 20. NYNB announced in February that it was closing its Roosevelt Island branch on June 5, 2009. To facilitate the smooth transition with Amalgamated, NYNB will keep the branch open until July 17. “Closing our Roosevelt Island Branch was an unavoidable and difficult business decision,” said James J. Landy, President and Chief Executive Officer of NYNB. Since announcing the closure, we have worked with Amalgamated Bank to ensure that a full service branch will continue to serve the community. We are proud of our history of service to our customers and to the people of Roosevelt Island.” Amalgamated Bank has always served working families through its branch network and has actively supporting the Roosevelt Island community. For example, Amalgamated Bank organized a Halloween Gala for hundreds of children, tweens and their parents at the Roosevelt Island School (PS/IS 217). The Bank also sponsored the annual holiday tree lighting ceremony that is held in front of the Blackwell House and the Roosevelt Island Health Fair that is held in May each year. “During these events, we talked with many residents and developed an appreciation for their need to have a convenient bank on Roosevelt Island,” said Derrick D. Cephas, President and Chief Executive Officer of Amalgamated Bank. “We’re known as the Bank that works hard for working people. Now, we have an opportunity to serve our new neighbors by providing our array of affordable banking products and services.” As a convenience for existing NYNB customers and all residents of Roosevelt Island, Amalgamated will take new account applications at the 619 Main Street branch before the planned July 20th opening date. Consumers and businesses can meet with the Amalgamated’s representatives at the branch on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. through July 16. Any accounts opened in this manner will be held at Amalgamated’s Long Island City branch until its new Main Street branch opens for business. Accounts of current NYNB customers on Roosevelt Island, who choose to continue banking with NYNB, will be automatically transferred to the NYNB’s East Harlem Branch as previously announced. Or, they can continue to bank at other New York National Bank branches in the Bronx and Manhattan or any branch of its sister bank, Hudson Valley Bank....

There has been a constant turnover of Bank Branches on Roosevelt Island for many years. As I recall, there was a Manufactures Hanover, Chemical and Chase Bank all of whom chose to leave the same Roosevelt Island location prior to the latest decision by NY National. Hope Amalgamated can do better. UPDATE 2:45 PM - Assembly Member Micah Kellner has more on Amalgamated Bank opening a branch on Roosevelt Island.

... As a member of the Assembly’s Committee on Banks, I worked with Committee Chair Darryl Towns to ask the State Banking Department to designate Roosevelt Island a BDD. I am thrilled to announce that on July 6, the NYS Banking Department agreed to the designation. This means that public funds will be deposited in the new Amalgamated Branch, providing the security it needs to serve as a reliable long-term bank for Roosevelt Islanders. Island residents can take comfort in having a local bank that will be around for many years to come.

Amalgamated Bank To Take Over From New York National Bank Starting July 20 - Will This Bank Be Able To Stay In Business On Roosevelt Island?

Click On Image To Read Letter

RIOC President Steve Shane forwards the above letter from NY National Bank. According to the letter, Amalgamated Bank will assume the Main Street lease of NY National Bank and open a branch starting July 20 subject to regulatory approvals. The Roosevelt Island NY National Bank will close on July 17.

It will be interesting to see if the new Amalgamated Bank Branch will offer any services not offered by previous Roosevelt Island banks all of whom eventually closed up shop. As I recall, there was a Manufactures Hanover, Chemical and Chase Bank all of whom chose to leave the same Roosevelt Island location prior to the latest decision by NY National. Hope Amalgamated can do better.

Report From RIOC's President - New Director, Southpoint Groundbreaking, FERI Meeting, Tram Birthday, New Bus Schedule & Other Roosevelt Island Issues

Image From RIOC

RIOC President Steve Shane sends the following report to Roosevelt Island residents. Mr. Shane addresses issues on

1. Board of Directors: Meeting of May 14, 2009 with a Town Hall meeting following. Mr. Howard Polivy’s appointment by the Governor and Senate confirmation completed. Mr. Polivy will occupy the seat that was held by Michael Shinozaki. With Charlee Miller’s announced intention to retire from the Board at the end of her appointed term in June, new nominees will be needed. RIRA’s election on May 19 should produce candidates.

2. Southpoint: A press event commemorating the completion of the preservation of the Renwick Ruin and the start of Green Rooms/Wild Gardens is scheduled for May 28, 2009. As to the projects:
(A) Renwick Ruins: Stabilization work is complete and the entrances to the building will be boarded up to secure the interior and prevent trespassing.
(B) Green Rooms/Wild Gardens: The contractor has started rough grading, paths and stone walls. Phase 2 will be the finish grading and capping of the site, utilities, fencing and planting.
(C) FDR Memorial: FERI is working on engineering and permitting with DEC, Army Corp. of Engineers, Coastguard, etc. FERI has delivered its Environmental Analysis to RIOC as lead agency and our consultants are reviewing for completeness as part of the SEQRA process. As soon as it is in final form, it will be published to the community and we would like to schedule a public meeting for May 27, 2009 at 7PM at Good Shepherd for the FERI group to present their project and answer questions. If all the deliverables required under the Conditional Designation Agreement are in hand, the Board could make its final determination at the June 25th meeting. RIOC has been in consultation with the State’s Division of the Budget and Parks Department to work out funding mechanics for the $4 million State appropriation to RIOC, conditioned on a matching $4 million from the City and at least $8 million from FERI as necessary to complete phase 1. After the permitting process, much remains to be resolved, including coordination of funding and supervision among State Parks, NYC Parks, RIOC and FERI during both development and thereafter, before bringing the project back to the Board.

3. Tram: The birthday of the Tram will be celebrated on Monday afternoon, May 18th from 3-6. Cake will be served and a videographer will interview residents for Tram stories. On schedule for a July 6, 2009 shutdown and December reopening, although the Contractor, POMA, may request a shift in the window of closure to accommodate redesign changes in the structural elements. Work is underway on design and fabrication. Spools of cable are soon to be shipped from Europe. Final details of cabin design are being completed. Scheduling of tower reinforcing and top replacement, cable pulling, street and park closures, crane locations, etc. with permitting for everything is ongoing. Met again with Community Board 8 on May 5. CB 8 will be holding its meeting on the Island at Good Shepherd at 6:30. Architectural work for Tram stations is proceeding. A preliminary sketch of the Manhattan station is posted. Studies of present day code requirements (ADA, fire, electrical, lighting, access & egress, communications, security, HVAC and sprinklers for sub-grade rooms, wind, rain and snow barriers, etc.) as applied to both stations is in the works.

4. Subway: MTA has put out notices that due to emergency track work, trains will be slowed down, reducing the rush hour schedule by two trains, increasing the degree of difficulty when the tram will be out of service from July 6 to mid December. Despite our questioning, there is apparently no good answer to the inconvenience and discomfort.

5. Projects: Work is ongoing to replace the exterior of the AVAC building, install replacement chambers for AVAC, lighting at Motorgate, repave portions of Main Street, replace the façade at Sportspark and make improvements to PSD. Public Safety has temporarily relocated to 504 Main Street while the work is being done. The Board agenda will include replacing the HVAC system for Good Shepherd, AVAC exterior, fire alarm system at Sportspark, swimming pool resurfacing, and architects for the new Tram Park.

6. Bank: RIOC has received no response to its letter in answer to the notice from NYNB that it intends to close its branch at 615 Main Street on June 6, 2009. We have met with Amalgamated and supplied a letter of support for application to the State Banking Department to allow Amalgamated to open a branch. All signs seem positive.

There's More!




7. Southtown Buildings 5 and 6 moving toward completion. Landscaping being done and interior finishes and fixtures being installed. The roadway in front of the Tram is scheduled for paving and the fountain in the turnaround will follow.

8. The Mobile Van for Free Mammograms will be making a return visit on May 30th. If interested in scheduling an appointment, call Erica Wilder at our office (212) 832-4540.

9. Blackwell Park Playground: In response to the request of some parents, we have emphasized the purpose of the tot playground by increased Public Safety presence to discourage older people from hanging out at the area. No adults unaccompanied by an age appropriate youngster will be permitted.

10. Bicycles: To clear what is becoming an increasing problem, the bike rack at the subway station will have notices posted that leaving bikes overnight will not be permitted. After 2AM and before 5AM, Public Safety will remove bikes to increase availability for those who utilize the space as intended. If not reclaimed at Public Safety within 24 hours, the bikes will be donated.

11. July 4 Fireworks: With the City’s decision to celebrate the 400th anniversary of Henry Hudson’s sail by moving the fireworks to the Hudson, RIOC’s annual July 4th fireworks watching is not going to happen. We are, however, asked to host the fireworks to accompany the 100th birthday of the Queensboro Bridge to be on the evening of May 31. Stay tuned for further details.

12. Health & Fitness Day this Saturday, May 16. Commendation Ceremony for Public Safety Officers at 11:30 at the 591 plaza. Basketball and ping pong tournaments, games and exhibitions to follow. Everyone come out for the afternoon of fun.

13. Public Safety: Director Keith Guerra, Deputy Director Rene Bryan and Captain Estrella Suarez have all completed the FBI course in Major Incident Management as sponsored by the New York Office Police Training Program. Congrats to them.
During Health & Fitness Day, PSD will be sponsoring a child seat safety inspection at the Gristede’s turnaround. Bring your car and child seat. If you do not have one, they will be available without charge, but a donation would be appreciated.

14. Red Bus: Having been studied by the Columbia and Hunter students, and being the continuing source of complaint from some Island residents, RIOC has agreed with RIRA to try an experiment in scheduling to see whether there is an improvement in service. We met with Frank Farance and “discussed” the issues of Main Street and how to better serve the public. We are going to try, during the week of May 18 to 22 to schedule the three red buses on the route from approximately 10 to 11:30 so as to leave the Octagon at 9:55, 10:10, 10:25, 10:40, 10:55, 11:10 and 11:25. Each bus will wait at the Tram to pick up the passengers and return northbound. A 45 minute loop is built in to account for unpredictable event along the way. Predictability should be enhanced, although waiting times may suffer as the buses will be held out of service to meet the schedule.

15. Octagon Field Rest room facilities: Because of the cut in the sewer line at the water tunnel, the facility is out of service. The recently installed facility at the north end of the Goldwater parking lot may be used and a portasan will be in place until the repair work is completed (requiring coordination between DEP and the Octagon). Sorry for the inconvenience.

This message was also published as the RIOC column in the 5/16/09 Main Street WIRE.

Howard Polivy Confirmed As New RIOC Director - Will Participate In Today's May RIOC Board And Town Hall Meetings

You Tube Video of Senator Jose Serrano Congratulating Elected RIOC Board Members From 2008

The RIOC Operations Committee met Wednesday afternoon regarding the following agenda items:

1. discuss the construction projects to be presented at the May 14, 2009 meeting of the RIOC Board of Directors;
2. discuss the Red Bus operations;
3. receive an update on the Tram Modernization Project; and
4. receive an update on the Green Rooms/Wild Garden Project.

The webcast of the meeting will be available soon and I will have more specific information on the meeting later. Among the items discussed at the meeting were:

• the use of an electronic card system for the Red Bus, similar to a subway Metro Card, that would allow quick entry using both the front and back of bus,
• whether residents prefer a more predictable, fixed Red Bus Schedule with greater time delays between buses or less predictable continuous loop schedule that would service a greater volume of people,
• the Amalgamated Bank is seeking approval for taking over the NYNB and exercising an additional 5 year lease extension option,
• Master Plan for the new Blackwell Park may include re-purposed Tram Parts from replaced system as part of a science oriented area,
• the Franklin & Eleanor Roosevelt Institute (FERI) will be making another public presentation regarding the proposed Kahn/FDR Memorial on May 26 at the Good Shepherd Community Center and
• There will be a groundbreaking ceremony at Southpoint Park for the Green Rooms/ Wild Gardens Park project as well as a Presentation of the Renwick Ruins Smallpox Hospital Stabilization efforts on May 28.
  

It was also disclosed at the Operations Committee Meeting that Howard Polivy, who was elected by the Roosevelt Island residents as a Nominee to the RIOC Board, was finally confirmed by the NY State Senate and subject to being sworn in will take his seat for the May 14 RIOC Board of Directors meeting.

The May meeting of the RIOC Board of Directors will take place this afternoon at 4:30 PM in the Good Shepherd Community Center. Following the Board Meeting will be a Town Hall meeting in which residents can comment or ask questions of the RIOC Board and management. The Agenda for the meeting is as follows:

AGENDA

MAY 14, 2009
MEETING OF THE ROOSEVELT ISLAND OPERATING CORPORATION
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
THE GOOD SHEPHERD CENTER, 4:30 P.M.

I. Call to Order
II. Roll Call
III. Approval of Minutes

1. March 26, 2009 Board Meeting (Board Action Required)

2. April 22, 2009 Board Meeting (Board Action Required)

IV. Old Business

V. New Business

1. Authorization to Enter into Contract for Exterior Rehabilitation of the AVAC Building (Board Action Required)

2. Authorization to Enter into Contracts for Engineering Design and Landmark Consulting Services for the Good Shepherd Center's HVAC System (Board Action Required)

3. Authorization to Enter into Contract for the Design and Installation of a Fire Alarm System at Sportspark (Board Action Required)

4. Authorization to Enter into Contract for Swimming Pool Resurfacing at Sportspark (Board Action Required)

5. Authorization to Enter into Contract with a Landscape Architect for the Development of a Master Plan for the Blackwell Park Open Space Area (Board Action Required)

6. Ratification of Extension of Contract with Doppelmayr CTEC, Inc. for Operation and Management of the Roosevelt Island Aerial Tramway (Board Action Required)

7. Authorization to Consent to Contract Involving Former Employee of the Corporation (Board Action Required)

8. Committee Reports

a. Audit Committee

b. Governance/Operations Advisory Committee

c. Real Estate Development Advisory Committee

9. Public Safety Report

10. President’s Report

VI. Adjournment

A “TOWN HALL” STYLE FORUM SHALL IMMEDIATELY FOLLOW THE ADJOURNMENT OF THE RIOC BOARD MEETING.
The Town Hall Meeting is not part of the RIOC Board Meeting.

On Monday, May 18, the Real Estate Committee of the RIOC Board of Directors will meet to discuss commercial space rent arrears and receive a report on the status of the Main Street retail study.

A webcast of these meetings will be available soon thereafter at the RIOC web site.

Report From RIOC's President- FDR Environmental SEQRA Process, New RIOC Director, No Southpoint July 4 Fireworks & Other Roosevelt Island Issues

Image of RIOC logo

RIOC President Steve Shane sends the following report to Roosevelt Island residents. Mr. Shane addresses issues on Approval of Public Purpose Fund Allocation, A new RIOC Director, Southpoint Park Developments including the 4th of July Fireworks celebration not taking place at Southpoint because NYC is moving the fireworks show to the Hudson River, proposed FDR Memorial Environmental SEQRA permitting process and the Tram Modernization among several other items of importance to Roosevelt Island.

1. Board of Directors: Special Meeting was held April 22, 2009. Public Purpose Fund allocation recommended by RIRA, after reconsideration, was approved. Next meeting scheduled for May 14, 2009 at 4:30 PM with a Town Hall meeting to follow. Mr. Howard Polivy’s appointment by the Governor and Senate confirmation is scheduled for this week. Mr. Polivy will occupy the seat that has been held by Michael Shinozaki. Charlee Miller has announced her intention to retire from the Board at the end of her appointed term in June. Our thanks to both Mike and Charlee for their service to the Roosevelt Island community.

2. Southpoint: As to projects:
(A) Renwick Ruins: Stabilization work nearing completion. The entrances to the building will be boarded up to secure the interior and prevent trespassing.
(B) Green Rooms/Wild Gardens: The contractor, Coppola Paving & Landscaping Corp., has started with mobilization, rough grading, paths and stone walls. Phase 2 will be the finish grading and capping of the site, utilities, fencing and planting.
(C) FDR Memorial: FERI is working on engineering and permitting with DEC, Army Corp. of Engineers, Coastguard, etc. FERI has delivered its Environmental Analysis to RIOC as lead agency and our consultants are reviewing as part of the SEQRA process. The State Budget’s $4 million capital appropriation to RIOC, conditioned on a matching $4 million from the City and at least $8 million from FERI as necessary to complete phase 1 seems to complete the financing hurdle when finally committed. Even after permitting process, much remains to be worked out, including coordination of funding and supervision among State Parks Department, NYC Parks Department, RIOC and FERI before bringing the project back to the Board for further consideration.

3. Tram: Work is underway on design and fabrication. Spools of cable are to be shipped from Europe by early May. Scheduling of tower reinforcing and top replacement, cable pulling, street and park closures, crane locations, etc. with permitting for everything is ongoing. Met with Community Board 8 on April 7. On schedule for July 6, 2009 shutdown and December reopening. Thornton Tomasetti has undertaken architectural work in addition to its previous structural engineering engagement. As soon as designs and sketches are available, will make available to the community. Studies of present day code requirements (ADA, fire, electrical, lighting, access & egress, communications, security, HVAC and sprinklers for sub-grade rooms, wind, rain and snow barriers, etc.) as applied to both stations is in the works. Likely to reorient the approach to the Manhattan station to Second Avenue. The last Tram Emergency Evacuation Drill for this equipment is took place April 26. We are coordinating with NYPD and NYFD to develop familiarity with and establish protocols for the new system.

4. Red Bus, Tram and Subway: By running the Tram and a connecting Red Bus all night, the late night 36th Avenue bridge closures passed without incident. Hopefully, the last scheduled closures in late June will be similarly painless. Coordination with emergency services will be done again. Follow our website and notices from DOT for updates. MTA has put out notices that due to emergency track work, trains will be slowed down, reducing the rushhour schedule by two trains, increasing the degree of difficulty when the tram will be out of service from July 6 to mid December. Despite our questioning, there is apparently no good answer to the inconvenience and discomfort.

5. Projects: Replace the exterior of the AVAC building, install replacement chambers for AVAC, lighting at Motorgate, repaving portions of Main Street, façade at Sportspark and start on the improvements to PSD. Public Safety has temporarily relocated to 504 Main Street while the work is being done. Flowers for Main Street are here. The Board agenda will include upgrading the fire safety systems and resurfacing the pool at Sportspark and replacing the HVAC system for Good Shepherd. Enjoy the spring weather.

6. Sportspark Swimming: In response to requests, morning weekday adult swim hours are 6 to 11 AM especially to accommodate those with child care responsibility. We hope for greater participation. The synchronized swimming exhibition sponsored by the RI Seniors was an example for all.

7. Bank: RIOC received a notice from NYNB that it intends to close its branch at 615 Main Street on June 6, 2009. We met with Amalgamated to urge it to come to the Island and supplied a letter of support for application to the State Banking Department to allow opening a branch. Let us hope.

8. Southtown Buildings 5 and 6 moving toward completion. Landscaping being done and interior finishes and fixtures being installed. The roadway in front of the Tram is scheduled for paving. The Ground Rent Increase Deferral Agreement is no longer on the table as the lender would not agree to the terms.

9. Standing room only crowd for the R&R Concert April 18th. Wonderful.

10. The Mobile Van for Free Mammograms was on the Island April 18th, but was fully booked. There will be a return visit on May 30th. If interested in scheduling an appointment, call Erica Wilder at our office (212) 832-4540.

11. Blackwell Park Playground: In response to the request of some parents, we have emphasized the purpose of the tot playground by increased Public Safety presence to discourage inappropriate older people from hanging out at the area.

12. Bicycles: To clear what is becoming an increasing problem, the bike rack at the subway station will have notices posted that leaving bikes for more than 24 hours is not permitted. Public Safety will remove what appear to be permanently stored bikes to increase availability for those who utilize the space as intended.

13. July 4 Fireworks: Apparently, the City has decided to celebrate the 400th anniversary of Henry Hudson’s sail by moving the fireworks to the Hudson. RIOC’s annual July 4th celebration by fireworks watching is apparently not going to happen, but suggestions for alternative festivities are welcome.

14. Finally, the firearms incident on April 14th was determined by NYPD to have been in self defense. Thankfully, no one was injured.

This message was also published as the RIOC column in the 5/02/09 Main Street WIRE.

Report From RIOC's President - Budget Adopted, Southpoint Park Developments, Tram Update, Public Purpose Funds & Other Roosevelt Island Issues

RIOC logo image from RIOC

Starting a new feature and hope it will continue. RIOC President Steve Shane sends the following report to Roosevelt Island residents. This message was also published as the RIOC column in the 4/04/09 Main Street WIRE. Mr. Shane addresses issues on RIOC's Budget, The Tram, Renwick Ruins Stabilization, Green Rooms/Wild Garden and FDR Memorial among several other items of importance to Roosevelt Island.

1. Board of Directors: Regular Meeting March 26, 2009. The Budget for Fiscal Year 2009/10 was adopted. Public Purpose Fund allocation recommended by RIRA was tabled after discussion and was the subject of a Governance Committee meeting on 3/31/09. See below. See netcast of the meetings at RIOC’s homepage.

2. Southpoint: As to projects:

(A) Renwick Ruins: Stabilization work to be completed by the end of April. The building will then be boarded up to secure the interior and prevent the trespassing which seems to be created by our very own attractive restoration. Something about the Spring, moonlight and teenagers. Unfortunately, two of our Public Safety Officers were injured, one with a fractured ankle, chasing some kids in the Ruin.

(B) Green Rooms/Wild Gardens: The contractor, Coppola Paving & Landscaping Corp., has executed and delivered its contract and bonds and will start with mobilization, rough grading, paths and stone walls. Phase 2 will be the finish grading and capping of the site, utilities, fencing and planting.

We are planning a combined ceremony for the groundbreaking for GR/WG and completion of the Ruins stabilization in early May. Stay tuned for details.

(C) FDR Memorial: FERI is working on engineering and permitting with DEC, Army Corp. of Engineers, Coastguard, etc. FERI has dug test pits and taken cores for environmental and structural analysis and delivered soils analysis for review, to be part of the SEQRA process. The State Budget includes a $4 million capital appropriation to RIOC for the FDR Memorial project, conditioned on a matching $4 million from the City and at least $8 million in the possession of FERI as necessary to complete phase 1. Much remains to be worked out.

3. Tram: Work is underway on design and fabrication. Meeting with Community Board 8 Transportation Committee scheduled for April 7 at the NY Blood Center. On schedule for July 6, 2009 shutdown and December reopening. With the withdrawal of Renzo Piano, Thornton Tomasetti has undertaken architectural work in addition to its previous structural engineering engagement. As soon as designs and sketches are available, will make available to the community. I hope to have something available for the CB8 meeting next week.

4. Red Bus, Tram and Subway: Faced with the announcement of late night F train shutdown during the week by MTA for emergency track work, in the interim, RIOC is running the Tram and Red Bus service until 5AM until MTA restores service on or about April 10.

5. Projects: Grounds cleanup underway. Lighting at Motorgate (we are experimenting by installing two alternative types to test efficacy), replace the exterior of the AVAC building, install replacement chambers for AVAC and start on the improvements to PSD. Public Safety has temporarily relocated to 504 Main Street while the work is being done. Flowers for Main Street are coming.

6. Public Purpose Fund: As part of the budgeting cycle, RIOC received applications from the several entities applying for allocation of the $100,000 of public purpose funding, forwarded them to RIRA and after RIRA’s review, and received a recommendation for action at the March Board meeting. The matter was tabled for further review by the Governance Committee. The Governance Committee met on March 31 and looked into the process by which the RIRA recommendations were made. The Committee will report to the Board on the matter. RIOC conducted an audit (both financial and function) on the recipients of last year’s awards and presented the results to both the Board and RIRA’s review committee.

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7. Sportspark Swimming: In response to requests, effective March 9, morning weekday adult swim hours is extended to 11 AM to accommodate those with child care responsibility. We hope for ever greater participation.

8. Bank: RIOC received a notice from NYNB that it intends to close its branch at 615 Main Street on June 6, 2009, saying that the business does not justify maintaining its operation. Banking is very important to the Island’s population, especially the seniors, handicapped and merchants who do not have easy access to either online or mainland banking. We have written to NYNB and the various governmental agencies supervising bank operations expressing our dismay and calling their attention to lease provisions to which they will be held. We have met with another institution encourage it to come to the Island, and while trying to drum up business for a bank is not exactly within RIOC’s charter, we are trying to facilitate.

9. Main Street Commercial: The Real Estate Committee, chaired by Board member Charlee Miller, met with the consultant doing the study to review preliminary findings and recommendations. Many RIRA members also participated, led by Margie Smith.

10. Southtown Buildings 5 and 6 moving toward completion. Landscaping being done and interior finishes and fixtures being installed (see refrigerator deliveries). Our agreement for deferral of Ground Rent increase has been finalized and will be executed when supporting documentation is obtained from the building loan lender, attorneys, title company, etc.

11. 36th Avenue Bridge: On April 1, we met with representatives of Skanska and DOT to discuss mandatory bridge closings to replace buffers and cables. They are not kidding. The Bridge will be closed the nights of April 15 & 16 (and if it rains on either, then also on the 17th) between the hours of 12:30AM and 5:30AM. No vehicles will be able to cross during that time. A similar closing is scheduled for June 29 & 30. We are coordinating with emergency services to station fire, police and EMS responders on Island and to plan for transport and response if necessary. We will run the Tram during the period of closure to make sure that there is access and egress. We have lived through this situation before, are well aware of the potential difficulty and will do our best to mitigate the disruption. PLEASE MAKE PLANS ACCORDINGLY.

Roosevelt Island Only Bank Branch, New York National Bank, May Be Closing

Image of New York National Bank from Roosevelt Island 360

A reader sends in the following message:

A letter has been sent to depositers at NYNB announcing the branch is scheduled to close this June.

This would be a terrible loss for the island since:

It is the only bank here with full service

It serves the island businesses, seniors, disabled and those who cannot leave the island

If the store is vacant RIOC would not be able to rent it.

THE BRANCH MUST BE SAVED OR another bank must be found to take over the site.

Of course, if the New York National Bank branch on Roosevelt Island does close, in the absence of a Master Leaseholder for the RIOC controlled retail premises, the space will probably remain empty for a very long time just like the former Main Street Pizza and Fish stores.

Roosevelt Island 360 has more on bank closing here. More on Master leaseholder soon.