Group Of Volunteer Visitors From Indian Based DSNDP Global Non Profit Celebrates Earth Day Last Saturday With A Roosevelt Island Cleanliness Drive Picking Up Garbage Left By Others

Some visitors to Roosevelt Island leave a dirty mess of garbage and others come to Roosevelt Island to help clean up and take away the garbage left by others.

A group of volunteer members from the Dr. Shri Nanasaheb Dharmadhikari Pratishthan (DSNDP) organization, celebrated Earth Day on Saturday April 27 in NYC with a cleanliness drive picking up garbage on Roosevelt Island. 

Most of the DSNDP volunteers travelled from Toronto. I spoke with with one volunteer from New Jersey.

According to the New Jersey volunteer, DSNDP is:

... a nonprofit organization based in India. We are a worldwide organization and one of our causes is that we work towards making the environment better and making the world a better place. What better occasion than to be celebrating this on Earth Day weekend?... 

... We are here at Roosevelt Island. It's a small group of around 8 to 10 people but the whole event has around 400 people who have traveled all the way from different states of the US and Canada and Mexico.... 

We have a presence in 18 states where we've already done so many events. Tree Plantation, Cleanliness Drive, Blood Donation - you name it and we have done it. 

We are very passionate about it. This is a great opportunity for us to tell you about our cause and just spread our word. Hopefully, more people are able to contribute to this cause....

... Our philosophy in Sanskrit or Hindi we say Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam which basically means the whole world is a one big family. We try our best to bring a sense of community among us our own members and even others. Anyone can volunteer in these events so if anyone's interested definitely reach out. You can also take a look at our website DSNDP.com if you want to know more about us... 

There was not alot of Trash on Roosevelt Island Saturday morning. When we spoke at the half way point of their garbage cleanup, 10 people had picked up  about 10 bags of trash in total.

This morning was a different garbage story. A Roosevelt Island Tipster shares this photo and reports:

Walking this morning- what is up with all the overflowing garbage? Tourists for the cherry blossoms? What a mess! I walked down to Cornell Tech this morning and had to stop at Duane Reade; the can near its doors was full, along with another near the parked cars walking toward the tram. The sanitation is usually good here; I know there is an increase with tourists now but I’ve never seen so much trash early in the AM.

The good news was that the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) had the area cleaned up 

today before 11 AM.

Roosevelt Island Wildlife Freedom Foundation Volunteers Celebrate Earth Day Last Friday With Trash And Litter Clean Up At Southpoint Park - "I'm Here To Help Heal The Earth" Says Young WFF Volunteer, "I'd Love To Keep My Island Clean" Says Another

Roosevelt Island resident and Wildlife Freedom Foundation (WFF) President Rossana Ceruzzi together with an enthusiastic group of volunteers 

celebrated Earth Day last Friday, April 22, with a clean up of trash and litter left at Southpoint Park. They also gave away reusable bags and biodegradable and compostable dog waste bags.

pic.twitter.com/rOpTSqQ4uR

— Wildlife Freedom Foundation (@wffny) April 22, 2022

Answering the question "why are you here today", the WFF volunteers said:

• I'm here to help heal the earth,
• I live here on this Island and my my original intent with the joining Wildlife Freedom Foundation was helping out all these animals here but Rosanna told me about this clean up project we have here for Earth day and I'd love to keep my Island clean. Keep the Earth clean. Stop all this littering stuff.
• I care about the environment and the animals and we can clearly see that the garbage does harm our animals
• I'm here today to help the ecosystem.

The WFF Roosevelt Island Earth Day celebration was done in cooperation with the NYC Department of Sanitation.

Here's how 2022 Earth Day clean up was celebrated in other parts of NYC.

More info on the Roosevelt Island Wildlife Freedom Foundation at their website, Instagram and Twitter page.

Clean Up Efforts Today By Local Residents Celebrate Roosevelt Island Earth Love Day, Lets Go Plogging - Book Swap With Local Library, Composting, Yoga & More Too

Roosevelt Island celebrated Earth Love Day on this beautiful spring Saturday at the Rivercross Lawn with a Ploggng clean up, book swap, composting and other sustaninable activities. 

Local resident and iDig2Learn founder Christina Delfico, together with her young friends, describe their Plogging efforts today.

Island Om's Jax Schott led a Yoga Class on the Rivercross Lawn too.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by @rooseveltislander

And from the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp Communications staff.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by RI Operating Corp. (RIOC) (@rooseveltislandrioc)

Last Thursday, the Today Show host Al Roker celebrated Earth Day with The Science Guy Bill Nye on Roosevelt Island.

Report From RIOC President Charlene Indelicato - Roosevelt Island Public Purpose Fund Grants, Community Notification Alerts, Winter Grounds Clean Up, Bike NY Learn To Ride Classes, And New Compliance Officer

Image Of Ms.Indelicato From RIOC

Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) President Charlene Indelicato sends the following report to the community.

In our first community update of 2015, I would like to wish a happy New Year to our residents and all those on Roosevelt Island. Congratulations as well to the winners of our special RIOC Advisories "Thank You" holiday raffle, in which three lucky subscribers to our electronic community and emergency alert system received a free holiday gift basket.

I encourage all Roosevelt Island businesses and residents to sign up for these alerts if you have not already. Visit us at rioc.ny.gov for more information or to subscribe.

Public Purpose Grant
Letters of Intent to apply for the 2015 Public Purpose Fund were due yesterday, on Friday January 16th. Information about the Fund is available online at rioc.ny.gov . In 1989, New York State established this fund to support the Roosevelt Island community, but the fund became depleted over the years. In 2008, RIOC stepped in to make these funds available annually. RIOC partners with the Roosevelt Island Residents Association, which reviews applications and makes recommendations for funding to the RIOC Board of Directors.

New Compliance and Internal Controls Officer
We would like to extend a warm welcome to the newest member of our staff, Gretchen Robinson. Ms. Robinson, our new Compliance and Internal Controls Officer, comes to us with more than a decade of legal experience, most recently as a prosecutor with the Civilian Complaint Review Board of the City of New York. We are happy to have her as a part of our team.

Bike New York
Do you ride your bike on Roosevelt Island? Have you ever wanted to learn more about bicycle safety, maintenance, and the rules of the road? Last year, Bike New York received a grant to provide innovative pilot programs and free bike education classes specifically on Roosevelt Island. Learn more about their offerings at  bike.nyc/education/roosevelt-island

Photo: 2014 Bike New York Spring Kickoff Party Credit: Caitlin Goodspeed

If you or your family are interested in cycling, but would like to learn how in a safe and stress-free environment, we encourage you to attend one of Bike New York's "Learn to Ride" classes for kids or adults. Check their Class Calendar online at  bike.nyc/education/classes for information or to register.

Roosevelt Island Seasonal Cleanup
In preparation for the winter season, the Grounds department has been readying the Island's fields and park for cold weather and snow. Southpoint Park's greenery, made up entirely of plants native to this region, has received its annual trimming back and will grow again in the spring.

Photo: Southpoint Park's native plants

As a reminder, residents are urged to use caution while traveling in cold or inclement weather. While our Grounds and Facilities departments work around the clock to remove snow and ice from roads and pathways in our community, some areas are prone to consistent icy conditions. If you see any areas that require extra attention this season, please contact the RIOC offices via email at  information@rioc.ny.gov , or call 212-832-4540.

RIOC Advisories
As a reminder, RIOC launched a new and improved Roosevelt Island-specific emergency and community alert system late last year. By signing up online for RIOC Advisories, you will be the first to know about Emergencies, Tram & Red Bus Service, Construction, Special Events and more. Please visit us online at rioc.ny.gov to sign up or for more information. Remember, if we can't reach you, we can't alert you!

If you have questions or require assistance, we encourage you to send an email to information@rioc.ny.gov or to call 212-832-4540 during our daily office hours. A member of our Community Relations department will be happy to work with you to resolve any difficulties, or to provide help during the sign-up process.

UPDATE 1/18 - More on potential Public Purpose Funds roadblock here.

Please Clean Up After Your Dog Pooping And Urinating On Roosevelt Island Main Street Asks Resident - RIOC Public Safety Department Says Tell Us When You See Offender And We Will Issue Summons

A Roosevelt Island resident is concerned that:

Main Street is becoming a serious Dog's urinating place

and shares

these photos

showing the results.

The resident, who fears possible angry reaction of some Roosevelt Island dog owners to these concern prefers to remain anonymous, adds:

Here's an article that deals with dog pee and in it, there is this text:

Health Code § 161.03 Control of dogs and other animals to prevent nuisance.

A person who owns, possesses or controls a dog, cat or other animal shall not permit the animal to commit a nuisance on a sidewalk of any public place, on a floor, wall, stairway or roof of any public or private premises used in common by the public, or on a fence, wall or stairway of a building abutting on a public place.

Notes to § 161.03

This section is derived from S.C. § 227. Specific reference is made to cats as well as dogs. The reference to walls within premises is new. Under New York City Criminal Courts Act § 102c a magistrate is empowered to try and punish a violation of this section as an offense punishable by a fine of $25 or ten days imprisonment, or both.

The Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) policy on subject is as follows:

ROOSEVELT ISLAND OPERATING CORPORATION

DOG CONTROL POLICY

New York State and New York City animal control laws are intended to safeguard the health and safety of the public.

A dog control policy for Roosevelt Island intends to safeguard the health and safety of Island residents and visitors.

It is the intent of the Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation (RIOC) to have a policy that is consistent with the regulations of the City and State of New York. As such, it is the policy of RIOC that responsible dog owners on Roosevelt Island will:

• Have their dogs actively vaccinated against the disease of rabies and be able to provide proof of such vaccination:
• Obtain a license for their dog from the City of New York (New York City Dog License Law, Chapter 115 of the Laws of 1894 as amended);
• Attach a dog license tag to the dog�s collar when the animal is in a public place (New York City Health Code �161.04);
• Hold the dog on a leash no longer than six feet when the dog is in a public place (New York City Health Code �161.05);
• Remove their dog�s feces from any public areas (New York City Health Code �161.03 and New York Public Health Law �1310);
• Utilize only designated dog walk area(s) for off leash roaming of their dog.
• Effective immediately, Public Safety Officers will enforce this policy and issue notices of violations to dog owners who are not in compliance.

RIOC Public Safety Director (PSD) Jack McManus and Deputy Director Lynda Marmara discussed RIOC's dog control policy during December 15 meeting of Roosevelt Island Residents Association (RIRA) Public Safety Committee. Director McManus said that if PSD is told of such an occurrence, they will issue a summons to the offending dog owner.



Also, reported previously on the filthy conditions, including dog urine and pigeon poop, at the Main Street Motorgate Garage.

You're Invited To It's My Park Day Tramway Plaza Planting And Cleanup With East Midtown Partnership Sunday October 26 - Afterwards, Drink Specials And Snacks At Bloom's Tavern

Image From East Midtown Partnership

According to the East Midtown Partnership:

On Sunday, October 26, from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM, join us as we prepare Tramway Plaza, on Second Avenue between East 59th Street and East 60th Street. for the winter and next spring's growing season. We'll clean up the flower beds, plant bulbs, and make sure the only publicly-accessible open space in East Midtown Manhattan is ready to look better than ever in 2015!

Donuts and coffee will be provided for all volunteers, and after we're done with our chores we'll head to Bloom's Tavern (208 East 58th Street, between Second Avenue and Third Avenue), where proprietor Noel Donovan promises us drink specials and snacks.

The East Midtown Partnership adds:

For more information contact info@eastmidtown.org or 212-813-0030. We also are hoping that this event will help us to get a Friends of Tramway Plaza group together.

Report From RIOC President Charlene Indelicato - Roosevelt Island Day Tomorrow, No Macy's July 4 Fireworks Viewing From RI But TV Simulcast Celebration At Firefighters Field, Possession Of Fireworks Will Be Prosecuted, Outdoor Movie Series Starts June 28, Accessibility Ramps Installed, New Outdoor Exercise Equipment, Capobianco Field Drainage & More

Image From Roosevelt Island Youth Program

Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) President Charlene Indelicato sends the following report to the community.

Limited Parking & Visibility on July 4th

This coming Fourth of July, the Macy's 4th of July Fireworks display will take place near the Brooklyn Bridge, much further to the south than in previous years. Due to this location, visibility of the show will be extremely limited on Roosevelt Island. On this date, both Southpoint Park and the FDR Four Freedoms Park at the southern end of the Island will close at 7 PM. Parking for non-residents in the Motorgate Garage will also be limited on this date, so any visitors requiring parking should arrive early and plan accordingly.

As a reminder, unauthorized fireworks are not permitted in New York State, including on Roosevelt Island, at any time. In the interest of public safety, RIOC and the Public Safety Department are taking a strict “no tolerance” approach to fireworks this year. Anyone found in possession of explosives will be prosecuted. Thank you for your anticipated cooperation in this important matter.

Roosevelt Island Day, Outdoor Summer Movie Series & July 4th Events

Tomorrow, Roosevelt Island celebrates one of its best loved traditions. Roosevelt Island Day is kicking off at 8 a.m. with a community beautification effort at the Good Shepherd Plaza from 9 a.m. until 12 p.m. Come early to volunteer, spruce up your neighborhood, and plant flowers with friends and family. Free games and rides will be offered from 12 p.m. until 3 p.m., a concert will take place in the evening. Kids’ art activities will be available along Main Street at Blackwell plaza and free yoga classes will take place on the lawn south of Rivercross at 8:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., and 1:30 p.m. This event is sponsored by Urban American in partnership with RIOC and the Roosevelt Island Youth Program. We hope to see you there.

Next week, RIOC’s annual Outdoor Summer Movie Series begins on Saturday, June 28 at 7 p.m. with music, trivia and a screening of Disney’s Frozen. We welcome all residents to join us for this free event series at Southpoint Park. Food and drinks will be available for purchase. Bring a blanket or chair and enjoy a family favorite movie under the stars. Visit our website at rioc.ny.gov to view the list of upcoming movies at Southpoint Park.

On July 4th at 7 PM, the Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation will be hosting a free community celebration. Residents are invited to join the festivities, which will include a free karaoke contest, giveaways and a live simulcast of New York City's July 4th fireworks display on a large outdoor screen. Please note that while food and drink will be available for purchase from local restaurants; alcohol is not permitted at this event. More information will available on our website, rioc.ny.gov, as the event date draws near.

Accessibility Ramps Installed at Motorgate Garage Bus Turnaround

Last week, the Engineering department worked with contractors at the Motorgate Garage bus turnaround to install four new pedestrian ramps. Thanks to these improvements, the sidewalks in the area now accommodate wheelchairs, strollers, and shopping carts more easily. As always, be sure to use caution and be alert for vehicular traffic when crossing roadways.

AVAC Yard Cleaning

Earlier this month, RIOC, the Department of Sanitation and employees from The Octagon, Manhattan Park, Island House, Rivercross, Eastwood and Urban American cleaned the yard outside of AVAC, Roosevelt Island's trash and recycling facility. All those involved understand the importance of maintaining the facility’s cleanliness, so these departments and building management companies will continue to work together to keep the AVAC yard clean until a long-term solution is put in place. Again, we commend these companies for volunteering their assistance for this important project.

New Outdoor Exercise Equipment

Along the northern section of the West Promenade, to the west of the Octagon Soccer Field, RIOC has installed and maintains several pieces of outdoor exercise equipment. This equipment has proven popular with residents looking for a way to incorporate strength training into their outdoor fitness routine. This month, RIOC will install three new machines: a combination Chest Press and Lat Pull-down for the development of arm strength, a double Ski Walker, which functions similarly to an elliptical machine, and a Leg Press station with three levels of resistance. This expansion of outdoor exercise options should prove especially useful during the upcoming summer months. Once the new machines are installed, we encourage you to visit the area and try out the new equipment.

Capobianco Field Drainage Project

At Capobianco Field, work on a new drainage project is underway. To avoid issues that can detract from the enjoyment of the field, such as puddle formation and persistently damp turf, RIOC’s Engineering department is installing perforated pipes underneath the field’s surface. These pipes form a drainage system that should help keep the field dry and in top playing condition.

Bike New York & RIVAA’s Painting Party

Last Saturday, June 14, Bike New York and the Roosevelt Island Visual Art Association joined together to decorate the bike nonprofit’s storage container, which is located underneath the Helix Ramp. Members of the community came out to express their creativity and decorate the container with bicycle and Roosevelt Island themed imagery. The newly-decorated container will remain on display near the Motorgate Garage bus turnaround for the rest of the summer.

Areas Of Roosevelt Island Getting A Makeover - Motorgate Atrium Getting A Cleaning With Power Washing Starting Today And AVAC Garbage Compound Debris Removed Last Week

Reported last week on the clean up of the Roosevelt Island AVAC garbage compound by the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) together with local building staff and the NYC Department of Sanitation. Today RIOC is starting a clean up

Image of Motorgate Atrium Entrance

of the Roosevelt Island Motorgate Atrium.

Image Of Motorgate Atrium Interior

According to the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC):

Beginning next Monday, June 9th at 8:30 AM, the Atrium of the Motorgate Parking Garage (628 Main St.) will undergo a power washing. This work is scheduled to be completed on or before Friday, June 13th. Sections of the Atrium will be temporarily closed to the public while the work is being performed. Use of the Atrium's elevators will not be affected.

Sincerely,

Roosevelt Island Operating Corp Advisories Group

Report From RIOC President Charlene Indelicato - Roosevelt Island July 4 Fireworks TV Simulcast Viewing At Firefighters Field, AVAC Yard Cleanup, Bike NY Painting Party, Octagon Tennis Resurfacing & Sportspark Classes

 Image Of Cleaned Up Roosevelt Island AVAC Area

Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) President Charlene Indelicato sends the following report to the community.

Summer has officially arrived in New York, and Roosevelt Island is bustling with activity. The Fourth of July fireworks have moved back to the East River, but unfortunately for us, visibility will be very poor from the Island. Instead of an event at Southpoint Park, RIOC will be hosting a free community celebration at Firefighter’s Field – please read below for more information. Many other events, such as Roosevelt Island Day and the Summer Movie Series, are also coming up soon. Last year, Roosevelt Island Day served as an excellent introduction for me to the Island and the many active residents who are passionate about this community. I hope you will join in this Island-wide celebration with your friends, family and neighbors.

Our Maintenance, Engineering and Grounds departments have been very busy working hard maintaining the Island’s facilities, roads and fields. Work is also proceeding on capital projects such as the resurfacing of the Octagon Tennis Courts, which is expected to be completed shortly.

Fourth of July Celebration

This year, many in Brooklyn and eastern Manhattan are excited that New York City’s Fourth of July fireworks display has been moved back to the East River. However, the fireworks will be taking place much further south this year and will be located near the Brooklyn Bridge. The visibility from Roosevelt Island will be extremely limited, unlike previous years’ “front row” views. Both Southpoint Park and the FDR Four Freedoms Park will close at 7 p.m. on July 4, however, Gantry Plaza State Park (4-09 47th Rd.) in Long Island City will be open during the fireworks display.

Though the fireworks display may not be highly visible from Roosevelt Island, RIOC has planned a neighborhood holiday celebration at Firefighter’s Field beginning at 7 p.m. All are invited to gather on the field for a free, live simulcast of the fireworks display on a large outdoor screen. A free, friendly karaoke competition will take place before the show starts, and food and drink will be available for purchase. Come and join in the fun with your Island neighbors – we hope to see you there.

AVAC Yard Cleanup

Last Wednesday, June 3, RIOC staff members organized a joint effort with the Department of Sanitation and employees from several Roosevelt Island building companies to clean the yard outside of AVAC, Roosevelt Island's trash and recycling facility. Many thanks go out to the following buildings and management companies who volunteered to provide staff and assistance during the cleanup effort: The Octagon, Manhattan Park, Island House, Rivercross, Eastwood and Urban American. Thanks to this collaboration, the AVAC yard is now clean and tidy.

Bike New York’s Painting Party

On June 14, Bike New York and the Roosevelt Island Visual Art Association invite artistic Roosevelt Island residents to gather near the Helix Ramp and decorate their bicycle storage container with paintings. All are encouraged to come and express their creativity while beautifying the neighborhood. Participation is free and requires pre-registration. If you are interested in taking part in this event, please contact Caitlin Goodspeed at  cgoodspeed@bikenewyork.org.

Roosevelt Island Day

Roosevelt Island Day 2014 will take place very soon and excitement for this fantastic yearly event is building quickly. Urban American, in partnership with RIOC and the Roosevelt Island Youth Program, invite you to join in the neighborhood beautification effort and free community celebration on Saturday June 21, from 8 a.m. until 8 p.m. Many wonderful activities are planned for this free event, including an early-morning planting and cleanup, carnival games and rides, outdoor yoga classes, a free concert, giveaways and much more. We hope that you will take part in this celebration of your community and the people that make Roosevelt Island such a unique and special place in New York City.

Octagon Tennis Courts

Work is moving forward on the new playing surface at the Octagon Tennis Courts. The newly-poured concrete pole supports have cured and workers have again mobilized on-site. Although this project is weather-sensitive, construction is expected to be completed on schedule, within the next three weeks. We thank you for your patience as we perform these renovations.

Classes and Programs at Sportspark

Changes have been made at Sportspark’s Young Adult Program. The program was initiated as part of an effort to increase the amount of engaging activities for young Roosevelt Island residents. Every Friday and Saturday evening from 9 p.m. to 12 a.m., the sports facility is open to ages 16-25 for weight lifting and basketball. As of last Friday, May 30, participation in the program has been limited to Roosevelt Island residents only. Identification and proof of residency is required for entry. We welcome you to join in and get active at Sportspark.

If the summer heat is making it difficult to exercise outdoors, we invite you to take a look at the free and low-cost programs available for all ages at Sportspark. In addition to offering swim classes, the Sportspark Pool is open every day of the week for two Open Swim sessions in the mornings and later in the day. In addition to the Young Adult Program, the Sportspark Gym offers free Open Basketball play on Saturdays at 2 p.m. and free open ping pong play on Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday nights beginning at 6 p.m. The gym also offers low-cost fitness classes. Information about Sportspark’s classes and other programming is available on our Parks and Recreation website at  rioc.recdesk.com.

RIOC Staffers Develop Plan With NYC Sanitation Department And Roosevelt Island Building Management To Clean Up Filthy AVAC Garbage Area And Maintain It

Image Of Filthy Roosevelt Island AVAC Garbage Area Seen From Manhattan Park Apartment

The Roosevelt Island AVAC Garbage compound is located between the Motorgate Garage and the FDNY Firehouse below the Manhattan Park apartments facing Queens.

Image of AVAC Garbage Area Entrance

The area is a dirty mess and has been so for a long time. A Manhattan Park resident shares these photos and reports:

There is no one who passes the garbage area from either side and does not find it distasteful and disgusting.

Why can't the people who handle the garbage

be required to keep the area clean by tidying it and sweeping it daily?

Roosevelt Island Historical Society (RIHS) President Judy Berdy asked that same question during May 12 meeting of the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Operations Advisory Committee meeting (full audio web cast of meeting here). Ms. Berdy asked:

Is there any peace treaty between RIOC and the Sanitation Department so that the yard can get cleaned up?

RIOC President Charlene Indelicato replied to Ms. Berdy stating that the responsibility for cleaning inside the AVAC Garbage area belongs to the NYC Sanitation Department and Roosevelt Island building management.

Here's the discussion.



Soon after the May 12 RIOC Operations Advisory Committee meeting, I received the report and photos about the dirty mess at the AVAC Garbage area from the Manhattan Park resident above and asked RIOC President Indelicato:

I understand there is some sort of jurisdiction issue between RIOC and the NYC Sanitation Department over who is responsible for cleaning the area.

Does RIOC have any comment or statement on the situation.

Ms. Indelicato replied that RIOC Grounds Manager Fernando Vargas, Facilities Maintenance Manager Santa Verta and Director Of Island Operations Cy Opperman were meeting with NYC Sanitation and the Roosevelt Island Building managements to develop a plan for cleaning up and maintaining the AVAC Garbage area.

Mr. Vargas told me last week that a plan has been worked out between RIOC, NYC Sanitation and Roosevelt Island building managements for the area to be cleaned on a weekly basis and to bring an additional dumpster container to the area.

RIOC President Indelicato praised the work done by RIOC staffers Vargas, Verta and Opperman in finding a solution to cleaning the area adding:

RIOC is hopeful that this collaborative effort on the part of RIOC, R I Building Management teams and Department of Sanitation will result in a cleaner, healthier environment for the residents of Roosevelt Island.

The residents are hopeful the area will be cleaned and maintained as well.

We shall see.

UPDATE 6/8 -  The area was cleaned up

on Wednesday June 4.

Brazilian Street Artist Bel Borba Creates Face Of Roosevelt Island With Duct Tape And Dances With Debra Winger At Blackwell Park

Did you notice this face staring back at you as you were riding the Roosevelt Island Tram near the Roosevelt Island station recently

Image From Vimeo Video

and wonder what it was?

As reported several weeks ago, the Pied Piper of Brazilian Street Artists, Bel Borba, visited Roosevelt Island and went to work creating Tram Man

Image From BuboBlog

Roosevelt Island Face and other examples of street art.

Here's how he did it



and Debra Winger helps out Bel Borba with a dance at Roosevelt Island's Blackwell Park.



One Roosevelt Island resident asks a question regarding clean up of temporary art installations:

What is the polite time factor a temporary art installation should remain in position and who is responsible for cleaning it up??

Recent artistic installations have appeared on Roosevelt Island constructed mostly of black and white tapes. One installation near the tram and West Rd, weathering for the last two week will become a hazard to travelers on handicapped chairs, bicycles and vehicles if caught in their wheels. Another installation surrounds west side mooring cleats once proud docking equipment for vessels,

now wrapped in sticky tapes, withering in the rain.

Roosevelt Island's traditional method of handling other temporary artistic events around the island; as Good Shepherd events, Dance and Theater performances, and South Park Movies for example, are early morning setups, dusk cleanups.

RIVAA who invited the tape bandit maybe can answer this conundrum?

More on Bel Borba here.

Help Keep Roosevelt Island Clean And Pick Up Some Free Art Supplies

A reader sent in the following message seeking volunteers to help keep Roosevelt Island clean.

Clean-Up Group Meets Saturday 4-18 at 10 am at Kiosk

Join Teri Gendron and make our Island shine.

Let's get together this Saturday, April 18, for a clean-up event. We can
admire the spring blossoms and put away the trash.

Meet at the kiosk and then head down to South Park and work our way back
north. Gloves and trash bags will be provided.

Web Urbanist shows how some have turned trash into art:

The cliche is that “one man’s trash is another man’s treasure” but the author of that phrase probably never realized how strangely true it could turn out to be. In today’s world of weird and amazing art some of the most compelling and creative works have been born out of the simplest and most abundant of materials: garbage....

You Tube Video of Trash Art

Any artists out there want to make use of some Roosevelt Island trash?