Roosevelt Island Good Shepherd Plaza Landscaping And Picnic Table Benches Get A Spruce Up And Improvements From RIOC Following Urging By Local Residents

Beginning earlier this summer, several concerned Roosevelt Island residents reported the deteriorating condition of the landscaping and picnic table benches in the Plaza Area behind the Good Shepherd Church to the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC).

Last week, RIOC responded and received thanks from residents.

A Roosevelt Island resident Tipster reported last Friday:

Great news for the Good Shepherd Church Plaza.  The picnic benches look beautiful.

 

 Thanks to all the hard working RIOC team who worked on the picnic benches!!

Another resident reported:

In the church plaza they have refinished the benches and painted the base in silver without spilling any paint. Also putting back the picnic tables which have been sanded stained and varnished. I guess they are discouraging the kind of artwork that was on the tables before.

 Last Friday, I asked RIOC President Shelton Haynes:

Residents have sent photos and Positive RIOC Compliments about the return of picnic tables to Good Shepherd Plaza.

Do you wish to comment on the subject for a story I’m preparing?

Also, will the picnic tables be painted again by local community groups as was done previously?

Mr Haynes replied:

Thank you for the note.

Vicki Feinmel and I had a conversation during National Night Out, where she informed me about an area in Good Shepherd Plaza that needed a landscaping spruce up and then she mentioned the conditions of the tables. I passed the information to Altheria Jackson (AVP of Operations) whose teams Horticulture/Grounds and Facilities addressed the issues. 

We would love to have the community groups paint the tables again in the future.

In the summer of 2021, here's what the Good Shepherd Plaza picnic tables newly painted by Roosevelt Island community groups looked like. 

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Roosevelt Island Farmers Market New Temporary Location At Good Shepherd Plaza Attracts More People For Fresh Vegetable, Fruits & More - Should New Location Be Made Permanent?

As previously reported, the Roosevelt Island Farmers Market moved temporarily from its long time location at Motorgate Plaza to Good Shepherd Plaza

during the 4 month Roosevelt Island Bridge Helix repair project current underway. Check out lines were very long today.

The move to Good Shepherd Plaza appears to be very popular among Roosevelt Island residents and vendors alike.

Roosevelt Island Farmers Market new Good Shepherd Plaza spot attracting more people for fresh fruit & vegetables. https://t.co/vVWfgSEA6j pic.twitter.com/pT9iAh5k9n

— Roosevelt Islander (@Rooseveltisland) March 3, 2018

What do you think? Should Good Shepherd Plaza become the permanent home for the Roosevelt Island Farmers Market?

Roosevelt Island Saturday Farmers Market Temporarily Moving To Good Shepherd Plaza Starting February 17 During 4 Month $3.1 Million RI Bridge Helix Ramp Repairs

The Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) will begin repair of the Roosevelt Island Bridge Helix Ramp



starting February 15 resulting in use of one ramp traffic lane 

 and temporary relocation of the Saturday morning Farmers Market

 to Good Shepherd Plaza.



According to RIOC Public Information Officer Alonza Robertson:

The $3.1 million Helix ramp and flat plaza repair job that’s starting Thursday, Feb. 15 will trigger at least two other major impacts on Roosevelt Island during the 120 days of construction.

The deteriorating 40-year-old structure, a high-traffic spiral road which connects the Island to the Roosevelt Island Bridge to Queens (at Vernon Boulevard and 36th Avenue), handles all incoming and outgoing car, truck and school bus traffic. As to be expected, the repair will slow traffic pace as vehicles will be restricted to one lane of use while the adjacent lane is repaired. Motorists are encouraged to plan for increased travel times in both directions.

The repair – which is part of a $33 million capital improvement program for the Island this fiscal year - is also forcing the relocation of the long-standing Farmers Market from the Helix Plaza to Good Shephard Plaza, 541 Main Street, beginning next Saturday, February 17. Vendors at the popular Saturday market, a long-time Island staple run by the PS/IS 217 Parent Teachers Association, will be given a walkthrough this set-up Saturday to familiarize themselves with the new open space, truck parking locations, electrical outlets and other logistics.

(The current proposed plan is to allow vendor vehicles to enter along the north side of the Good Shepard Chapel and park on the west side. Their tents and tables will be set up in the plaza along the north side of the chapel. Vehicles will exit along the south side once the market closes).

Roosevelt Island construction contractors and businesses employing delivery truck drivers also have been notified of vehicle length and load restrictions during the Helix repair. Large and oversize vehicles are now required to notify the Island’s Department of Public Safety, 212.832.4545, at least 48 hours in advance and to request an escort onto and off the Island as needed between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. only.

The Helix repair job - which includes waterproofing, concreate patch infill, rebar splicing, road resurfacing and railing replacements - is being completed by Specialty Construction Systems Inc., a structural engineering firm based in Mount Vernon, N.Y. and is the same firm that is contracted to resume and complete the Roosevelt Island Tram platform repairs this spring. Other local projects, the company has previously completed include structural repair work on the Lincoln Center west garage and tunnel, the Port Authority Bus Terminal and Pier 40 at Hudson River Park’s parking garage and sports facility.

As previously reported, the Roosevelt Island PS/IS 217 PTA has been the long time operator of the Farmers Market, using fees from the market vendors for their programs and services. In April 2017, RIOC issued the PTA a no fee permit, terminable at any time by RIOC, to operate the Farmers Market. Prior to April 2017,  the PTA operated the Farmers Market, on RIOC property, without any agreement from RIOC for use of the area.

Recently, another group expressed interest in operating a Roosevelt Island Green Market. The subject was discussed during November 30 RIOC Operations Advisory Committee.

Report From RIOC President Charlene Indelicato - Roosevelt Island Winter Weather Preparations, Public Safety Holiday Tips, Public Purpose Funds, Good Shepherd Plaza Revitalization, Happy & Healthy Holiday Wishes

 Image Of RIOC Winter Storm Janus Snow Removal Efforts Last Year

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

As we are nearing the end of the year, this will be our last community update until 2015. To all of the members of our community: We here at RIOC wish you a happy and healthy holiday season and a wonderful new year. In addition, I would like to thank everyone who came out to celebrate the annual lighting of the Blackwell Plaza tree and our contributors for helping make this event a great time for all. Many thanks to Fuji East, Bike New York, Main Street Sweets, Gristedes, Starbucks, The Hudson Companies & Urban American for contributing, and to the Girl Scouts and Cornell Tech for volunteering at the celebration!

Winter Weather Preparations

RIOC’s Grounds and Facilities departments are hard at work preparing the Island for the upcoming winter season. While Roosevelt Island has escaped heavy snowfall so far, it’s vital to be prepared to clear the roads and walkways when a storm hits. In order to ensure snow is cleared as quickly and efficiently as possible, RIOC will be issuing “No Parking” advisories requiring drivers to remove their cars from Main St. and the East and West roadways when severe weather is expected. During this time, we will attempt to make free parking available in designated locations, including inside the Motorgate Garage. Free parking inside Motorgate would be limited to 24 hours from the time of entry. If a car is left in the Garage in excess of the time limit, the driver would be responsible for any fees for the additional time. Your compliance with the advisory helps us keep the roads as safe as possible for drivers and pedestrians, and we thank you for your cooperation.

In addition, areas that have been subject to recurring icy conditions in the past may be barricaded and closed to foot traffic during heavy snowfall. Residents are still urged to use caution while traveling by foot, car or bicycle, and to watch out for problem areas. As always, we ask that you contact us by calling 212-832-4540 to report any areas that need further attention so that we may address any safety issues as soon as possible.

PSD Holiday Safety Tips

The holidays are coming up for many of us, which often means gift shopping, decorating, and traveling to visit friends and family. The Roosevelt Island Public Safety Department offers these tips to stay safe during the often hectic season:

• Safe Shopping – Minimize the amount of money, credit cards and valuables you carry and carry your keys on your person separate from your identification. Be particularly aware of your purse/wallet in crowded situations, such as rush-hour trains and buses.
• When dining out, place your purse in your lap. The back of a chair is an easy target for thieves. Also, never carry a wallet in a rear pocket; use a front trouser or an inside coat pocket.
• Be Street Smart – Be aware of your surroundings. Use well-populated and well-lit streets, and avoid overloading yourself with packages.
• Auto Safety Tips – Park in well-lit areas, keep doors and windows locked, and take any valuables with you. Keep any packages stowed in the trunk while shopping. Note: If you plan on doing more shopping after placing packages in the vehicle trunk, consider moving the vehicle to another parking spot. Never leave a GPS system or mount visible – put both inside a glove box or other compartment.
• Safety at Home – To prevent electrical fires, check holiday lights for frayed wires or empty sockets. Turn off lights when going to bed or leaving home. Keep your tree away from heating sources, and make sure to keep live trees watered.

Public Purpose Funds

Every year, RIOC awards a set amount of Public Purpose Funds to non-profit organizations whose programs benefit Roosevelt Island residents. These funds are provided for the educational, artistic, environmental, and cultural enrichment of the community, with an aim to deliver services to those who need them most. A notification will be issued to the public via our RIOC Advisories alert system with instructions on how to apply for funding. This information will also be posted on our website soon at rioc.ny.gov. All Roosevelt Island not-for-profit groups that are looking for additional funding are encouraged to apply.

Good Shepherd Plaza Revitalization

As you may have noticed while walking near the Good Shepherd Community Center (543 Main St.), new planters and benches have arrived at the site. These improvements are part of a larger effort undertaken by RIOC in cooperation with the Roosevelt Island community to beautify and improve the Good Shepherd Plaza. After a comprehensive public input process, upgrades to the Plaza’s landscaping and amenities were settled on and are now being executed. We would like to extend our thanks to the community for their valuable input during this process and are looking forward to the next phase of this project.

RIOC President Charlene Indelicato Addresses Roosevelt Island Problems, Projects Completed And Those About To Start - She Appreciates Residents Input And Constructive Criticism

 Image Of December 11 RIOC Board Of Directors Meeting

Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) President Charlene Indelicato gave her President's Report to the December 11 meeting of the RIOC Board of Directors last night (full web cast of meeting is here).

Ms Indelicato noted it was the last RIOC Board meeting of 2014 and reflected on the end of her first full year as RIOC President. Ms Indelicato complimented the RIOC Staff on their efforts as well as the assistance of RIOC Directors in establishing a "Team RIOC" to address the issues facing Roosevelt Island. Ms. Indelicato also noted that she appreciates the input of residents constructive criticism which RIOC tries to address even when under duress.

Ms. Indelicato then addressed recently raised issues of:

• Motorgate Lighting and bird droppings,
• Con Ed Lighting problems near the Motorgate caused by water in manhole and
• Temporary lighting which were not re-positioned properly but corrected once told about problem.

She also listed Roosevelt Island projects completed including:

• Lighthouse foot bridge,
• West Pier,
• Good Shepherd Plaza almost done,
• Good Shepherd Doors,
• Cultural Center about to open,
• Sportspark Temporary Heating,
• Tram Bathroom fixed,
• Everbridge Communications Alert System and 
• Phase 2 Of Island Wide Security Cameras

and Roosevelt Island projects about to start:

• Helix
• Seawall at Southpoint Park
• Design Tram elevator 
• New bus garage
• Permanent Heating at Sportspark
• and all the other capital projects which is the most she has ever seen.

Here's Ms. Indelicato's full President's Report to the RIOC Board of Directors December 11 Meeting.



During yesterday's RIOC Board of Directors Public Session prior to the start of the Board meeting, Roosevelt Island Residents Association (RIRA) Vice President Sherie Helstien asked about the Motorgate Lighting problems.

Here's what Ms. Helstien said and the response from Ms. Indelicato and Board members Margie Smith and Michael Shinozaki.



RIRA Island House Alternate Delegate Frank Farance has recently highlighted problems with the Motorgate Garage including safety, lighting and bird poop problems.

Report From RIOC President Charlene Indelicato - Roosevelt Island Motorgate Garage Security Cameras, Parking Meters, Good Shepherd Streetscape Renewal, Octagon Playground Tree Removal & Fall For Arts Festival

 Image Of Roosevelt Island Motorgate Garage Security Camera

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

Throughout the summer, RIOC has been working hard to make capital improvements and to ensure the safety and beauty of our community. As the weather turns colder towards the end of fall, many construction projects will be required to be put on hold until the spring. With this in mind, we are continuing to make preparations for the upcoming season and to get our neighborhood ready for cold weather and snow. Until then, we will enjoy the fall weather and proceed as planned with construction and other projects.

Fall for Arts Festival

The annual Roosevelt Island Fall for Arts Festival will take place on Saturday, October 11th from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. at Southpoint Park and on the lawn south of Rivercross. This year's theme is "A Multicultural Renaissance," celebrating the diversity of our unique community in a medieval setting. With participation from various community groups, multicultural musical and theatrical performances, live mural painting and "make-and-take" art activities for children, this event is a long-time community favorite. Look for a schedule of events to be posted soon on our website (rioc.ny.gov), facebook page (facebook.com/RIOCny ), the Main Street kiosks and other locations island-wide with more information about the event. We hope to see you at the Festival!

RIOC is currently seeking volunteers and mural artists to participate in this community event. The deadline for submitting a sketch to be considered for a muralist spot at the Festival has been extended through the weekend - all sketches received by Monday, September 29 will be considered. If you're interested in submitting a mural design or in volunteering at the Festival by helping attendees complete art activities or distributing art supplies to mural painters, please contact Anna Rankin at Anna.Rankin@rioc.ny.gov. Community service hours can be given for volunteering, and participants will receive a free, exclusive festival t-shirt. For more information on painting or volunteering, visit our website at rioc.ny.gov and click on our slideshow.

Security Cameras at the Motorgate Garage

As previously reported, RIOC has installed a series of security cameras at various locations on Roosevelt Island, including inside the Motorgate Garage. Currently, the installation and setup of these cameras is in the second phase of implementation. Before the next phase can begin, minor adjustments to the placement, orientation and other properties of the cameras will take place. The Public Safety Department has also been consulted on prime locations for future cameras and other upgrades. Since their initial installation, these cameras have already proved a valuable asset to the community and have assisted law enforcement with several investigations and lead to the apprehension of criminals. We plan to improve this system on a constant basis and look forward to the next phase of installation.

Parking Meters Accepting Credit Cards

We are pleased to announce that all parking meters on Roosevelt Island will soon be able to accept credit cards as payment. This improvement will increase convenience for residents and visitors alike who park on our streets. Electronic parking meters were installed earlier this year and are available along the length of Main Street and in the public parking lot to the east of the Roosevelt Island Racquet Club near the Tramway plaza. We are happy to be able to provide this service as an upgrade to the current system.

Tree Removal at the Octagon Playground

Last Thursday, September 24, contractors removed several damaged trees and branches at the Octagon Park. Affected trees, which had been damaged by stormy weather, were identified by a qualified professional before they were scheduled for removal or pruning. Routine maintenance and trimming is required for the general upkeep of the Island's trees and to avoid potential hazards caused by hanging and fallen limbs.

Good Shepherd Streetscape Renewal Project

As you may have noticed, landscaping work has begun behind the Good Shepherd Community Center. This project marks the first phase of work in a larger development - the renewal and redesign of the Good Shepherd Plaza. This project began several years ago as a joint initiative between RIOC and many active members of the Roosevelt Island community, who provided valuable input on residents' needs and visions for the space. Once the community design process was completed, RIOC solicited bids from qualified contractors and selected the best vendor based on standard procurement procedures. The chosen contractor will perform upgrades to the lawn and areas in and around the Plaza according to the finalized design. Currently, workers are laying out the areas where new decomposed granite paths and planting beds will be installed behind the Community Center. Most recently, concerns were raised about the health of the 9/11 memorial tree located in the area after a surface root was pruned to make way for construction. This root pruning has not endangered the tree. RIOC takes pride in the care of the Island's grounds and flora, and as New Yorkers ourselves, we understand how much this memorial means to all of our residents. Contractors are taking every precaution to ensure the continued health and future growth of the memorial tree as they modify the areas around it.

Report From RIOC President Charlene Indelicato - Lighthouse Park Footbridge Repaired By July, Motorgate Lighting And Restriping Done, Octagon Tennis Resurfacing Done By Late June, Sportspark Pool Still Closed, Outdoor Movies Starting June 28, Roosevelt Island Day June 21, Bike Activities & More

Image Of Lighthouse Park Footbridge Before Washed Out By Hurricane Sandy via Lonely Planet

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

Last Tuesday, May 13, the Sportspark Pool was closed due to a mechanical problem with its filtration system. Our staff has been working diligently to make repairs and restore the facility as soon as possible. We recognize the inconvenience a pool closure poses to the community and appreciate your patience while we correct the problem.

When an unexpected occurrence like a facility closure takes place, RIOC sends out notifications and updates via its RIOC Advisories email alert system as soon as possible. It is important to us to keep the community informed about what’s happening on Roosevelt Island. I encourage you to sign up for RIOC Advisories for alerts on issues such as traffic disruptions, construction, community meetings, events, and most importantly, in case of an emergency. Remember, if we can’t reach you, we can’t alert you. Sign up at http://rioc.ny.gov/advisorybody.htm.

Bike New York Event

Thank you to everyone who participated in Bike New York’s Spring Kickoff Party last Saturday. Many members of the community came out to take part in the festivities, which included a free bicycle raffle for Roosevelt Island residents, a Learn to Ride – Kids Class, a popular free bike tune-up shop, and a chance for kids to show their creativity in the bike beauty contest. BikeGuard, a free registry provided by MyAssetTag.com, also offered free aluminum tags and assistance for residents who wanted to register their bikes. With perfect weather, wonderful activities and enthusiastic participants, we could not have asked for better conditions. Many thanks go out to Bike New York for providing this fantastic event.

Bike Registration

If you missed the chance to register your bicycle at last Saturday’s event, you can still pick up registration tags and instructions for free at Public Safety’s headquarters (550 Main Street). BikeGuard allows residents to log a detailed description and photo of their bikes into an online database. The company has worked with RIOC to provide a community specific program for Roosevelt Island residents to register their bikes locally. If you report your bike lost or stolen, your local community is notified as well as Public Safety. While this notification does not take the place of an incident report filed with Public Safety, it certainly does increase the chance that your bike will be returned to you if it becomes lost or stolen.

Upcoming Activities

On June 14, Bike New York along with the Roosevelt Island Visual Art Association will gather residents under the Helix Ramp to decorate their bicycle storage container with paintings. If you’re interested in taking part in this event, please contact Caitlin Goodspeed at  cgoodspeed@bikenewyork.org.

Roosevelt Island Day will be taking place next month on June 21. This event is a celebration of Spring and community spirit, with residents coming together to beautify and improve their neighborhood. After a morning spent planting and weeding, participants gather on Main Street to enjoy free games, rides, music and more. This event is sponsored by Urban American in partnership with RIOC and the Roosevelt Island Youth Program.

On June 28, RIOC’s Outdoor Summer Movie Series will kick off with a screening of Disney’s Frozen at Southpoint Park. The fun starts at 7 p.m. – bring a blanket or a chair and brush up on your movie knowledge for our trivia challenge. Food and drinks will be available for purchase. We hope you’ll join us for this fun, family-friendly movie in the park. We encourage you to visit rioc.ny.gov for more information on the event and to view the list of movies and showtimes.

Lighthouse Footbridges

An updated construction schedule for the repair of the Lighthouse Park footbridges has been released; work is scheduled to be completed by July 2014. We know the community has been eager to have full use of Lighthouse Park restored and are pleased to be moving forward on this project. We are committed to repairing the bridges as soon as possible for the enjoyment of all who visit the park. Thank you for your patience during this project.

Motorgate Garage Upgrades Complete

We are pleased to report that last week, the installation of upgraded lighting and re-striping of parking spots in the Motorgate Garage was completed. This project was necessary to ensure the safety of all who park their cars in the Garage. In the coming weeks, our Engineering team will be performing walkthroughs of the Garage to review the work that was performed.

Octagon Tennis Courts

At the Octagon Tennis Courts, the new concrete pole supports are expected to be fully cured by next week. Workers will re-take the construction site and are on schedule to complete resurfacing in late June.

Good Shepherd Community Center Restoration

Restoration work on the Good Shepherd Community Center’s entry doors and narthex at its west entrance area is also moving forward. Cleaning of the brick and limestone in the north entryway has been finished, as well as installation of the south entryway’s ceiling, interior doors and new bluestone steps at both entrances.

Report From RIOC President Charlene Indelicato - Roosevelt Island Spring Construction Projects Begin For West Pier, Good Shepherd Streetscape, Octagon Tennis Resurfacing, Lighthouse Park Footbridges, Tram Station Painting & More

Image of 2012 Summer West Pier With Restaurant from Judy Berdy

Image of West Pier During 2012 Hurricane Sandy

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

This Winter, heavy snow and freezing temperatures have kept our staff busy plowing the roads, clearing the sidewalks and maintaining the Island’s facilities during the harsh weather conditions. As the weather begins to warm up, we’re getting ready for work to move forward on new and existing capital projects. Our Grounds Department has already begun preparations for the athletic fields to re-open in early April, a new session of Mommy & Me classes is beginning soon, and other activities on the Island are picking up. We are looking forward to a warm and productive Spring on Roosevelt Island.

Spring Construction Projects

Work resumed last Friday on the West Pier after a wave of cold and snowy weather. Weather permitting, construction on the Pier is projected to be completed by the beginning of April 2014.

At the Good Shepherd Community Center, the ceiling and doors of the northern section of the west entryway are undergoing restoration off-site. Restoration architects and the NYC Landmarks Preservation Commission are reviewing samples of the proposed rehabilitation work to ensure its quality. The work, which is projected to be completed before Fall 2014, will also include cleaning and restoration of the entrances’ walls and lighting.

Two meetings regarding the Good Shepherd Streetscape project have been conducted with the community, during which designs for the plantings and positioning of the benches were finalized. An RFP for the work will be issued upon the completion of the final construction drawings. We would like to extend our thanks to the community for their valuable input during this process and are looking forward to the next phase of this project.

April will mark the beginning of several important construction projects. The Octagon Tennis Courts will be resurfaced, work will begin on the Lighthouse Park footbridges, the sidewalks near the Roosevelt Island Tram Station will be repaired, and the Tram stations themselves will be repainted. While all of these developments are scheduled to begin in the first week of April, the work is weather-sensitive and will require warm temperatures to proceed. We will continue to keep the community updated as work progresses.

Eight responses to the Cultural Center’s construction Request for Proposals were received by the submission deadline (February 28). RIOC is currently evaluating the responses and beginning the rating and ranking process. A contractor will be selected and construction will begin within the next few months.

In mid-to-late March, a crane will be transported by barge to the Riverwalk Building 7 construction site. While the crane is being moved onto the Island, the East promenade will be closed for approximately half a day. An advisory will be issued to notify the public of the specific time and date of this closure.

Mommy & Me

Registration for the March-May session of Mommy & Me Water Safety classes is available online at RIOC’s new Parks & Recreation website http://rioc.recdesk.com. With the assistance of a parent or guardian, participants aged six months to three years will learn basic swimming skill sets that include submersions, blowing bubbles underwater and movement in the water. Classes are available on Sunday and Wednesday mornings – check online for times and other details. This 8-week session runs from the week of March 16 to the week of May 4, with makeup classes during the week of May 11. While four time slots are currently available, each time slot must have a minimum of 6 families preregistered in order for that class to take place. There is a maximum of 13 families per class. Online enrollment ends this coming Wednesday, March 12 – any classes that do not meet the minimum amount of participants will be combined with another time slot. If you have any questions or if you prefer to register in person, please email Eddie.Perez@rioc.ny.gov or call (212) 832-4569.

Red Bus Fares

As a reminder, the Red Bus will be free to ride beginning April 1. The decision to eliminate the fare was made in order to encourage the use of mass transit, keep traffic on Main Street moving as a result of faster boarding times, and to reduce operating costs by eliminating the need to collect fares from the buses. If you have a fare change card, please be advised that March is the last month these cards will be accepted on the bus. Once the fare is eliminated, refunds for any unused value remaining on the cards will be available at the RIOC Bus Garage (680 Main Street) until April 30, 2014.

Scenes From A Snowy Roosevelt Island Saturday - Southtown Sledding, Closed FDR Park, Good Shepherd Plaza, Blackwell House, Riding The Tram & More

Scenes from a Snowy Roosevelt Island Saturday.

Sledding on the much smaller Southtown Hill,
 

a closed FDR Four Freedoms Park,

Image From Trevre Andrews

Image From Trevre Andrews

Good Shepherd Plaza and Community Center,

Blackwell Plaza,

Manhattan Park,

Main Street,

Rivercross Lawn,

Riverwalk Commons,

Waterfront Promenade looking north,

looking south,

the Boat Prow,



inside the Roosevelt Island Tram cabin

 Image From Volker Hage

 and riding the Tram

 

in the snow.

Report From RIOC President Charlene Indelicato - Roosevelt Island Tree Lighting Ceremony, 2014 Public Purpose Funds, Goldwater Patients Relocations, Construction Update & More

2012 Roosevelt Island Tree Lighting Ceremony At Blackwell Park

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

The holidays are upon us, and in celebration of the season RIOC will be hosting Roosevelt Island’s annual Tree Lighting Ceremony – more information is below. Despite the cold weather, many construction projects are going forward on the Island – work is taking place at the West Pier, Good Shepherd Community Center, 504 Main Street and the Motorgate Garage. RIOC would like to wish safe travels to those who are going to see family, as well as to those who are coming home to Roosevelt Island to be with their loved ones.

RIOC Advisories

Following the phone outage on Roosevelt Island this past week, we would like to encourage residents to sign up for our email advisory system. The advisories that RIOC sends include important updates on Island events, traffic diversions, Tram service, construction and other news that directly affect Roosevelt Island residents. In the event of an emergency, the advisories are the fastest way to get information directly from us. You can sign up online at http://rioc.ny.gov/advisorybody.htm or send an email to subscribe@rioc.ny.gov .

Tree Lighting

Roosevelt Island’s annual Tree Lighting Ceremony will be taking place at 7 p.m. on Friday, December 6 at Blackwell Plaza. This festive Island tradition celebrates the unique spirit that brings the community together. Performers from The Main Street Theater and Dance Alliance, The Child School, and Roosevelt Island Youth Program will sing holiday songs as we await the lighting of the tree. We invite you to come out with your friends and family to listen to Island performers, watch the lights twinkle, and even have a photo op with Santa. Come join in the fun and festivities!

Holiday Train Show

This year, the New York Botanical Garden has included a replica of the Roosevelt Island Lighthouse in their annual Holiday Train Show! The Show is a cherished tradition that delights people of all ages. Marvel at the charming model trains and New York landmark replicas, stroll the spectacular grounds, break for lunch and hot chocolate in the Holiday Dining Pavilion, and shop for everyone on your list! A 30% discount has been offered to members of our community – if you would like to attend, you can get tickets at nybg.org and use discount code 9036.

Public Purpose Funds

As a reminder, the Public Purpose Funds application is now available online at http://rioc.ny.gov/grants.htm. The deadline for submissions is Friday, January 10, 2014 at 11:59 PM. All non-profit organizations on the Island that are in need of funding are encouraged to visit the webpage for more information or to apply.

Motorgate Garage

Work at the Motorgate Parking Garage is moving forward as renovation to the surface conditions and lighting continues. The project will be entering into sections 5B South, 6B North, 6C South, 6D South, and 6B South beginning in two weeks. Work in sections 4B North, 5B North, 5D, 5C, 6A North and 6A South for this portion of the project is expected to be completed by December 2, 2013, during which time these sections will be reopened to patrons for parking.

·       December 2, 2013 — December 16, 2013: Section 5B South.
·       December 16, 2013 — January 3, 2014: Section 6B North.
·       January 3, 2014 — January 17, 2014: Section 6C South.
·       January 17, 2014 — January 31, 2014: Section 6D South.
·       January 31, 2014 — February 14, 2014: Section 6B South.

We appreciate your cooperation and patience during this project.

Construction Updates

Repairs will soon be commencing at the West Pier – the contractor has been selected and will take the site next Tuesday, November 26, 2013. Work is expected to be completed in three to four months. The construction site will extend along the West side of the Island, from the Subway station to the second staircase leading from the promenade up toward the street. Signs and notices to redirect pedestrian traffic will be posted.

Restoration work will also be taking place at the Good Shepherd Community Center. The entry doors and narthex, or entrance area at the front of the building, will be renovated over the next six months. The existing schedule of the Community Center will be taken into account; the project will also be implemented in phases in order to facilitate its continued use. Work is expected to commence on December 2, 2013.

Painting and repair work on the Tram has been rescheduled. The reason for the change in schedule is that the paint to be applied to the Tram requires the temperature to remain higher than 50° F in order to cure properly. Following a discussion with the contractors, it was determined that April 2014 is a much more feasible point in time for the work to take place. The sidewalk near the Tram and bus turnaround will also be repaired in the Spring.

At 504 Main Street, designs have been approved and authorization to begin work on the windows has been given – expect to see replacements soon.

Goldwater Hospital Move

The NYC Health and Hospitals Corporation has announced that the dates for the Coler-Goldwater patient relocation move – originally scheduled for Sunday, November 17, 2013, and Monday, November 18, 2013 – have been changed. The new dates are Sunday, November 24, 2013, from 4 a.m. until 6 p.m. and Monday, November 25, 2013, from 8:30 a.m. until 9:35 p.m. PSD and the NYPD will be available to direct traffic around the Roosevelt Island Bridge. RIOC Advisories and Notify NYC will be sending out more information in the form of advisories. If you have any questions or concerns, you may contact 311 for the most up-to-date information

Temporary Ferry Dock, Cultural Center Renovation, Proposed Southpoint Park Korean Pavilion & More To Be Discussed At November 6 RIOC Real Estate Advisory Committee Meeting - Also Update On Cornell Negotiations In Closed Executive Session

 Former RIOC Officials At Oil Dock in November 2009 Watching NY Water Taxi Ferry Boat Pass

According the the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC)

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that a meeting of the Real Estate Development Advisory Committee of the RIOC Board of Directors will be held on Wednesday, November 6, 2013 at 4:00 p.m. at the RIOC administrative office, 591 Main Street, Roosevelt Island, New York.

Agenda:

1. Temporary Ferry Dock;

2. Cultural Center Reconstruction Status;

3. Southpoint Park Pavilion Update;

4. Good Shepherd Plaza Developments;

5. Historic Lamppost Donation Location;

6. Updates on Rehabilitation Projects in Lighthouse Park and Westside Pier;

7. Updates on Projects in Process, including Blackwell House;

8. Chair’s Motion for Executive Session for Update on Current Negotiations Regarding Cornell NYC;

9. Any Other Committee Business That May be Brought Before the Committee

The audio web cast of the meeting will be available a few days later.

During recent Aspen Institute Building the Digital City Conference, Cornell NYC Tech's Dan Huttenlocher described the intent for their new Roosevelt Island campus as being a:

...  hot spot for tech kind of activities and not just for academic activities...

with plans for:

...  companies right there on campus as part of what we do every day...

Full video of panel is here.

Report From RIOC President Charlene Indelicato - Roosevelt Island Halloween Events, 2014 Public Purpose Funds, Good Plaza Shepherd Seating And Greenery Coming, Southtown Construction, Motorgate Abandoned Cars & Sportspark Classes

 Image of RIOC President Charlene Indelicato From RIOC

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

The community is gearing up for a spooky holiday celebration with its annual Halloween Parade and PSD’s Halloween Safety Event. Plans are moving forward to give a new life to the Good Shepherd Plaza. At Southtown, planned work will be going ahead in preparation for the new building 7. New classes are opening up at Sportspark and applications for Public Purpose Funds will soon be available online– we hope you can take advantage of the great resources Roosevelt Island has to offer.

Halloween Parade

Ghosts, witches, pumpkins and more will be marching on Main Street! The Roosevelt Island Halloween Parade & Extravaganza is taking place today, October 26 at 12 PM. Urban American is sponsoring the Island tradition with support from RIOC and the R.I. Youth Center. The march begins at noon near Blackwell House at 500 Main St. – everyone is invited to come out in costume and march with their neighbors, friends and family. Once the parade march is over, follow the crowd to Capobianco Field for a free community celebration offering games, rides, treats and giveaways. In the event of inclement weather, the celebration will take place at P.S./I.S. 217 (645 Main St.).

PSD: Halloween Safety Event

Public Safety will be partnering with Safe Kids NYC to present their annual Halloween Safety Day at the Roosevelt Island Public Library (524 Main St.). Kids can come to the Library at 4:30 PM on October 31 to learn about how to have a safe and fun holiday. PSD’s Youth Officer Michelle Williams will be present to provide additional safety tips and goodie bags for the children. The Roosevelt Island Public Safety department reminds you to keep safety in mind while you celebrate – and to stop by the Public Safety office for some treats on Halloween!

Public Purpose Grants

The Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation will soon be issuing application materials for the 2014-2015 Public Purpose Funds. Public Purpose Funds are allocated to benefit Roosevelt Island residents, enhancing their quality of life through education, artistic and cultural enrichment, improved health or a better environment. Roosevelt Island not-for-profit groups who are looking for additional funding are encouraged to apply. For more information, visit the RIOC website beginning the first week of November at rioc.ny.gov/grants.htm .

Good Shepherd Plaza

Plans are in motion to revitalize the open space at the Good Shepherd Plaza – expect to see upgrades to the Plaza’s seating options and greenery in the upcoming months. We would like to extend our thanks to the community committee members who have worked together with RIOC on the design and provided valuable input on the needs of the residents.

Southtown Construction

Hudson/Related will soon be starting the municipal infrastructure work that is scheduled to be completed prior to the start of construction of Southtown’s Building 7. It involves laying new sewer pipe on the site and decommissioning a small portion of the existing pipe as contemplated in the original plan for the Southtown development. The team has been working closely with the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and RIOC to finalize and execute this plan which is expected to commence October 23 and to be completed by the end of November. As the team will be working with the septic system, workers will be wearing protective gear – this should not be a cause for alarm as it is just a precautionary measure against contact with septic materials.

Motorgate Garage

In order to address the issue of abandoned cars in the Motorgate Garage, Central Parking has begun issuing letters to owners notifying them to remove their vehicles from the facilty. Cars that remain unclaimed after 30 days of receipt of the letter will be subject to towing and disposal. When a transient car has been left in the garage for 30 days, or a car with a monthly permit is left for longer than 60 days without paying for a space and the owner does not respond to requests to move the vehicle, it is classified as abandoned. Though every effort is made to contact the owner, this becomes virtually impossible if the license plates and/or vehicle identification number are removed. If you believe your car may be considered abandoned, please contact Central Parking at 212-832-4585.

Sportspark

New classes are coming to Sportspark! Zumba classes began October 14 and are now meeting every Monday at 6:30 PM, Thursday at 8:30 PM, and Saturday at 10:00 AM. Classes are one hour long and the class fee is only $5. Also, the wait for parent-and-child swim classes is over: registration for Mommy & Me classes is now open online at rioc.ny.gov! With each class, you’ll watch your child’s confidence and swimming skills grow as they have fun in the water.

Sportspark’s pool, along with the rest of the facility, is currently heated by the Steam Plant. We have received several inquiries from the community regarding the shutdown of Sportspark when the Plant is decommissioned; however, we are pleased to note that a long closure is not anticipated at that time. When the Steam Plant closes, RIOC will be prepared to implement a temporary boiler system that will already be in place to heat the facility and pool until the permanent heating system is installed. Closure during the installation of the temporary system is not expected to exceed one week; closure for installation of the permanent system should not exceed two weeks. The exact date of the Steam Plant’s shutdown is not known, but we will work hard to ensure that the closure of Sportspark is as short as possible.

Roosevelt Island Sing For Hope Piano At Good Shepherd Plaza This Weekend Thru June 16 - Come Play Or Just Listen And Enjoy

Playing Roosevelt Island Sing For Hope Piano

Did you see the Roosevelt Island Sing For Hope Piano being played at Good Shepherd Plaza this weekend? The Buboblog did and reports:

... The Roosevelt Island piano is located near the Chapel of the Good Shepherd. When we got there, it appeared as if the instrument had only just been unwrapped. But a man was already sitting down, playing Tchaikovsky's Fifth Symphony....

 Image From Buboblog

From the Roosevelt Island Twitterverse:

@therealtavie Sounds like my dad!@rooseveltisland(er) even got him on video. youtu.be/p8tCQ2SLvDE Maybe next time they should do a duet.
— Jenifer Semenza (@jenifernyc1) June 2, 2013

and:

Photo: The tech is giving my @sfhpiano a final tuning on site at Roosevelt Island. Come visit and share your... tmblr.co/ZP7L-umRHOe8
— Marc Evan (@MarcManiac1) June 2, 2013

The Roosevelt Island Sing For Hope Piano will be at Good Shepherd Plaza thru June 16. Check it out and play or just listen.

More on NYC Sing For Hope piano public art installation from previous post.

UPDATE 6/3 - More Roosevelt Island Sing For Hope piano playing at Good Shepherd Plaza from Don Semenza, this time with vocal accompaniment.



Another Roosevelt Island Sing For Hope performer.

Work Resumes On Final Phase Of Good Shepherd Plaza Restoration Project Starting March 5

Image From RIOC (Click On Image to Enlarge)

Work will soon resume on the North Section of the Good Shepherd Plaza Restoration Project. According to the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC):

Please be advised, on March 5, 2012, work is scheduled to commence on the final phase of the Good Shepherd Plaza Renovation Project. During this time, there will be limited access to the ADA ramp entrance of the Good Shepherd Community Center due to the demolition of the Plaza surface. A temporary walkway will be provided and will be located on the north side of the building to allow entry to the ramp and fire exit route. Entry into the Good Shepherd Community Center will also be available via the west side double door entrance of the building. In addition, the south ramp of Island House will be accessible and maintained at all times throughout the final phase of construction. 

Last November, RIOC Vice President of Operations Fernando Martinez took me on a tour of the Good Shepherd Plaza before reopening the South and East portion of the Plaza and explained the project:

You Tube Video of Good Shepherd Plaza Restoration Tour

More information on the Good Shepherd Plaza Restoration Project from this earlier post.

Report From RIOC President Leslie Torres - Tram Bathrooms Open March 5, Good Shepherd Plaza Restoration Resumes March 1, New York Power Authority Tree Program, & Congratulations On 20 Years of Public Safety Service To Captain Suarez

 Image of Closed But Soon To Be Open Roosevelt Island Tram Bathrooms

Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) President Lesie Torres sends the following report to Roosevelt Island residents.

From time to time, I will be using this column to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of RIOC staff members who help life on Roosevelt Island run smoothly. A perfect example is Captain Estrella Suarez from our Public Safety Department.

Last month marked the beginning of Suarez’s twentieth year as a member of the Public Safety team. In 2005 she was promoted to captain, becoming the department’s highest-ranking uniformed officer. “She is the consummate professional,” says PSD Director Keith Guerra. “Simply put, she is the backbone of our department.”

In addition to being responsible for important administrative work, such as scheduling and payroll, Suarez assists Guerra with the day-to-day supervision of the Public Safety force, and with creating and implementing the department’s policies and procedures. She also supervises PSD’s Anti-Crime Unit.

For Suarez, law enforcement is not about “putting the bad guy away,” but rather about helping people. It’s a job she embraces for its challenges. “The work is complex and can be dangerous,” she says. “Every day is unique, but I like solving different problems and I have a passion for the job.”

With the help of Suarez’s leadership, PSD is a particularly tight-knit group – so much so that she refers to the department as “the family.” Officers have one another’s backs, whether it’s on the job, or it’s offering support when a fellow officer is in need.

Like so many RIOC staff members, Suarez is grateful for the opportunity to work on Roosevelt Island. “It’s a beautiful place and I feel like I’m among friends here,” she says. “If I didn’t work here, I would definitely live here. It’s the best place in the world.”

New York Power Authority Tree Program

RIOC will be participating once again this spring in the New York Power Authority (NYPA) Tree Program, which is run in conjunction with the New York State Nursery Association, Inc. In order to help make New York greener and enhance the environment, NYPA will match the cost of trees purchased. Due to the high demand and a limited supply, this year RIOC has been allotted only 38 trees – 10 Red Maples, 10 Honey Locusts and 18 Flowering Cherry Trees. The trees are scheduled to be delivered in early April and will be planted throughout the Island.

Construction Updates

The newly renovated men’s and women’s restrooms at the Tram station will be open for public use starting on Monday, March 5. We hope they will add a measure of convenience for residents and visitors.

On March 1 contractors will resume the repair work to the plaza around the Good Shepherd Community Center. The work began last year, but was suspended for the winter months. The construction, which will involve the installation of new pavers, is scheduled to be completed by May.

Roosevelt Island Good Shepherd Plaza Opened For The Most Part - Here's A Tour

The Roosevelt Island Good Shepherd Plaza Restoration Project has completed about 2/3 of the work and today the eastern sidewalk

and  southern portion of the Plaza are open to the public.

During the November 28 Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Operations Committee meeting (audio webcast here), RIOC VP Of Operations Fernando Martinez reported on causes for delay in the Good Shepherd Plaza Restoration Project including drainage installation problems by the contractor that were corrected and weather delays.

Also discussed was the replacement of the Good Shepherd roof - whether the roof will be a slate roof as was it's original condition or some other less expensive material such as fake slate or asphalt.

Here is the Operations Committee discussion on subject.

You Tube Video Of Ops Committee Discussion of Good Plaza Restoration Project

Mr. Fernandez took me on a tour of the Plaza recently and discussed the restoration project

You Tube Video of Good Shepherd Plaza Restoration Tour

including the possibility of moving the Farmers Market to Good Shepherd Plaza.

Work on the northern portion of the Plaza will stop for the winter and start in the Spring.

What's Happening With Roosevelt Island's Good Shepherd Plaza Restoration - RIOC President Explains The Delay

Image of Good Plaza Shepherd Restoration Work Being Done Last Saturday

A Roosevelt Island resident sent the following message to Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) President Leslie Torres:

I was flabbergasted to see in the "In Briefly" column in the November 5th WIRE that the new completion date for the renovation of Good Shepherd Plaza has been moved 8 months to May of 2012.  I then went to "The RIOC Column" looking for an explanation and expecting apologies to the community for exposing them to 8 more months of inconvenience, dirt and dust.  As you know, there was no word about it there. 

The delay on this project certainly looks like RIOC mismanagement. Don't the residents of Roosevelt Island deserve an explanation?

Ms. Torres responded:

I am sorry you are being inconvenienced by the construction of the plaza and want to assure you that we at RIOC are cognizant of the need to get the plaza completed and fully committed to managing the project to completion.

As you may know, the process for RIOC to undertake any construction project is set by statute. It starts with an RFP (Request For Proposals) from several construction bidders.  Once bids are received the RIOC Board decides on which bid to accept (usually the lowest qualified bidder), while also taking into consideration the requirements that minority and women owned businesses be favored, and a review of the contractor's construction history.  The contractor for the plaza had done work successfully on other island-related projects in the past, including z-brick repairs which is similar to the installation at the plaza.   All of these considerations were fully reviewed by RIOC staff for the plaza project and presented to the Board.

Once the Board decides on a bidder at a public meeting, RIOC staff then enters into a contract with the bidder to complete a project.  For the plaza project, we entered into a contract with the construction company to reconstruct the plaza, install new light fixtures, and install an effective storm drainage system.  The contract provided for a start date of July 7th and completion by October 5th.  Unfortunately the company did not start construction until August due to their employees' vacation schedules, and the initial materials submitted by the contractor for plaza construction being rejected by RIOC's Engineers due to poor quality.  Despite these delays, the contractor assured us that the project would be completed on time.  However, upon starting the project, the company did not provide sufficient qualified manpower to perform the work correctly.  For instance, the contractor installed the trench drains and concrete substrate poorly and such installation was consequently rejected by the RIOC project engineers.  As a result, the contractor's staff was replaced and the trench drains were ripped out and reinstalled correctly, at the contractor's expense.

The project has also experienced certain unforeseen conditions.  For example, upon excavating the site, we discovered that water had been infiltrating the chapel's foundation, causing a deterioration of the foundation. We also found that some of the plaza's concrete substrate had collapsed.  We decided to address these conditions by installing a concrete band around the building perimeter, and to replace the concrete substrate.  These tasks were added to the contractor's scope of work which entitled him to additional time to complete the project.   An additional 36 calendar days were added and the contract completion date was revised to November 10th, a date which will unfortunately not be met.

We also note that since the plaza work is weather sensitive it must be suspended during the winter months.  When the project shuts down for the winter, the entire plaza will be opened to the public except for a small staging area in the north west corner of the plaza.  The contractors will come back in March to compete the North side of the plaza and the sidewalk in the front of plaza.  We also note that the contract has a liquidated damages clause of $200 per calendar day (which in effect means, if the completion date is missed, the contractor is liable to RIOC for $200 penalty for each day the project goes over schedule).  However, the impact on the community use of the plaza will be that the entire plaza will soon be opened for the winter months and then a portion (approximately 1/3 of the plaza) will be closed in the spring.

As you may know, RIOC has worked with many contractors on many projects and some have come in on time and/or early (soccer field) and some have not (the plaza). We considered the possibility of replacing the contractor due to his initial poor performance, but found this would not be cost efficient and would prolong the completion of the plaza project even further.  We too lament that this project has not gone according to its intended time line and we apologize to the community for the delay.

Thank you for your email.

Very truly yours,

Below is the original schedule of work for the Good Shepherd Plaza Restoration Project.

Image From RIOC (Click on image to enlage)

As reported in this July 27 post:

The Roosevelt Island Good Shepherd Plaza Restoration Project is scheduled to begin on Thursday, July 28. According to the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC):

• Phase 1 covering the Southern portion of the Plaza will take place from July 28- September 6
• Phase 2 covering the  Northern portion of the Plaza will take place from September 6 - 23
• Phase 3 covering the Eastern sidewalk will take place from September 26- October3

I asked RIOC Vice President of Operations Fernando Martinez what work will be done during these various phases but have not received a response yet. According to RIOC's Request For Proposals for the Good Shepherd Plaza Renovation Project, the scope of work for the project includes:

• Removal and disposal of existing concrete and brick pavers, light poles and trench drains. 

• Excavation and disposal for installation of new pavement sub-base. 

• Installation of new precast concrete unit pavers and concrete curbs and sidewalks 

• Installation of new trench drains with connection to existing storm drainage system 

• Relocation of existing planters, benches and signs 

• Installation of new light poles and extension of existing electrical service

Good Shepherd Plaza as of last Saturday looked like this.

UPDATE 11 PM - Roosevelt Island resident David Bauer asks:

Why would a capable contractor agree to a July 7 start if employees were on vacation in July? How could the basic drainage work have been put in place without being noticed by RIOC inspectors? Based on what RIOC has contracted for, at what point will the $200 per day damages take effect? The project excavation along the Good Shepherd foundations was less than one foot deep; where did the new indications of water infiltration appear that were not evident by an inspection of the interior?

As a side note, it is counter intuitive that in a period of high unemployment a contractor's forces take vacation in the middle of what is the normal peak work period.