Residents Ask Why Was Chain Link Fence Installed Blocking Access To Roosevelt Island East River Eleanor's Pier And Will Pier Tables And Chairs Return When It's Fixed?

Last Friday, Roosevelt Island residents noticed chain linked fencing being installed at Eleanor's Pier on the East River waterfront promenade

 

and asked:

• Do you know what happened here? It’s fully fenced
• What is this fencing???? So strange they would close the entire pier 😔 

Last month, a portion of the Eleanor's Pier seawall railing collapsed.

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On April 1, Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Communications Director Bryant Daniels replied to my question asking what happened and reported:

On Saturday evening an individual was holding onto one of the railings on Eleanor’s Pier when it collapsed back onto the pier. Thankfully, that person was ok and did not require medical attention. No other individuals were involved in the incident, and nothing went into the water. 

RIOC has cordoned off the entire area for public safety purposes and begun investigating why the railing collapsed, and whether the rest of the railings will require any remediation work to ensure their structural integrity. We don’t yet have a timeline for the repair work but will be sure to keep the community up to date when we know more. In the meantime, for those visiting the pier, we are asking everyone to please adhere to our temporary boundary and not cross into the cordoned off area.

Subsequently, additional problems were discovered at the Pier which required it to be closed for safety precautions. 

Also, several residents have asked:

Do you know what happened to the chairs in Eleanor’s pier? They disappeared slowly and never came back.

Do not know yet RIOC's plan to fix and timetable to re-open the Pier or if the tables and chairs will return.

Will update when more info becomes available.

The same pier seawall railing area collapsed in February 2023

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and the Roosevelt Island boat prow is still closed 

a year after the damage was discovered in April 2023.

Was That You At The Glow In The Dark Silent Dance Party At Roosevelt Island East River Pier?

Resident Asks RIOC Not To Mar View Of East River Waterfront From Roosevelt Island Pier With A Royal Flush Porta Potty

Roosevelt Island resident Adina Grunn reports:

As you can see this porta-potty placement is extremely unfortunate.

 I doubt it was deliberately placed to mar the view over Eleanor’s Pier.

So, could you please ask Royal Flush to move this unit close to the end of the sea-walk (perhaps by the Starbucks garbage enclosure). I’m sure a dire need for Royal Flush could definitely be addressed by walking a quick couple of yards south.

Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Public Information Officer Alonza Robetson replies:

Thank you for forwarding your reader's question. The portasans belongs to our seawall railings contractor who dropped the unit off Friday in preparation for work in that area. Back on site today, after the weekend, the contractor moved the portasans inside the barricades of their approved work area at the Southtown West location.

Oh What A Beautiful Morning At The Roosevelt Island East River Pier Today

The Roosevelt Island Twitterverse reports:

Just across Manhattan lays @Rooseveltisland - the best place to spend a summer day! https://t.co/OZfUfeiRFG pic.twitter.com/zHs8irW0E4

— GlenwoodNYC (@GlenwoodNYC) May 17, 2017

It's not summer yet, but what a beautiful morning to spend on Roosevelt Island today.

Some lucky folks enjoyed, a little breakfast, cup of coffee, working on their computer

or just enjoying the incredible NYC waterfront views at the outdoor tables and chairs

on the Roosevelt Island East River Pier.

As reported last week, the outdoor tables and chairs were brought back to the Pier by the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) and according to RIOC President Susan Rosenthal:

We’ve got more---assuming they are in demand, we’ll increase the #.....bottom line: we’re here to serve!

Use the Pier and Enjoy!!!!

UPDATE 2:15 PM - A former resident returned to Roosevelt Island today with her friend from Queens and enjoyed a Sushi lunch at the Pier

brought with them from a restaurant in Forest Hills.

UPDATE 10 PM - Enjoying the beautiful nighttime view

from the Roosevelt Island East River Pier

Great News - Outdoor Tables & Chairs Return To Roosevelt Island East River Pier - Fantastic Place To Bring Your Food, Relax And Enjoy The NYC Waterfront View

Last March, I asked Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) President Susan Rosenthal to bring back the outdoor tables and chairs to the Roosevelt Island East River Pier:

... I think it would be great if RIOC would put these tables out at the West Pier so people can sit there and bring some food over from the local restaurants and/or food trucks.

Here's what the Pier with outdoor tables looked like in 2014.

Ms Rosenthal liked the idea and said RIOC would consider it. Today, the outdoor tables and chairs were put back at the Roosevelt Island Pier and used.

There were 5 tables with chairs out today. I asked Ms Rosenthal if more were available and she said:

We’ve got more---assuming they are in demand, we’ll increase the #.....bottom line: we’re here to serve!

Thank you RIOC and Ms. Rosenthal.

Roosevelt Island East River West Pier Closed This Week For Daily Maintenance Work Says RIOC - Will Outdoor Tables And Chairs Ever Return To Roosevelt Island West Pier?

According to the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC):

Due to maintenance work being performed daily from 8AM to 4PM, beginning Monday, July 18, 2016 through Friday, July 22, 2016 on the West Pier rear of 455 Main Street, the pier will be closed from 7AM, Monday, July 18, 2016 until 5PM, Friday, July 22, 2016.

Thank you for your cooperation during this time

Image Of Maintenance Work Being Done Today On Roosevelt Island West Pier

It would be great if RIOC brings back the tables and chairs to the Pier

as in previous years.

The RIOC Board of Directors Operations Advisory Committee discussed maintenance and future use of the West Pier, including outdoor tables and chairs, during October 2015 meeting. One problem mentioned with the use of the Pier is a lack of electricity and running water for the space.

Here's the discussion.



UPDATE 7/24 - From RIOC:

Due to continued maintenance work being performed daily from 8AM to 4PM, on the West Pier rear of 455 Main Street, the West Pier will remain closed until 5PM on Friday, July 29, 2016.

Thank you for your cooperation during this time

UPDATE 8/1 - From RIOC:

Due to continued maintenance work being performed daily from 8AM to 4PM, on the West Pier rear of 455 Main Street, the West Pier will remain closed until 5PM on Friday, August 5th, 2016.

Thank you for your cooperation during this time

Roosevelt Island Food Truck Rally 5 - 8 PM Thursday July 23 With Kimchi Taco Truck, Wafels & Dinges, Chef Samir Comme Ci Comme Ca, Mausam Curry & Bites & Brooklyn Organics

Roosevelt Island is having a Food Truck Rally July 23 from 5-8 PM on the West Promenade Road across from Starbucks

 Roosevelt Island Food Trucks and Pier NYC From Above During Summer 2012

at 455 Main Street. According to the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC), participating food truck vendors include:

Kimchi Taco Truck

Wafels & Dinges

Chef Samir Comme Ci Comme Ca,

Mausam Curry N Bites

and 

Brooklyn Organics.

RIOC will set up outdoor tables and chairs at the Promenade Pier so bring your friends and come join your neighbors at the Roosevelt Island Food Truck Rally for some great food and good times.

UPDATE 7/23 - Valducci's Pizza Truck too.

Yum.

Outdoor Tables And Chairs Return To Roosevelt Island West Promenade Pier Today - Will Food Trucks Follow?

The outdoor tables and chairs are back today at the Roosevelt Island West Promenade Pier.

The Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) will put the tables and chairs out on Friday morning and keep them there through Monday Morning. RIOC hopes to attract food trucks to serve the area.

You can also bring your own food and drink, buy some at local restaurants or just sit there and enjoy the beautiful East River views.

Hopefully, RIOC will also bring in umbrellas for shade from the sun. It can get very hot out there.

Food Truck Rally Coming To Roosevelt Island Says RIOC, At Least For One Day - Roosevelt Island Food Truck Permitting Policy Discussed At RIOC Operations Committee Meeting

The May 18 Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Operations Advisory Committee discussed permitting procedures (full audio web cast of meeting here) including practices and policies for mobile food trucks serving Roosevelt Island.

RIOC Permits Coordinator Donna Masly reported that a new Indian Food Truck, Mausam Curry N Bites, is currently serving Roosevelt Island

Image Of Mausam Curry N Bites Food Truck On Roosevelt Island

and described RIOC's food truck policies:

Roosevelt Island Food Truck Permit Policy

RIOC Director Margie Smith asked what is the biggest deterrent to getting more food trucks serving Roosevelt Island?

Ms. Masly responded that some food trucks had a poor Roosevelt Island experience several years ago that needs to be overcome for them to feel welcomed back here. Ms. Masly added that the Food Trucks cannot build a reputation in one, two or even 5 days but need to establish a reliable presence.

Ms. Smith suggested a mobile food truck day for Roosevelt Island where residents can try food from multiple vendors. RIOC President Charlene Indelicato said that the current retail store owners (Riverewalk Bar and Main Street Sweets) will object but agreed that a one time food truck day is a great idea and RIOC will give it a try.

Several locations were discussed for the Roosevelt Island Food Truck Rally, (Southpoint and Lighthouse Park) but Ms. Masly's suggestion of holding it on Main Street, between the Subway and Blackwell Turnaround, was the agreed upon choice. The Roosevelt Island Food Truck Rally will be held together with the re-opening of the West Pier outdoor tables and chairs for eating, relaxing and enjoying the fantastic East River view.

 2012 Outdoor Restaurant At Pier And Main Street Food Trucks

Image Of Roosevelt Island's Summer 2014 Eleanor's Pier

Here's the Food Truck discussion at May 18 RIOC Operations Committee meeting





and full RIOC Permitting Presentation (starting at 58 minute 30 Second mark) .

Roosevelt Island Permitting Policy

Will have more on other Roosevelt Island permitting matters soon as well.

GREAT NEWS, Mausam Curry N Bites Indian Food Truck Serving Roosevelt Island Weekdays 5 To 8 PM - Give It A Try

Roosevelt Island is getting a bit more variety in take out food options with the arrival of a new Food Truck today.

Image Of Mausam Curry N Bites Food Truck At Tram Plaza This Evening

Mausam Curry N Bites tweets:

🙏Curry King👑 now serving dinner daily @Roosevelt Island. Enjoy authentic Indian cuisine pic.twitter.com/bBmqkJcBI8

— mausamnyc (@mausamnyc) May 11, 2015

According to their web page:

Hi Welcome to Mausam Curry N Bites

Mausam Indian Restaurant, Bar & Banquets in Secaucus, New Jersey brings its traditional Indian cuisine served with American style to New York City. Heralded as one of New Jersey’s premier Indian cuisine restaurants, Mausam is preparing a variety of Curries fresh every day and making them available in New York City by way of Curry - N - Bites branded food vendor trucks.

The trucks offer a wide variety of Curry, rice, meat and vegetable combinations along with savory Bites including chaat, samosas and kati rolls. If you are in hurry, try the Curry Rush Menu featuring complete meals including rice, side dish and soda for just $9.

We are easy to find in New York City. Just follow us at MausamNYC using facebook or twitter or visit our website at www.mausamnyc.com.

Mausam means Seasons, A variety of fresh food and spices for all tastes and seasons.

The Indian Food Truck will serve Roosevelt Island Monday - Friday 5- 8 PM.

The Curry N Bites Food Truck was stationed at the Tram today but plans on locating near the subway opposite Starbucks.

Roosevelt Island Food Trucks and Pier NYC From Above During Summer 2012

Welcome Mausam Curry N Bites to Roosevelt Island. Glad to have you here.

As previously reported, the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) is seeking Food Truck Operators to serve the East River Waterfront Pier area this summer.



Hopefully, more Food Trucks will follow.

UPDATE 6:45 PM- The Indian Food Truck is near

the subway now.

Good News, No Eleanor's Pier But RIOC Seeking Food Trucks For Roosevelt Island East River Waterfront Pier This Summer

Reported previously that Hudson Related declined to bring Eleanor's Pier back this summer to the Roosevelt Island East River waterfront pier.

Image Of Roosevelt Island's Summer 2014 Eleanor's Pier

However, some good news about the Pier was discussed during the March 9 Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Operations Advisory Committee meeting (full audio web cast).

In response to RIOC Board Director Margie Smith's question about use of the Pier during the upcoming summer, RIOC Chief Financial Officer Frances Walton reported that RIOC is seeking to bring food trucks

 2012 Outdoor Restaurant At Pier And Main Street Food Trucks

to serve East River Waterfront Pier with the tables and chairs placed there last summer.

Here's the discussion.



Hope RIOC is successful in attracting the food trucks. The Pier is a great place to relax during the summer with a bite to eat and cool drink.

Latest Info On Roosevelt island Main Street Retail From Master Leaseholder Hudson Related - Trellis Renovation Delay, Possible Move Of Card Shop To Smaller Space, New Day Care Tenant, No More Summer Eleanor's Pier On Waterfront & More

 Image Of Trellis Diner Behind Construction

Here's the latest on Roosevelt Island Main Street retail store news.

Main Street Retail Master Leaseholder Hudson Related's representative Arianna Sacks Rosenberg briefed and answered questions from the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Board of Directors and members of the community during last night's RIOC Real Estate Advisory Committee meeting (audio web cast of meeting will be here).

The meeting began with RIOC Director Howard Polivy establishing the ground rules for the meeting and introducing Ms. Rosenberg.



Ms. Rosenberg reviewed progress made  to date including signing 9 new leases with these tenants:

• Wholesome Factory,
• New York Public Library,
• Island Wines,
• Subway Sandwiches,
• Main Street Sweets,
• Urgent Care Medical Center,
• the Trellis and Gallery RIVAA renewals and

confirmed the signing of a new lease with a Day Care Center at 568 Main Street.

Ms. Rosenberg said they are talking with other retailers including restaurants and "non profit types" for the 6 existing vacant spaces.

Among the other issues discussed were:

• Is the rent sought by Hudson Related too high for potential Roosevelt Island tenants? Ms Rosenberg said no.
• Ugly empty storefront windows - asked Hudson Related to make windows more attractive with signage or temporary installations
• Card and Gift Shop lease expired and being offered smaller space at 615 Main Street (former Boy Scout Storage Space) and 507 Main Street (former Chiropractor's office)
• Roosevelt Island Residents Association (RIRA) Main Street Retail Committee input.

• Ugly Trellis plywood construction shed,
• Concern that Hudson Related leasing program is waiting for completion of Cornell Campus,
• Bleak view down Main Street Arcade,
• Deterioration Of Main Street Arcade, new paint is chipping,
• Benches at Roosevelt Landings should be turned around facing street instead of facing building,
• Fresh new sidewalks for Northtown, remove the Z Bricks,
• Trellis renovation construction problems caused by discovery of unknown structural wall,
• Perception by some that Hudson Related Main Street retail improvements were being done for the benefit of their Southtown buildings

• Neither H-R, Trellis or Island House owner knew about the structural wall before demolition began and
• New Day Care tenant at 546 Main Street is a woman who has operated day care facility in Roosevelt Island apartment but may not be currently doing so.

We also learned the unfortunate news that Hudson Related is not bringing back the Eleanor's Pier waterfront restaurant this summer.



I hope RIOC has some plans for bringing another restaurant or food service of some kind to the Pier this summer.

Red Tail Hawk Lunches On Rat At Roosevelt Island Pier Today - Great Place To Eat For Humans And Hawks

Image From Rossana Ceruzzi

Received a tip on Wednesday of a Red Tail Hawk seen in tree at southern tip of Rivercross lawn.

Image Of Hawk In Rivercross Tree Branch From Denise Shull

This afternoon, NY State Wildlife Rehabilitator Rossane Ceruzzi spotted the Red Tail Hawk

Image From Rossana Ceruzzi

lunching on a rat

Image From Rossana Ceruzzi

at the Roosevelt Island Pier (summer home of Eleanor's Pier Outdoor Eating Area)



(Video from Ms. Ceruzzi).

The Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) issued this November 7 Waterfront Concession Request For Proposals for the Pier due December 22. The Pier is a great place to enjoy the East River waterfront view and have a bite to eat.

Just ask the Hawk.

UPDATE 11/17 - Ms. Ceruzzi sends an up close and personal view of the Hawk lunching on rat at the Roosevelt Island East River Pier before flying away.

Whatever Happened To Franklin & Eleanor Roosevelt Island Asks Bowery Boys

A little bit of Roosevelt Island history. The Bowery Boys report:

... From a New York Times editorial, January 30, 1972:

"It is astonishing, and becomes more disgraceful with every passing year, that within the city there is still no memorial to this great New Yorker (except for FDR Drive, a dubious honor). The opportunity is, however, immediately at hand. Welfare Island, now slowly undergoing a total reconstruction and rebirth, would take on a new symbolic significance if its name were changed to Franklin D. Roosevelt Island -- or, better yet, to Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt Island in honor of that extraordinary woman who was even more closely identified with New York City than was the president himself."

By the following year Mayor Lindsay submitted a proposal to re-name Welfare Island for the president and the first lady. From Jan. 21, 1973:

Click here for the entire Whatever Happened To Franklin & Eleanor Roosevelt Island Bowery Boys article.

At least Eleanor finally got her own Pier with tables and chairs on Roosevelt Island thanks to the Hudson Related waterfront food concession though this is the last weekend of its season.

Hyperlapse Ride On The Roosevelt Island Tram, East River Sailboat And Walk Through FDR Four Freedoms Park - Whew, That Was Super Fast

Image of Hyperlapse Logo From Instagram

Some more views of Roosevelt Island using Instagram's Hyperlapse time shifting app.

A front row seat on the Roosevelt Island Tram from Manhattan,

I took video with #hyperlapse from Roosevelt Island tram. @ Roosevelt Island Tramway http://t.co/Ejesh0olqW
— Rie Ehara (@rie_re) September 1, 2014

to Manhattan from the Roosevelt Island Tram Station

Cable car: the movie. #hyperlapse #attempt @ Roosevelt Island Cable Car http://t.co/DT2OoANmgk
— It's Sarah (@sarahsansom) September 1, 2014

a sailboat passing Eleanor's Pier on the East River

East River #hyperlapse @ Roosevelt Island West Pier http://t.co/x7JK7laB9Z
— Peter Rood (@pete_rood) August 31, 2014

and a walk through the FDR Four Freedoms Park.

You can get the free Instagram Hyperlapse app (only iOS available) from the Itunes store.

Sign Up By 5 PM Thursday For Local Performer Night This Weekend At Roosevelt Island Eleanor's Pier - Also Looking For Roosevelt Island Jazz Musicians

Local Performers At Roosevelt Island's Eleanor's Pier

Don't forget to sign up for Roosevelt Island Local Performer Night on Eleanor's Pier! The response is… http://t.co/VLgGpCeeOx
— Main Street Sweets (@MainStSweetsNYC) August 13, 2014

Main Street Sweets adds:

Don't forget to sign up for Roosevelt Island Local Performer Night on Eleanor's Pier! The response is great and we are extending the show to Saturday night! It's this weekend, 8/15 & 8/16. Get your name on the list at Main Street Sweets and you will be contacted about your approximate time slot. Please sign up by 5pm tomorrow!

Here's a duo of local performers recently at Eleanor's Pier.



Also, Roosevelt Island Listings has a call out for jazz musicians.

Upright Bass, horns , etc on Roosevelt Island ?

Any jazz musicians interested in playing once a week for fun on Roosevelt Island ..Real book, Songbook ...opportunities will develop ...

Please contact jazzb550@yahoo.com

Here's a couple of Roosevelt Island guys, Shucks Road, who shot a music video near Eleanor's Pier last year.



They are pretty good. Unfortunately, it looks like Shucks Road broke up the band.

Eleanor's Pier, Roosevelt Island's Version Of Smorgesburg, Getting Better Each Weekend - More Food Vendors, Fantastic NYC East River Waterfront Views, Music And It's So Peaceful

The weekend is about to start and there is no better place to be than at Eleanor's Pier

on Roosevelt Island's East River waterfront promenade

to spend some peaceful and relaxing time.



There are food vendors at Eleanor's Pier. You can enjoy some Beef/Chicken Shish Kebab

and corn on the cob

from Choklo Roasted Goodness,

ice cream from Coach Scot's Main Street Sweets,

Thai food

and much more including Crepes, Southern Comfort Soul Food, Jams and Jellies, and delivery from local restaurants. Eleanor's Pier web site has a list of all the vendors.

You can even bring your own food.

There's also live music.





Eleanor's Pier is open Fridays from 5 to 9 PM and Saturdays and Sundays from 12 to 9 PM until September 21.

Eleanor's Pier is still a work in progress but a great job by Hudson Related in providing a Roosevelt Island outdoor waterfront seating area with food vendors while keeping the Pier a public space available for all to enjoy.

Join Bike New York For Saturday Night Roosevelt Island Bicycle Excursion, Followed By Dinner At Eleanor's Pier and Southpoint Park Outdoor Movie Showing Of Marvel's: The Avengers

Bike New York Roosevelt Island Community Outreach Manager Caitlin Goodspeed invites you to a Saturday evening bicycle excursion around Roosevelt Island, followed by dinner at Eleanor's Pier on the East River waterfront and then an outdoor movie at Southpoint Park. According to Ms. Goodspeed:

Join Bike New York for a ride around Roosevelt Island

Image Of June 26 Bike NY Roosevelt Island Excursion

before the movie on Saturday! Meet at our container under the helix ramp at 6pm. Dinner to follow on Eleanor's Pier! #bikeRI #bikeNYC

Image Of Eleanor's Pier

Come join us for an action packed Superhero Weekend brought to you by Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation’s Outdoor Summer Movie Series at Southpoint Park.

This Friday, July 11th, there will be a screening of Thor: The Dark World. Join us again on Saturday, July 12th, for the screening of Marvel’s:The Avengers.

 Image From RIOC

The fun starts at 7 PM, the movies will begin at dusk. Attendees can enjoy superhero trivia games, prizes music and more!

Please bring a blanket or lawn chair and enjoy these Marvel films with your friends and family.

Fantastic News - Roosevelt Island's Eleanor's Pier On East River Waterfront Now Open - Wonderful Public Space To Eat, Relax And Enjoy One Of The Best New York City Views

Roosevelt Island's Eleanor's Pier on the East River waterfront opened today in what the Concession Operator, Southtown Developer and Main Street Master Leaseholder Hudson Related, describes as a "soft opening" for this weekend and a full opening with vendors next weekend.

Right now, there are tables, chairs and umbrellas available at Eleanor's Pier. You can bring food purchased from local retailers or bring your own, sit by the river and enjoy one of the best views in NYC. I was there earlier this afternoon and saw people with pizza from Nonno's Focacceria and others who brought their own lunch.

Image Of Roosevelt Island's Eleanor's Pier

I had a Starbucks Iced Mocha

This is GREAT!!!!!!



A wonderful public space open to everybody. One of the best things to happen for Roosevelt Island in a long time.

I am looking forward to seeing what vendors will be brought in. I am hoping for the General Tso's Chicken Po Boy vendor please.

Eleanor's Pier will be open Friday's Saturday's and Sunday's thru September 21.