Roosevelt Island Manhattan Tram Station Platform Capacity Will Be Reduced From Normal 100 To 50 Riders For Safety Precautions When Line Reaches Down The Stairs Says RIOC PSD Chief During Community Engagement Meeting Last Tuesday - Chief Emphasizes The Tram Is Not A Ride

During the January 15, 2025 Roosevelt Island Public Safety Department (PSD) Community Engagement meeting, a Roosevelt Island resident raised the issue of dangerous overcrowding on the Roosevelt Island Tram station platforms

as well as areas in front of, behind 

and leading to the turnstyles.

Many residents have complained about the unsafe conditions posed by mostly tourists aggressively pushing and shoving others to get inside the Tram in order to secure their desired view on the trip over the East River.

The resident asked PSD Chief Kevin Brown to station a PSD officer on the Roosevelt Island Tram station platforms to insure the safety of riders, many of whom, including older adults, disabled persons and children, are afraid to use the Tram now due to the overcrowding.

Chief Brown said that PSD Officers will be placed at the Roosevelt Island Tram station during the morning rush hours and the Manhattan Tram station during the evening rush hours.

Chief Brown added that when the Manhattan Station Tram Line extends down the stairs to the Plaza area, PSD officers will reduce the usual number of people waiting on the platform from 100 persons capacity to 50. 

According to PSD Deputy Chief Anthony Amoroso:

...once those 50 get on to the tram, people have to wait minute or two more. Then we'll send the other 50 up the stairs through and then we'll load the tram up to its capacity and then it will go across. So it's not that we lessen the number on the ride it's just lessen the number on the platform to give people a little bit more space....

Chief Brown added:

... We haven't had a line at the Tram since January 3rd and we're going to continue to track it. Like I said, it's not an exact science. So what happens when a line forms? There is usually either an officer or attendant there so for that first 5 to 10 minutes it may be crowded because it takes about 10 minutes for me to get three Officers over to the Manhattan side...

Chief Brown clarified that only when there is a line down the Tram station stairs will the platform capacity be reduced from 100 to 50.

Chief Brown and Deputy Amoroso both emphasized that the Tram is not a Ride.

Watch video of the full discussion.

The Manhattan Community Board 8 voted last night to approve a resolution supporting Roosevelt Island Tram boarding priority for NYC residents. The Community Board has no power to implement  such a policy but it's support may be helpful in persuading RIOC and the Governor to do so.

We shall see.

Update From NYPD And RIOC PSD Chief On What Happened To Man Hit By F Train At The Roosevelt Island Subway Station Last Week

As previously reported, last Wednesday, December 18, a man was hit by an oncoming F Train on the Queens bound track of the Roosevelt Island subway station. According to the FDNY Chief at the scene:

... approximately 15:53 hours today, we had a person struck by a Queens bound train heading towards Queens Plaza.

The train rolled over the patient by about two cars. Patient was quickly removed by FD units to waiting EMS bus and is now being transported to a local hospital in Manhattan.

PD is investigating the circumstances as to what happened.... injuries are serious at this moment...

During the December 19 Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Board of Directors meeting, RIOC Public Safety Department Chief Kevin Brown reported that the man accidentally slipped on the platform falling to the tracks and went underneath the train. He suffered a severed leg when hit by the oncoming F train. The man was not a Roosevelt Island resident according to the Chief.

Chief Brown added that the people on the platform who witnessed the incident were affected by the incident.

I asked the NYPD today:

I am following up on the December 18 incident at the Roosevelt Island Subway Station where a man was struck by the F Train on the Queens bound platform. At the time, the DCPI said no criminality was suspected and that incident is still being investigated. 

Is there any update on the investigation regarding what happened and the injuries sustained by the victim? I'm told the man slipped as the train was coming into the station and that his leg was severed. Is that true? 

 Do you have any more information about the incident?

A NYPD spokesperson replied: 

 On Wednesday, December 18, 2024, at approximately 1550 hours, police responded to a 911 call for an aided individual at the Roosevelt Island subway station on the F line, within the confines of the 114 Precinct/Transit District 20. Upon arrival, officers observed a 45-year-old male on the roadbed with injuries indicative of falling from an elevated position. EMS responded and transported the individual to Bellevue in stable condition. No criminality is suspected at this time.

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Watch Video Of Last Night's Roosevelt Island Public Safety Community Engagement Meeting With Residents Discussing Variety Of Local Issues - NYPD Narcotics Search Warrant/Arrest/ Main Street Traffic Safety, Sidewalk Marijuana Smoking, Unleashed Dogs On Ballfields, Duane Reade Shoplifting & More

The Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Public Safety Department (PSD) hosted a Community engagement meeting last evening, May 21. RIOC PSD Chief Kevin Brown and Communications Department Director Bryant Daniels spoke with and answered questions from about a dozen Roosevelt Island residents at the Good Shepherd Community Center.

Chief Brown emphasized the low level of crime on Roosevelt Island but acknowledged there are instances of domestic violence and incidents related to mental illness. 

Among the issues discussed were:

• Petit larcenies (shoplifting) at Duane Reade have decreased from 46 at this time last year to eight this year. Chief Brown attributes the decrease to having a PSD officer stationed  in Southtown near the Duane Reade,
• Main Street traffic safety - cars, motorcycles, bicycles, delivery drivers, (average 800 parking summons a month and 20-25 moving summons)
• NYPD Narcotics Officer executed a Search Warrant and arrested a juvenile at 460 Main Street,
• Dogs running unleased on ballfields chasing children and adults,
• PSD giving tickets and towing cars from private building driveways,
• Decrease in quality of life caused by outdoor marijuana smoking and loitering in front of Roosevelt Landings. Chief Brown replied that it is legal to smoke marijuana outdoors and there is nothing PSD can do about it. 
• Deputy Chief Anthony Amoroso met with local girl scout troop to learn personal safety skills.

Here's the full video of the May 21 RIOC PSD Community Engagement meeting.

Turn on the subtitiles/closed captions if you're having trouble hearing what is being said.

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Bang, Bang, Bang, Roosevelt Island Residents Report Hearing Possible Multiple Gunshots Near Manhattan Park And Octagon Buildings Overnight Last Thursday - RIOC PSD And NYPD 114 Precinct Received Reports And Shotspotter Sensor Tech Did Not Detect Any Gunshots At The Time They Say

Last Friday morning November 17, a Roosevelt Island resident asked:

I live in the Octagon and in the middle of last night, I heard what sounded like several gunshots. I went to Citizen this morning and found this post: 

 Have you heard anyone else report anything? Very unsettling. 

A Roosevelt Island Manhattan Park resident reported:

Gun shots at 30 River Road

At approximately 2:44AM on Friday morning we were awoken by what I thought was a loud banging on our wall. Then we heard nearby gunshots maybe six, fired from below our open window, near the entrance of Manhattan Park, at 30RR. Looking out the window, we saw no one, no police, no cars, nothing.

So we went back to bed only to be awoken about 15-20 minutes later to more distant gun shots. What on earth is going on here? Can you report on this incident?

Other residents heard the commotion and apparently someone called police.

Another Manhattan Park resident reported:

I'm at 30 RR, and my wife and I were awakened around 2am by the very distinct sound of gunshots (our window was open). We heard 6-8 gunshots followed by a pause and then another 6-8 gunshots. 

After about 15 minutes or so, there was another series of gunshots that sounded a little more distant, though I'm not really sure. I don't know where exactly the gunshots were, but definitely in the north side of the island around the Manhattan Park apartments or the soccer field... 

I'd be really interested in an update, to see if shell casings were recovered. 

Just to be clear, my wife and I both know what a handgun sounds like, and this was definitely it. I suspect that the shooter emptied two clips and then emptied a third clip later as he was walking around. We didn't hear any yelling or commotion of any kind. 

At least 3 other residents heard what they thought were gunshots at that time too. 

On November 18, I asked Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Public Safety Chief Kevin Brown:

Several Roosevelt Island residents reported to me hearing gunshots early Friday morning ... about 2 AM in the vicinity of 30 River Road and 888 Main Street....

... Do you have any information on this important matter of concern to Roosevelt Island residents?...

There was no  response from RIOC. 

I asked NYPD too. A NYPD spokesperson replied they had no information on any Roosevelt Island gunshots at the time reported.

During the November 21 RIOC Public Safety Department Community Engagement meeting, Chief Brown and NYPD 114 Precinct Commander Deputy Inspector Kenneth Gorman said they received no reports and had no knowledge of any gunshots on Roosevelt Island at that time.

Inspector Gorman added that the NYPD Shotspotter accoustic sensor technology deployed on Roosevelt Island did not detect any gunshots at that time.

Here's the discussion.

According to the NYPD 2021 Shotspotter Impact and Use Policy:

ShotSpotter is a gunshot detection system. ShotSpotter uses acoustic sensors to quickly detect and alert New York City Police Department (NYPD) personnel of confirmed gunfire incidents. The system reduces gunfire incident response times, provides valuable evidence for investigations and criminal prosecutions, and enhances both public and officer safety.

The NYPD produced this impact and use policy because the gunshot detection system processes acoustic data, and shares acoustic and location data with NYPD personnel...

Does #ShotSpotter work? Yes, and so do our full suite of products as well. pic.twitter.com/k16JlmBYuy

— SoundThinking (formerly ShotSpotter) (@soundthinking_) November 14, 2023

A 2021 BBC report on the Shotspotter sensor detection technology examining whether it is accurate and reliable?.

and a 2022 Bloomberg article reports on NYPD's use of Shotspotter.

Emails show that ShotSpotter shared locations of where it wanted to place its gunshot detection sensors in one Upper West Side precinct with the NYPD https://t.co/NlzXnm4DSz

— Bloomberg CityLab (@CityLab) December 26, 2022

Here's the full November 21 Roosevelt Island Public Safety Community Engagement meeting.

According to RIOC:

Deputy Inspector Gorman from the 114th precinct also spoke on the precinct’s domestic violence unit and highlighted the prevention of car theft, particularly concerning catalytic converters, Hyundai, and Kia vehicles. pic.twitter.com/JcBe9rw2Yl

— Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation (@RIOCny) November 22, 2023

Sgt. Spencer's proactive engagement with the Roosevelt Island Youth was also brought to the fore. These meetings are an open platform for everyone to engage in candid discussions concerning the Roosevelt Island community. We plan to convene the next PSD meeting on Dec 12 at 6PM. pic.twitter.com/KOIt5Ybn5t

— Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation (@RIOCny) November 22, 2023

Roosevelt Island Resident Says He Was Victim Of Home Invasion Early Morning Last Sunday, NYPD Arrest 14 Year Old Suspect Charged With Robbery, Assault, Weapon Possession & More

According to the November 5, 2023 Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Public Safety Department (PSD) daily blotter:

11/05/23 – 0102 – 546 Main St – Robbery – PSD, EMS, and NYPD responded – Arrested by NYPD.

Without being asked, RIOC reported about the incident:

On November 5th at approximately 1:02AM, PSD responded to a complaint at 546 Main Street from a resident who said the apartment above was making an inordinate amount of noise. When PSD investigated the noisy apartment, they encountered an individual who advised they had just been the victim of a home invasion. The victim offered a detailed description of the events and was physically unharmed, but reported the perpetrator did display a firearm upon entry. The NYPD was notified and arrived on the scene shortly thereafter. At approximately 1:44AM, PSD officers were able to access video footage which showed the subject leaving the building shortly after the incident. NYPD took a photo from the video and began a level one mobilization of the entire Roosevelt Landings. The subject, who was identified as a resident of 460 Main Street, was then apprehended by NYPD officers and arrested without incident—no firearm was recovered. The alleged perpetrator is a juvenile and now faces several criminal charges.

 According to a NYPD spokesperson:

There is a report on file for a robbery that occurred on Sunday, November 5, 2023 at 0030 hours inside of 546 Main  Street, within the confines of the 114 Precinct. A 33-year-old male complainant reported that the suspect knocked on the door, and when he opened it , the suspect attempted to push his way in and struck him multiple times with a closed fist causing bruising and swelling to his face. During the course of the altercation a mirror broke causing minor scratches to the complainant. The complainant reported that he believed that he saw what appeared to be a firearm. The suspect attempted to take the complainant’s cellphone After a short canvass, the suspect was taken into custody. No weapon was recovered.

The following individual was arrested and charged.

14 year-old male

Charges:

Robbery

Grand Larceny

Burglary

Criminal Possession of a Weapon

Criminal Mischief

Assault

Yesterday I asked RIOC PSD Chief Kevin Brown:

On Friday evening November 3, a Roosevelt Island resident sent me the following message:

"Have you seen that large group of teenagers jumping on car hoods and stopping traffic on Main St?

I saw them on my way to the commons. It was rather quick and took place roughly between the church and Blackwell house. Removing plants from planters, screaming, stopping traffic, throwing road cones across the street, that sort of thing. A couple of other people were on the street too and we kept switching from one sideway to the other to avoid them.

Just general idiot adolescent behaviour, but the sheer number of them made the whole thing weird.

It was about 9:20.

We found it a little surprising because there was no one from the PSD anywhere despite it taking place right in front of their office."

The RIOC Public Safety Department blotter appears to describe the incident as follows:

11/03/23 – 2147 – 531 Main St – Disorderly Youth – PSD responded – Condition corrected.

Does RIOC have any comment on this incident?

Is it related to the November 5 arrest?

There has been no response from Chief Brown.

 

Today, I asked Chief Brown:

The RIOC PSD Blotter for 11/6 lists:

11/06/23 – 2146 – 400 Main St – Assault – PSD and NYPD responded – Report filed.

Please provide more details regarding this incident. What happened, were any weapons involved, was the victim injured? 

Has there been an arrest?

No response from Chief Brown.

During the October 17 RIOC PSD Community Engagement meeting, Chief Brown told the attending residents:

... as far as violent crime on the island, we've had three robberies this entire year. 

I've heard some people say that we've had a lot of crime issues. We've had three robberies and of the three robberies, two of them were young people, one was a student from the Child School and he robbed another student, took his Airpods. Another one was two kids from a a group home. Again they took the Airpods. The third one was a person that took some property from Wholesome. It was a larceny but turned into a robbery because they bit the person at Wholesome... Those are our most violent crimes on Roosevelt Island... 

As previously reported about the October 17 PSD Community Engagement meeting:

Roosevelt Island crimes this year not mentioned by Chief Brown during his presentation include:

• bloody stabbing inside the Bread & Butter Deli, 
• teenager stomped on and beat by a group of other teenagers,  
• hate crime assault arrest, 
• husband of a PS/IS 217 teacher assaulted outside the school with a knife, 
• man arrested with a loaded gun on Main Street,
• arson set in Roosevelt Landings AVAC garbage room
• Assault incident involving group of juveniles harassing an adult at Blackwell Basketball court.

Here's the full video of the;

• October 17,  
• September 19, 
• July 25, 
• June 13,  
• May 2  
• April 4 

RIOC PSD Community Engagement meetings.

NYPD Auxiliary Officers Undercover Sting Makes 3 Marijuana Buys At Roosevelt Island Main Street Smoke Shop Earlier This Summer - One Month Later Smoke Shop Is Closed

 Reported last August 17 that the Roosevelt Island Smoke Shop on Main Street:

... packed up and moved out last night....

which was confirmed by Main Street retail master leaseholder Hudson Related:

Confirmed!

The tenant and Hudson Related came to an agreement where they surrendered the space. We are working on a new concept and hope to share more information soon. We are glad to put this behind us and look forward to bringing a quality tenant and use to the island.

We learned more about the circumstances surrounding the removal of the Smoke Shop from Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Public Safety Chief Kevin Brown during the September 19 RIOC Public Safety Community Engagement meeting. According to Chief Brown, the process of removing the Smoke Shop began during the June 13 RIOC PSD Community Engagement meeting when NYPD 114 precinct Lieutenant Dickson learned of the problems at the smoke shop from Roosevelt Island community members. Chief Brown reported:

We had a number of community complaints about the smoke shop that was right across the street from Public Safety. These smoke shops have popped up all over the city.  They are a nuisance. Ours is gone....

And this why... community pressure ... NYPD played an instrumental role and I can tell you how. The Lieutenant was here that night and he heard a lot of the community complaints. There is s a program, and it's not a secret, but there is a program in NYPD where they have undercover auxiliary officers who are under the age of 21. They go into these smoke shops. They make buys. They were they were selling marijuana in the smoke shop.

... Then there's a process where the City then evicts them from their storefront. When the lieutenant was here, we went to the top of their list and he took care of that in one month. He made three buys in the location they were served and then they were gone.

That's how these community meeting are very, very helpful. That we can hear you. We hear your voice. We want to make sure that we're going to keep our place a very very safe place in New York City...

Here's what Chief Brown said.

Watch Video Of September 19 Roosevelt Island Public Safety Department Community Engagement Meeting - Recent Crime Update, NYPD Smoke Shop Undercover Sting, Parking, Speeding, E Bikes, 460 Main Street, Deli Barrier, Tram Crowds, Bike Patrol & More Officers Being Hired

The Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Public Safety Department (PSD) hosted a  community engagement meeting last night at the Good Shepherd Chapel.

RIOC PSD Chief Kevin Brown and Deputy Chief Anthony Amoroso engaged in a dialogue with about 35 Roosevelt Island residents attended the hour long meeting.

According to Chief Brown:

I'm glad the we have these meetings. It gives us a chance to talk about the crime issues and upcoming issues. I welcome the conversation and I think it is very, very healthy for the Roosevelt Island community....

Here's what happened.

Watch Video Of Very Informative June 13 RIOC Public Safety Department Community Engagement Meeting With Roosevelt Island Residents - Topics Include Recent Crime Updates, Smoke Shop, Tram Lines, Illegal Parking, Marijuana Smoking, Bread & Butter Construction, Southpoint Park July 4 Closing And More

The Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Public Safety Department (PSD) hosted a  community engagement meeting last night at the Good Shepherd Chapel.

Thank you to everyone who joined us for last night’s PSD Community Engagement meeting, we greatly appreciate the open and honest dialogue on the important island issues. Special thank you as well to Related and the NYPD 114th for participating in the meeting! pic.twitter.com/rjt81BFLaM

— Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation (@RIOCny) June 14, 2023

RIOC PSD Chief Kevin Brown, Deputy Chief Anthony Amoroso, Hudson Related's Ralph Yoakam, NYPD 114 precinct Lieutenant Dickson and about 35 Roosevelt Island residents attended the hour long meeting. 

Chief Brown began the meeting reviewing and updating recent Roosevelt Island crime incidents followed by Mr Yoakam who reported on 

1. the pending eviction proceedings against the Stationery/Smoke shop and 
2. the Bread & Butter Deli construction work being done at Island House without the landlord's approval.

Among the other Roosevelt Island public safety issues discussed were:

1. Roosevelt Island Tram Lines - how to make it easier for residents to get back and forth on the Tram when it is crowded with tourists. Use Metro Card to skip in front of line, said Chief Brown. Priority boarding for residents was also discussed but dismissed by Chief Brown using the F train analogy again.
   
2. Illegal Parking on Main Street - suggestions included issuing more tickets, towing illegally parked cars and issuing parking sticker permits for residents only.
   
3. Marijuana smoking on Main Street - Nothing can be done because Manhattan DA's office will not prosecute for smoking marijuana.
4. Security during Pride Month events.
5. Southpoint Park closing during July 4 Fireworks celebration due to NYPD security precautions.
   

Watch video of the full meeting.

PSD Chief Kevin Brown did an excellent job moderating the meeting and responding to concerns.

Yesterday, a Roosevelt Island Tipster reported:

This morning 11.30 on my way to the subway (I am resident of the island), I was attacked by a confused but aggressive man just in front of Starbucks. This man shout on me, kicked my cart and spit on me. People around did not move at all.

I called public safety as they were not there. Where are they? Why are they not staying in that location where all the neighborhood is passing by? At least they have to install cameras to monitor the aggressions.

I can’t believe this is happening here at Roosevelt Island. 

and sent an email to Chief Brown about the incident. 

Chief Brown replied:

I am extremely sorry for your incident today. The person who you spoke about was a male who was apprehended by the Roosevelt Island PSD officers. The male was evaluated by NYC EMS and was transported to NY Presbyterium hospital as an Emotionally Disturbed Person. Again, I am sorry for your incident but anytime you have any incident please call RIOC PSD we will always respond as quickly as possible.

The Tipster replied to Chief Brown:

Thank you very much for your quick course of action. Thankfully you are around. Is there any plan to improve the safety around the subway station as this episode is just one among others? Did you evaluate the potential of having video recordings or stationary PS agents?

I am not concern for myself but for our community, including the youngest and the oldest, who may not be able to handle the situation with someone who was trained to fight (as this man mentioned).

I will attend the meeting tonight.

This incident was mentioned during the Public Safety meeting last night. Chief Brown noted that the the emotionally disturbed person was apprehended by a Public Safety Officer 4 minutes after receiving a call about the matter. 

The Tipster noted:

The chief was very satisfied by the 4 minutes spent to arrest this man, I am more concerned by the absence of prevention of such unfortunate events.

Sparks Fly At May 2 Roosevelt Island Public Safety Department Community Engagement Meeting - Residents Tell RIOC PSD And NYPD 114 Precinct About Assaults, School Bullying, Harassment & Fire Setting By A Group Of Teens

The Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) hosted a Public Safety Department (PSD) Community Engagement Meeting last Tuesday May 2 at the Good Shepherd Community Center. 

In attendance were RIOC President Shelton Haynes, PSD Chief Kevin Brown, PSD Deputy Chief Anthony Amoroso, NYPD 114 Precinct Commander Deputy Inspector Kenneth Gorman and about 25 Roosevelt Island residents.

The meeting began with Chief Brown offering his condolences to the friends and family of Mary Cavanaugh who recently passed away. Chief Brown praised her participation in the Roosevelt Island Residents Association (RIRA) Public Safety Committee calling Mary Cavanaugh "a champion of the causes of Roosevelt Island" and added "we will miss her".

Chief Brown then spoke about some current Public Safety issues including this Sunday's 5 Boro Bike Tour which may cause some traffic disruptions near the Roosevelt Island Bridge/Vernon B'lvd intersection and the temporary closing of the East River Boat Prow while a structural engineer examines it for safety reasons.  

Chief Brown reported these crimes occurring on Roosevelt Island during March and April:

• Grand larceny motorcycle theft at the Motorgate Garage,
  
• Grand Larceny Cell phone theft,
• Shoplifting at Duane Reade and to a lesser extent at Foodtown,
• Assault at Foodtown

According to Chief Brown, the PSD Bike patrol will soon be active. Also, RIOC PSD is looking to hire more officers. PSD currently has 46 officers on staff and a capacity for 51.

Deputy Inspector Gorman reported that the NYPD 114 precinct Youth Coordinating Officer is building relationships with schools on the Island and working with our local youth on sports programs.  He added that Roosevelt Island is a very safe community and the crime rate is very low.

Deputy Inspector Gorman also gave a review of issues facing the 114 precinct as a whole including: 

• increase in robberies
  
• illegal marijuana sales
• Car Theft
• financial account fraud (credit card, savings account etc)
  

What had been a typical Roosevelt Island meeting up to this point was then interrupted by Roosevelt Island father who stood up, said he loves Roosevelt Island and then reported his son had recently been "jumped, beat up, filmed and put on Instagram", and is "scared to death".  The father had met with Chief Brown last Thursday and was told by Chief Brown that he knew the three teenagers who beat up his son and the teenagers were known to be involved in other incidents including an arson.

The father's interruption expressed frustration and outrage that this incident was not mentioned by Chief Brown during his remarks to the community meeting earlier in the evening. Why was this not reported he asked RIOC? 

Chief Brown replied that he did not mention the incident because he thought the father wanted it to remain private.

Other residents spoke out about incidents involving the same 3 teenagers including bullying and threatening students at PS/IS 217, assaulting a couple at Meditation Step and harassment as well as arson at Roosevelt Landings.

Chief Brown and RIOC President Shelton Haynes answered they are aware of the problems caused by the 3 teenagers, the 3 have been arrested 4 times but RIOC and NYPD must work within the constraints of the juvenile legal system. 

Deputy Chief Amoroso added:

... They've been prosecuted in Family Court every single time, not Criminal Court because of their ages. We're enforcing the law but when they go through the system they have certain things set up for juvenile defendants. That's what is being done. That is why they're released again to the parents. This is reoccurring. .. Our office is paying special attention to these individuals that are out there, making sure their in the right building they live in  and not the buildings they don't live in. Keeping an eye out.

We can't go beyond the letter of the law. We're doing everything in our power to follow the letter of the law and keep it safe for the community. That's what community policing is about....

Watch what happened.

After the meeting, RIOC President Shelton Haynes tweeted:

Perhaps @RIOCny @sheltonjhaynes should follow the practices of former RIOC Presidents and answer questions from the Roosevelt Island local press instead of refusing to respond to issues of community concern.

— Roosevelt Islander (@Rooseveltisland) May 4, 2023

RIOC PSD Chief Brown Discusses Roosevelt Island Public Safety Issues With RIRA PSC Committee During January 17 Meeting - RIOC Cancels Future Meetings With RIRA PSC, Disabled Motorgate Parking Fees, Shoplifting & 460 Main Street Building Problems Among Items Discussed

Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Public Safety Department Chief Kevin Brown usually meets once a month with members of the Roosevelt Island Residents Association (RIRA) Public Safety Committee (PSC) to listen and discuss community issues and concerns.

This practice of the RIOC PSD Director meeting with the RIRA Public Safety Committee began in 2014 following discussions with former RIOC President Charlene Indelicato, former RIOC PSD Chief Jack McManus and RIRA PSC Chair Erin Feely-Nahem.

Chief Brown, who was Deputy PSD Chief under Chief McManus, has continued the practice of meeting with the RIRA PSC.

But not next month or afterwards either.  RIOC has decided to discontinue meeting with the RIRA PSC.

During the January 17 RIRA PSC meeting, Chief Brown announced that he will no longer be meeting with the RIRA Public Safety committee. Instead, Chief Brown said that RIOC will be organizing it's own monthly in person Public Safety meeting at Good Shepherd Chapel.

This plan is another example of RIOC's new Vice President of Communications Akeem Jamal plan to have RIOC:

... Control the Narrative...

Stay tuned for more on this issue. 

Other issues discussed at the January 17 RIRA PSC meeting include:

• RIOC's plan to begin charging fees for disabled people to use the Motorgate Parking garage. Several residents have been told this will start in February but when Chief Brown was asked if it was true, he said he did not know.
• Review of 2022 crime
• Shoplifting at Duane Reade
• Building Vertical Patrols
• PSD Staffing Levels
• Quality of Life problems at 460 Main Street affordable housing building
• January Grand Larceny and Assault
• Parking/Loading and Unloading
  

Here's the discussion from the January 17 RIRA PSC meeting with Chief Brown.

RIOC Public Safety Blotter Reports December 21 Roosevelt Island Sexual Assault, RIOC Responds This Afternoon To Inquiries About The Alleged Incident - Watch Video Of RIRA Public Safety December Meeting With Chief Brown

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

12/21/22 -2218 – 540 Main Street – Sexual Assault – EMS, PSD Responded – Transported to Hospital

Will RIOC comment on the sexual assault incident listed in PSD Incident Report above?

What happened? Was there an arrest?

This incident will be of great concern to the Roosevelt Island community and I want to make sure that the reporting is accurate.

Will RIOC comment on this matter?

Did not receive any response and followed up again this afternoon to RIOC asking: 

I’m following up on yesterday’s email below regarding a December 21 sexual assault at 540 Main Street reported in the PSD daily blotter.

This is of great concern to residents. Will Rioc provide information about what happened including if there was an arrest?

Today, a NYPD Press Spokesperson told me they had no information on the matter.

I’ve also asked several residents who usually know or can find out and they had no info either.

At 4:14 pm today, RIOC sent out this advisory:

Dear Roosevelt Island Community,

This is an update in response to community inquiries concerning an alleged sexual assault incident on 12/21/22 at 10:18 PM. Emergency Medical Services responded to an unknown individual in the area of 540 main street. Upon arrival, the individual on the scene declined to provide their information and declined assistance from NYPD. After further investigation – there was no police report filed, and the NYPD 114th precinct Detective Squad was not notified of an act of sexual assault.

The Roosevelt Island Public Safety Department and NYPD take any allegations of sexual assault or general wrongdoing seriously. Should you wish to make an anonymous report, please get in touch with the NYPD Crime Stoppers tip line at 800-577-TIPS or submit an online tip.

Roosevelt Island Public Safety Department

 Upon reading the advisory, one resident asked:

How did this get on their blotter if nothing took place? 

This is practically identical to the claim they made concerning the last incident.

Another resident added:

I try to give Chief Brown & PSD the benefit of the doubt on some criminal activity but they continue to test us.  And this Advisory tests their credibility.

 

Does  “... In the area of 540...“ mean In the Building Lobby?  Near the Cultural Center Staircase?  Poorly lit Dark Space Further down the road to the river?

 

Wondering who exactly called 911 if the victim didn’t?

540 Breezeway is hard for PSD to miss.  Doubt any PSOs were out at that crosswalk but is possible.  Even when they are there they miss stuff...

 

And, most importantly, isn’t this the 2nd time this year this kind of assault was reported & nothing happened?

The PSD & RIOC have the responsibility to be transparent & report critical events related 

to the SAFETY of the PUBLIC.  Chief Brown can remind us, at those Public Safety meetings & other settings, how low the crime rate is & how safe we are ... But they never send out or post some reminders about our personal safety.

RIOC's relatively new Vice President of Communications, Akeem Jamal, has made it extremely difficult for the local Roosevelt Island media to obtain information about important issues of concern to the Roosevelt Island community. In response to a prior Public Safety incident last October, Mr Jamal replied to my inquiry: 

... In the event of community concern in the case of such an incident, RIOC would work to advise the public should there be a need. In the future, if you would like information regarding any incident or have other inquiries, please submit a FOIL request. 

This email serves as notice that RIOC will no longer respond to these incidents or other matters unless a FOIL request has been submitted.

I've asked Mr Jamal why he refuses to answer press inquiries on issues of concern to Roosevelt Island residents.

Mr Jamal's answer was:

RIOC wants to control the narrative.

Roosevelt Island public safety issues were discussed with RIOC PSD Chief Kevin Brown during the December 22 Roosevelt Island Residents Association (RIRA) Public Safety Committee meeting. Among the issues discussed were:

• Very low crime rate on Roosevelt Island, 
• Shoplifting at Duane Reade, 
• Problems at the new Hudson Related Riverwalk Park affordable housing building (Hudson Related is bringing in a social worker to try and solve some of the problems among tenants), 
• Main Street Traffic and parking issues,  including truck and bike deliveries, 
• PSD staffing, two officers are joining NYPD,
• Dog poop,
• and more.

Watch the video of full meeting.

These meetings are open to the public to participate.

Contact RIRA Public Safety Co-Chair Erin Feely-Nahem if you are interested in attending the next meeting.

NYC Mayor Eric Adams Says Seems Like Everyone Is Smoking A Joint These Days - Roosevelt Island Residents Agree And Complain To RIOC, Nothing Law Enforcement Can Do Replies Public Safety Chief

New York City Mayor Eric Adams addressed a report about 311 odor complaints Friday, saying he smells a lot of marijuana these days. The mayor’s odorous observation came in response to a question about outdoor odor complaints being at an all-time high. https://t.co/AuvmQIROq2 pic.twitter.com/Inva3yGnQQ

— Eyewitness News (@ABC7NY) July 15, 2022

Many Roosevelt Island residents have been complaining recently about the smell of marijuana prevalent on our public streets, in residential building corridors and coming into their homes from nearby apartments. 

During the August 16 Roosevelt Island Residents Association (RIRA) Public Safety Committee meeting, Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Public Safety Department (PSD) Chief Kevin Brown addressed the issue of marijuana smoking. According to Chief Brown:

One quality of life issue that that I will talk about ...is marijuana smoking. ... 

I've had discussions with the Manhattan District Attorney's office, I've had discussions with residents. Marijuana possession and smoking up to a certain amount is not against the law. It is decriminalized.

We are constantly called to navigate the decriminalization of marijuana. We're doing the best that we can. We are talking to the buildings, to the residents and trying to keep a handle on this....

RIRA  PSC Committee Chair Erin Feely-Nahem asked:

What area are you seeing the marijuana smoking?...

Chief Brown answered:

It's not prevalent on the promenades.

It's right on Main Street. The smoking is right in front of the buildings, in the apartments.

No one's hiding from smoking marijuana, it's right out in the open.

We haven't had many complaints of any one smoking in the playgrounds or even the parks. People are just smoking walking down the street... 

Deputy Chief Anthony Amoroso reported PSD is getting many complaints from residents about marijuana smoking in nearby apartments.

Chief Brown added about marijuana smoking in the residential buildings:

It's not a Law Enforcement issue. It's almost like if we told somebody to put out a cigarette in their building. They're not committing a crime or even a violation.

Here's the RIRA PSC marijuana discussion with PSD Chief Kevin Brown.

Fox 5 New York has the Do's and Don't of Weed use in NY State.

Update On Report Of August 17 Roosevelt Island Sexual Assault - RIOC Public Safety Chief Says Claim Unfounded And Alleged Victim Has Recanted Story

Yesterday I published a story based upon information provided by the NYPD Press Office of a 21 year old woman being raped in the area between the back of the Motorgate garage and FDNY Station

on the Roosevelt Island waterfront promenade facing Queens. According to the NYPD spokesperson:

... a 21 year old woman was raped in that area at approximately 2:00 this morning. The NYPD spokesperson added that a "Good Samaritan" walking nearby spotted the woman lying on the ground asking for help. Her dress was pulled down. The woman was taken to Cornell Hospital. The investigation is ongoing. No additional information available at this time....

Today, at about 4:45 PM, Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Public Safety Department Chief Kevin Brown reports:

There has been some discussion within the community surrounding an alleged sexual assault that occurred on Roosevelt Island on or about August 17th. RIOC’s Public Safety Department and members of NYPD’s 114th Precinct conducted a thorough investigation into the matter and have determined that the claim was unfounded as there is no evidence that a crime has been committed; and the alleged victim has since recanted their story.

Roosevelt Island Resident Credits Public Safety Department For Making Her Feel Safe In Early Morning Darkness While Waiting Outside For Car Pick Up Going To Airport - Watch PSD Chief Kevin Brown Discuss Community Policing With RIRA Public Safety Committee

A Roosevelt Island resident reported yesterday:

Today the Roosevelt Island Public Safety Department played it right. 

I had to leave for the airport at 4:40 in the morning. It was pitch black outside and 3 Ubers canceled on me. 

I was waiting outside with 3 pieces of luggage and wanted an officer to be nearby just in case because there were just random cars driving by. 

Although police cars were patrolling the Island, I didn’t see anybody near me for a few minutes. So I called the Public Safety Department and asked if they could send someone to hang around and patrol near Bread and Butter Deli until my car came and 1 minute later they sent an officer who stood nearby until my car arrived. 

It meant a lot that they listened and made me feel safe. I know they don’t have a great reputation at the moment, and I am usually very critical about them too, but just wanted to give credits when credits are due! 

Roosevelt Island Public Safety Department Chief Kevin Brown usually meets once a month with member of the Roosevelt Island Residents Association (RIRA) Public Safety Committee (PSC) to listen and discuss community concerns.

During RIRA PSC June 21 meeting, Chief Brown discussed his belief in community policing and said:

... I truly, truly, truly believe in community policing. One of the premises of community policing is coming together with the community and to listen, to have different ideas and have a great way to proceed forward.

I welcome coming to this committee. I told somebody this today, my door is open. Anytime that anyone wants to speak with with me or my deputy, our door is always open for for any comments, for any  type of dialogue or any type of meetings to have a great relationship with the community and also to have a great change when it's necessary or needed... 

Chief Brown discussed a variety of topics at the RIRA meeting including Public Safety Department staffing levels noting that the Public Safety Department is as close to full staff as they have been in a long time except for 2 Officers who recently resigned to join the NYPD. 

Here's the full RIRA PSC meeting discussion with Chief Brown.

 

If you wish to attend the next RIRA PSC meeting with Chief Brown, contact PSC Co-Chair Erin Feely-Nahem. 

During June 11 2022 Roosevelt Island Day, RIRA President Rossana Ceruzzi and VP/PSC Co-Chair Erin-Feely-Nahem talked about the work RIRA does advocating for the Roosevelt Island community including the traditional bagels for Roosevelt Island Day.

Wednesday June 29 Advanced First Come First Serve Online Registration For Roosevelt Island Residents Of 1500 Hundred Tickets To FDR Four Freedoms Park Macy's July 4 Fireworks Celebration Viewing

According to the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) 

It’s almost time to reserve your tickets! Registration for the Roosevelt Island Fourth of July Family Fireworks Celebration will be opening, Wednesday, June 29th, at 12 PM for residents. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to register for advanced tickets. If any tickets remain, they will be released to the public on Friday, July 1st 12 PM.

How do I get resident access to tickets?

• Residents must sign up for RIOC Advisories. 
• The resident access code will be posted via the Advisory system prior to the ticket registration period. 
• Sign Up for RIOC Advisories! 
• Unable to sign up? Stop into PSD Headquarters, valid island resident I.D. required, to get the resident code.

Event Information

• FDR Four Freedoms State Park will host a limited-ticket viewing from 6 PM-10:30 PM: 
• Registration is required and will open to island residents on Wednesday, June 29th at 12 PM. 
• 1,500 tickets are available for Four Freedoms Park. 
• You can register for up to FOUR (4) free tickets PER HOUSEHOLD using your name, address, and email address. 
• Only attendees with tickets will be allowed to enter Four Freedoms Park; no tickets will be available at the door. 
• Ticket holders MUST bring a digital or printed ticket with barcode to gain access to FFP. 
• No entry is permitted after 9 PM. Latecomers will not be admitted. 
• Southpoint Park will be closed for the day.

For an alternative way of viewing the fireworks celebration on Roosevelt Island, see details below:

The Cornell Tech campus lawn will be open and available to the public as a viewing location, starting at 12 PM:

• No ticket is needed for access. 
•  Entrance is first-come, first serve. 
• All visitors will be subject to airport-style security. 
• No entry is permitted after 9 PM. Latecomers will not be admitted.

All attendees who have NOT been vaccinated against COVID-19 are reminded to kindly wear a mask throughout the event.

Please be aware that upon any potential safety concerns or overcrowding, we reserve the right to limit access to Roosevelt Island and the fireworks viewing locations.

RIOC Public Safety Department Chief Kevin Brown discussed July 4 Fireworks Celebration preparations with the Roosevelt Island Residents Association (RIRA) Public Safety Committee during a June 21 meeting.

Chief Brown reported that:

• Roosevelt Island residents will have one day advanced notice to register for 1500 available tickets to view the July 4 Fireworks at FDR Four Freedoms Park. Tickets usually are gone in the first 15 minutes,
  
• Ticket holders will be searched before entering FDR Four Freedoms Park,
  
• 10 to 12 thousand people will be allowed on the Cornell Tech campus to view the fireworks. No tickets needed.
  
• Security precautions are same this year as last year,
• People will not be allowed to stay and view the Fireworks in Southpoint Park on their way to FDR Park and
  
• Roosevelt Island residents will be able to drive over the Roosevelt Island Bridge after 3 PM to park their cars in the Motorgate Garage.
  

 

RIOC adds:

TICKETING

Ticketed Attendees

• Have access to FDR Four Freedoms State Park beginning at 6:00PM
• Will receive a stamp
• Must enter no later than 9:00PM
• Reentry is not permitted
• There are no tickets available on-site

 Non-ticketed Attendees

• Will have access to the lawns at Cornell Tech starting at 12:00PM
• Once capacity is reached, further admittance will not be permitted
• Must enter by 9:00PM

 AMENITIES

• Food Trucks
• Eight (8) trucks in total
• Will be located on West Road near the lawns at Cornell Tech
• Restroom Locations (all locations have ADA accessible restrooms)
• South end of Firefighter’s Field
• West of the Tram Station
• West Loop Road near the lawns at Cornell Tech
• East Loop Road near the lawns at Cornell Tech
• South Loop Road at bottom of Cornell Tech lawns
• Southpoint park entrance
• Cooling Center Locations
• Tram Plaza
• Just north of the East Road checkpoint #1 (East Road just south of Sportspark)
• Just north of the West Road checkpoint #1 (west side of Sportspark)
• West Road near the lawns at Cornell Tech
• West side of Southpoint Park, just south of the comfort station
• First Aid Locations
• West Road, towards the southwest side of the lawns at Cornell Tech
• The southeast side of Southpoint Park, north of the Smallpox Hospital

 TRANSPORTATION

• Roosevelt Island Tramway
• For access to Manhattan
• Will run on its rush hour schedule from 7:00AM to 8:00PM with both cabins operating at full capacity
• The Tramway may be temporarily shut down if the viewing areas/island reach capacity
• There will be no Tram shuttle bus
• Subway
• F Train access to Manhattan/Brooklyn and Queens
• Visit mta.info/weekender or call 511 for information. For electronic updates, sign up for MTA alerts at MyMTAAlerts.
• NYC Ferry
• Service will end early on July 4^th
• For more information, visit Ferry Schedules
• Q102
• Q102 Bus - The Q102 will not serve any stops on Roosevelt Island during preparation and viewing for the Macys 4th of July Fireworks. Buses will operate in both directions between 27th Ave at 2nd St. and Vernon Blvd. at 36th Ave., the last stop.
• Roosevelt Island Red Bus
• Will run on its weekday schedule
• There will be no Octagon express bus
• Citi Bike
• There will be no Citi Bike stations available from Sunday, July 3^rd until Tuesday, July 5^th.
• Roosevelt Island Disabled Association (RIDA) Shuttle
• Will run from 6:00PM to 10:30PM from Tram Plaza to the east entry gate in Southpoint Park
• Parking
• Will be restricted in the following areas:
• From the Meditation Lawn to 250 Main Street on the West side.
• Around the entire Cornell Tech campus (North, South, East, and West Loop Roads).
• The area in the vicinity of 250-281 Main Street.
• Residents who need to park in Motorgate Garage should do so by 3:00PM

 IMPORTANT TIMES

• Between 12 PM – 3 PM residents will only be permitted to travel North bound from the helix and into the Motorgate.
• The lawns at Cornell Tech open at 12:00PM
• Residents looking to park in Motorgate Garage should do so before 3:00PM
• From 3 PM – 12 AM there will be no vehicular traffic onto the island EXCEPT emergency vehicles.
• FDR Four Freedoms State Park opens at 6:00PM
• The Roosevelt Island Disabled Association (RIDA) shuttle will operate from 6:00PM to 10:30PM from Tram Plaza to the east entry gate in Southpoint Park
• No one will be admitted to either viewing area (lawns at Cornell Tech, Southpoint Park/FDR Four Freedoms State Park) after 9:00PM
• The Macy’s 4^th of July Fireworks Spectacular is anticipated to start at approximately 9:25PM

Earlier today, I asked RIOC:

The RIOC July 4 Advisory says that Southpoint Park will be closed.

Will it be open for FDR Park Ticket Holders to stay and picnic or watch the Fireworks at Southpoint Park?

Last year Southpoint Park was open for any of the 1500 FDR Park Ticket Holders.

See link here from 2021.

If Southpoint Park not open for FDR Park Ticket Holders, why not, since it was open last year.

Also, will Roosevelt Island residents be able to drive their cars over Roosevelt Island bridge after 3 PM to park in the Motorgate garage?

No answer yet from RIOC. Will update if RIOC responds.

Here are scenes before, during and after the Roosevelt Island July 4 celebration last year.