Roosevelt Island Granny Annie's Irish Bar Getting Ready To Open With Outdoor Seating In Next Few Days - Cornell Tech Indoor Dining Starts September 30 And Try Chef Danny's Delicious End Of Summer Barbecue This Week On Outdoor Patio Too

The outdoor tables were being set up tonight at the soon to open Roosevelt Island Granny Annie's Irish Bar.

Stay tuned for Granny Annie's opening date info which is in the next few days.

Also, stop by the Cafe @Cornell Tech Cafe for some delicious end of summer barbecue through Friday:

Chef Danny’s BBQ @ The Cafe’ through Friday this week! Come by between 11am - 7pm for your choice of Beef Brisket, Herb Roasted Chicken or Vegan Bratwurst. Sides, sauces & cornbread included!

View this post on Instagram

Chef Danny’s BBQ @ The Cafe’ through Friday this week! Come by between 11am - 7pm for your choice of Beef Brisket, Herb Roasted Chicken or Vegan Bratwurst. Sides, sauces & cornbread included! #thecafeatct #bbq #foodforthought

A post shared by The Cafe @ Cornell Tech (@thecafe_cornelltech) on Sep 21, 2020 at 8:46am PDT

and take it outside on the gorgeous outdoor patio.

View this post on Instagram

Enjoy the outdoor patio and grab a delicious bite to eat or drink at Cornell Tech Cafe

A post shared by @ rooseveltislander on Sep 10, 2020 at 11:09am PDT

On September 30, indoor dining returns to

the Cafe @Cornell Tech

with face coverings, social distancing and 25% capacity seating.

Governor Cuomo Says NYC Restaurants Allowed To Resume Indoor Dining September 30 At 25% Capacity, What Will This Mean For Roosevelt Island? Granny Annie's Irish Bar Expects To Open In A Week Or Two

NY State Governor Andrew Cuomo announced yesterday:

The State will allow indoor dining to resume in New York City at 25% capacity with strict restrictions on September 30....

UPDATE: On September 30, indoor dining in NYC can resume at 25% capacity.

Strict restrictions will be in place. pic.twitter.com/ORzwGM67PQ

— Andrew Cuomo (@NYGovCuomo) September 9, 2020

What will this mean for Roosevelt Island?

According to Granny Annie's,

Read more »

Roosevelt Island Residents Ask Where Are RIOC Senior Managers & Supervisors - Acting President Haynes Responds Saying RIOC Following NY State Pandemic Guidelines And Outlines Operations During Coronavirus Shutdown

Some residents have been asking when will the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) return to full staffing as the NY State Covid-19 re-start continues.

One of those residents is Judy Berdy, the President of Roosevelt Island Historical Society (RIHS) and community activist. Ms Berdy reports:

To our long lost staff from RIOC:

Where, oh where are the bosses?

It is rare to see any managers at RIOC. Tram Manager Armando and Bus Czar Cy are exempt from this inquiry, because they have been here all or most of the time.

The Tram, Public Safety, Grounds, Maintenance, Bus Drivers and service workers are here what seems to be 100% of the time.

Where are RIOC's Island-based supervisors & managers?

Looks like they are Ducking & Covering from home. It has been almost 6 months since we had serious on-site management.

The 50% rule is being over-used as an excuse to stay away. The RIOC offices are large and spread apart. It is time for all the managers, supervisors, lawyers, financial staff, community relations, and all the rest to come back to work safely on-site here on Roosevelt Island. Many folks are still trying to figure out how Public Safety can be effectively run from home?

Many of our the Island's workers are essential, but some of the superiors are not, so maybe we have too many bosses? How can we miss you and see the great work if you are not here?

I am at Coler frequently, The staff is there, serving their community with great dedication. They are essential, must be there and have been there the entire time. There is no working from home for hospital workers.

If you have a valid reason, then stay home and enjoy teaching your kids their schoolwork!!! Otherwise, please show up.

I asked RIOC Acting President Shelton Haynes if he wished to reply. According to Mr. Haynes:

First, I would like to thank you for allowing me the opportunity to respond. As for Judy’s post, I would like to provide some clarity, as her comments regarding RIOC staff are inaccurate.

Due to the current Pandemic, RIOC has taken lead in prioritizing the health and safety of our staff, ensuring that we provide safe working spaces for everyone. Under the Governor’s New York Forward guidelines, and with the exception of essential employees, Corporations such as RIOC, are advised to perform at a 50% capacity to align with the safety standards. This has significantly decreased our 136 staff to 86 staff working onsite. We have met and exceeded every target under the New York Forward guidelines, doing more with less, limiting spending and working with staff vacancies due to the mandated statewide hiring freeze for state agencies. In compliance with NY Forward, Plexiglas partitions have been installed and retrofitted at all workstations in all RIOC offices.

I would also like to shed some light on our overall operations since the beginning of NY on PAUSE:

Read more »

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

Roosevelt Island PS/IS 217 Principal Beckman Among NYC DOE District 2 Principals Calling For In Person Schooling Delay From Scheduled September 10 Start

Roosevelt Island PS/IS 217

Principal Mandana Beckman was among a group of District 2 NYC Department Of Education Principals who signed letter calling on Mayor Bill de Blasio's to delay in person school learning scheduled to begin September 10.

According to the Twitter account of NY Times Education reporter:

Group of principals from NYC's biggest school district, District 2, join calls to delay in-person school. Notice that their concerns are as much about logistics/planning as about safety. They still dont know how many kids + teachers are gonna show up. pic.twitter.com/ICsdS2woaL

— Eliza Shapiro (@elizashapiro) August 20, 2020

ask and you shall receive pic.twitter.com/pscOrr8E6k

— Eliza Shapiro (@elizashapiro) August 20, 2020

I can’t read? Where does it say that?

— Robin Broshi (@EastSideGadfly) August 20, 2020

i couldnt screenshot all of it but i imagine you got the letter too right

— Eliza Shapiro (@elizashapiro) August 20, 2020

Chalkbeat NY has more on calls by Principals to delay NYC in person schooling. Also here's press release from the Mayor's office earlier today:

Mayor de Blasio and Chancellor Carranza today announced the City’s Back to School Pledge. The pledge, available here, outlines the City’s safety and health commitments to students, parents, and the school community prior to the start of the school year.

Read more »

Reopening Sportspark Pool After Several Months Covid Shutdown Lifts Spirits Of Roosevelt Island Swimmers - Among Best Swims Of My Life This Week Says Long Time Sportspark Pool User And Thanks RIOC For Safety Protocols

The Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) reopened the Sportspark Pool last Monday, August 10, which had been closed since March due to the Coronavirus Pandemic shutdown.

Roosevelt Island resident and long time Sportspark Pool swimmer Roberta Kleiman jumped right in the water and is thrilled to have the pool back open.

Image From RIOC

Ms Kleiman reports:

Over the past few months all of us have had to do without many things we most enjoy and rely upon. For me, without a doubt, that has been SWIMMING! I’m a lifelong swimmer and have swam at Sportspark Pool for most of the last 10 years.

This week, much to my utter delight RIOC reopened Sportspark Pool. I swam twice this week and those swims were definitely among the best swims of my life!

I would like to say a very big THANK YOU to all of those at RIOC who have made this happen! This is exactly what I, and I believe the swimmers in our community, have needed to lift our spirits! I truly feel that I am “back at home” at Sportspark Pool. I also am very pleased with the many safety protocols RIOC has put in place at the pool.

Thank you RIOC!!  

More info on the Sportspark Pool hours, rules and safety regulations

at the RIOC web site.

Updated Covid Social Distancing Guidelines For Roosevelt Island Octagon Tennis Court Play From RIOC - Still No Doubles Play Allowed

According to the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC):

Since the re-opening, guidelines for the outdoor tennis courts have been updated and can be found here

As a reminder, courts remain open for singles play only until further notice. Players should continue to follow social distancing protocols and wear face masks/coverings when approaching the courts.

Hours of operation are 7:30 AM - 8:30 PM, 7 days a week.

There are six courts in total available for permitting. To reserve a court, log onto our reservation system here...

A Roosevelt Island tennis player asked earlier this week:

Is octagon open for doubles yet? RSD @96, RIRC, randalls, and 119 RSD all are.

According to the RIOC Guidelines, Doubles play is still not allowed.

Here's some pretty good Doubles play



at Wimbledon.

With some practice and teamwork, maybe you too can ... never mind, just have fun

RIRA President Calls For Roosevelt Island Coronavirus Recovery New Beginning - "Social Respect Imposes That Our Individual Freedom Be Willingly And Partially Infringed To Protect All Other New Yorkers Health And Our Common Interest For Our Well Being And Economic Recovery" He Says

According to Roosevelt Island Residents Association (RIRA) Interim President David Lawson (submitted May 27):

My Fellow Roosevelt Islanders,

It is now been over three months since America shutdown to confront the COVID-19 pandemic. Some 5.5 million people have been infected worldwide, and 350,000 have died. The epicenter, America accounts for a third of these infections and some 100,000 deaths. A third of all US infections and deaths are in the two most affected States, New York and New Jersey. The combined health, human, economic and social impacts of COVID-19 have been devastating, and felt harder in countries with limited safety nets, including the US. With countless bankruptcies of small and big businesses, already 38 million are out of job as unemployment could reach 20%. Poverty and food insecurity are raising, as the 2020 GDP prospects could go down double-digit. Congress has passed unprecedented bills of over US$6 trillion for the national emergency response to support the American people and the economy. The US Federal Reserve Bank and Treasury Department are taking aggressive actions to reduce financial stresses and support credit flows to mitigate the impact from long-lasting economic losses.

In New York, the health indicators are improving. It seems that the emergency phase of the epidemic here is seriously receding. As we continue to be grateful to and support our heroic front-liners for helping and saving thousands of souls, we are in grief and we mourn the loss of so many people everywhere, our fellow New Yorkers and Roosevelt islanders. According to the NYC Health Department, 229 Roosevelt islanders have been infected and 32 deaths are deplored. We express our deepest condolences to their families and loved ones. We will cherish their memory, and when this is over, we will properly honor them.

New Yorkers have valiantly resisted, and so have Roosevelt Islanders. NYS Governor Andrew Cuomo’s words are encouraging, but the pandemic is far from over. Some 100 fellow New Yorkers are still dying of COVID-19 and over 1,000 new cases are registered daily in New York State, including on Roosevelt Island. And other parts of the country are experiencing sharp increases in number of cases and deaths. Let us remember that the nice Summer days ahead are no sign of an early end to COVID-19. We must continue face covering in public and physical distancing at all time.

Read more »

Roosevelt Island Resident And PSD Sergeant Profiled In NY Post Article On Dating During Coronavirus Pandemic - The Sparks Fly

Coronavirus couples risk meeting to see if sparks fly in person https://t.co/KVb0jgZUWW pic.twitter.com/4HdUWAbvj6

— New York Post (@nypost) May 27, 2020

According to the NY Post:

On MandaLeigh Blunt and Jeff Laszczych’s third date, they donned masks, joined gloved hands — and drove to an antibody testing site.

Blunt, a 32-year-old realtor, says she was “chronically single” before the pandemic. But in February, she plucked up the courage to ask a mutual friend to set her up with Laszczych. She’d seen her 36-year-old crush around Roosevelt Island, where she lives and where Laszczych works as a sergeant in the public safety department.

The two went on as many dates — a dinner in Brooklyn and lunch at her apartment — before the coronavirus crisis rocked the fledgling relationship. “Two days later, he spiked a fever of 104,” she says. Laszczych, who had trouble breathing, was admitted to the hospital for six days. Blunt was worried, but didn’t want to come on too strong.

“It was a lot of freaking out if I didn’t hear from him, wondering if he was OK, and thinking, ‘Wait, I don’t even know this guy, he could be ghosting me,’ ” says Blunt. Eventually, Laszczych, who recovered from COVID-19 in his Greenpoint apartment, began to feel better, and the duo continued to bond from a distance. Three weeks after Laszczych’s release from the hospital, the couple went to CityMD to get tested for novel coronavirus antibodies together....

Read the full NY Post article here.

Gotta risk it for the biscuit.

— Men's Humor (@MensHumor) May 29, 2020

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 Community Garden Re-Opens But Only To Garden Club Members For Now - Coronavirus Pandemic Restrictions Still In Place For Public To Visit Community Garden Says RIOC

As I was walking by the Roosevelt Island Community Garden this past weekend, I noticed people inside and was hoping it  would be open for a Coronavirus Pandemic socially distant stroll.

pic.twitter.com/QIcvuARpLP

— Roosevelt Islander (@Rooseveltisland) May 26, 2020

Unfortunately, signage at the front entrance to the Community Garden says it is currently open only to  Roosevelt Island Garden Club (RIGC) Members

The RIGC explains:

We are closed to the public at this time as part of our agreement with RIOC. This can change over time as restrictions are revised throughout the state and we are no exception. Our community garden has narrow paths, and RIOC is moving carefully with limited access only in order to keep everyone safe. Members must work in their own plots maintaining physical distance. Sunday, May 17th was the day we were able to contact members regarding limited access beginning. So this access has been official for a little more than a week.

Read more »

RIOC Roosevelt Island Community Update - Enjoy Outdoor Public Space During Memorial Day Weekend But Observe Social Distancing, Wear Mask When You Can't, Public BBQ Grill Will Be Removed, 13 Passenger Tram Limit, Mask & Hand Sanitizer Giveaway May 26, Saturday Farmers Market Open & More

Here's May 21 Community Update from Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC)

Here is the latest update from New York State for May 21, 2020

Enjoying Memorial Day While On PAUSE

Memorial Day is a special time when we honor those who committed the ultimate sacrifice for our country. This year, as we continue to face the threat that COVID-19 poses to our community, let us also commit to doing everything we can to ensure we remain as safe as possible over the long holiday weekend.

When enjoying our many beautiful public spaces (the promenades along the East River, Lighthouse Park, Meditation Lawn, Meditation Steps, Good Shepherd Plaza, Blackwell Park, Riverwalk Commons, Southpoint Park and FDR Four Freedoms State Park), please remember to maintain social distancing whenever possible.

Wear a mask or face covering whenever you cannot maintain a safe distance of at least six feet from someone else.

Avoid gathering in groups of more than ten people. In order to discourage large gatherings, all public grills will be removed while NYC remains on PAUSE.

By working together, we can do our part to help make everyone safer. RIOC wishes all Roosevelt Island residents and their families a safe, happy and healthy Memorial Day weekend.

Tram Passenger Limits

In an effort to ensure social distancing and reduce spreading COVID-19, the Roosevelt Island Tram will be limited to a maximum of thirteen (13) passengers until further notice. POMA, the tram’s operator, has installed social distancing decals on the tram cabin to inform passengers how far away they should be standing from each other. Please note that the number of passengers may be changed in response to COVID-19 infection rates.

We ask all passengers to continue to wear masks or face coverings in public where social distancing cannot be practiced. The Tram remains closed from 1:00 AM until 6:00 AM to ensure that disinfecting measures can be performed on the cabins. Regular tram service resumes at 6:00 AM each day and continue until 1:00 AM the following morning.

Mask and Hand Sanitizer Giveaway from Mayor’s Office and Assemblymember Seawright

Everyone is invited to come to Good Shepherd Plaza on Tuesday, May 26th from 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM to receive a free face mask from the Public Safety Department (courtesy of the NYC Mayor’s Office) and free hand sanitizer from Assemblymember Rebecca Seawright. Everyone will be required to observe social distancing procedures. A special thank you for Lynne Shinozaki, Joyce Short and Andrew Kunkes, Manhattan Borough Director of the Mayor’s Office of Community Affairs.

PSD and RIOC also wish to thank the following people for their continued generosity in donating hand sanitizer and masks during the COVID-19 crisis:

NYS Senator Jose Serrano
Assemblymember Rebecca Seawright
Councilmember Ben Kallos

Farmers Market Resumes This Saturday

The Farmers Market will resume this Saturday in Good Shepherd Plaza from 7:00 AM – 3:00 PM. Please note the new start time. Click here for more information: rioc.ny.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=284.

Note: there will be NO Food Scrap Drop Off collection. If you wish for the Compost Program to return, please follow @SaveNYCCompost on twitter for more information.

NY Forward – Reopening NYC and Roosevelt Island

When will New York City reopen? The best place for information is the New York Forward Regional Monitoring Dashboard, which can be found by clicking here: forward.ny.gov/regional-monitoring-dashboard

As of this morning, the NYC region only meets 4 out of the 7 criteria to begin reopening. Please refer to the dashboard regularly for the very latest information.

Reopening RIOC

The region may still be closed due to COVID-19, but RIOC is already working with Governor Cuomo’s office on a plan to safely reopen our offices as soon as possible. Please watch future RIOC Advisories for the latest information on this effort.

Tikkit Helps RIOC Help You

Tikkit is not just the best way for the public to report a problem, it also helps RIOC do a better job. Every time you use Tikkit to report a problem, it is forwarded to the appropriate department for handling. That department is accountable for making sure the problem is addressed as soon as possible. This data helps give us a live picture of our strengths and weaknesses, which help us serve you better.

Tikkit is easy to use from your smartphone or computer and even allows you to attach a photo of the problem. It’s available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Click here to get started. rioc.tikkit.us/login

Motorgate Changes Coming in Early June

Due to ongoing Motorgate repair work, significant parking and traffic pattern changes will be coming to the north sections of 5B, 6B, 7B and 8B in early June 2020. Please keep an eye out for signs and obey posted speed limits.

Roosevelt Island Restaurants Begin To Open With Take Out And Delivery Only - Is Social Distance Outdoor Seating Possible For Roosevelt Island Restaurants During Coronavirus Pandemic?

What would open streets mean for Roosevelt Island's few restaurants @TheHudsonCos @RIOCny https://t.co/FaYDzZR2fd

— Roosevelt Islander (@Rooseveltisland) May 19, 2020

Several of the Roosevelt Island shops that temporarily closed due to the Coronavirus Pandemic have recently re-opened or are planning to soon resume limited service. Today the Jupioca Juice Bar opened

and the Liukoushui Hot Pot Noodle Shop opened earlier this week. Fuji East Japanese Restaurant and China 1 have signs in their window that they will open June 1.

Piccolo Trattoria Pizza restaurant

Starbucks

and Subway Sandwich shop have reopened recently.

Nisi Restaurant



and Cafe@Cornell Tech did not close.

But all the restaurants are take out or delivery only for now. No indoor seating.

Today, I asked Main Street Retail Master Leaseholder Hudson Related's David Kramer and Shops On Main Street representatives:

Read more »

Roosevelt Island Residents Very Happy Saturday Farmers Market Reopened After Closed Last 6 Weeks Due To Coronavirus Pandemic - Well Organized Say Residents And A Glorious Reunion Says Vendor

The Roosevelt Island Saturday Farmers Market has been closed since last March 28 due to safety concerns from the Coronavirus Pandemic. As Roosevelt Island and the rest of NYC  tries to carefully re-open, the  Roosevelt Island Weekly Farmers Market returned with their fresh fruits, vegetables and other products last Saturday at Good Shepherd Plaza.

Social distancing practices were maintained, face coverings worn by staff and customers, and gloves given out for handling the fruit and vegetables.

Roosevelt Island Saturday Farmers Market reopened today. Well organized and social distancing maintained. Good to have them back pic.twitter.com/XVbzuKYysf

— Roosevelt Islander (@Rooseveltisland) May 16, 2020

Roosevelt Island residents were happy with the Farmers Market return.

Among the comments:

• I got there at 6:30, PSD were setting up. I was thinking there was going to be a huge line. We were told that we needed ID, masks, and that from 7am -8 would be for seniors. There were no seniors except me, and 5 other people at that time. Guess they too were expecting huges lines. The other vendors were not there until later. Very glad they are all back!
• I went after 8, there was a line but moved quickly and it was very orderly!!!
• I was there at 8:05am. There was a line but it moved very quickly and people were maintaining distance. PSD staffs did a great job.
• Soooo glad it reopened. Went at 1:30 and it was lovely to see everyone. Kids loved having it back, too. Seemed very safe and low risk.
• Very well organized and the prices were good. Everything looked very fresh.
• A delight
• It was perfect. So nice and civilized. Wish all things on RI were set up this way!
• I was so happy to have them back. It was well organized and customers were patient and considerate. A bit of “normal” was good for the psyche. 
• I was nervous about going at first, but found it was highly organized. Offered gloves and sanitizer before entering. PS we’re there making sure everyone was masked and following guidelines. Welcome back Wengerd Farms!

Israel Wengerd of Wengerd Farms said they had approximately 1 thousand customers and were very pleased it went well. Mr Wengerd adds:

Read more »

Long Time Roosevelt Island Resident Carl Weisbrod Named Co Chair Of Mayor de Blasio's Fair Recovery Task Force To Build Stronger, Safer & Fairer NYC Economy Post Coronavirus Pandemic

We don’t just need a recovery, we need a transformation. I am launching the Fair Recovery Task Force, to help us build a more equitable city. I've assembled a group of remarkable New Yorkers to come together and create a preliminary recovery road map for our city by June 1st.

— Mayor Bill de Blasio (@NYCMayor) April 26, 2020

NYC Mayor Bill de Blasio named Roosevelt Island resident Carl Weisbrod as Co-Chair of the Fair Recovery Task Force.



According to the Mayor's Office:

FAIR RECOVERY TASKFORCE

Civic leaders from diverse backgrounds will help the City formulate a broader post-crisis recovery effort that builds a stronger, safer, and fairer economy and society. In the beginning of June, the task force will put forward a recovery road map that will inform the City’s recovery efforts. They will continue to support the City over the course of the recovery and adjust the roadmap to meet new challenges.
Members of the Fair Recovery Task Force include:

• Patrick Gaspard, President, Open Society Foundation
• Jennifer Jones Austin, CEO, Federation of Protestant Welfare Agencies
• Richard Ravitch, Former Lieutenant Governor of New York State
• Carl Weisbrod, Senior Advisor, HR&A Advisors
• Henry Garrido, Executive Director, DC37
• Maria Torres Springer, Vice President for US Programs, Ford Foundation
• Liz Neumark, CEO, Great Performances
• Fred Wilson, Partner, Union Square Ventures

According to Mr Weisbrod's HRA bio:

Read more »

Cornell Tech Urban Studies Post Doc Asks If Roosevelt Island Boudaries & Community Resilience In Time Of Coronavirus Crisis May Serve As Example For Future Policy In Preventing, Coping And Managing Spread Of Infectious Disease

NY State Governor Andrew Cuomo hopes that we have learned lessons from the Coronavirus Pandemic and will be able to build a better society because of it.

We are going through hell.

When this is all over, I want people to say, we went through hell but we learned lessons and we built a better society because of it.

— Andrew Cuomo (@NYGovCuomo) April 20, 2020

Sharon Yavo Ayalon. PhD. Architect, Postdoctoral Associate at Cornell Tech begins to raise some interesting issues that may be part of future lessons learned for Roosevelt Island and other urban areas in this excerpt from her article below:

... at a time when urban boundaries are redrawn for numerous reasons, the relative resilience of Roosevelt Island’s local community in this time of crisis may serve as an example for future urban development and policy.

... the definition of clear urban boundaries may prove key to preventing and coping with the spread of infectious diseases, or at least play a role in managing the process of getting ‘back to normal.’ Living on Roosevelt Island reminds me of the capacity of social boundaries to contribute to community resilience....

Here's the full article from Sharon Yavo Avalon:

The Healing Capacity of Urban Boundaries

As I write these lines while working remotely from my 23rd floor apartment on Cornell-Tech’s Roosevelt Island campus, I gaze out at the surreal emptiness of the Queensboro Bridge during the COVID19 outbreak. The cherry blossoms are in full bloom, a handful of go-getters are taking a morning walk on the water promenade, and the tram just left the terminal. Though we live in the most contaminated city in the world in these hectic times, with incessant news reports and risk alerts and constant speculation on social media, it is almost as if nothing has changed. The water barrier remains a wall separating the island from the rest of the city’s stream of infections and horrifying statistics – perhaps not in a medical sense, as we cannot truly be isolated from the virus, but in a social sense, highlighting a different aspect of the capacity of urban boundaries to protect a community. And I wonder: Might these well-defined boundaries offer sort of insight toward demarcating a route of egress from this pandemic?

Read more »

A Lovely Sunny Spring Day To Be Out On Roosevelt Island This Sunday But Please Keep Your Social Distance And Wear Masks When Outside For Your Protection And Others

It was a beautiful sunny spring Sunday today and some Roosevelt Island ladies were out at the Cornell Cafe with their masks on and practicing social distancing from each other.

Image From Vicki Feinmel

Social distancing at Roosevelt Island FDR 4 Freedoms Park too.

360 degree view of NYC East River waterfront from Roosevelt Island @4FreedomsPark today. Social distance being maintained pic.twitter.com/xszsBXE0nn

— Roosevelt Islander (@Rooseveltisland) April 19, 2020

But some people were not wearing masks outdoors and walking a bit to close to others.

@Rooseveltisland @Rooseveltisland there's a lot of people outside without face coverings. They're jogging, walking, cycling with close proximity to others. Where is the enforcement of the current law that mandates face coverings?

— Joanna Sawruk (@joannamkim) April 19, 2020

Read more »

Roosevelt Island NY State Assembly Member Rebecca Seawright Shares Info On Federal Coronavirus Recovery Checks, Financial Assistance To Small Businesses Affected By Coronavirus And Answers Questions At Virtual Town Hall

Roosevelt Island's NY State Assembly Member Rebecca Seawright shares info on how to receive Federal Covid 19 recovery funds

#CARESAct information on relief. #UES #RooseveltIsland pic.twitter.com/FFpmxsVf1a

— Rebecca Seawright (@SeawrightForNY) April 2, 2020

and financial assistance available for small businesses affected by Covid 19

#COVID19 Financial assistance is available for small businesses. #UES #RooseveltIsland pic.twitter.com/wEuzx2y7ZP

— Rebecca Seawright (@SeawrightForNY) April 2, 2020

Assembly Member Seawright adds: