Roosevelt Island Tram Boarding Priority, Platform Operations, New Red Bus In Service And RI Business Alliance Among Topics Discussed At Last Night Community Board 8 Committee Meeting - Watch The Very Interesting Video Of What Happened

The Community Board 8 (CB 8) Roosevelt Island (RI) and Transportation Committees held a very informative joint meeting via Zoom last evening hosted by RI Committee Chair Paul Krikler. Here's a brief summary.

The meeting began with Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Communications Director Bryant Daniels reporting:

• One of the 2 new Red Buses will be in service later this week and the second bus in service not long afterwards,
• Due to the long lines at the Roosevelt Island Tram, Public Safety Officers will be stationed at the Roosevelt Island station during the morning rush hours and at the Manhattan Station during the evening rush hour.
• RIOC is going to work to reduce the number of people standing on the Tram Platform,
• Priority Seating Signage for older adults and disabled people will be placed on the windows above the seats in both Tram Cabin 
• RIOC is testing faster speeds for the Tram schedule. Approval by Department of Labor is necessary before any changes to the Tram speed can be made.

A report on upcoming events at the Roosevelt Island Library Branch Manager Brandon Korosh.

Skip Hartman of The Roosevelt Island Business Alliance (TRIBA) spoke about the mission of the group including:

• Working on an extension of the Master Lease between NY State and NY City
• Developing and funding a new visitors app
• Holding an awards dinner honoring community members and
• Raising and donating funds to local Roosevelt Island groups

And a robust discussion about a resolution to approve resident and workers boarding priority on the Roosevelt Island Tram. The resolution passed by a vote of 4 to 1 and will be voted on by the full Community Board 8 at the January 15 meeting.

Here's is video last night's

very interesting meeting.

You're Invited To Manhattan Community Board 8 Annual Full Board Meeting On Roosevelt Island At Cornell Tech Tomorrow Evening October 23 - Support Of Direct Elections For RIOC Directors Among Items On Agenda

Manhattan Community Board 8 

will be holding their annual monthly full Board meeting on Roosevelt Island tomorrow evening, October 23.

According to CB 8 Roosevelt Island committee chair and local resident Paul Krikler:

The Full Board of CB8 is meeting at Cornell Tech on Roosevelt Island on October 23rd, starting at 630 pm. The meeting is hybrid, in person and zoom for members of the public.

We will be voting on a resolution to support Council Member Julie Menin’s resolution in support of direct elections for Directors of RIOC. CM Menin will be speaking near the start of the meeting.

Come and speak out in favor of this. Members of the public get to speak at the start of the meeting but you have to sign up ahead of time to speak. You can sign up here.

Here is the resolution sponsored by NYC Council Member Julie Menin's:

... calling on the New York State Legislature and Governor to amend the New York State Public Authorities Law by granting residents of Roosevelt Island the power to vote for members of the board of the Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation.

City Meetings NYC website has the video and transcript of testimony by Roosevelt Island residents to the September 19, 2024 meeting of the NYC Council Committee on Governmental Operations, State and Federal Legislation in support of Ms Menin's resolution.

According to the City Meetings NYC summary of the testimony:

Paul Krikler, a resident of Roosevelt Island, testifies in support of Resolution 132, which calls for direct election of Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation (RIOC) board members. He represents 1,100 petition signatories seeking democratic governance on the island.

• Emphasizes the significant proportion of Roosevelt Island residents (out of 12,000) who support this initiative 
• Highlights the need for better oversight and community involvement in island management 
• Mentions historical issues between RIOC and residents, with the current board failing to provide adequate oversight

Margie Smith, a long-time resident of Roosevelt Island and former RIOC Board Director, testifies in support of Resolution 132, which calls for granting Roosevelt Island residents the power to vote for members of the RIOC board. She emphasizes the lack of democratic representation in the island's governance and the unique challenges faced by its residents.

• Smith highlights the contradiction of Roosevelt Island residents voting for city officials who don't have authority over their island, while being unable to vote for the RIOC board that makes key decisions. 
• She points out the financial burden on Roosevelt Island residents, who pay ground rent and taxes but have no say in how the money is spent on island maintenance and services. 
• Smith urges the City Council to support the resolution, while acknowledging their limited authority to enact change directly.

Joyce Short, a long-time Roosevelt Island resident, testifies in support of Resolution 132, which calls for granting Roosevelt Island residents the power to elect members of the Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation (RIOC) board. She argues that the current appointment system for RIOC board members is undemocratic and violates the principles of republican government.

• Short emphasizes that Roosevelt Island is leased by New York City to the state, and as the "landlord," the city should intervene to address the governance issues. 
• She highlights the ineffectiveness of community referendums in influencing board appointments, with only one out of five referendums resulting in actual appointments. 
• Short expresses concerns about RIOC's focus on maintaining a crime-free image for real estate purposes, potentially at the expense of properly addressing crime on the island.

Penina Gold, a resident of Roosevelt Island, testified in support of Resolution 132-2024, which calls for allowing Roosevelt Island residents to vote for members of the Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation (RIOC) board. She emphasized the lack of democratic representation in the island's governance and the need for accountability.

• Gold highlighted that Roosevelt Island residents can vote in general NYC elections but have no say in selecting RIOC leadership. 
• She stressed that RIOC, which manages most aspects of life on Roosevelt Island, is not accountable to its residents. 
• Gold urged all council members to support the resolution and called on state legislators and the governor to pass and sign the proposed law.

But be aware that Community Board 8 and NYC Council have no power to implement RIOC Board elections which is under the jurisdiction of NY State although passing the resolution could have a degree of persuasive authority on the issue with NY State decision makers.

Roosevelt Island Celebrates And Thanks Wengerd Family For 35 Years Of The Saturday Farmers Market Bringing Fresh, Local, Homegrown Fruits And Vegetables Every Week To The Community

The 35th anniversary of the Wengerd Family Roosevelt Island Saturday Farmers Market was honored last week with a high flying banner by the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC)

and a celebratory cake 

at their Good Shepherd Plaza home last week.

Israel Wengerd, who first started working at the Roosevelt Island Farmers Market as a youngster, and now runs the market said:

It's been 35 years of serving Roosevelt Island with fresh local homegrown fruits and vegetables. The Roosevelt Island community is the best in New York City.

I would like to say Thank You So Much to the Roosevelt Island residents who put on the celebration last week. Thank you, especially to Judy Berdy for coordinating the event.

The June 27, 2024 Manhattan Community Board 8 meeting approved a resolution brought by Roosevelt Island committee chair Paul Krikler honoring the Wengerd Family Farmers Market service to the Roosevelt Island community stating in part:

... WHEREAS; The Wengerd Farmers Market has provided an invaluable addition to life on Roosevelt Island over decades; and

WHEREAS; The Wengerd Farmers Market crew always leaves the market site spotless at the end of the day;

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that Community Board 8 Manhattan relishes the opportunity to thank Israel Wengerd, his family, the cashiers and all the other staff for all the years of dedicated service to this community.

Here's the full CB8 resolution.

See you tomorrow at the Roosevelt Island Farmers Market.

Discussion Of Roosevelt Island Governance And Representation On Agenda For Community Board 8 RI Committee Meeting Thursday December 14 Via Zoom - You're Invited To Participate And Share Your Thoughts

Please join us at Community Board 8 Roosevelt Island Committee Zoom meeting on Thursday, December 14th at 630pm.
1. RIOC Update
2. Discussion of Governance/Representation on Roosevelt Island
Sign up here for the meeting:https://t.co/sroqbHBuf8
@Rooseveltisland

— @paulkrikler 🚲🛴🦽🚠🚂 (@PaulKrikler) December 8, 2023

Here's the Agenda for tomorrow's Community Board 8 Roosevelt Island Committee meeting

and video of the October 19 CB 8 Roosevelt Island committee meeting.

Click here for access to the Zoom meeting.

RIOC Communications Director Will Give An Update To Community Board 8 Roosevelt Island Committee October 19 Via Zoom - Public Invited To Attend And Ask Questions

According to Manhattan Community Board 8: 

Community Board 8 represents the Upper East Side of Manhattan and Roosevelt Island. Specifically, our area extends from the north side of East 59th Street to the south side of East 96th Street, Fifth Avenue to the East River, and Roosevelt Island....

 And:

Community Board 8 will be holding their annual Full Board Meeting on Roosevelt Island this evening, October 18.

Tomorrow, October 19, CB 8's Roosevelt Island committee will meet via Zoom.

According to CB 8 Roosevelt Island Committee Chair and Roosevelt Island resident Paul Krikler:

The next RI Committee meeting of CB8 will be on Zoom at 6:30 PM on October 19. We are being joined by Bryant Daniels, Communications Director from the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp for an update and any questions from the public.

More info here.

On September 21, the CB8 Roosevelt Island and Transportation committees co-hosted a transportation forum at the Good Shepherd Church on the MTA's 63rd Street Tunnel Rehab project.

Community Board 8 Hosting Sept 21 Stuck On Roosevelt Island Forum On The F Train Rehab Work, Come Share Your Thoughts On The Subway Shuttle, Tram And Bus Transportation Problems - Watch Video Of Residents Offering Solutions/Asking Transportation Questions At Sept 14 RIOC Public Session

The Manhattan Community Board 8 Roosevelt Island and Transportation Committees are holding a joint meeting to discuss and share concerns about the MTA's F Train 63rd Street Tunnel Rehab project Thursday September 21 beginning 6:30 PM at Good Shepherd Community Center (543 Main Street). According to CB 8:

Please come and share your experiences, suggestions and questions... We have invited the MTA, RIOC, our elected officials and Resident Board members.

For Zoom access to the meeting, sign in by clicking this link. 

During the September 14 Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Board of Directors meeting Public Session, several residents spoke up sharing their concerns, ideas and solutions with the RIOC Board. Unfortunately, every time newly appointed Board Member Ben Fhala tried to respond to a question or concern from a resident, RIOC General Counsel Gretchen Robinson and Board Chair Diana Lopez did their utmost to try and shut him up, but Mr Fhala persisted.

Here's what happened.

Also, as Mr Fhala was trying to respond to the concerns of a late night health care worker describing having to sleep overnight because of no subway or tram service, Ms Robinson said he was speaking: 

... as a resident of the Island and not a member of the board.

Mr Fhala responded he was speaking as a board member.

 

Near the conclusion of the September 14 Board meeting, Director Howard Polivy asked Public Safety Chief Kevin Brown and Transportation Director Cy Opperman about RIOC's handling of the current Tram and Red Bus transportation situation. 

Roosevelt Island resident Frank Farance shared his thoughts on the currrent transportations problems during the RIOC Public Session too.

Roosevelt Island resident Matt Waldman, an organzer of the Stuck On Roosevelt Island WhatsApp chat group adds:

I attended a RIOC board meeting in person for the first time on September 14. I am glad I did and encourage more community members to join future meetings. 

I really got a good sense of the relationship between the RIOC staff and the Board of Directors. It seems the RIOC staff is controlling the Board Directors, not allowing them to ask valid questions. 

There was a nice turnout from the community and some people spoke during the public comment period. While everyone seemed to be in agreement the track work must be done, the community is frustrated with how RIOC is dealing with this issue. 

Multiple times during the meeting, Gretchen Robinson, the General Counsel, noted:

... having addition OMNY at the tram there are no lines for the tram...

RIOC is trying to make a bad situation sound good like there are not really any issues. According to RIOC, one red bus is out of service and with the addition of the shuttle service to Queens Plaza and Manhattan, RIOC is using this as an excuse for unreliable and less frequent regular red bus service on the island. The RIOC buses to Queens Plaza and Manhattan only run a few hours a day. What about the rest of the day when this service is not being provided. RIOC should be using all buses at all times. 

Remember, if you wish to add your voice, concerns, ideas and solutions to the current Roosevelt Island transportation problems, come to the September 21 Community Board 8 meeting at Good Shepherd Community Center or log on via zoom.

MTA Revised Plan For Upcoming 63rd Street Line Rehab Project - Beginning In August, Roosevelt Island F Train Service Will Be Replaced By Weekday And Weekend Subway Shuttle Service Between 63rd/Lex, Roosevelt Island and Queensbridge/21 Street

Roosevelt Island residents have been worried about a possible F Train subway service disruption transportation nightmare with the upcoming MTA 63rd Street Line Direct Fixation Track Rehabilitation Project scheduled to begin soon. As reported last March 24:

Roosevelt Island Escapes Transportation Nightmare, For Now - MTA Announces Proposed F Train Subway Service Disruptions For 63rd Street Tunnel Rehab Project Pushed Back To At Least July And Maybe Longer

July is approaching soon, but it appears that a revised MTA plan may avoid many of the problems caused by the F Train not running to Roosevelt Island in one direction or the other during work on the 63rd Street Track Rehab Project.

According to the revised MTA plan, the project will begin in August 2023. The plan is for no Roosevelt Island F Train service in either direction during the project. 

Instead, the Roosevelt Island F Train will be replaced by a Shuttle Train service operating between 21st Street/Queensbridge, Roosevelt Island and 63rd/Lexington on weekdays and weekends running every 20 minutes. The Shuttle service is suspended during late night when Shuttle busses run between Roosevelt Island, 21st Street/Queensbridge and Queens Plaza subway station. It's not known at this time how long the project will take or what are Late Night hours.

Image From MTA Community Board 8 Presentation

The MTA will be presenting this revised plan to the Manhattan Community Board 8 Transportation and Roosevelt Island committees on Wednesday June 7 conducted via Zoom.

 Click here to access the Zoom log in for the meeting.

Community Board 8 Roosevelt Island Committee Chair Paul Krikler adds:

The MTA deserves a lot of credit. They saw that the original plan was too confusing and onerous for people. They took this on board and came back with a significantly cleaner plan that will be more straightforward to live with.

Here's the revised MTA plan presentation for the 63rd Street Line Direct Fixation Track Rehabilitation Project.

If you have any questions or comments, tune into the Community Board 8 joint Transportation/Roosevelt Island Committees meeting for the MTA presentation.

First Annual Barbara J. Chocky Award For Public Service Will Be Presented To A Roosevelt Island Or Upper East Side High School Senior Involved In Social Justice, Civic Or Political Issues - Eligible Applicants For $1 Thousand Award Must Show Ongoing Dedication To Continue Ms Chocky's Legacy, Application Due May 13

Barbara Chocky was a long time Upper East Side community activist and member of Manhattan Community Board 8 

Photo Courtesy Of Amy Baxter

which covers the UES and Roosevelt Island. Ms Chocky died October 11, 2021. 

According to an October 14, 2021 Upper East Side Patch article:

Barbara Chocky, a community leader who fought for affordable housing and defended the Upper East Side's most vulnerable residents during a decades-long career in public service, died on Tuesday at the age of 81.

The cause was leukemia, with which she had been diagnosed less than a month ago, said Elaine Walsh, a longtime friend of Chocky's and fellow member of Community Board 8.

Over the years, Chocky worked everywhere from Hunter College to the Lenox Hill Neighborhood House, but it was the community board that took up the biggest chunk of her life. She was CB8's longest-tenured member, serving since 1981 and sitting through untold hours' worth of public meetings. 

"She was a short woman but a very powerful woman," Walsh said. "She had her fingers in a lot of different things."...

Leslie Gottlieb reports:

In recognition of her decades of outstanding community service and leadership, the first annual Barbara J. Chocky Award for Public Service will be presented to a high school senior who lives on the Upper East Side/Roosevelt Island and is involved in social justice issues, civic or political life. The $1,000 Annual Award will be presented in June, 2022.

The Award was started by Barbara’s close friends Pete Grannis, former Assemblyman and currently First Deputy Comptroller for the New York State Office of the State Comptroller, and Amy Baxter, former aide to Pete Granis, with a GoFundMe Campaign following Barbara’s death in October 2021.

According to City Councilwoman Gale Brewer, a longtime friend, ”It is very fitting to honor Barbara’s deep commitment to social justice by awarding an annual scholarship to a high school senior who demonstrates an ongoing dedication to continue her legacy.“ 

Barbara Chocky was a prominent political leader on the Upper East Side and in New York City politics. She had a Masters in Public Administration and was a Registered Nurse. She was a passionate activist who was committed to advocacy, social justice and public and community service. She also mentored many young professionals.

Eligible students must reside on the Upper East Side ( from E 59th St to E 96th St., from Fifth Avenue to the East River, and Roosevelt Island). All applicants should be in good academic standing at their high school and must submit a one page essay on their involvement in community service, electoral politics and/or government, as well as any volunteerism. 

Applications and an official transcript should be emailed to:  BarbaraChockyMemorialAward@gmail.com  by May 13, 2022. Finalists will be contacted for interviews in late May. The Barbara J. Chocky Memorial Award committee will consider diversity, equity and inclusion when reviewing applications. 

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram. The recipient will be presented with the Award in June.

Donations to the fund may be made to the Barbara J. Chocky Memorial Award on Go Fund Me.

Announcing the Barbara J. Chocky Memorial Award for Public Service for High School Seniors

Apply here: https://t.co/1CPl22lZlm pic.twitter.com/JEVHIW8uwC

— Barbara Chocky Memorial Award (@ChockyAward) April 25, 2022

Friends and colleagues shared their memories of Ms Chocky during a November 10, 2021 Special Meeting of Community Board 8.

 

More on Ms Chocky from NY Times obituary and Upper East Side Patch article.

Application Deadline To Represent Roosevelt Island On Manhattan Community Board 8 Extended To March 15 - Submit Your Application To Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine

Manhattan Community Board 8 (CB8M): 

... represents the Upper East Side of Manhattan and Roosevelt Island. CB8M is comprised of 50 volunteer members who serve as advocates and service coordinators for the community and its residents, as well as help citizens resolve municipal service delivery complaints. 

CB8M reviews and makes recommendations on various issues, including applications for Zoning Text Amendments, building variances and special permits, liquor licenses, sidewalk cafes and street fairs, changes to landmarked buildings or buildings in historic districts, traffic and transportation issues, and more.

Today's deadline to submit your application to join CB 8

TODAY is the deadline to submit your application to join your local Community Board!

Submit your application by 5 PM to Manhattan Borough President @MarkLevineNYC's Office at the link below.

Make a difference in your local community! https://t.co/7TMiYFEq8A pic.twitter.com/k7zcLAfVwn

— Community Board 8 M (@CB8M) March 1, 2022

 was extended to March 15.

The Manhattan Community Board application deadline has been extended to March 15th! Take the chance to represent your community by submitting your application to the Office of @MarkLevineNYC at: https://t.co/FWxDj3qRej

— Julie Menin (@JulieMenin) March 2, 2022

 Community Board 8 includes a Roosevelt Island committee. Among the Agenda Items 

during the February 17, 2022 Roosevelt Island committee meeting was a Capital Projects presentation by Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Assistant Director of Capital Planning Prince Shah. 

Click here to view the RIOC presentation.

Recently, there has developed some confusion, even controversy, about who best represents the interests of the Roosevelt Island community between the Roosevelt Island Residents Association (RIRA) Common Council (members elected by the residents of their buildings) and the CB 8 Roosevelt Island Committee (members appointed by the Manhattan Borough President).

More to come on this subject.

Manhattan Community Board 8 Roosevelt Island Committee Virtual Zoom Meeting Thursday January 21- Covid Conversation, RIOC Capital Projects, RI Bridge Bike Lane Update, Status Of Coler Task Force & More

The Manhattan Community Board 8 Roosevelt Island Committee is meeting tomorrow evening. 

According to the Meeting Agenda:

Roosevelt Island Committee*

Thursday, January 21, 2021 - 6:30 PM 

This meeting will be conducted via Zoom 

For access to the Zoom meeting, sign in by clicking this link.  

AGENDA: 

1. COVID-19 Community Conversations presentation by Jessica Sanchez from New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene
2. Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation Capital Projects and updates by Acting President Shelton Haynes.
3. Roosevelt Island Bridge bike lane Updates from DOT
4. Status of the Coler Task Force
5. Old Business

New Business Lynne Strong-Shinozaki, Chair
*Joint meeting with Health, Seniors, and Social Services Committee

Here's more on proposed Roosevelt Island Bridge Bike Lane.

Manhattan Community Board 8 Virtual Zoom Presentation On Goddard Riverside Safe Haven Homeless Housing Proposal For Upper East Side Wednesday January 13

Manhattan Community Board 8 represents Roosevelt Island and the Upper East Side. Roosevelt Island resident Ellen Polivy reports:

I'd like to give a plug for an important presentation at Community Board 8 Health Seniors and Social Services Committee this Wednesday January 13 about a proposed safe haven for homeless people on the Upper East Side.  

Occasionally homeless people find their way to community spaces on Roosevelt Island. It is so easy for people in NY to get into these situations. It has been said that many of us are one or two hard times away from homelessness. A job loss, loss of medical insurance, added expenses, perhaps a serious illness.  

I often wish there was something I could suggest to people in these circumstances. Now, maybe there is. City Council Member Ben Kallos, who has for years volunteered in the January 27 street homeless count, reports that a safe haven is proposed for 419 E 91 Street. The mission is to give individuals living on the street safe housing while they get social services and assistance finding long term housing.  

This Wednesday at 6:30, Goddard Riverside and the NYC Department of Homeless Services will present to the community board 8 health, seniors and Social Services committee in a zoom meeting.

Click here to access the Zoom meeting.

Learn more about Goddard Riverside Homeless Services program here.

Roosevelt Island Bridge Bike Lane Cheese Grater Safety Hazard On Agenda For Manhattan Community Board 8 Transportation Committee Zoom Meeting Tomorrow - Sign Up To Attend

As previously reported:

Roosevelt Island resident Paul Krikler has been working to make the Roosevelt Island Bridge Bike lane safe for cyclists. According to Mr Krikler:

... It’s like riding over a an industrial cheese grater....

... The metal grille surface on the bridge is fine for cars but the metal grille makes it extremely uncomfortable to ride across on a bike. Further, in wet and / or cold conditions, the surface becomes very treacherous to cycle across and becomes extremely slippery. I have seen people slide over and fall....

 Also:

According to a spokesperson for Roosevelt Island's NYC Council Member Ben Kallos:

DOT is evaluating bike-friendly materials for the bridge deck and will ask for funding in the next budget.

  Council Member Kallos adds: 

Our office is looking forward to seeing DOT's plan and suggestions. Any opportunity we get to help improve the City's bike infrastructure is an opportunity we like to take advantage of,...

DOT is the NYC Department of Transportation which has jurisdiction over the Roosevelt Island Bridge and has been promising to review the Roosevelt Island Bridge bike lane safety hazard since 2011.

Tomorrow evening, December 2, the Manhattan Community Board 8 Transportation committee, together with the Roosevelt Island committee, will discuss issues of Roosevelt Island Bridge Bike safety

Help get rid of the Industrial Cheese Grater bridge surface at this CB8 meeting on Wednesday 12/2. Sign up⁦ @rooseveltisland @kallos @jimmyvanbramer @streetsblog @streetfilms ⁦@StreetopiaUWS⁩

Transportation Committee - Manhattan Community Board 8 https://t.co/JvzpIieDpu

— Paul Krikler (@PaulKrikler) November 30, 2020

Here's more info at this prior post.

For access to the CB 8 Transportation Committee Zoom meeting, sign in by clicking this link.

Roosevelt Island Is Invited To Virtual Zoom Meeting On The Coronavirus Pandemic: What Needs To Be Done To Get Back To Normal And What Is The Future Of Health Care Hosted By Community Board 8 Monday June 8 - Panelists NYC Council Health Committee Chair Mark Levine And Dr Robert Fullilove

Manhattan Community Board 8 (includes Roosevelt Island) Health Seniors & Social Services Committee is hosting a Monday June 8 Zoom meeting on the Coronavirus Pandemic and Future of Health Care.

According to CB 8

Read more »

Manhattan Community Board 8 Invites You To 2020 Census Jobs Workshop Tomorrow, Wednesday June 12

Manhattan Community Board 8 is hosting a 2020 Census Job Opportunities workshop tomorrow, Wednesday, June 12, from 1:30 - 3:30 PM at the Stanley M Issacs Neighborhood Center (415 East 93rd Street)

Click here for more info.

Roosevelt Island to Upper East Side NYC Ferry Service Proposed For Expanded Astoria Route By Hallets Point Developer Durst Organization At CB 8 Transportation Committee Meeting

Roosevelt Island may get ferry service to the Upper East Side under a proposed expanded NYC Ferry Astoria Route by Hallets Point real estate developer Durst Organization.

NEW: The Durst Organization’s proposal would extend the Astoria NYC Ferry route to the 90th Street dock in Yorkville – at public expense.https://t.co/TaxcvhtZNQ

— THE CITY (@THECITYNY) May 1, 2019

Expansion of the Astoria route NYC East River ferry service, which includes Roosevelt Island, to the Upper East Side 90th Street dock was among the items on the agenda for the May 1 Community Board 8 Transportation Committee meeting:

Presentation by The Durst Organization on a proposal to connect the Astoria Ferry line in Queens to the 90th Street Ferry Terminal in the Upper East Side (joint with the Parks and Waterfront Committee).

good evening from the Durst Organization's presentation at Manhattan Community Board 8's transportation committee on linking the Astoria ferry line to the Upper East Side. my earlier story on this: https://t.co/Pi3EKXpgJK pic.twitter.com/RlXJ6XMip4

— Rachel Holliday Smith (@rachelholliday) May 1, 2019

The Astoria-to-Upper East Side proposition comes as budget watchdogs scrutinize ferry subsidies amounting to $10.73 per ride. https://t.co/4pabVLMDvq

— THE CITY (@THECITYNY) May 2, 2019

“It’s about 1,000 feet between the two ferry stops. The trip would take less than five minutes.” https://t.co/HaU2VaRfvy

— THE CITY (@THECITYNY) May 1, 2019

CB 8 member Billy Freeland tweets:

The Durst Org is at CB8 seeking support for this ferry expansion. As it stands, I couldn’t support a massive public subsidy to overwhelmingly benefit a private developer. Two things I’d like to see:

(1) Durst contribute $ to project

(2) Durst subsidize fares for NYCHA residents https://t.co/IJQE6C0qwX

— Billy Freeland (@policyjunkie) May 1, 2019

I asked Durst’s representatives about both ideas. They were very intrigued by the concept of subsidizing fares for NYCHA residents both in Astoria and Yorkville, and did not close the door to otherwise providing financial support to the project.

— Billy Freeland (@policyjunkie) May 1, 2019

More on the proposed ferry route (including map below)



from this article in The City

Take this virtual Roosevelt Island to Astoria ferry trip.



If the new route is approved, another 5 minutes and you will be on the Upper East Side.

CB 8's Roosevelt Island Committee Hosting Suicide Prevention Forum Thursday September 20 At Main Street Theatre

September is Suicide Prevention Month.

In light of September being Suicide Prevention Month, the city health department is highlighting a free 8-hour mental health first aid course available to all New Yorkers. #MorningsOn1 pic.twitter.com/5UxkFq2faP

— Spectrum News NY1 (@NY1) September 19, 2018

Community Board 8's (CB 8) Roosevelt Island Committee is hosting a Suicide Prevention Forum tomorrow evening.

Please note that the Forum will be held Thursday September 20 at the Main Street Theatre & Dance Alliance (548 Main Street), not at the location referenced in flyer above.

According to CB 8's Roosevelt Island Committee

Roosevelt Island Committee
Thursday, September 20, 2018 - 6:30PM
Main Street Theater & Dance
548 Main Street,
Roosevelt Island, NY

Joint Meeting with Health, Seniors, & Social Services and Veteran’s Committees

Suicide Prevention Forum

Featured Speakers:

• Brett A. Scudder, President/Chairman/Founder SISFI
• Representative from NAMI
• Representative from Columbia Presbyterian
• Representative from American Foundation For Suicide Prevention

Lynne Strong-Shinozaki, Chair Roosevelt Island Committee
Alexandra Harrington Barker, David Liston, and Barbara Rudder, Co-Chairs Health, Seniors, & Social Services Committee
Christopher Deluzio and David Menegon, Co-Chairs Veterans Committee

After her own suicide attempt, this photographer has interviewed nearly 200 suicide attempt survivors across the U.S. to amplify their voices. pic.twitter.com/yPWKtZcvdf

— VICE News (@vicenews) September 18, 2018

NYC Health has more info on suicide prevention.

Updates On Roosevelt Island Tramway Plaza, Southtown Building 8, Cat Sanctuary & Mental Health Awareness Initiatives On Agenda For Thursday, July 19 Community Board 8 Roosevelt Island Committee Meeting - You're Invited To Attend

The Manhattan Community Board 8

Image From CB8M

Roosevelt Island Committee will meet tomorrow, July 19. Committee Chair Lynn Strong-Shinozaki invites all Roosevelt Island residents to attend and shares the meeting agenda below:

Roosevelt Island Committee
Thursday, July 19, 2018 - 6:30PM
Good Shepard Community Center
543 Main Street,
Roosevelt Island, NY
Auditorium (Upstairs)

AGENDA

1. Update on Tramway Plaza

2. Update on Southtown Building 8

3. Update on WFF Cat Sanctuary

4. Update on Mental Health Awareness Initiatives

Lynne Strong-Shinozaki, Chair

Roosevelt Island Parents & Students Invited To Learn About Health Impacts Of E-Cigarette Vaping From Medical Experts On May 17 - Sponsored By Assembly Member Rebecca Seawright & Community Board 8

Roosevelt Island and Manhattan Upper East Side NY State Assembly Member Rebecca Seawright reports:

I hope you will join me tomorrow evening for a panel I am cosponsoring with Community Board 8 Health, Seniors and Social Services Committee, "Vaping: Impacts on Students and Our Health."

As featured in the New York Times, we are seeing a growing trend of vaping in our schools across our city and state. That is why we are holding a forum with a panel of experts to educate and receive community feedback on vaping in our community.

We will be joined by Associate Professor at NYU School of Medicine Dr. Donna Shelley, New York City Department of Health Bureau of Chronic Disease Preventions and Tobacco Control's Kevin R.J. Schroth and Achala Talati, and parents of local middle school students.

We look forward to seeing you tomorrow night!

CNN has more on the student vaping epidemic.

You're Invited To Community Board 8 Public Forum This Evening On Homelessness In NYC, What Is Being Done And How Can We Help?

Manhattan Community Board 8 (CB 8) represents the Upper East Side and Roosevelt Island. This evening the CB 8 Health, Seniors & Social Services Committee is presenting a public forum and panel discussion on:

HOMELESSNESS IN NEW YORK CITY: WHAT IS BEING DONE AND HOW CAN WE HELP?

Among the panelists are Roosevelt Island's NYC Council Member Ben Kallos.

Want to learn more about how you can help the homeless in NYC? On Thurs., April 12, our VP of Programs, Felipe Vargas, will discuss solutions on @CB8M's panel: "Homelessness in New York City: What is Being Done and How We Can Help." pic.twitter.com/dU6rXBAwBs

— The Doe Fund (@TheDoeFund) April 10, 2018

The CB 8 Homeless Forum starts 6:30 PM at Ramaz School - Heyman Auditorium 125 East 85th Street (Lexington-Park).

Mayor Bill de Blasio Hosting Town Hall Meeting With NYC Council Member Ben Kallos December 7 - Sign Up Now To Comment And Ask Your Roosevelt Island Questions

Do you have any questions to ask NYC Mayor Bill de Blasio about Roosevelt Island or any other NYC issue?

If you do, sign up to attend the December 7 Mayoral Town Hall hosted by our own NYC Council Member Ben Kallos.

Roosevelt Island NYC Council Member Ben Kallos tweets:

📢Mayoral Town Hall 12/7. Make sure you get your RSVP in, space is limited. https://t.co/MnvWXU6S8N pic.twitter.com/hzemL3ENyD

— Ben Kallos (@BenKallos) November 30, 2017

According to the Mayor's Office:

THURSDAY: MAYOR DE BLASIO TO HOST TOWN HALL WITH COUNCIL MEMBER KALLOS

On Thursday, December 7, Mayor Bill de Blasio will host a town hall with Council Member Ben Kallos for residents of the 5th Council District, encompassing the neighborhoods of Yorkville, Lenox Hill, Carnegie Hill, Roosevelt Island, Midtown East, Sutton Place, and El Barrio in East Harlem. The event is hosted in conjunction with U.S. Representative Carolyn B. Maloney, State Senator Liz Krueger and Assembly Member Rebecca Seawright.

Residents of the 5th Council District are asked to RSVP by December 6 at 5 p.m. via email at manhattantownhall@cityhall.nyc.gov or by calling (212) 788-8526. Space is limited.

The town hall is co-sponsored by Lenox Hill Neighborhood Houses and Community Board 8.

WHAT: Council District 5 Town Hall

WHEN: Thursday, December 7, 2017

Doors open at 7:00 P.M.

Program begins at 8:00 P.M.

WHERE: Julia Richmond Education Complex

317 East 67th Street (enter on 68th Street between First and Second Avenues)

New York, NY 10065

What would you say to Mayor de Blasio?

UPDATE 12/7 6:15 PM:

❗️Attention: Tonight’s Mayoral Town Hall with Council Member @BenKallos has been postponed to January 17th at 7PM. 🗓️ We apologize for any inconvenience.

— NYC Mayor's CAU (@mayorsCAU) December 7, 2017

.@NYCMayor, who we have been told has the flu (and before you tattle on him to @DrBassettDOHMH, he apparently did get his flu shot), has canceled his town hall tonight.

— Jillian Jorgensen (@Jill_Jorgensen) December 7, 2017

The @NYCMayorsOffice @mayorsCAU has rescheduled tonight's town hall. New Date is January 17th

— Ben Kallos (@BenKallos) December 7, 2017