Six 9 Millimeter Bullets Found On Sidewalk In Front of Roosevelt Island 560 Main Street Building Last Thursday Evening - Ammunition Fell Out Of Bag Carried By Male Licensed To Carry A Firearm Entering The Building Says RIOC

I asked Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Public Safety Department (PSD) Chief Kevin Brown and Communications Director Bryant Daniels today: 

I understand that bullets were found on the sidewalk outside Roosevelt Landings several nights ago and were picked up by Public Safety Officers. 

Is that true? 

Are there any more details about this incident? Any statement from RIOC?

Mr Daniels answered:

At approximately 7:15 PM on May 9th, PSD was alerted to the presence of firearm ammunition on the ground in front of 560 Main Street.  PSD immediately responded to the scene, found and recovered the lost ammunition—six 9mm bullets—and notified the NYPD. 

C&C cameras were then checked, and video was discovered of the ammunition falling out of an adult male’s duffle bag while he was entering the building. The individual was identified by PSD, and he is licensed to carry a firearm in New York. At approximately 7:40 PM, NYPD officers arrived and took custody of the ammunition.

C&C is the managing agent for the Roosevelt Landings 460 Main Street building.

The RIOC May 9 PSD Daily Blotter describes the incident as follow:

05/09/24 -1914 – 560 Main Street – Suspicious Activity- PSD Responded – Report Filed

NYPD 114 Precinct Reports Today Disorderly Male Arrested March 9 Outside Smoke Shop On Roosevelt Island's Main Street In Possession Of A Loaded Gun - RIOC Silent

Earlier this evening, the NYPD 114 precinct tweeted:

Can you provide more info to the Roosevelt Island community on removing this gun @NYPD114Pct @NYPDnews https://t.co/USPmATTQl8

— Roosevelt Islander (@Rooseveltisland) March 15, 2023

I asked the NYPD:

... Can you provide any more info about the context of the incident? What were the circumstances regarding the removal of the gun?...

According to a NYPD spokesperson: 

On Thursday, March 9, 2023 at approximately 1530 hours, police responded to a 911 call of a disorderly male in front of 559 Mains street, in the confines of the 114 Precinct. Upon arrival of police, a Roosevelt Island Public Safety Officer stated that a disorderly male was causing a disturbance on public sidewalk. When peace officers attempted to issue a summons for disorderly conduct, he attempted to flee and was apprehended outside of location. The suspect was brought back to their base. Once placed in custody, the suspect was found to be in possession of a revolver.

Charges:

Criminal Possession of a Weapon- Loaded Firearm

Obstructing Governmental Administration

Disorderly Conduct

The individual arrested was an 18 year old male from Brooklyn.

559 Main Street is the address for the Smoke Shop. Eviction proceedings against the Smoke Shop are currently underway by the landlord, Hudson Related.

Also, I asked Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) President Shelton Haynes, Public Safety Department Chief Kevin Brown and Assistant Vice President of Communications Akeem Jamal: 

... What were the circumstances regarding the gun removal.

Will RIOC provide any more info to the Roosevelt Island community about this incident?

There's been no response from RIOC.

The March 9 RIOC Public Safety Blotter does not show any indication of an arrest for Criminal Possession of a Weapon - Loaded Firearm. The RIOC Blotter for the approximate time of the incident and at the 559 Main Street address says:

03/09/23 – 1611 – 559 Main St – Domestic Incident Report – PSD, NYPD and EMS responded – Report filed.

It has been a week since the Loaded Gun arrest and no information from RIOC was given to the community about this incident.

Three Women Robbed At Gunpoint Of 86 Thousand Dollars Worth Of Jewelry And Other Items In Front Of Roosevelt Island Graduate Hotel On Cornell Tech Campus Last Night

Last evening at about 8 PM I started receiving multiple reports from residents that a woman was robbed at gunpoint on Roosevelt Island's Main Street. The residents reporting the armed robbery learned about the incident from their Citizen App shown in screenshot of video below.

I went to see what happened and upon approaching 530 Main Street noticed that everything appeared to be a normal Roosevelt Island springtime Saturday night, people were eating outside at Nisi, hanging out by the bell in Good Shepherd Plaza and otherwise enjoying the evening. Nobody I spoke to knew about or had any information about an armed robbery occurring in the area just a few minutes earlier.

But, there was a NYPD vehicle with several officers in the Breezeway across from Good Shepherd Plaza.

I asked the officers if a woman had been robbed at gunpoint and they confirmed that it happened but had very little additional information other than there were no injuries.

Following up today, I was told by the NYPD that at approximately 7:30 PM last night, two women were inside a vehicle and one woman was outside the car when 3 men approached them with firearms and robbed the women of Eighty Thousand Six Hundred Dollars ($80,600) worth of jewelry including a wedding ring, Gucci Slippers, Dior Purse, Cartier Watch and Bracelet, Hermes Kelly Bag and Bracelet as well as other items. The three suspects then drove away in another vehicle.

There was some initial confusion as to where the robbery occurred. 

The Roosevelt Island Public Safety Department Daily blotter reported the incident happened at 22 North Loop Road which is the Graduate Hotel on the Cornell Tech campus.

05/21/22 – 1950 -22 North Loop Road – Robbery – NYPD, PSD Responded – Report Filed

At first NYPD said the robbery happened at 530 Main Street. But later in the day, the NYPD confirmed the location of the Robbery was in front of 22 North Loop Road, the site of the Graduate Hotel.

The incident is under active investigation.

Will update when more information becomes available.

Roosevelt Island Search Warrant Executed By NYPD Narcotics Division As Part Of Ongoing Investigation Results In Arrests Of 4 Residents, Charges Include Possession And Sale Of Controlled Substance And 2 Guns

A Roosevelt Island Tipster reported Tuesday, March 1 at 3 PM:

Major drug bust going down along the water at the Drug Dealer site under the Arch

NYPD Narcotics Division Officers arrested

2 male and 2 female residents of Roosevelt Landings building complex.

 Replying to my inquiry, a NYPD spokesperson reported today:

On Tuesday, March 1, 2022 opposite of 540 Main Street, as part of an ongoing investigation, a search warrant was executed. A suspect was found to be in possession of two loaded firearms and a quantity of controlled substance.  

A 27 year old female and 39 year old male were arrested for: 

• Criminal Sale of Controlled Substance and 
• Criminal Possession of Controlled Substance.

A 47 year old male and 47 year old female were arrested for:

• Criminal Sale of Controlled Substance 
• Criminal Possession of Controlled Substance 
• Criminal Possession of a Weapon 
• Criminal Possession of a Firearm (2 guns were recovered)
  
• Act in a manner injurious to a child less than 17

There has been no response from the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) to my inquiries on the incident nor any mention of it in the RIOC Public Safety daily incident report from March 1.

President Joe Biden Visits Jacob Blackwell PS 111 School A Few Blocks From Roosevelt Island To Learn About Community Capacity Development Gun Violence Prevention Program Yesterday - Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney Advocates For Gun Safety Legislation

Yesterday, President Joe Biden was only a few blocks away from Roosevelt Island learning about the community based gun violence prevention program from Community Capacity Development during a visit to Jacob Blackwell PS 111 school in nearby Long Island City.

Today, President Biden @POTUS visited Jacob Blackwell PS 111 in Queens on 37th Ave a few blocks from Roosevelt Island to learn about community based gun violence prevention program https://t.co/B0CeemQoRN

— Roosevelt Islander (@Rooseveltisland) February 4, 2022

According to the LIC Post:

 ... Biden visited P.S. 111 Jacob Blackwell, located at 37-15 13th St., to meet with school principal Dionne Jaggon and local violence interrupter teams tasked with de-escalating conflicts before they turn violent. The elementary school is situated between the Queensbridge and Ravenswood Houses– two NYCHA complexes where there have been several shootings in the past two years.... 

... Jaggon told Biden that the violence interrupter teams – operated by a non-profit group called Community Capacity Development (CCD) — had significantly reduced violence levels at the school, which had around 330 students enrolled last year. The violence interrupter teams, Jaggon told Biden, use tools such as conflict mediation—which have made the school safer. She said the CCD has also joined forces with the school to address food insecurity, financial illiteracy and a lack of after-school programming for students....

President @JoeBiden Visits #LIC School to Learn About Programs Aimed at Stopping Violence #POTUS #Queens @QueensDAKatz @juliej_won https://t.co/aUVN59jUWq

— QueensPost (@queenspost) February 4, 2022

The President echoing the words of K Bain in New York as Founder of Community Capacity Development met with the President and had discussions on ways to end Gun Violence across the country. https://t.co/fHq7mLqWZl

— Community Capacity Development (@ccdworldwide) February 4, 2022

CBS New York reports on President Biden's visit yesterday.

Here's more video from President Biden's visit to PS111 school in Long Island City with the Community Capacity Development team.

Roosevelt Island Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney adds: 

I want to thank President Biden for coming to New York City today to announce more actions to treat the gun violence epidemic as the public health crisis it is. In the first month of this year alone, we have lost more than 3,000 American lives to gun violence — we must honor all the victims with action. I am hopeful that with the President’s support, we can break the NRA’s stranglehold on Congress and finally pass meaningful, life-saving legislation.  

I am especially encouraged by President Biden’s focus on stopping the interstate flow of guns through the ‘Iron Pipeline’ and will continue to push my legislation to make gun trafficking and straw purchases a federal offense. For too long, the ‘Iron Pipeline’ has enabled people to skirt New York’s strong gun laws. In New York City alone, as many as 74% of the firearms used in crimes were trafficked from other states with weak gun laws.

On my way to see President @JoeBiden & Mayor @ericadamsfornyc to talk gun safety and gun violence prevention. The uptick in gun violence in NYC is devastating, but we have the tools and legislation to put words to action and help keep NYers safe. pic.twitter.com/4QIK2iFjId

— Carolyn B. Maloney (@CarolynBMaloney) February 3, 2022

And with our indefatigable Congresswoman, @RepMaloney pic.twitter.com/P9ykuXewjj

— Randi Weingarten (@rweingarten) February 3, 2022

In February 2021, Congresswoman Maloney introduced gun safety legislation.

NYPD 114 Precinct Raid Roosevelt Island Apartment This Morning And Remove 2 Firearms, Bulletproof Vest And Other Weapons

Roosevelt Island is known as one of the safest neighborhoods in New York City which makes incident early this morning so shocking.

After executing a Search Warrant inside of 425 Main Street( Roosevelt Island) your Public Safety Team and Field Intelligence Officers removed 2 Firearms, 1 bulletproof vest, and other weapons from the location. @NYPDChiefPatrol #onelessgun pic.twitter.com/mmh3Nun4bm

— NYPD 114th Precinct (@NYPD114Pct) August 12, 2021

Take a look at some of those weapons.

Witness reports a resident was arrested.

Stay tuned for more info.

UPDATE 2;50 PM:

According to a NYPD spokesperson

Following on investigation, a search warrant was executed inside of 425 Main Street on Thursday, August 12, 2021 at approximately 0700 hours. 

As a result of the search warrant the following was recovered: 

• loaded .38 caliber Smith and Wesson firearm, 
• a sawed-off and defaced Remington rifle, 
• a crossbow, 
• ammunition, 
• blow dart gun, 
• blow dart, 
• Roman Gladius scabbard, 
• two daggers, 
• a metal Sai, 
• a Katana sword and 
• a knife.
  

The following person was arrested and charged: Hernandez, Danny 30 year-old male.

Charges: 

Criminal Possession of a Weapon 9 Counts

Criminal Possession of a Firearm 

Violation of Local Law 23 Counts

According to observers, over a dozen NYPD officers, some in SWAT gear and machine guns, were involved in the weapons seizure and arrest.

Solutions To End Gun Violence The Topic Of Coffee And Conversation Hosted By Roosevelt Island Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney With Moms Demand Action NY At Cornell Tech Cafe Sunday August 25 - You're Invited To Participate

Roosevelt Island's Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney is hosting a Coffee and Conversation about solutions to end gun violence together with Moms Demand Action NY at the Cornell Tech Cafe on Sunday August 25 from 1-2:30 PM

This Sunday, August 25, join me and representatives from Moms Demand Action to discuss gun reform and ways to #EndGunViolence over a cup of coffee. Looking forward to meeting with you all and addressing this critical issue! pic.twitter.com/GH7hBhve0n

— Carolyn B. Maloney (@RepMaloney) August 21, 2019

Ms Maloney spoke at a Gun Safety rally last Sunday August 18.



According to Congresswoman Maloney's Gun Safety Issue web page:

Gun violence continues to plague communities across the country. Too many Americans are gunned down in cities and towns every day and mass shootings like those at Sandy Hook, Pulse Nightclub, Charleston, Las Vegas, and Sutherland Springs are all too common. These horrifying incidents serve as reminders that Congress needs to fight for common sense policies to make Americans safer.

Congresswoman Maloney has long supported sensible gun safety reforms, starting with support of The Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act of 1993, named for President Reagan’s press secretary, Jim Brady, who suffered grievous injuries in the assassination attempt on the President. That law provides for background checks for most handgun purchases, and has stopped thousands of dangerous individuals from buying firearms.

Since that historic act, Congresswoman Maloney has pushed several key bills to crack down on gun violence by making gun trafficking illegal, allowing federal public health agencies to conduct research into gun safety, close the gun show loophole, and support innovative “smart gun” technology. She has also cosponsored legislation to require universal background checks, limit the number of rounds within magazine clips, and renew the expired assault weapons ban.....

In addition to Roosevelt Island,  Ms Maloney's 12 Congressional District includes Manhattan's Upper East Side, Astoria, Long Island City and Woodside in Queens and Greenpoint Brooklyn.

More info

If these brave survivors can stand up and speak out for stronger gun laws, so can you.

Demand your senators ACT to require background checks on ALL gun sales in America and to pass a strong Red Flag law. Text CHECKS to 644-33 to be connected. https://t.co/I6RIszxmIS

— Moms Demand Action (@MomsDemand) August 22, 2019

on Moms Demand Action at their web site.

Resident Reports Car Chase, Reckless Driving Donut Spinning, And Possible Gun Seen At Roosevelt Island Tram Station Circle Last Saturday Night - RIOC Public Safety Asks Anyone With Info To Contact PSD

Last Saturday night, a Roosevelt Island resident reported the following incident at the  Roosevelt Island Tram Circle (picture taken Sunday afternoon).

According to the resident:

Did anyone else just hear or witness the explosive noise (and subsequent smoke) near the north side of the tram station? My concierge thought it involved a car chase and someone else thought she saw a gun.

The concierge says the main car spinning out over and over was a high end Mercedes. I could only see the smoke (after the noise) off to the east side of my bldg and at least 2 men run to a red truck, get in the truck, and drive off super fast.

The concierge says someone was outside walking their dog while the main car (Mercedes?) was doing circles, and she thought they were pointing guns at one another. The smell of burning rubber was in our building after that.

After I visited with the concierge about it, I came back to my apartment and 30 minutes later decided I should let the Roosevelt Island police know about the red car that I could see out my window (not the main car involved per the concierge). When I called the police to give the details he said that their patrol had just completed, and the area was fine. I tried again to explain that the incident was 45 minutes prior but that I thought they should be on the look-out for the types of cars involved. The person I was speaking with was not interested in details.

It was 10:30pm on a warm Saturday night so anyone could have been hit through recklessness (if that is all it was). I wish the police had been interested in hearing these details.

A Tram rider saw the incident and added:

It was some lunatic doing donuts with their car at the roundabout near the tram. It happened as I was boarding it earlier.

I saw the tire marks very clearly from the tram cabin. Likely someone recklessly showing off their new ride. Some people really don't deserve a license.

Another witness reported seeing a car speeding down East Main Street past Riverwalk Building at over 50 mph.

Roosevelt Island Public Safety Department Chief Jack McManus asks anyone with any information to please contact the Public Safety Department at 212-832-4545.

Roosevelt Island Gunpoint Robbery Sunday Afternoon On Seawall Behind Island House - 120 Oxycontin Pills Taken

A Roosevelt Island tipster asked today:

Have you heard of the 550 robbery or attempted robbery at gunpoint?

According to a NYPD spokesperson, on Sunday afternoon at approximately 2 PM, the victim, a 35 year old male was approached on Main Street by a man known to him. The assailant displayed a gun and robbed the victim.

Roosevelt Island Public Safety Department Deputy Director Kevin Brown reports:

There was a gunpoint robbery rear of 579 Main Street west seawall on 1/13/19 at 1359 hours

Perp M/40

Property taken 120 OxyContin pills.

No injuries reported and no arrests yet. Matter is under investigation.

UPDATE 1/16 - RIOC Public Safety Department Deputy Director Kevin Brown adds:

The victim was picking up the pills for his parent

The victim was picking up the pills which were obtained with a prescription from Gristedes pharmacy for his parent who came into PSD with the son when report was filed.

NYPD 114th Precinct Recovers Loaded Gun And Other Contraband From Roosevelt Island

NYPD 114th precinct tweets this afternoon:

A collaboration of hard work and relentless follow-up between the 114th Precinct and the @NYPD1stPct resulted in the recovery of this loaded weapon and other contraband from Roosevelt Island. #OneLessGun #itswhatwedo #NYPDprotecting #FieldIntelligence #teamwork pic.twitter.com/LXu015hdne

— NYPD 114th Precinct (@NYPD114Pct) January 8, 2019

I asked the NYPD:

Can you provide more details regarding the recovery of loaded gun and contraband?
What were the circumstances involved in the recovery?
Were there any arrests,
Where was the gun found,
Was it used in any crime?
Any other info?

An NYPD spokesperson replied:

All of these questions that you have asked are still pending and under investigation....

Will update when more info received from NYPD or Roosevelt Island Operating Corp.

During the September 20 Roosevelt Island Emergency Preparedness Town Hall Meeting, NYPD 114 Precinct Officer Keith Matthes described working with the Roosevelt Island Public Safety Department.



NYPD 114 Precinct Commander Deputy Inspector Osvaldo Nunes spoke to the Roosevelt Island community following the waterfront promenade gunshot incident this summer. Here's what he had to say.

UPDATE 6:30 PM - The NYPD Spokesperson adds:

In regards to the 2 search warrants executed early this morning, they were executed at 540 Main Street and 625 Main Street. Although still under investigation and pending ballistic analysis, we recovered a firearm that is believed to have been used in the shots fired over the East River, which struck a high rise building on the Upper East Side back in August. At least 10 rounds of ammunition, marijuana and narcotics paraphernalia were also recovered.

The search warrants are a result of new intelligence recently obtained.

We arrested Farris Karoma on new gun charges. His charges for the reckless endangerment/shots fired case is still open.

Concerned Roosevelt Island PS/IS 217 Parents Seek Answers About Alleged Student Gun Threat - School Principal Silent For 2 Weeks, RIOC Public Safety Chief Tells Parent What Happened

Last October 24, I received reports of a large NYPD presence earlier in the morning at Roosevelt Island's PS/IS 217

and that a threat with a gun was made by a student.

I asked PS/IS 217 Principal Mandana Beckman:

There was a large Nypd presence at Ps/is 217 this morning.

I’m told a student claimed to have a gun.

Is that true? Was the school shut down?

Do you have any statement on incident?

Principal Beckman never replied.

In response to my inquiry, a NYPD spokesperson replied there was a dispute between a student and teacher but that no gun was involved.

The issue was raised again last Thursday, November 8, when a concerned PS/IS 217 parent sent this message to the Roosevelt Island Parents Network:

Possibly someone can clarify me a doubt. Could somebody explain to me why no one is doing anything (PSD, RIOC, PS/IS217, DOE, NYPD, etc.) or why are some parents more concerned about the Library Fair than the threat of gunfire at the Island’s school?

As many of you know, a student at PS/IS 217 has threatened his classmates to bring a gun to school and shoot them, he also claimed to have access to the gun, as a reference he has friendship with the shooter of Manhattan Park, whose gun was not found per NYPD information....

... Last night happened a new mass shooting (number 307 so far this year).

Hopefully somebody can answer my questions.

On Friday, November 9, I again asked PS/IS 217 Principal Beckman about the alleged gun incident at the school.

... Do you have any comment on this important safety issue for Roosevelt Island and PS/IS 217 parents....

No response from Ms Beckman to my second inquiry but she did send this message to 217 Parents on Friday:

Dear Parents/Guardians,

The safety and well being of all students and staff members at PS/IS 217 remain our highest priority. Towards that end, we understand that there have been questions in the community regarding an alleged threat that took place two weeks ago. Though we are not at liberty to share information about particular students or specific follow-up related to any student, we assure you that every precaution was taken to ensure the safety of all students and staff.

We look forward to your continued partnership as we work together to ensure PS/IS 217 continues to provide the best and safest learning environment possible for all of its students. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at 212-980-0294.

Sincerely yours,

Mandana Beckman

Principal

Roosevelt Island PS/IS 217 parent Sangeeta Joseph (correction, Ms Joseph is not a 217 parent) reports on her conversation Friday, November 9 with Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Public Safety Chief Jack McManus about the school incident. According to Ms. Joseph:

Chief Jack McManus ... called me back to give out the facts of what really happened at PS 217 a couple of weeks ago.

The facts are as follows:

1. An 11 year old child had his/her phone taken away at school and responded by verbally threatening to return and shoot. (It has been confirmed that the child does not have access to a gun.)
2. Both PSD and NYPD got involved immediately and the parents of this child were contacted and spoken to. There is no legal requirement on what action the parents have to take and so there is no additional news on what follow up they have done personally with their child.

It appears that the main issue with this incident is the lack of communication from PS 217 about the incident taking place and having to hear it from a random email. Although we should not scrutinize every single flippant thing kids say on the playground, in today's day and age with gun violence at school's being so common place this is a particularly sensitive topic that we cannot take lightly. Schools should be advising students on things that are unacceptable to do/say and advising parents on topics that they must talk to/re-iterate with their kids at home.

At the same time we should keep a little bit of perspective - this is an 11 year old child who said something incredibly stupid in a fit of frustration. Even us as adults can admit to being guilty of saying things we don't really mean. As a community we should be concerned but equally empathetic to this childs emotional state as well as his/her parents state.

Lastly, Chief McManus has also asked whether the parents would like to have a town hall to discuss some of these issues? If you prefer we could also work on holding a video conference call so that more parents can dial in and submit questions.

Rumors spread when information is hidden from the public. Best to communicate quickly and honestly with the Roosevelt Island community.

Armed Robbery At Roosevelt Island's Roosevelt Landings Building Early This Morning - No Arrests Made Yet, Incident Currently Under Investigation By NYPD 114 Precinct Detectives

Received a tip today about an armed robbery earlier this morning at Roosevelt Landings.

I asked Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Public Safety Department Chief Jack McManus and Public Information Officer Alonza Robertson:

I understand there was an armed robbery at Roosevelt Landings early this morning.

Is that true?

What type of weapon used? Gun, knife?

Was anybody injured.

Which Roosevelt Landing building. In an apartment or corridor?

Any more details?

Mr. Robertson replied:

Detectives from the NYPD 114th Precinct and officers from the Roosevelt Island Public Safety Department are investigating an armed robbery that happened early Wednesday morning at the Urban America residential building at 540 Main Street.

Four unidentified males used a gun to rob a 32-year-old man of his wallet and money in the 4th floor hallway of the building at approximately 2 a.m. Wednesday. The victim was not injured, PSD officials said.

Detectives are working with PSD to investigate this incident and are seeking surveillance video that may have captured the incident or of the suspects fleeing the scene.

If you have any information about this incident, you are urged to call PSD at 212.832.4545.

A NYPD spokesperson added:

At approximately 12:10 AM this morning, 4 individuals approached the victim inside 540 Main Street asking for a cigarette, assaulted the victim and chased him. One individual displayed a firearm.

The victim was not hospitalized.

No arrests have been made yet. The NYPD 114 precinct is currently investigating the incident.

Roosevelt Island FDR Four Freedoms Park Illuminated In Pillars Of Light Showing Freedom From Fear And Support Of March For Our Lives Movement Against Gun Violence

The Roosevelt Island FDR Four Freedoms Park was illuminated in light Friday and Saturday evening

Image From Skylight Studios/Dexter Kennedy Via FDR 4 Freedoms Park

in support of the March For Our Lives

Image From Skylight Studios/Dexter Kennedy Via FDR 4 Freedoms Park

movement against gun violence.

The Park is honored to have served as a platform for @prabalgurung's and Skylight Studio's expression of solidarity with the March For Our Lives demonstrations this weekend. Click the link for more info and share your photos below! https://t.co/qa9X9kGAto pic.twitter.com/LowSg4lyPD

— Four Freedoms Park (@4FreedomsPark) March 25, 2018

According to a FDR 4 Freedoms Park Spokesperson:

Earlier this week, Skylight Studios approached us to rent the Park and use it as a platform to deliver a message in solidarity with tomorrow’s “March for their Lives.” Titled “Freedom from Fear”, the installation, which is curated by fashion designer Prabal Gurung and designed by lighting artist Bentley Meeker with support from the Rolling Stone magazine, aims to highlight the dissonance between our perceived freedom and the threats to that freedom via gun violence.

Prabal Guring tweets:

"Our lives are at risk; on average, 96 Americans are killed with guns each day, and the risk is even higher for women, minorities and children. Gun violence is a major threat in our country. We cannot stay quiet or still"
Thank you @wwd #FreedomFromFearhttps://t.co/rh9jY16qLY

— Prabal Gurung (@prabalgurung) March 23, 2018

Skylight Studios adds:


Watch this powerful speech from High School Student Emma Gonzales at the Washington DC March For Our Lives Rally

WATCH: Emma Gonzalez names the murdered Parkland victims and observes several minutes of silence in a 6-minute, 20-second speech that covered the same time it took the gunman to kill 17 people in her high school:

"Fight for your lives before it's someone else's job." pic.twitter.com/OrTfuTdSNn

— NBC News (@NBCNews) March 24, 2018

and crowds at rallies from other cities:

Aerial footage shows the turnout at various March for Our Lives across the US today https://t.co/sPJ25LfDKd pic.twitter.com/E230ciayf0

— CNN (@CNN) March 24, 2018

Also, from the NY Times:



And another view from Fox News:



UPDATE 6:25 PM - Roosevelt Island resident Janet Falk reports:

Indivisible Roosevelt Island had a contingent of five residents who traveled together by subway

to the March for Our Lives. We saw people of diverse ages and backgrounds on the way, and many children. Everyone was in high spirits, admiring the signs others carried.

We were fortunate to be near the loudspeakers at Central Park West and 74th Street and so heard the speeches. It was especially moving to hear the grandmother of one of the Parkland student victims, as well as a survivor from the Las Vegas massacre, the school librarian from Newtown and the mother of a Parkland student who hid in a classroom, among others. We marched with the crowd, shouted “Shame on you” outside the Trump building near Columbus Circle and to the Trump supporters nearby. We left the march at 57 Street and 6th Avenue and rode the subway back.

NYPD Arrests Man With Semi-Automatic Handgun On Board F Train At Roosevelt Island Subway Station This Morning

A Roosevelt Island tipster reported at about 7 AM this morning:

My husband was just at the subway and said the following: 5 police cars near subway. About 12 cops around one guy, cuffing him, near bench outside subway entrance.

According to the Roosevelt Island Twitterverse:

Following earlier NYPD activity at Roosevelt Island, F and M train service has resumed with delays.

— NYCT Subway (@NYCTSubway) September 18, 2017

Sorry but we don't have that info available. ^JP

— NYCT Subway (@NYCTSubway) September 18, 2017

In response to my inquiry, a NYPD spokesperson replied:

On Monday, September 18, 2017 at approximately 0614 hours there is a report for menacing. At the 169 Street Subway along the “F” line a 36 year-old male had a verbal dispute with a 27 year-old male suspect over seating inside of a subway car. The suspect pointed a semiautomatic handgun at the victim. The suspect was arrested at the Roosevelt Island Subway Station on board a southbound “F” train. The suspect was taken into custody and an unloaded firearm was recovered.

Charges:

Menacing

Criminal Possession of a Weapon

The Roosevelt Island Public Safety Department Daily Report described the incident as follows:

9/18/17 – 0632 – 400 Main St. – Suspicious Activity – PSD/NYPD responded. NYPD arrested subject.

NYPD Arrests 3 Persons For Criminal Possession Of A Gun At Roosevelt Island's 580 Main Street (Roosevelt Landings) Last Friday - Criminal Justice/Public Safety Town Hall Meeting Sponsored By District Attorney Vance And State Senator Serrano February 24

According to this Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Public Safety Department (PSD) Incident Report:

2/14/14 - 1958 - 580 Main St. - Crim. Possession of Weapon - NYPD conducts arrest

A NYPD Press Spokesperson reported that officers from the 114th Precinct responded to a 911 call of a gun spotted at 580 Main Street (Roosevelt Landings). Upon reaching the 4th floor of the building, the NYPD officers observed a gun on a ledge and arrested 3 persons in close proximity to the gun.

RIOC PSD Director Jack McManus adds that PSD received an anonymous call about a gun being spotted at the location. PSD then called 911 and NYPD responded.

Roosevelt Island criminal justice and public safety issues will be the subject of a Town Hall Meeting on Monday, February 24.

 Image From State Senator Jose Serrano's Office

As previously reported:

Senator José M. Serrano and Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus R. Vance, Jr. are sponsoring a very important Town Hall Meeting for the Roosevelt Island community. Attendees will have the opportunity to interact directly with DA Vance and our local elected officials, while learning more about the services provided by the District Attorney's office.

Do you have concerns about public safety and the role of the DA's office? Suggestions or questions? The panel, which will include DA Vance and Senator Serrano, will lead a discussion enabling Roosevelt Island residents to have their voices heard. Please join us!

This Town Hall Meeting will take place on Monday, February 24th, from 6:00pm-7:00pm at the Good Shepherd Community Center Auditorium, located at 543 Main Street, Roosevelt Island, NY 10044.

Light refreshments will be served.

This is an important meeting. Hope to see you there.

UPDATE 2/26 - According to a Manhattan District Attorney's Office representative, the weapons charge was dismissed. The weapon was a BB gun. A charge of marijuana possession remains.

Roosevelt Island Food Vans, Finances, Motorgate Parking, Access To Information Among Items Discussed During RIOC Board Public Session Last Night - Child School Director Reports On Student's Gun Threat This Week

The Public Session that is held before the start of every Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Board Of Directors meeting was very interesting last night. Here's what happened.

Roosevelt Island Historical Society (RIHS) President Judy Berdy thanked RIOC and it's engineering department for restoring and opening to the public once again most of Good Shepherd Plaza and urging that the Good Shepherd Roof be replaced with a slate roof.

You Tube Video of December RIOC Board Meeting Public Session (Part 1)

Nonno's Focacceria and Riverwalk Bar & Grill owner Alphonse DiCioccio then expressed objections to mobile food vendors, such as the recent Luke's Lobster and the Domino's Pizza car at the Farmers Market, being allowed to sell food on Roosevelt Island asserting that it was unfair to existing store owners who pay rent. This issue will be addressed at the next Real Estate Committee meeting to be held in a few weeks.

You Tube Video of December RIOC Board Meeting Public Session (Part 2)

Roosevelt Island Residents Association (RIRA) Planning Committee Chair Frank Farance followed and asked these question concerning RIOC's finances which he has written about at these previous posts.

You Tube Video of December RIOC Board Meeting Public Session (Part 3)

Mr. Farance's written text follows:

December 14, 2011

Good Evening Mr. Chairman, Board Members, Madam President, and Staff

I am very concerned about RIOC's finances.  At present it appears that RIOC owes approximately one billion dollars in debt and liability.  Board Member Mr. Polivy, as Audit Committee Chair, has stated that RIOC does not plan on paying this down, and Mr. Polivy rationalizes why this debt/liability should not be on RIOC audited financials.

This really doesn't seem right.  There will be 20 billion dollars owed in 2068.  However, this can affect current residents now because of uncertainty about RIOC's paying back the money owed.

I've asked several questions, I will ask them again.

(1) When your Board Chairman and CEO signs a document on behalf of the Corporation that enshrines certain amounts owed as debt/liability, a defined interest rate, a schedule of payback priorities, and a method of payment, how does that signing transaction NOT show up on your audited financials?

(2) What policies does the board have for choosing which debts and liabilities show up (or not) on audited financials?

(3) What other RIOC debts and liabilities are not listed in RIOC's audited financials?

(4) Mr. Polivy states "When deducting all capital expenditures there are no expected excess funds to be shared through to 2068".  Based upon the that statement, it is fair to say that, although the RAA1988 identified several priorities in revenue allocation and a UDC Account for depositing these revenues, it is the RIOC Board's position that it has no intent to pay back this debt/liability, right?

(5) Mr. Polivy states "RIOC's annual budget and financial statements properly restrict themselves to its own direct receipts, expenses, assets, and liabilities", but this RIOC debt/liability and revenue allocation, were signed by RIOC's Board Chairman and CEO.  Under which financial documents would we expect to find this RIOC debt/liability if not its audited financials?

(6) Mr. Polivy states "So, bottom line, there’s no big groundswell of debt piling up ready to swallow up the Island".  I've cited the provisions that point to the continued growth with interest.  Considering that the RIOC Board does not intend to make payments towards these debts/liabilities through 2068, yet there is a well-defined interest rate on the unpaid debt/liabilities, I ask: Can you point to a provision in the document that stops the accrual of interest on the debt/liability?  (Without citing that provision, the debt will be piling up, i.e., about $20 billion by 2068.)

(7) Can you state, in writing, that Roosevelt Island residents (now and in the future) will never be responsible for paying directly/indirectly on this debt/liability?  If RIOC can assure us this will never affect us (in higher ground leases, rents, transfer fees, profit sharing, flip taxes, PILOT/tax payments, assessments, etc.), then it should stay so.  I'm guessing that RIOC cannot assert that we will never have to pay for this debt/liability.

RIOC Chair Darryl Towns responded to Mr. Farance that RIOC CFO Steve Chironis will look over the questions and get back to Mr. Farance with answers. Later in the RIOC Board Meeting during the Audit Committee Report, RIOC Director Howard Polivy also indicated that Mr. Farance's questions would be answered.

RIRA President Matt Katz spoke about the saving of the Roosevelt Island Post Office, RIRA sponsored RIOC Board of Directors Nominee elections and improving communications between the RIOC Board members and the community.

You Tube Video of December RIOC Board Meeting Public Session (Part4)

Roosevelt Island resident Trevre Andrews spoke about the Motorgate Garage, Motorcycle Parking, Public Access To RIOC Information, Mobile Food Vans and appreciation for good things RIOC does.

You Tube Video of December RIOC Board Meeting Public Session (Part 5)

Mr. Andrews provided these notes of his remarks:

I would like RIOC to seriously consider the following comments about their operations:

I am advocating for a more open information policy.  While I believe RIOC has made strides is providing data I believe more could be done including:

-The regular release of red bus and tram ridership data
-the regular release of detailed psd data

While I don't fully understand the interaction of RIOC and the motorgate operators it seems RIOC has some leverage of its operations.  The following problems exist at motorgate:

-restriping of the garage is controversial and does not improve the facility
-pricing of the garage is not optimizing the usage of space at motorgate, particularly motorcycle and short term parking.
-there are significant amounts of underutilized curb space at the island which could be used by motorcycles with little effort.

Many residents are concerned with the impact the Hudson lease will have on the farmers market and the ability of food carts to operate on the island.  We are also unhappy with the pace at which storefronts are being filled.  The agreed upon schedule was embarrassing and RIOC should apply pressure to speed up the schedule.

The recent handling of the food cart visiting the island was unacceptable.

There are still bicycle signs up indicating no overnight parking.

The implementation of the smart parking has been to slow and to expensive with little benefit.

What is the status of compensation for the tram construction delays?

Also, Brice Peyre from Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney's office spoke about the Roosevelt Island Post Office being saved from closing though I do not have video of that.

During the RIOC Board Meeting, RIOC Director and Child School Executive Director Sal Ferrara described some of the events that occurred last Tuesday involving the massive NYPD and Public Safety Department response to the possibility that a Child School student possessed a gun and threatened to use it.

You Tube Video Of RIOC/Child School Director Responding to Gun Threat Incident

Following the RIOC Board meeting, Mr. Ferarra explicitly denied that the student had a gun while on Roosevelt Island before his arrest by NYPD.

The December RIOC Board meeting itself was mostly taken up with approving the 2012 -13 Budget, contracts  for gasoline and oil, a RIOC Mission Statement, dates for future Board Meetings, Z Brick purchase allocations and a resolution facilitating 1/2 million dollar Federal Government Funding to the FDR Four Freedoms Park.

A web cast of the RIOC Board meeting will be available within a few days after the meeting.

You can sign up to speak at the next RIOC Board Meeting Public Session here.

NYPD Police Activity This Morning On Roosevelt Island - Reports of As Many As 25 Police Cars Involved

I have received reports this morning of ongoing police activity in the area of Roosevelt Island's Motorgate Turnaround/ 2-4 River Road and PS/IS 217. One report has as many as 25 police cars on scene.

Image From Jonathan Kalkin

Received this advisory from RIOC at 10:15 AM

Due to a police investigation, traffic has been disrupted/delayed and will be resume to normal as soon as possible.

Sincerely,

Roosevelt Island Operating Corp Advisories Group

Have not received a reply yet as to what is happening.  Will report back when I can confirm what is going on.

UPDATE 1:20 PM -  Just received this update from RIOC:

At 8:55 AM, the Public Safety Department was notified by the Child Legacy High School that one of their students had made a statement regarding possessing a gun. The 18 year-old student fled the school. A search ensued between PSD and the NYPD. Subsequent to the search, Officers were dispatched to the Tram, the Subway and the ramp to the bridge. Unfortunately, this activity caused traffic congestion. The student was apprehended safely and transported to the 114th Precinct. He was not found in possession of a gun, and was cooperative during the apprehension. Further questions should be directed to the 114th Precinct.

Sincerely,

Roosevelt Island Operating Corp Advisories Group

UPDATE 2:30 PM - A resident reports:

It looked like Obama's visit: police cars, fire trucks, ambulance and a helicopter. I hope children will think twice next time before doing something stupid.

Update 1/17/12 - More here including denial by Child School that a gun was involved thought some reports claim otherwise.

Update On June 22 Early Morning Shooting At Roosevelt Island's Roosevelt Landings Building - Security Improvements Need To Be Made By Residents and Landlord Urban American

Image from Roosevelt Landings Residents Association

Updating post from yesterday on the shooting that occurred at Roosevelt Landings (formerly known as Eastwood), Joyce Mincheff of the Roosevelt Landings Residents Association comments:

I've just learned of a shooting in the hallway of 540 Main Street today. Enough is enough! The lax security for Roosevelt Landings has got to stop!

Doors are left wide open for hours at a time. Front door locks are frequently broken for weeks on end. It's not okay. It's an invitation for trouble. Anyone with half a brain can get access to any Roosevelt Landings corridor from any Roosevelt Landings entrance. One door can make the difference.

We are lucky that a child was not injured by a stray bullet. It's irrelevant what the cause. Access to the building by non-residents has got to stop. The safety of tenants is not an option!

When locks break, it's imperative that you station a private security guard at that entrance until it can be secured or place one of your staff to serve that function! If the Public Safety Dept. can spare the manpower, that would be wonderful, but frankly, security of the building is the responsibility of Urban American. No matter how you do so, you need to handle it.

Doors can not be left wide open by your staff, for any reason! Not back doors, not side doors.... none of them. And all intercom systems must be functional throughout the building, 24/7.

I'd like to meet with you and Director Guerra tomorrow AM to discuss this further. Please advise.

Roosevelt Island Public Safety Director Keith Guerra describes what happened:

...While walking through the 4th floor corridor, the victim was confronted by two males wearing hooded sweatshirts. He was shot twice in the arm and hip (not life threatening) with a small caliber round, and transported to Columbia Presbyterian Hospital. Thus far, there have been no arrests. It is unknown at this time if the incident is Gang related. NYPD is currently involved in an ongoing investigation. 

Joshua Eisenberg, General Counsel for Urban American (Landlord for Roosevelt Landings) states:

We are working closely with NYPD and PSD to determine how the assailant gained access and will identify and address any and all security improvements that we can make. At the time of the incident all doors and locks were functioning. It appears that the shooter may have been invited to the building or given access by another tenant, as no forced or unauthorized entry was apparent.

As Director Guerra reports it is unknown if this shooting is gang related, but there is a Roosevelt Island Public Safety Department Gang Awareness Summit For Adults taking place tonight at Good Shepherd Community Center (6:30 PM) which may provide more information on this incident as well as provide valuable assistance and knowledge on the issue of gangs.

UPDATE 2:05 PM -  Roosevelt Landings Residents Association President Joyce Mincheff adds:

Last night at 2:30 AM (actually morning), I toured the building with the Public Safety Dept. to determine whether doors were functioning, locking and locked. The Officers and I detected 6 doors that were either completely ajar and/or had broken locks and were not locking. I was told some of those doors had been reported to Management over a period of many weeks. For Josh Eisenberg to claim that all the doors were locked is just plain inconsistent with documentation that the Public Safety Department indicated they have on file.

Unlocked and open doors have long been an issue for residents in our building. It took management several months to fix the locks at 540 and 580 Main St. During this time, management, including Josh Eisenberg, failed to even give me the courtesy of responding to my emails when I requested that they post Security at the unlocked doors.

Today, I investigated the door status in the building again. Right on Main Street I detected 3 entrances where management's own staff had propped the doors open. They had cleaned the location and left the lobbies completely unguarded. No one was posted at the door. Anyone could walk right in.

I know of at least one law suit that is currently pending that accuses management of being lax in their security practices. In this case, a woman was badly beaten and paralyzed in her home in Roosevelt Landings. 

The state of lawlessness that exists in Roosevelt Landings is enhanced by Management's failure to practice what rational people would find perfectly normal security, and I don't see how Mr. Eisenberg could possibly be correct in his sense of the building's security at the time of the incident.

As a precautionary measure, the residents association in the building has hung up signs, (many in the very same places that managment currently has signs about far less important issues), that alerts our tenants to the problem and advises them to contact managment and 311 in the event the problem is not fixed. The maintenance staff promptly removed our signs.

Man With Handgun Arrested By Roosevelt Island Public Safety Department, Graffiti Arrest And 2010 Public Safety Statistics

Image From Misconceptions Of Silver Handgun  For Illustrative Purposes Only

On Sunday afternoon, I received a tip from a Roosevelt Island resident about police activity and an arrest on the West Channel Drive between Starbucks and 475 Main Street. I asked Roosevelt Island Public Safety Department Chief Keith Guerra what happened. Mr. Guerra replied with the following:

On Sunday, January 16, 2011, at 3:18 PM, a large group of males (approximately 8) was observed in front of 579 Main Street fighting. PSD Members responded to the location and the group dispersed in different directions.  Two individuals present at the scene (Island Residents) were apprehended and escorted to the Public Safety Department.  The alleged subjects immediately notified Lt. Yee that another male involved in the altercation had pointed a handgun at them and told them to get back or they would be shot.

Lt. Yee then notified the other PSD Officers on Patrol and provided a description of said male.  The Officers proceeded to pursue the other subjects, who were observed heading south on Main Street.  The subject fitting the description of the male with the gun was apprehended on the West Drive by Sgt. Hernandez, Officer Gilmore and Officer Cruz.   During the  apprehension, a silver handgun fell from the subject's person. The handgun was secured by Lt. Yee.  This subject was charged with two counts of Menacing, Criminal Possession of a Weapon and Disorderly Conduct. Three other subjects were also apprehended and charged with Disorderly Conduct.  All four subjects arrested were Non-Island Residents.  The two Island residents who provided the information were released without incident.

These types of Incidents are never easy to deal with.  The Officers were diligent in their response to the initial scene, and then in apprehending the four subjects, one who possessed a handgun.  The bravery shown by our Public Safety Officers (who are unarmed) to pursue a male known to be in possession of a firearm is incredible.  I salute them for a job well done.

Director Guerra also reports on a separate incident of a graffiti arrest this past weekend:

On Saturday, January 15, 2011, at 8:39 PM, Sgt. Hernandez (PSD) while on patrol, observed three male youths (one island resident) in front of the Roosevelt Island Post Office walking southbound.  Sgt. Hernandez then observed one of the males throw some unknown objects on ground. With the assistance of P.O. Fernandez (NYPD), the male subjects were stopped initially for littering.  A bottle of blue paint and a thick red marker where recovered at the scene. Further investigation by Det. Vernet (PSD) and Det. Rivera (PSD) yielded seven spray can tips and another thick marker.

One subject while being questioned with his parent present, stated that he and the other two males were responsible for twenty-five percent of the graffiti at the motorgate.  All three males admitted to being in the motorgate for the purpose of grafitti prior to being stopped.  A search of the motorgate was conducted and fresh graffiti was found in stairwell BB. The subjects were processed and charged with Criminal Mischief: Graffiti, and Possession of Graffiti Instruments.
[They had also been arrested by the NYPD Vandal Unit on charges unrelated to Roosevelt Island.]

Patrols had been increased in the area of the Motorgate after several complaints of Graffiti had been reported.  An exemplary  job was performed by the three PSD Officers and the NYPD Officer assigned to Roosevelt Island.

Below are the 2010 Roosevelt Island Public Safety Department Calls For Services/Responses statistics. The statistics show  a total of 1864 total Calls. The largest number of calls was for the category of Aided (EMS/Transport Cases) with 639 followed by Investigations (non-crim) with 298 calls and 193 for found property.

According to the statistics, there were also 19 assaults, 16 robberies, 12 burglaries, 7 grand larcenies, 2 grand larceny auto and no murders or rapes. There were 3455 "A" parking violations and 412 "B" traffic violations.
2010 Public Safety Statistics

NYPD And Public Safety Department Conduct Search For 2 Armed Men Reported To Be On Roosevelt Island - Not Found

Image From RIOC

According to the 4/26-27 Roosevelt Island Public Safety Report:

Investigation- NYPD responded to the island on a report of two males possibly armed with firearms. NYPD and PSD conducted a search of the island with negative results.

I asked RIOC Public Safety Director Keith Guerra for additional information. Mr Guerra replied:

There are no additional details. We were notified by NYPD of an anonymous call that came through the 9-1-1 system of two males possibly armed with Firearms. Both agencies conducted a search with negative results.