Post Covid Restoration Phase Has Begun For New York Public Library Roosevelt Island Branch Says Manager Carlos Chavez, Indoor Seating, Children's And Community Rooms Open, Computers Are Back, Photocopying, Upcoming Programs And Air Conditioning Too - Maybe Outdoor Seating If RIOC Cooperates

Patrons, the promised day is almost here! On July 6th we will restore the majority of our services including the copy machine! Read about it here: https://t.co/FsaFthFp9K

— RooseveltIslandLib (@LibRoosevelt) July 2, 2021

 NYPL Roosevelt Island Branch Manager Carlos Chavez reported yesterday:

... we are fully open to the community. Patrons can now stay at the library as long as they want during our hours of operation. All computers are now available including laptops. Our photocopier is back in service and so is our community room. 

Roosevelt Island library hours are currently Monday - Saturday 11 AM - 5 PM. 

I spoke with Mr Chavez yesterday about the restoration of NYPL Roosevelt Island branch services. According to Mr Chavez:

Greetings Roosevelt Islanders 

I have very good new s for everyone. We have finally entered what is known as the restoration phase at the Roosevelt Island library and what that means is that we are almost fully open to the community and these are the new services that we are offering in the restoration phase.

Indoor seating so you will see all our furniture is set up along the main area of the library as well as the children's room which is all the way in the back. Patrons can stay at the library as long as they want during our hours of operation. 

All our computers are back in service that includes desktops and laptops. You can reserve them with your library card. We also have photocopying services and scanning services available and our community room is also back in service so later this month we will be having programs at the library...

Upcoming NYPL Roosevelt Island branch events include:

The Roosevelt Island Public Library is also air conditioned 

and is a Cooling Center during hot weather like today.

The outdoor space adjacent to the Roosevelt Island library branch is controlled by the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC).

Yesterday, I asked RIOC Public Information Officer Amy Smith:

The Roosevelt Island Library begins restoration of full service today.

It would be great if library patrons could also use the outdoor space adjacent to the Library that RIOC had previously said would start renovations in May.

If renovations are not going to be done this summer, is it possible for RIOC to clean up the outdoor space, put out a few tables and chairs and let the Library patrons use the outdoor space?

Or wait until later in year to start renovations?

Any comment from RIOC?

Ms Smith replied answered today: 

Great suggestions. I would recommend utilizing our Tikkit system which is the best and most efficient way to have action taken on your recommendations and suggestions. You may also use the Speak Up form on our website which will allow your recommendations and suggestions to be heard at the next Board meeting.

Please do let me know if there’s any other information I’m able to provide.

I replied: 

What is the current status of plans to renovate the outdoor area next to Public Library?

If work is not planned for the summer, will RIOC clean it up and put chairs and tables out so library patrons can use it.

Roosevelt Island Carter Burden Network Senior Center Post Covid 19 Reopening Today - Staff Excited To Welcome Everybody Back

New York City Department For the Ageing (DFTA) Senior Centers opened today as we continue to resume normal life post Covid 19 pandemic.

Senior centers are REOPENING across New York City! Our oldest residents are getting fully vaccinated, protected, and ready to socialize once again! #SummerOfNYC pic.twitter.com/cLJy7ZIY1p

— City of New York (@nycgov) June 14, 2021

According to the Carter Burden Roosevelt Island Senior Center (RISC):

RISC has been given the green light to open our doors. NYC Department For The Ageing (DFTA) and our Mayor have given the ok! 

We will begin slowly, carefully and safely. We have many protocols and guidelines to follow.  

The health and safety of our clients and staff are our priority. 

We will open the doors at 10:00am, a daily hot congregate meal will be offered with limited seating(25% capacity) daily grab – n- go will also be available. 

Folks are welcome to sit in the garden and enjoy their lunch as well.  

Initially services will be limited, the computer lab will be open with limited capacity, games on the patio weather permitting, bingo. 

A weekly schedule will be available. Case management will be by appointment only to begin. 

Hopefully by mid-July more classes and services will become available. 

The staff at the Roosevelt Island Senior Center is excited to be welcoming back our members! 

We ask that all entering the Senior Center wear a mask. Temporary change of hours; Monday-Friday 10:00am – 3:30 pm

Roosevelt Island Senior Center Director Lisa Fernandez and other staff members were at Roosevelt Island Day celebration last Saturday announcing today's opening and are very excited to welcome everybody back.

Ms Fernandez adds that 60 people visited the Senior Center today.

We are excited to announce the launch of CBN’s 50th Anniversary Campaign! This critical fundraising effort will help raise support for NYC seniors who are still facing challenges due to COVID-19. Please consider donating at https://t.co/0bVDsZMbcS. pic.twitter.com/pfGSSbEmoe

— CarterBurdenNetwork (@CBurdenNetwork) June 2, 2021

Roosevelt Island Nisi Kitchen Outdoor Heated Tent Seating Re-Opens, Cornell Tech Cafe Outdoor Patio Open Too - Granny Annie's Expects Outdoor Eating Later This Month

The Roosevelt Island Nisi Kitchen heated dining tent re-opened yesterday and on a fairly mild January had several people eating at the outdoor tables.

Owners Kai &!Alex Razaghi invite you to come on down to Nisi Kitchen.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by @rooseveltislander

Granny Annie's 'Bar & Kitchen in Southtown is expected to re-open 

with outdoor dining later this month 

and the Cafe at Cornell Tech 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by The Cafe @ Cornell Tech (@thecafe_cornelltech)

is open for take out, delivery and outdoor dining on their patio. 

The Roosevelt Islansd Fuji East, Piccolo Trattoria, Hot Pot Noodle Shop, Subway Sandwich Shop, Starbucks.and Wholesome Organic Market are open but not for seating.

Let's try to support our local Roosevelt Island businesses.

UPDATE 1/17 - Also open are China 1 and the Jupioca Juice Bar.

More info at Roosevelt Island Shops on Main Street website.

NYC Restaurant Indoor Dining Returns Today To Roosevelt Island With 25% Covid 19 Social Distancing Capacity Seating At Cornell Tech Cafe & Nisi Kitchen

NYC restaurant indoor dining returns today with 25% Covid-19 Social Distancing capacity seating.

Indoor dining is back today in New York City and we’re ensuring it happens safely.

🌡️ Temperature checks
📲 Contact info for each party for our #NYCTestandTrace
➡️ Tables spaced 6 feet apart
🚫 Bar tops closed
😷 PPE for all employees

— City of New York (@nycgov) September 30, 2020

On Roosevelt Island, the Cafe @Cornell Tech is open for indoor seating

View this post on Instagram

Indoor dining is back!!! #thecafeatct #nyc #cornelltech

A post shared by The Cafe @ Cornell Tech (@thecafe_cornelltech) on Sep 30, 2020 at 5:31am PDT

as is Nisi Kitchen, although owner Alex Razaghi told me this afternoon they may be open tonight but definitly will be open tomorrow.

View this post on Instagram

Nisi Kitchen now has indoor seating!

A post shared by Nisi Kitchen (@nisikitchen) on Sep 30, 2020 at 2:12pm PDT

I spoke with Cafe @Cornell Tech General Manager Christopher Lewis today about their indoor dining and he gave me a tour describing indoor seating procedures.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by @rooseveltislander on Sep 30, 2020 at 11:18am PDT

Granny Annie's Irish Bar & Kitchen is not yet open for indoor dining nor is Fuji East, Piccolo Trattoria and Starbucks.

More Roosevelt Island Covid 19 Restart - Mosaic Church In Person Worship For Up To 30 Persons Begins Sunday August 30 At Good Shepherd Chapel Says Pastor Dan Sadlier

Roosevelt Islands Mosaic Church Pastor Dan Sadlier reports:

Since March, Mosaic Church (formally Hope Church Roosevelt Island) has been meeting digitally through multiple online platforms.

Weekly you can find the "Mosaic Kids" digital program happening every Sunday morning at 10AM via zoom. Each week one can expect music, fun competitions, age appropriate teaching, and a chance for children to connect with their peers and leaders who invest regularly in the youth on and around Roosevelt Island. You can register your children for the weekly digital experience at https://mosaicri.nyc/kids

In addition, Mosaic church has hosted their regular Sunday weekly worship service with teaching, music, and a post service virtual lobby to help allow congregants to see each other face to face at 11:30AM. You can watch services on Facebook Live, Insta TV, or on their interactive platform where you can chat with other viewers and request prayer at Mosaicchurchnyc.online.church

Both of these online digital services will continue to be offered to those living on and around Roosevelt Island as a regular part of our Mosaic Church NYC ministry. However, in addition Mosaic Church NYC begins their slow and cautious in person re-gathering strategy this Sunday, August 30th at Good Shepherd Chapel (543 Main Street)

This Sunday, Mosaic Church Roosevelt Island will host their first in-person worship gathering at 11:30AM.

Here is what one can expect:

• 30 people will be allowed to attend in person gatherings during this first iteration of reopening. You must register online at https://mosaicri.nyc/regathering
• Masks will be worn by congregants and leaders (unless a leader or pastor is distanced from congregants and on stage for the purpose of communicating/teaching)
• Social distancing requirements will be required through intentional ushering/seating
• The Mosaic host team will be doing temperature checks.
• Children are welcome to attend our 11:30AM gathering woth their families, but age appropriate Mosaic Kids programming will happen digitally at 10AM.

Mosaic leadership understands that neighbors will have different timelines for when they are ready to engage in person with the local church community. This is why both in person and digital experiences will happen simultaneously. Yet, as the Mosaic leadership has continued to watch COVID case numbers plateau, as they have consulted with RIOC public safety, and have listened to government guidance, Mosaic Pastors do believe that it is important to cautiously begin the regathering process this Sunday.

One can reserve their spot at https://mosaicri.nyc/regathering

More Roosevelt Island Covid Restart Good News - RIOC Hopes To Reopen Sportspark Pool For Social Distance Open Swim In Next Two Weeks

Good news for Roosevelt Island Sportspark Pool Swimmers.

Image From RIOC

Earlier today, NYC Mayor Bill deBlasio announced opening of some pools.

Better late than never — we’re opening some pools tomorrow! 🏊🏽

There will be safety precautions in place, but New Yorkers can take a dip and stay cool. ⬇️⬇️⬇️ pic.twitter.com/jnYmKqrMuY

— NYC Mayor's Office (@NYCMayorsOffice) July 23, 2020

I then asked Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Acting President Shelton Haynes:

Mayor announced that NYC pools will open tomorrow.

Any news if and when Sportspark pool will open?

RIOC Director Of Communications & Community Affairs Erica Spencer-El answered:

Our operations team is currently working on logistics to reopen the pool for Open Swim only on select days, keeping in mind social distancing protocols and the health and safety of pool staff and swimmers. We hope to have the pool back in operation in the next two weeks.

Good News, Roosevelt Island Do Not Enter Yellow Tape Coming Down - Phase 3 Of Cornavirus Restart On Roosevelt Island Begins Tomorrow As Sports Fields, Basketball Courts And Dog Runs Reopen With Social Distancing Rules

Roosevelt Island ball fields, basketball courts and dog runs closed due to the Coronavirus Pandemic shutdown will reopen Monday July 13.

According to the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC):

Please be advised that RIOC will reopen all outdoor basketball courts, dog runs, and sports fields on Monday, July 13th.

Residents and visitors are asked to avoid participating in high-contact games, such as football and basketball, to continue wearing face coverings, and to maintain proper social distancing practices at all times.

As of Monday, July 13th

Open areas will include:

• Comfort Stations at Lighthouse Park and Southpoint Park
• Outdoor Tennis Courts (7:30 AM- 8:30 PM)– reservation system here
• All public playgrounds
• Pony Field and Capobianco Field (7 AM- 9 PM) – for exercise only
• McManus and Firefighters Fields (7 AM- 9 PM) – socially distanced games only
• All basketball courts- (7 AM- 9 PM) No games. Socially distanced shoot-around only
• All dog runs

Closed areas will include:

• Sportspark
• All public cooking areas

Please note that summer day camp programs have priority on all fields and courts Mon. - Fri., 9 AM - 4 PM, through Aug. 28, 2020

For more information on NYS Department of Health sports and recreation guidance, please click here.

For details on complete New York Forward guidance, please click here.

We appreciate your patience with this matter.

More Roosevelt Island Covid Restart - Starbucks Patio Outdoor Seating Is Back, Can't Beat The View

Yay. Roosevelt Island ⁦@Starbucks⁩ patio outdoor seating is back. Can’t beat the view. pic.twitter.com/UXRZHH1wEB

— Roosevelt Islander (@Rooseveltisland) July 1, 2020

Good News, Phase 2 Of NYC Coronavirus Restaurant Restart On Roosevelt Island As Nisi Kitchen Begins Outdoor Seating Self Service Last Night - Welcome Back Kai & Alex, See You At Nisi

Roosevelt Island's Nisi Kitchen restaurant began outdoor seating service last evening and residents filled up the social distance table layout.

I sat down and spoke with father and son Nisi owners Kai

and Alex Razaghi who said they were excited to be back to offer sit down service for food and drink

and explained the easy to use current electronic self service instructions.



They plan to offer bar specials later this week or next and have begun offering Coffee & Bagel Takeout Specials

Hours are 10 AM - 11 PM every day.

Welcome back Kai & Alex - See you at Nisi.

Also, I spoke to the owners of the still under construction Grannie Annie's restaurant taking over the former Riverwalk bar space who tell me they plan to open in August.

Good News, Phase 2 Of NYC Coronavirus Restart Begins Tomorrow - Roosevelt Island Nisi Kitchen Hopes To Open With Social Distance Outdoor Seating Barriers On Good Shepherd Plaza Monday June 22

We’re on track to hit Phase 2 of our restart on Monday. That means reopening:

-Offices
-In-store retail
-Outdoor dining
-Hair salons and barbershops

All with limited capacity and face coverings.

— Mayor Bill de Blasio (@NYCMayor) June 18, 2020

Roosevelt Island Nisi Kitchen restaurant owner Kai Razahgi told me today that he hopes to open tomorrow with social distance outdoor seating barriers

at the Good Shepherd Plaza.

Welcome back Nisi.

Good News, Phase 2 Of NYC Coronavirus Restart Begins Tomorrow - We All Need Haircuts, Roosevelt Island Fusion Salon Opening Monday June 22

We’re on track to hit Phase 2 of our restart on Monday. That means reopening:

-Offices
-In-store retail
-Outdoor dining
-Hair salons and barbershops

All with limited capacity and face coverings.

— Mayor Bill de Blasio (@NYCMayor) June 18, 2020

The Roosevelt Island Fusion Salon  is open for business starting tomorrow.

Boris, the owner of Fusion Salon, reports:

We will reopen on Monday June 22. Clients must wear a mask and keep social distance of 6 feet apart

My employees will wash hands or sanitize after each client, sanitize station and chairs after each client & wear gloves and mask.

It’s better to make appointment Call (212)688-0055 for an appointment. If you don’t you just have to wait outside for your turn .

All my Employees have completed Covid-19 training rules

regarding precautions and safety for everybody.

It will feel great to get a haircut after all this time.

Coronavirus Shutdown Easing - Roosevelt Island Playgrounds Opening Monday June 22 Says RIOC, Mayor deBlasio Speaks On Phase 2 Re-Openings

The Roosevelt Island playgrounds, closed due to the Coronavirus Pandemic shutdown

will re-open Monday June 22.

According to the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC):

Here's NYC Mayor de Blasio on Phase 2 re-openings.

BREAKING: @NYCMayor announces that playgrounds will REOPEN on Monday.

Learn more about Phase Two of reopening right now: https://t.co/EZuguYVB46

— NYC Mayor's Office (@NYCMayorsOffice) June 18, 2020

Coronavirus Lockdown Easing, Roosevelt Island Octagon Tennis Courts Opening Saturday June 20, Singles Only Play, 1 Hour Reservations, Masks Required When Walking To And From Assigned Court

The Roosevelt Island Octagon Tennis courts, currently closed due to the Coronavirus Pandemic lockdown,

will re-open Saturday, April 20.

Tennis Courts to Reopen June 20th

Please view message details at: https://t.co/tYaBbkHTA0 pic.twitter.com/xNBKmZayAD

— RIOC NYS (@RIOCny) June 12, 2020

According to the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC):

Read more »

Can Outdoor Cafe Culture Thrive On Roosevelt Island? RIOC And Hudson Related Shops On Main Street Looking To Help Local Restaurants With More Outdoor Seating While Maintaining Coronavirus Social Distancing

Great question - @Rooseveltisland is the perfect place for a really great cafe culture all the time - not just during a pandemic. Great cafes is one of the things I miss most about my hometown. If there can be thriving cafes in Astoria we should be able to perfect them here. https://t.co/CWkQz3Z1WA

— Minnehanonck (@minnehanonck) May 15, 2020

Image of Roosevelt Island Pier NYC, Summer of 2012

During the June 2 Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Operations Advisory Committee video conference meeting, I asked what will RIOC do to help Roosevelt Island restaurants and residents with social distance outdoor seating once the restaurants are allowed to open for more than take out and delivery:

Will RIOC allow restaurants to have outdoor seating in public spaces such as Good Shepherd Plaza, Blackwell Plaza, temporary outdoor seating around the perimeter of McManus and Firefighters Field for example. What is Roosevelt Island's version of NY Open Streets Plan. 

RIOC President Susan Rosenthal and Chief Finance Officer John O'Reilly replied that so far none of the restaurants have asked for anything but that RIOC will soon be meeting with Hudson Related Shops On Main Street to discuss possible plans.

Here's the full RIOC Operations Committee discussion on possible plans for Roosevelt Island restaurants once they fully reopen.



RIOC Director David Kappel noted:

Read more »

Roosevelt Island Coronavirus Reopening On Agenda For June 2 RIOC Board Operations Committee Meeting And Southpoint Park Shoreline Reconstruction Project On Agenda For June 2 Real Estate Committee Meeting - Both Meeting Via Videoconference, Public Can Watch But No Participation Says RIOC

The Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Board Of Directors Operations Advisory Committee will meet next Tuesday, June 2, to discuss the Roosevelt Island Coronavirus reopening plan as well as active construction projects. The meeting will be conducted via videoconference and open to the public.

I asked RIOC President Susan Rosenthal and the RIOC Directors:

Will the public be able to participate during the upcoming RIOC Board Committee meeting videoconferences as they do during in person meetingns?

RIOC Public Information Officer Terrence McCauley replied:

Public comments are not part of the agenda for either committee meeting. The public can always submit their comments for full board meetings on our website. http://rioc.ny.gov/FormCenter/Meetings-4/Speakup-43

According to RIOC:

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that a meeting of the Operations Advisory Committee of the RIOC Board of Directors will be held on Tuesday, June 2, 2020 at 5:30 p.m. via videoconference.

AGENDA:

Discussion of:

Active Construction Projects
RIOC’s Reopening Plan
Any Other Committee Business that May be Brought Before the Committee

Chair’s Motion for Executive Session to Discuss Contract Negotiations

***

Due to public health concerns and as authorized by Executive Order of the Governor, this meeting will be conducted via videoconference.

The link to a webcast will be posted on RIOC’s website by 12:00 pm on Tuesday, June 2, 2020.

Among the issues  residents have raised concerning the Coronavirus re-opening of Roosevelt Island is the use of McManus and Firefighters ball fields

Great question for @RIOCny Astoria Park Field is open so people can walk around, get fresh air while maintaining social distance. Why not on Roosevelt Island? https://t.co/M2W5Q9LZQU

— Roosevelt Islander (@Rooseveltisland) May 3, 2020

which have been closed during the shutdown

When will Roosevelt Island McManus and Firefighters Field reopen. ⁦ pic.twitter.com/nG8RLsry0V

— Roosevelt Islander (@Rooseveltisland) May 29, 2020

as well as the use of public space for outdoor seating by Roosevelt Island restaurants.

Read more »

Roosevelt Island Farmers Market Re-Opening Saturday May 16, Maintain Your Social Distance And Face Covering Required To Enter - Will Roosevelt Island Firefighters And McManus Field Open Too, No Response From RIOC

The Roosevelt Island Saturday Farmers Market

Image Of Farmers Market at Good Shepherd Plaza From March 21

has been closed since March 28 due to the Coronavirus Pandemic.

Earlier today, I asked Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC):

I understand the Farmers Market is opening this coming Saturday.

Is that true?

What procedures are being followed to maintain social distancing. Any other statement from RIOC on opening of Farmers Market?

Will the Firefighters and McManus Field be re-opened too as long as social distancing practices are maintained?

and received this announcement from RIOC:

Farmers Market Returns This Week

The Farmers Market will return to Good Shepherd Plaza this Saturday, May 16th. The first hour of the market will be strictly for Senior Citizens and the disabled. Social Distancing measures will strictly be enforced by PSD officers. We will release further details about this event throughout the week.

Wengerd Farms' Israel Wengerd adds that face coverings are required for everyone to enter the Farmers Market and they will be giving out gloves upon entering. Stay tuned for more info about opening of Roosevelt Island Farmers Market including hours of operation.

So far no response from RIOC about re-opening McManus and Firefighters Fields which are closed due to the Coronavirus Pandemic. But questions have been raised if closing the fields is the right policy? Can the Roosevelt Island playing fields be re-opened with social distancing as is done at the Roosevelt Island Cornell Tech campus?

Roosevelt Island open space at McManus/Firefighters field could be open like @cornell_tech as long as social distancing enforced but @RIOCny staff will not consider it. Resident Board can overrule @BenKallos @NYCMayor @NYGovCuomo @SenatorSerrano @SeawrightForNY @TheHudsonCos pic.twitter.com/Ig8HebzDxK

— Roosevelt Islander (@Rooseveltisland) May 3, 2020

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