Former RIOC Chief Financial Officer Steve Chironis Responds To NY State Inspector General's Roosevelt Island Corruption Report - RIOC Directors Respond Too

Image From NY State Inspector General's Roosevelt Island Corruption Report Press Release

Reported August 7 on the NY State Inspector General's (IG) investigation and report on corruption at the Roosevelt Island Operating  Corp (RIOC) during past administration.

According to this excerpt from the IG Report Press Release:

... Three executives of the Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation were engaged in misconduct ranging from steering contracts to relatives and taking kickbacks from them, using RIOC vehicles for personal use, chronic absenteeism, and inappropriate expenses including the use of RIOC funds for unauthorized meals, according to a report released today by New York State Inspector General Catherine Leahy Scott. Inspector General Scott’s investigation, which covered the years 2007 to 2012 focused on Fernando Martinez, then Vice President of Operations for RIOC, former President/Chief Executive Officer Leslie Torres, and former Chief Financial Officer Steven Chironis. As a result of the investigation, all three no longer work for RIOC....

... The Inspector General’s investigation revealed that Martinez received kickbacks for steering a contract to Bright Cleaning Solutions (BCS), Ramos’s company, in November 2008 for shoreline cleanup. He steered another contract to BCS in September 2010 for an office renovation project and received $9,390.

Additionally, Martinez utilized a brother-in-law’s printing company for RIOC projects and hired a second brother-in-law for the position of Parks and Recreation Manager in violation of state ethics policy and RIOC’s anti-nepotism directive. Following the Inspector General’s discoveries, Martinez resigned his RIOC employment in December 2012.

Former President/CEO Torres violated RIOC policy by utilizing a RIOC vehicle for commuting and personal travel. In addition, she inappropriately charged expensive meals to her RIOC credit card, with one lunch costing $355. Finally, Torres was consistently absent from RIOC’s offices, instructing staff to keep her office lit while she was away. She resigned in September 2012.

Former CFO Chironis tacitly approved Torres’s misuse of the RIOC vehicle, and miscalculated her taxable fringe benefit in violation of federal law and state policy. He also permitted Torres to inappropriately charge meals to her credit card, incorrectly classifying them as “business expenses” in violation of RIOC policy. In fact, Chironis and Martinez engaged in the same misuse of their RIOC credit cards shortly after Torres began doing so. Chironis resigned his RIOC employment in August 2013....

Former RIOC CFO Steve Chironis responds to the IG Report writing:

To the Roosevelt Island Community,

What I will say relating to the whole matter is this: Look, I get it, the Martinez “episode” happened under my watch, “the buck stops here,” and I lost my job because of it. However, I would like to state the following:

(1) Fernando Martinez: I was fooled like the rest of us. The “powers that be” gave him their trust, which he ultimately betrayed. Everyone should be allowed a second chance. He has repaid his debt to society, and now has the opportunity to turn his life around, and I sincerely hope he does. If Jesus can forgive him, I certainly can!

(2) I.G.’s reporting of approximately $3,200 of “inappropriate charges” by me: I am stating for the record that all the expenses noted in the report were for legitimate business expenses. All charges were signed off by the President and the Controller. As for the $720 that was spent at my wife’s restaurant, it was fully disclosed prior to going. The occasion was to reward my staff for a job well done upon the completion of the annual budget. Even the one and only time that RIOC took out the POMA (Tram construction contractor) project managers for lunch to celebrate the reopening of the Tram and to discuss ongoing punch-list items was also classified as “inappropriate.” In fact, charges for all business lunches and dinners for the two-year period were “inappropriate,” according to the I.G., but they are typical for a corporate executive who, the I.G. acknowledges, had taken on many of the president’s duties. What they claimed is that the charges had “no value” and were “unnecessary.” This seems to be purely subjective and almost impossible to prove otherwise, as it would be for most business lunches. I also want to note that, at the time of such expenditures, I wasn’t aware of a policy in force restricting such types of expenditures. In fact, almost two years later, in October 2012, the ABO [Authorities Budget Office] issued a recommendation to all State agencies restricting and/or eliminating such expenditures, which most agencies hastily implemented, RIOC included.

(3) Leslie Torres’ “Personal Use of State Vehicle:” I followed the State policy in force at the time (NYS DOB D-750, dated 9-18-2009), which states, “State Officials of Cabinet Rank and Heads of Agencies shall not be assigned a permanent vehicle but shall have ‘unrestricted’ use of their agency fleet vehicles.” It goes on to say that “personal use” must be reported as income. This was done. As to the amount reported, it was based on the miles that Ms. Torres reported to me.

(4) Leslie Torres’ absence from the office: Approximately three months after Ms. Torres started, she submitted her resignation and made a request to the Appointments Office for a transfer. She had a 20-year record in government at mid-management positions, [and had been] asked to head a very political agency, a position that few people wanted and [that was] difficult to fill. I also believe it was portrayed to her as a “temporary” position. This does not justify her actions, but it does reveal that the State was put on notice very early in her administration. It was apparent, to everyone in a position to correct the situation, what was going on.

I would like to state that I am proud of what was accomplished during my six years at RIOC. Working at RIOC is quite difficult at times; it’s an environment where, quite often, you are caught in the middle between the State and the residents. There are many dedicated, hard-working employees at RIOC who rarely get acknowledged for their accomplishments, but quite often are publically chastised at the first sign of trouble. I realize that my forced resignation was made at a level above RIOC management, and I hold no ill will and wish all at RIOC the best.

RIOC Board of Directors, Margie Smith, David Kraut and Howard Polivy, discussed the IG's Roosevelt Island corruption report with RIOC President Charlene Indelicato during the August 21 Governance Committee meeting (audio web cast of full meeting here).  Directors Smith and Kraut reported:

• they did not see the IG Report until the day before it was released to the public, 
• there was no communication between the Directors and IG during the investigation and
• contact between the IG and RIOC during the investigation was done with the staff.

Ms. Smith also said that she did not know if the IG Report was true or not and noted that after reading the report most of the incidents reported in it occurred prior to Leslie Torres tenure as RIOC President. Mr. Kraut added:

... What happened here makes me angry. I don't know what we could have done to prevent it ... it's a huge betrayal of trust... I don't know what we can do about it in terms of the future. Loopholes often don't appear until someone wiggles through them but I think a place to start certainly is to fine tune our response to the report.

The RIOC Governance Committee Directors agreed to form a committee to respond to the IG Report. Here's video of the RIOC Governance Committee discussion of the IG Report.



Former RIOC President Steve Shane responded to IG Report here.

The full IG Report is here.

Blockbuster News, NY State Inspector General Finds Criminal Conduct, Kickbacks, Nepotism, Abuse Of Vehicles And Credit Cards At Prior Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Administration

Reported in March 2012 that the NY State Inspector General's Office

  Image From NY Inspector General

was investigating the leadership and management structure of the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC). In December 2013 I asked when the Inspector General's report would be released.

Well, the answer is today.  Here is the full 53 page NY State Inspector General's Report on RIOC, which I am still reading, and below is the press release from the NY State Inspector General   describing the report.

NEW YORK STATE INSPECTOR GENERAL FINDS CRIMINAL CONDUCT, KICKBACKS, NEPOTISM, ABUSE OF VEHICLES AND CREDIT CARDS AT ROOSEVELT ISLAND OPERATION CORPORATION

Inspector General’s investigation results in two guilty pleas and systemic changes to RIOC Policies and Procedures

Three executives of the Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation were engaged in misconduct ranging from steering contracts to relatives and taking kickbacks from them, using RIOC vehicles for personal use, chronic absenteeism, and inappropriate expenses including the use of RIOC funds for unauthorized meals, according to a report released today by New York State Inspector General Catherine Leahy Scott. Inspector General Scott’s investigation, which covered the years 2007 to 2012 focused on Fernando Martinez, then Vice President of Operations for RIOC, former President/Chief Executive Officer Leslie Torres, and former Chief Financial Officer Steven Chironis. As a result of the investigation, all three no longer work for RIOC.

Additionally, as a result of the Inspector General’s investigation, Martinez pleaded guilty to charges associated with contract steering and kickbacks. He was ordered to pay approximately $86,000 in restitution to the state and sentenced to six months incarceration. An associate, Javier Ramos, was ordered to pay $7,500 for his part in the scheme.

“As my investigation of RIOC makes clear, illegal and unethical behavior was common at the very top of RIOC’s executive chain of command,” said Inspector General Scott. “Officers charged with governing and delivering services to residents and businesses on Roosevelt Island used RIOC to enrich themselves, family and friends to an astonishing degree. This may not have occurred had there been effective oversight at RIOC.”

Charlene M. Indelicato, President and Chief Executive Officer of RIOC said: “RIOC can best represent and deliver important services to the people who live and work on Roosevelt Island only when we maintain a high degree of integrity, accountability and transparency in government. This is why I am very pleased with Inspector General Scott’s completed investigation and grateful for the guidance and recommendations her report provides to ensure past mistakes and misconduct are not repeated.”

The Inspector General’s investigation revealed that Martinez received kickbacks for steering a contract to Bright Cleaning Solutions (BCS), Ramos’s company, in November 2008 for shoreline cleanup. He steered another contract to BCS in September 2010 for an office renovation project and received $9,390.

Additionally, Martinez utilized a brother-in-law’s printing company for RIOC projects and hired a second brother-in-law for the position of Parks and Recreation Manager in violation of state ethics policy and RIOC’s anti-nepotism directive. Following the Inspector General’s discoveries, Martinez resigned his RIOC employment in December 2012.

Former President/CEO Torres violated RIOC policy by utilizing a RIOC vehicle for commuting and personal travel. In addition, she inappropriately charged expensive meals to her RIOC credit card, with one lunch costing $355. Finally, Torres was consistently absent from RIOC’s offices, instructing staff to keep her office lit while she was away. She resigned in September 2012.

Former CFO Chironis tacitly approved Torres’s misuse of the RIOC vehicle, and miscalculated her taxable fringe benefit in violation of federal law and state policy. He also permitted Torres to inappropriately charge meals to her credit card, incorrectly classifying them as “business expenses” in violation of RIOC policy. In fact, Chironis and Martinez engaged in the same misuse of their RIOC credit cards shortly after Torres began doing so. Chironis resigned his RIOC employment in August 2013.

Inspector General Scott also found that since May 2011, RIOC has not had an internal control officer, as required by the Public Authorities Law. This position is charged with safeguarding RIOC’s assets, checking accounting data, and ensuring RIOC is adhering to its own policies.

Inspector General Scott recommended that RIOC:

• Follow state procurement laws and strengthen its own policies;
• Review all procurements, monitor credit card usage to ensure conformance with RIOC policy, and issue credit cards only to employees whose daily activities require them;
• Designate an internal control officer; and
• Ensure vehicles are used appropriately and consistently with RIOC’s vehicle use policy.
• Take measures to recoup moneys improperly spent by RIOC employees

Inspector General Scott reviewed her report with RIOC’s new management, which has agreed to take corrective action, including:

• Instituting stronger, more effective oversight measures of state procurement law to prevent unauthorized procurement and strictly bar nepotism;
• Incorporating layers of review and reconciliation of procurements made by RIOC personnel:
• Retrieve and discontinue all credit cards used by RIOC personnel who made unauthorized purchases and act to recoup those purchases from the cardholders;
• Recruitment of an internal control/compliance officer; and
• Revision of the vehicle use policy to reflect state policy which strictly prohibits personal use of
• vehicles and requires travel logs be maintained for each vehicle.

In addition, RIOC has issued demand letters for reimbursement of inappropriate expenditures.

Inspector General Scott thanked Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus R. Vance, Jr. for prosecuting the Martinez and Ramos cases, and for assisting in the investigation.

RIOC was created in 1984 as a public benefit corporation to assume responsibility for the development and operation of Roosevelt Island, a 147-acre state owned island property that sits on the East River between the New York City boroughs of Manhattan and Queens. RIOC is governed by a nine-member board.

A copy of the Inspector General’s report can be found here

UPDATE 8/8 - More info here including comments from former RIOC President Steve Shane on IG Report.

RIOC Directors Speak On Roosevelt Island Management Upheaval - NY Governor Cuomo In Control, RIOC Directors Do Not Know Why RIOC President And Vice President Resigned

Among the topics discussed at last night's Question and Answer session between Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) resident Directors and members of the community were the recent management upheavals at RIOC with the unexplained departures of former President Leslie Torres and former Vice President of Operations Fernando Martinez.

Residents expressed concern about the lack of management running Roosevelt Island.

RIOC Director David Kraut said that there was an upcoming RIOC Governance Committee meeting that will address executive staff issues.

RIOC Director Margie Smith was more forthcoming expressing frustration because:

... We're in a tough position ... we hear things in Executive Session that we can't say to anybody...

and that Governor Cuomo is:

... very much in control of what's going on, he's now looking at Public Authorities...

adding:

... we see Leslie resigning, we see Fernando resigning. We don't know if there was something behind the resignation or they chose to resign. They didn't share that information with us. there's not much we can do about it

and:

... we're trying to get those positions filled ... we're trying to keep this place running to the degree we can...

Here's the discussion on Roosevelt Island management upheaval.



More information on Roosevelt Island management upheavals from previous posts.

Will have full video of RIOC resident Directors Question and Answer session with residents soon. Here's previous Q&A session with resident Directors from May 2012.

New York State Inspector General Investigating Roosevelt Island (RIOC) Leadership and Management Structure Reports NY Post Today

Image From NY Inspector General

As previously reported, former Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) President Leslie Torres resigned suddenly and without explanation on September 21. Later today, the RIOC Board of Directors will be meeting to select an interim President and to establish procedures for selecting a new permanent RIOC President.

What impact, if any, will a brief article in today's NY Post have on Roosevelt Island governance and the selection of a new RIOC President? According to the NY Post, the NY State Inspector General is investigating the "leadership and management structure" of Roosevelt Island and:

... Residents were unhappy with Leslie Torres, who was squeezed out as Roosevelt Island Operating Corp. president last month — but they’re also angry at Gov. Cuomo for what they see as strong-arming.

They fault Cuomo for installing Donald Lewis, the corporation’s relatively new general counsel, as interim president — and also for replacing a popular islander on the corporation board last year with Brooklynite Salvatore Ferrera....

Click here for the entire NY Post article.

Earlier today, I asked Interim RIOC President Don Lewis, RIOC Directors, NY State Assembly Member Micah Kellner and NY State Senator Jose Serrano for comment about the NY Post article. Have not received a response from any yet but will update if a response is received.

Who Will Be New Roosevelt Island Operating Corp Acting/Permanent President and Why Did Former RIOC President Resign? RIOC Board Of Directors Meeting Tomorrow To Discuss, Again

 RIOC Directors and Staff At September 24 Governance Committee Meeting

The Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Board of Directors will meet tomorrow to discuss the appointment of an interim President to replace former RIOC President Leslie Torres who resigned for still unknown reasons on September 21. Also to be discussed by the RIOC Directors will be the establishment of an executive search process to select a permanent RIOC President.

As previously reported, during the September 24 RIOC Governance Committee meeting:

... the RIOC Directors announced that General Counsel Donald Lewis will be the Interim RIOC President/CEO until an Emergency RIOC Board of Directors meeting is held which is scheduled for next Wednesday October 3. At that full RIOC Board meeting, an Acting President/CEO will be named by the RIOC Directors and procedures will be announced for conducting a job search for a new RIOC President....

The full web cast of the public portion of September 24 Governance Committee meeting is below. Prior to the public portion of the meeting, the RIOC Governance committee met in Executive Session without the public or press present. During the Executive Session, after discussions among themselves, the RIOC Board Governance Committee met individually with RIOC General Counsel Donald Lewis, RIOC Vice President of Operations Fernando Martinez and RIOC Chief Financial Officer Steve Chironis.



Reliable sources report that Mr. Lewis, Mr. Martinez and Mr. Chironis are the most likely candidates for interim RIOC President (Biographies of each are available at the RIOC web site). Both Mr. Martinez (joined RIOC in 2007) and Mr. Chironis (joined RIOC in 2008) have much more experience working at RIOC and on Roosevelt Island issues than Mr. Lewis (joined RIOC 2011) though Mr. Lewis is reportedly favored by the Governor and/or the Governor's Office for the position of Interim RIOC President and perhaps even the permanent President.

The last two times an interim RIOC President was selected following the departure of a RIOC President, the Chief Financial Officer was selected for the temporary position - Steve Chironis following  RIOC President Steve Shane in 2010 and Patrick Siconolfi following RIOC President Robert Ryan in 2003.

Below is the Agenda for tomorrow's RIOC Board of Directors Meeting

AGENDA

OCTOBER 3, 2012
MEETING OF THE ROOSEVELT ISLAND OPERATING CORPORATION
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
THE MANHATTAN PARK COMMUNITY CENTER,
8 RIVER ROAD, ROOSEVELT ISLAND, NEW YORK,
5:30 P.M.

I. Call to Order
II. Roll Call
III. Old Business
IV. New Business
1. Chair�s Motion for Executive Session to Review and Discuss Personnel Matters; and
2. Any Other Business Which may be Brought Before the Board of Directors.
V. Adjournment 

Questions remaining to be answered include:

• How much of the RIOC Board discussion will be conducted in public,
• What will be said in secret, 
• Why did former RIOC President Leslie Torres resign and
• Will the RIOC Board make an independent decision to hire the next President after a professional executive search is conducted or 
• Will the Governor and/or his office ("The Second Floor) force the appointment of a political crony/patron.

Interesting times for Roosevelt Island.

UDPATE - 10/4 - RIOC Board selects Don Lewis as the Acting President and will conduct an Executive Search for a permanent President. More here.

Is Roosevelt Island Operating Corp Board Of Directors Taking Control Of New RIOC President Selection Process? Maybe, But Still No Word On Why Former RIOC President Resigned

The Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Governance Committee

 Image of RIOC Directors and Staff Before Governance Committee Meeting Begins

met this evening for over an hour in Executive Session (closed to the public) to discuss the resignation of former RIOC President Leslie Torres, the appointment of an interim President and procedures for selecting a new President.

At the conclusion of the Executive Session, the RIOC Directors announced that General Counsel Donald Lewis will be the Interim RIOC President/CEO until an Emergency RIOC Board of Directors meeting is held which is scheduled for next Wednesday October 3. At that full RIOC Board meeting, an Acting President/CEO will be named by the RIOC Directors and procedures will be announced for conducting a job search for a new RIOC President.

The RIOC Directors also stated that they do not know why Ms. Torres resigned and that they did not learn of her resignation until last Friday.  Ms. Torres resignation was effective the same day it was announced.

Here's some of what happened during the Governance Committee Public Session.



Interestingly, The Tribeca Trib reported on September 12 that the Chairperson President of the Battery Park City Authority resigned effective October 1. The Battery Park City Authority is a NY State Public Benefit Corporation similar to RIOC.

This previous post describes how the RIOC President selection process played out in 2010 following the removal of former President Steve Shane. The Governor, through the DHCR Commissioner, picked Ms. Torres as RIOC President and the RIOC Board's acquiesced to the selection. Perhaps that will not happen this time.

RIOC President Leslie Torres Last Report To The Roosevelt Island Community - No Mention Of Resignation Cause Or New Interim President

 Image of Former RIOC President Leslie Torres from 2010

As reported yesterday, Leslie Torres resigned effective yesterday as President of the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC). RIOC General Counsel Don Lewis, who has been in that position for about a year, was named Interim President/CEO by RIOC Chairperson Darryl Towns. Mr. Lewis was appointed to the position by Mr. Towns without the prior approval of RIOC's Board of Directors.

Below is Ms. Torres last report to the Roosevelt Island community which was received yesterday. As you can see, no mention of her resignation.

Greetings Roosevelt Islanders! Excitement continues to mount for next month’s opening of Four Freedoms Park, the memorial to President Franklin D. Roosevelt. Last week, The New York Times wrote that the park will be the city’s “new spiritual heart,” and that it is “a monumental triumph for New York and for everyone who cares about architecture and public space.” I couldn’t agree more. Four Freedoms will be a special place for Roosevelt Islanders, New Yorkers and visitors from far and wide.

Restoration Projects Eligible for FEMA Reimbursement

By the time Hurricane Irene reached New York City a year ago, it had been downgraded to a tropical storm, but that didn’t stop it from leaving considerable damages in its wake on Roosevelt Island. In particular, the westside waterfront sidewalk, from the Meditation Steps to Island House, was undermined and partially collapsed by the East River’s rushing floodwaters, and many of the lighting structures at Lighthouse Park – poles, foundations and wiring – were destroyed.

The RIOC Board of Directors has now approved the hiring of contractors to reconstruct the westside waterfront sidewalk and restore the lighting at Lighthouse Park. Both projects have been pre-approved by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and qualify for up to 75% reimbursement of the total costs. As I wrote earlier this year, RIOC became eligible for reimbursement funds because we had previously undergone companywide FEMA emergency preparedness training and we executed the agency’s command procedures during Irene.

NYPD to Continue K-9 Training on Island

The RIOC Board of Directors has also approved a three-year extension to a permit agreement we entered into a year ago with the New York City Police Department Transit Bureau K-9 Unit for the location of a police K-9 agility course on Roosevelt Island. The agility course is used by the K-9 Unit to train police dogs for special operations, investigations, and search and recovery exercise. We’re always happy to help the NYPD, with whom we have a great working relationship. The Department, for example, uses our Tram periodically during off-peak hours for routine training sessions to test their equipment.

Brazilian Street Artist Visits, Creates

You may have noticed some unique public art popping up on the Island this past weekend. That’s because on Saturday the acclaimed Brazilian street artist Bel Borba was here, unleashing his creative spirit as part of a multi-facetted visual art project called Bel Borba Aqui New York. Borba is renowned for making striking creations out of found or discarded materials, like the “Belkenstein” sculpture he made out of old plastic traffic barriers which you can see near the Tram. His work will be on display for a few more weeks. For more information on the project, visit http://diariobaiano.wordpress.com.

The RIOC Governance Committee will be meeting on Monday to discuss the issues of Ms. Torres resignation and the hiring of a successor.

Is Leslie Torres Still The President Of Roosevelt Island Operating Corp - No Official Word From RIOC Yet, But.... - Update, Ms Torres Resignation Confirmed

Image of Leslie Torres Upon Being Appointed RIOC President on August 4, 2010

Speculation arose last night during the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Board of Directors meeting that RIOC President Leslie Torres may not be President much longer.

During the discussion of the Island House ground lease extension (which was approved), RIOC Director David Kraut asked why the resolution included language that the RIOC President or any Vice President could sign the resolution which is very unusual since historically resolutions were signed by the President. RIOC General Counsel Donald Lewis said that the language authorizing any RIOC Vice President to sign the resolution was included because RIOC was not sure when Ms. Torres would be available to sign the resolution. Mr. Kraut then asked:

Does staff know something that the Board does not about Ms. Torres availability to sign this document

Here's the discussion.



Full web cast of the meeting will be (is) here.

After the meeting, I asked RIOC Chair Darryl Towns and Mr. Lewis if there was any change in Ms. Torres status as RIOC President and if she would be continuing as RIOC President. I told them that in my opinion, the logical conclusion of Mr. Kraut's questions and their answers was that Ms. Torres was out as RIOC President. Both Mr. Towns and Mr. Lewis denied that there was any change in the status of Ms. Torres as RIOC President.

I also asked several RIOC Directors if they were aware of any change in Ms. Torres status. They responded that they did not know.

Earlier this morning, the Main Street WIRE sent out an email

Leslie Torres Said to Have Resigned

Reportedly, President Leslie Torres of the Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation has resigned. Torres was absent from last night's meeting of the RIOC Board of Directors, the absence unexplained. When the Board approved, 8 to 1, a resolution authorizing extension of the ground lease for Island House, the language indicated the lease could be signed by the president "or any vice president." It was clear from the comments and demeanor of RIOC staffers in the meeting, as well as Chair Darryl Towns, that they were attempting to skirt the issue of why that would be necessary.

The WIRE has learned that Torres has quit the job. More details in the October 8 issue of The Main Street WIRE.

If Ms. Torres is no longer RIOC President, then the very interesting question becomes who will it be and how will the RIOC President be hired - by the RIOC Board as authorized in law but never implemented in practice or by the Governor of NY, which has been the prior custom and practice.

Will the new RIOC President be a competent, experienced manager or a political crony/patron of the Governor's office?

Much more to come.

UPDATE 7:00 PM - Just received this statement from RIOC's Press Spokesperson issued at 6:45 PM Friday evening:

Leslie Torres, president of the Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation (RIOC) resigned her position effective today, Friday, September 21, 2012. Ms. Torres joined RIOC as president in August 2010. Ms. Torres is pursuing new opportunities. Donald D. Lewis has been named Acting President and CEO by the Chair of the RIOC Board of Directors, Darryl C. Towns.

The RIOC Governance Committee will be meeting in Executive Session (closed to the public) on Monday to discuss the matter:

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that a meeting of the Governance Committee of the RIOC Board of Directors will be held on Monday, September 24, 2012 at 5:30 p.m. at the RIOC administrative office, 591 Main Street, Roosevelt Island, New York.

AGENDA

Chair’s Motion for Executive Session to Discuss Personnel Matters;

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

UPDATE 9/22 - RIOC Director David Kraut reports he has no comment at this time on situation.

UPDATE 9/24 - RIOC's Governance Committee met this evening to discuss selection of interim and permanent RIOC President. Here's what happened.

Report From RIOC President Leslie Torres - Roosevelt Island Public Safety Officer Performs Heimlich Maneuver On Choking Victim, Bicycle Parking Policy Change, Tramway Plaza Rat Update and Main Street Reconstruction Replacing Z Brick

Image of Heimlich Maneuver Instructions From Harvard Medical School

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

Greetings Roosevelt Islanders! I want to start this week’s column by thanking you for your cooperation while we renovated the Tram stations last month. We have a little bit more work to do, but the main portion of the project was completed last Friday, as scheduled, so there will be no more disruptions to the regular Tram schedule.

PSD Officer Saves Choking Victim

On the night of August 27, RIOC’s Public Safety Department received a call for assistance in the lobby of 625 Main Street. Four officers – Lt. Gary Yee, Sgt. Raul Hernandez and Special Patrol Officers Frensheria Michael and Leonard Bunbury – hurried to the scene to find a woman who was choking. SPO Michael quickly examined the woman, who was turning blue and unable to speak, and saw the imprint of an object in her throat. She performed the Heimlich maneuver on the woman twice, causing her to cough up a piece of beef that had been lodged in her throat. Later, Emergency Medical Services arrived and confirmed that the woman’s vitals were good. I’m thrilled that she’s okay and grateful to SPO Michael for her terrific work!

Bicycle Parking Policy Change

Overnight bicycle parking is currently not permitted on RIOC bicycle racks, but that’s about to change. Starting on September 17, overnight parking will be allowed on our bicycle racks with two exceptions: the rack located on the West Drive at the F-train station and the rack located in the Roosevelt Island Tramway Plaza. Overnight parking between 2:00 am and 5:00 am will still be prohibited on those two racks in an effort to reduce overcrowding and ensure space for daily commuters.

Please note that long-term storage is not permitted on any RIOC bicycle rack. Any bicycle that appears to be abandoned will be tagged by the RIOC Transportation Department with a warning tag. The owner will be given seven days to claim their bicycle before it will be removed and held by Public Safety for seven days. After seven days any unclaimed bicycles will be donated to the Roosevelt Island Thrift Shop located at 520 Main Street.

Tramway Park Rat Extermination Update

In the June 16 edition of the RIOC column, I wrote about the rat problem at Tramway Park on the Manhattan side of the Tram. As I said then, Tramway Park is the property of the New York City Department of Parks & Recreation and thus not RIOC’s jurisdiction, but we would work with the Parks Department to assist in their extermination efforts as much as we could.

Last month, with the Parks Department’s approval, the East Midtown Partnership, which is the Business Improvement District covering the Manhattan side of the Tram, agreed to assume the responsibility for a major rat extermination effort in Tramway Park. As part of this initiative, they have hired a new extermination company that has already begun its work. RIOC representatives met with representatives from the Midtown East Partnership and the Parks Department, and we are optimistic that their work will be thorough and successful.

Main Street Reconstruction to Begin

The street work for Phase II of our Main Street Reconstruction Project will begin on Wednesday, September 12. During Phase I, completed in 2009, we replaced Z-Bricks with asphalt pavement on the roadway from 40 River Road to the Fire House Station. Phase II will continue the same work from 40 River Road to the bottom of the Helix ramp. The asphalt surface is better at handling heavy vehicle traffic and the elements, and it won’t require the frequent and costly repairs involved in maintaining the Z-Bricks.

Report From RIOC President Leslie Torres - Roosevelt Island Tram Station Renovations, NYC Pesticide Spraying, Steel Boat Sculpture Renovation & Good Shepherd Chapel Slate Roof Repairs

 Image of Proposed Manhattan Tram Station Waiting Area

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

Greetings Roosevelt Islanders! Time certainly flies by. It seems like just yesterday we were kicking off the summer season with Roosevelt Island Day and the beginning of our Outdoor Summer Movie Series. But now, as August winds down, the fall season promises to be equally exciting, with the opening of Four Freedoms Park among the many things to look forward to in the coming months.

Tram Renovations

RIOC thanks you for your cooperation this past week as we began our two-week process of renovating the passenger waiting areas in our Tram stations. We will need to shut down the Tram again next week during off-peak hours, from Monday, August 27 to Friday, August 31, 10:00 am to 3:00 pm each day.

For alternate transportation into Manhattan, RIOC will continue to provide Red Bus service to 2nd Avenue and 58th Street, from 10:30 am to 2:00 pm next week. And as always, you can also ride the MTA’s F-Train or the Q-102 bus for service to Manhattan and Queens.

While planning the project, our engineers determined that in order to do the renovations safely and efficiently, we would need to shut down the entire tram system. Safety is our number-one priority. Once we realized we would need to shut down the entire system, we decided to move up the renovations up from September to the last two weeks of August so that the work would be completed before the school year starts and while many residents are out of town on summer vacation.

We realize the Tram closure is a burden on the community and apologize for the inconvenience; however, the renovations to the stations are needed.

Monitoring NYC’s Pesticide Spraying

RIOC has been monitoring the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene’s pesticide spraying activity as it steps up efforts to reduce mosquito presence and the risk of West Nile virus. Thus far, the mosquitos carrying the virus have not been detected on Roosevelt Island and therefore the Island is not scheduled for spraying. In the event that spraying is required here, we will send out the appropriate advisories. The latest NYC spraying schedule can be found on the Health Department’s website: http://www.nyc.gov/html/doh/html/wnv/wnvspray.shtml

Steel Boat Sculpture Renovation

As most Roosevelt Island residents know, the Steel Boat Sculpture – or Boat Prow – to the west of the Octagon soccer field, has been in an unsightly condition due to graffiti vandalizing and exposure to the weather and tidal water. To restore the Prow, we have hired contractors who will replace the deteriorated steel panels and clean the entire sculpture. We also intend to be diligent about graffiti removal. As soon as we know about new graffiti on the sculpture or elsewhere on the Island, we will dispatch a team to paint over it or remove it.

Chapel Roof Repairs

Work to replace the Good Shepherd Chapel roof with a new, natural slate roof will commence on Monday, August 27. While the work is underway, the Good Shepherd Chapel Plaza will be fenced off and closed to the public due to safety concerns.

Report From RIOC President Leslie Torres - Updates On Roosevelt Island Street Furniture, Meditation Steps, Mobile Food Vending, See Click Fix, Southpoint Park Spraying and Condolences

You Tube Video of RIOC President June Report To Board Of Directors

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

Greetings Roosevelt Islanders! I want to remind everyone that one of the highlights of summer on the Island, the Summer Outdoor Movie Series, begins this Saturday at 8:00 pm at Southpoint Park with a screening of Captain America: The First Avenger. Bring a blanket or a chair and arrive early to join in the pre-show festivities. The park is ADA accessible and the Red Bus will stop at the nearby bus stop every 15 minutes.

Street Furniture in Good Shepherd Plaza

In response to residents’ requests for street furniture in Good Shepherd Plaza, we will be installing several eight-foot-long benches to the west side of the newly refurbished plaza. The benches will be in place by July 1. Additionally, we are working with RIRA to determine what other street furniture we can install in the plaza to meet the community’s needs.

Meditation Steps

We are happy to announce that contractors have begun work on reconstructing the Meditation Steps. With its serene setting and spectacular views of the Manhattan skyline and the East River, the Mediation Steps is a cherished public space, and this project will only enhance it. We are looking forward to re-opening the site once the work is completed.

Mobile Food Vending

In an effort to encourage mobile food vendors to come to Roosevelt Island, RIOC’s Operations Committee has decided to allow vendors to operate on the Island for free for the month of July. The permit application is available on our website.

SeeClickFix

Since we launched our partnership with SeeClickFix last year, we have received – and acted on – many requests for service that residents have made via the innovative place-based reporting platform. I would like to remind residents that using SeeClickFix is the best and most efficient way to alert RIOC to neighborhood concerns like potholes, graffiti, litter, broken streetlights or any other non-emergency issue.

Once a resident submits an issue, RI311 can acknowledge the request, route it to the proper RIOC department and update residents once it has been resolved. Through SeeClickFix, community members can also view, comment on and vote to fix problems submitted by their neighbors.

RIOC’s SeeClickFix website can be found here: http://rioc.ny.gov/RI311.htm. Residents can also download the iPhone, Android, and Blackberry apps here: http://www.seeclickfix.com/apps.

Spraying at Southpoint Park

On Wednesday, June 20 RIOC closed Southpoint Park for a regularly scheduled herbicide spraying. I can assure residents that we always use an organic herbicide that is not harmful to humans or animals. While the park was closed, RIOC groundskeepers did additional work, including cutting and removing weeds. The park was back open the next day for all to enjoy.

Condolences

I want to conclude this week’s column by extending my condolences to Roosevelt Island Historical Society president Judy Berdy and her family. Judy’s mother Ruth, who had lived on Roosevelt Island for the last year, passed away last weekend. The Berdy family is in our thoughts and prayers.

Report From RIOC President Leslie Torres - Rats At Manhattan Tram Station Entrance, New Roosevelt Island Way Finding Signage, Summer Outdoor Movies And Groundskeepers Visit Central Park To Learn New Strategies

Image From Catherine Shells

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

Greetings Roosevelt Islanders! I hope you enjoyed all of the Roosevelt Island Day fun last weekend. Thankfully the morning clouds dissipated and we enjoyed a gorgeous afternoon and evening. I would like to thank everyone who participated – residents, visitors and elected officials, including Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney, Councilmember Jessica Lappin, State Senator José M. Serrano, and Assembly Member Micah Kellner. I would also like to thank Urban American’s Doryne Isely and the Youth Center’s Charlie Defino who partnered with RIOC on funding and organizing the event. Lastly, special thanks go to the terrific RIOC staff members who made the whole day run smoothly.

Rats in Tramway Park

I think we can all agree that the rat problem at Tramway Park on the Manhattan side of the Tram needs immediate attention. To be clear, Tramway Park is the property of the New York City Department of Parks & Recreation. RIOC has no jurisdiction beyond working with the agency, which we are doing. Specifically, we have offered to help with extermination and we are exploring how we can supplement their other efforts to address the problem. For example, the Parks Department power-washes the Tram plaza once a week, which doesn’t seem to be enough to deter the rats. As a result, we are hiring a contractor who will provide additional power-washing services so that the plaza will be cleaner. The rat problem is clearly exacerbated by people feeding pigeons, which is illegal, so we are encouraging the Parks Department to increase enforcement in the area. We have also gotten indication that their extermination efforts will be stepped up. We will continue to monitor the situation and explore further action if necessary.

New and Improved Signage

The installation of way-finding signage is a priority for RIOC. We are in discussions with Hudson Related to install a network of informational and directional signage Island-wide. Additionally, we are in the process of redesigning our bus stop signage, which will improve the visibility of Red Bus stops.

Soon we will be offering Island merchants the opportunity to promote their businesses on the Tram monitors. This will also allow riders to see various retail options that are available before arriving on Roosevelt Island.

Summer Outdoor Movie Series

Roosevelt Island’s 2012 Summer Outdoor Movie Series begins on Saturday, June 30 at Southpoint Park with a screening of the 2011 blockbuster Captain America: The First Avenger. This free series will feature family-friendly films on select evenings throughout the summer, including Grease (July 7), Tangled (July 20), The Help (July 21), The Lion King (August 4), and Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows (August 11). Each movie starts at 8:00 pm, but you can arrive at 7:00 pm for live music, movie-themed trivia, prizes, and other activities. And of course, there will be buttery popcorn, hotdogs and other goodies for sale. Admission is free, so bring a blanket or a chair, sit back, relax and enjoy the show!

Groundskeepers Learn New Strategies

RIOC’s groundskeepers will visit Central Park on June 18 to learn about the landscaping strategies and tactics behind one of the world’s most renowned urban parks. Earlier this year, members of Cornell’s groundskeeping team did a series of ten training sessions with our groundskeepers, aimed at teaching them the latest best practices in landscaping and environmental beautification. It’s all part of our effort to ensure that we’re making Roosevelt Island a gorgeous place to live and visit.

Report From RIOC President Leslie Torres - Roosevelt Island Day, Tram Fountain Open, Island Shakespeare, Cardinal Visits & Arbor Day Tree Give Away

Image of RIOC President Leslie Torres

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

Greetings Roosevelt Islanders! I hope you had a great Memorial Day weekend. It was certainly busy here, as visitors poured onto our Tram to come and enjoy all the outdoor attractions that our beautiful Island has to offer.

Roosevelt Island Day

Join us for a full slate of Roosevelt Island Day fun on Saturday, June 9. The day kicks off at 9:00 am at the Good Shepherd Plaza, where residents can pick up flowers to plant around the Island. Then, from noon to 3:00 pm, kids take center stage with games, rides, a petting zoo and other family-friendly activities on the Plaza. Roosevelt Island’s own Main Street Theatre & Dance Alliance will perform at 6:00 pm, and the day will conclude with a concert by Incrediband at 6:30 pm. All the events will go forward rain or shine, but if it rains the Incrediband concert will move indoors to PS/IS 217. Attendees will receive the newly designed Roosevelt Island Day t-shirt, wristbands and more for free.

As I mentioned in a previous column, Senator Jose M. Serrano will be sponsoring free mammogram screenings at the 591 Main Street Plaza from 1:30 pm to 5:00 pm as part of Roosevelt Island Day. Please call 1-800-564-6868 for details and to make an appointment.

Fountain is Open

RIOC is pleased to announce that the fountain near the Tram station is open once again, after we repaired parts that were cracked and broken. Now that the work is finished, the barricade has been removed, but as always it is unsafe to go into the fountain. Our Public Safety Department will be monitoring the area.

Island Shakespeare’s Season Opens

Island Shakespeare is opening its 2012 season on June 15 with an immersive celebration of Shakespeare’s comedy “Much Ado About Nothing” at the Eastwood Amphitheater. Performances run through July 1, with 7:30 pm shows on Fridays and Saturdays, and 2:00 pm matinees on Saturdays and Sundays. The company promises “a raucous celebration” in which audience members can “follow the story, follow a character, or follow their own desire to explore the piazza.” With live music and dance, and a cast of classically trained actors, it should be a one of a kind experience. Only a limited number of people will be admitted to each performance. For more information, visit www.islandshakespeare.com.

Cardinal O’Brien Visits

The St. Frances Xavier Cabrini congregation welcomed Cardinal Edwin Frederick O’Brien to Roosevelt Island on Wednesday evening for the parish’s Confirmation Ceremony at the Good Shepherd Chapel. Cardinal O’Brien, who traveled from Rome, greeted and took photos with parishioners before the service.

The Cardinal has long been committed to Roosevelt Island and Cabrini, having confirmed over 70 Island residents in previous years before he became a Cardinal. It had been 32 years since a Cardinal last came to Roosevelt Island, and Father Peter Miqueli called the visit “an honor.”

Arbor Day Planting

At our Arbor Day celebration on May 18 RIOC gave away over 100 plants to kids to take home and plant. We appreciate all the help from these youngsters and their parents who are helping to keep the Island green and beautiful. We’re also grateful for the support of RIOC Board Members Christian and Grimm who helped host the Arbor Day event.

Report From RIOC President Leslie Torres - Roosevelt Island Becoming Prime NYC Destination, Red Bus Route Extended To Southpoint Park, Volunteer Landscape Friends Of Southpoint Park, Dialogue With RIOC Directors, First Come First Serve Lighthouse Park BBQ, Fitness Class, Tennis Permits & More

You Tube Video Of Roosevelt Island Red Bus

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

Greetings Roosevelt Islanders! Last weekend there were several events on the Island that show why Roosevelt Island is one of New York City’s prime destinations for sports and recreation. And, to make it easier for visitors – and especially our residents – to get to all out hotspots, we're expanding Red Bus service. Read more below.

Also, since the next column won't be out for two more weeks, I want to wish you all a safe and pleasant Memorial Day weekend. The Island is a great place to spend a long weekend. Remember, if you're planning to barbecue at Lighthouse Park, it's first come, first serve, so grab a grill site early.

Red Bus Service to Southpoint Park

RIOC is pleased to announce that on May 24 the Roosevelt Island Red Bus route will begin providing service to Southpoint Park. The route will remain the same north of the tram, but south of the tram it will be extended to Southpoint. The bus will depart the tram stop and proceed southbound on East Drive. The existing route makes a right hand turn and proceeds westbound, south of Sports Park; the extended route will continue southbound and will stop at the south west corner of Goldwater Hospital, adjacent to the Southpoint Park entrance. The bus will then turn right onto West Drive, heading northbound to service stops at Goldwater Hospital and West Tram, then proceeding north to the F-train station.

The Red Bus will stop at Southpoint Park as part of regular local service, seven days a week from the start of service at 5:45 am to the close of service (2:30 am Sun-Thurs, 3:30 am Fri-Sat). Please note, however, that the Octagon Express will not service Southpoint Park.

To connect with the Tram, Red Bus customers will be able to select either the "Tram Station East" stop or the "Tram Station West" stop to board or depart the bus. Two additional stops will be installed with this service change: “Southpoint Park” and “Goldwater Hospital.”

Friends of Southpoint Park

RIOC has formed a volunteer group of residents called Friends of Southpoint Park, which is helping with the landscape maintenance of the new park. We greatly appreciate the service of the nearly 40 volunteers who have already signed up. If you’re interested in joining, please contact Michael Smith Parks & Recreation Manager at michael.smith@rioc.ny.gov

Upcoming Public Meeting

There will be a public meeting after the RIOC Board meeting on May 24. The public meeting will be held at the Manhattan Park Community Center at 8:00 pm. Anyone who would like to dialogue with Board Members is encouraged to attend.

Day of Fitness a Success

Last Saturday’s Day of Fitness event, hosted by RIOC’s Parks & Recreation Department, drew 250 people to Firefighters Field. The weather was picture perfect, as Island residents and visitors enjoyed the free event. Participants sampled many of the classes now offered at Sportspark, including Tango, Zumba, Roosevelt Island Boot Camp and Spinning. But the main attractions were “Bodies in Motion” TV host Gilad Janklowicz and Spinning International Master Instructor Josh Taylor. Ten visitors traveled from more than two hours away to meet these fitness stars!

Due to the high attendance and positive response to the class sessions, Sportspark has extended its hour-long Zumba classes, which will now be offered on Mondays at 6:30 pm, Thursdays at 8:30 pm, and Saturdays at 10:00 am.

Two Events for Great Causes

Saturday was a busy day for outdoor fun on Roosevelt Island. In addition to hosting our own Day of Fitness, we welcomed the Icla da Silva Foundation, which held its 2nd Annual Roosevelt Island 5K Run/Walk. Participants ran and walked on a USA Track & Field certified course that started and finished at Blackwell Park, taking them around the perimeter of the Island where they enjoyed our breathtaking views of Manhattan and Queens. Council Member Jessica Lappin was among the 450 participants. The race benefitted the Icla da Silva Foundation, which recruits bone marrow donors with a focus on minority communities.

As if that wasn’t enough excitement for one day, the New York City Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association held its 2nd Annual Blondes vs. Brunettes Flag Football Game on Octagon Field. The game drew another 200 people to the Island, raising money for the fight against Alzheimer’s disease.

We’re pleased that Roosevelt Island is a hot spot for sports and recreation – especially when we can host events like these that raise money for great causes.

Tennis Permits

Tennis permit became available under our upgraded system on May 9. For more information, please visit www.rioc.ny.gov.

Report From RIOC President Leslie Torres - Roosevelt Island Fitness Day Bodies In Motion With Gilad, Public Safety Commendations, Free Mammograms, Bridge Testing Advisory & Happy Birthday

You Tube Video of Bodies In Motion With Gilad

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

I want to kick off this week’s column by wishing a happy birthday to Carl Bradford, who has been a RIOC bus operator since 1979. We thank Carl, who celebrated his birthday last week, for his many years of service and continued hard work.

Public Safety Department’s Annual Commendation Ceremony

Every year in May, RIOC’s Public Safety Department hosts an Annual Commendation Ceremony to honor the courageous work of its uniformed officers, and to thank the community for its assistance in making Roosevelt Island a safe place to live. We encourage all of you to join us for this year’s ceremony on May 18 at 4:00 pm at the 591 Main Street Plaza.

Officers will be recognized for the exemplary jobs they have done on specific service calls in the past year. Among those receiving commendations will be Officers Julio Jiminez and Jonathan Martinez for helping to save the life of a man who had jumped into the East River in February. The Public Safety Department will also recognize RIOC groundskeepers Jamal Perry and Nelson Soltren who assisted in the rescue. Additionally, Officers Christian Gilmore and Michael Cabassa will both be officially promoted to the rank of Detective, and a Roosevelt Island resident will receive a special award for assistance given to the department in the last year.

As a part of National Police Week, the ceremony is our way of thanking our own law enforcement officers for the important work they do to serve and protect our community.

Day of Fitness with Gilad Janklowicz and Josh Taylor

On May 12 “Bodies in Motion” star Gilad Janklowicz and Spinning International Master Instructor Josh Taylor will be on Roosevelt Island for our Parks and Recreation Department’s first-ever Day of Fitness event. It’s free and open to anyone who wants to join the fun.

Janklowicz will lead two 45-minute Bodies in Motion classes on Firefighters Field – the first at 1:00 pm and the second at 2:15 pm. Each class will be followed by a meet-and-greet session. Meanwhile Taylor will lead two spinning classes in Sportspark’s ping pong room at 1:00 and at 3:00. Participants in the Day of Fitness can also sample Sportspark classes on Firefighters Field: Tango at 1:00, Zumba at 2:00, and Roosevelt Island Boot Camp at 3:00.

Each participant will get a water bottle and a t-shirt. For more information, please call (212) 832-4563 or (212) 832-4559.

Senator Serrano to Sponsor Free Mammograms on Roosevelt Island Day

Senator Jose M. Serrano will be sponsoring free mammogram screenings on Roosevelt Island Day – Saturday, June 9 – at the 591 Main Street Plaza from 1:30 pm to 5:00 pm. Part of Project Renewal’s ScanVan Program, the screenings will be available for women 40 years of age and older who have not had a mammogram in the past year. Please call 1-800-564-6868 for an appointment. The event is being co-sponsored by Council Member Lappin and Assembly Member Kellner. We thank all of the sponsors for this generous service.

Department of Transportation Testing the Roosevelt Island Bridge

The New York City Department of Transportation (DOT) Division of Bridges plans to resume testing the newly rehabilitated Roosevelt Island Bridge beginning on Monday, May 7 at 10 am. Testing is expected to be finished on May 18.

As during previous testing periods, the bridge will be closed to all traffic for 15-minute intervals, between 10 am and 2 pm. Public Safety will do its best to keep traffic flowing during DOT’s testing.

Report From RIOC President Leslie Torres - Roosevelt Island Gets Some New Main Street Retail Stores, Tram Station Improvements Update, RI 311 See Click Fix, Cherry Blossom Festival & More

You Tube Video of RIOC President's Report 

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

Greetings Roosevelt Islanders. I have a few updates and announcements about projects that will continue to improve life on the Island, so I’ll get right to it…

Main Street Redevelopment Moves Forward

Plans for the redevelopment of the Main Street retail corridor are moving forward.  Last summer, RIOC signed a 30-year lease with Hudson Related Retail LLC to improve the vibrancy and lure new business for the 100,000 square feet of retail space on Main Street.  Now, Hudson/Related is preparing to move into leases with retailers that will provide the Island with an expanded array of goods and services.  Among the new tenants will be organic market Wholesome Direct, a Subway sandwich store and a wine store.  Additionally, the Gristedes grocery store will be remodeled.

We partnered with Hudson/Related for this project because of their excellent track record, including the wonderful work they have done developing the buildings and commercial space in Southtown.  Now, with their plans for a retail makeover on Main Street, the Island will have a beautiful retail corridor that offers quality services to the entire community.

SeeClickFix Provides Island with Custom Mobile And Online Platform

Earlier this week we announced our innovative partnership with SeeClickFix to allow Roosevelt Island residents to report non-emergency issues and request Island services through its online and mobile platform. Launched last year, the place-based reporting platform allows residents to document neighborhood concerns and improvements alike, ranging from potholes and graffiti to litter and broken streetlights.  During the soft launch phase, which began in July 2011, 70 requests for service and other issues were reported to RIOC via SeeClickFix.

We are leveraging this comprehensive platform to increase efficiency when responding to service requests and more efficiently improve the Island’s infrastructure.  SeeClickFix helps us empower the citizens we serve and encourage them to actively engage with each other, their neighborhoods, and us.

With the online and mobile reporting platform, residents can report quality-of-life concerns through service request categories via the RIOC website, custom mobile applications (iPhone, Android, Blackberry), and SeeClickFix.com. When submitting issues via mobile app, for example, residents can provide locational, descriptive, and photographic information as they see the issue in real time. Once the resident submits an issue, RI311, and anyone ‘watching’ the area will receive an alert. RI311 can then acknowledge the service request, route it to the proper department, and update the request—and residents following the issue—once it’s been resolved.

The partnership allows residents to not only report community issues, but also view, comment on, and vote to fix problems submitted by their neighbors. Citizens can even create their own “watch areas” to receive notifications about all issues reported in their community, enabling them to follow the progress of all service requests – not just the ones they report.

RIOC’s SeeClickFix website can be found here: http://rioc.ny.gov/RI311.htm and residents can download iPhone, Android, and Blackberry apps here: http://www.seeclickfix.com/apps

Tram Station Updates

This week we started work on the Roosevelt Island and Manhattan Tram stations.  Work to modernize, beautify, and make the stations more comfortable for riders will be an ongoing project: We are doing our best to minimize disruptions for riders.

What can you expect when we're done?  I think the biggest change you'll see is an enclosure of the platforms and turnstiles.  For all of us who have taken the subway on a windy, cold day, we know what a relief enclosures will bring.  We'll also repair the stairs and repair, patch and paint the stations.

In the meantime, please use caution when walking near construction and have a safe ride.

Report From RIOC President Leslie Torres - Roosevelt Island Water Fountains Broken, Congratulates Sportspark Employee, Tennis Permits & More

Image of Tram Fountain Closed For Repairs

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

I hope everyone has had a great start to the month of April. I want to continue periodically using this column to acknowledge the great work that RIOC employees are doing.

With participation in leagues and classes at Sportspark is at an all-time high, it’s a perfect time to recognize Eddie Perez, a RIOC employee who is integral to making our wonderful athletics facility run smoothly. As Sportspark’s Certified Pool Operator and Operations Assistant, Perez is responsible first and foremost for managing the swimming pool and ensuring that it meets Board of Health standards. However, he does so much more than that, from general maintenance and administrative duties to assisting RIOC’s Parks & Recreation Manager Michael Smith in supervising staff.

With Perez’s 15 years of experience at Sportspark, his coworkers like to joke that he “came with the building,” and they have nicknamed him “The President.” When someone – whether it’s a colleague or resident – has a question, they know they can ask Perez, because he’ll invariably have the answer.

“Eddie is vital to the day-to-day management of Sportspark. Nobody knows the place better than he does,” Smith says. “He does everything flawlessly and with a smile on his face.”

One of the reasons that Roosevelt Island is so important to Perez is that it has been his home for 25 years. “I love this community,” he says. “I like living and working in a place where everyone knows my name and people are friendly.”

Perez’s deep commitment to public service extends from his coworkers, to his neighbors throughout the Island and to the greater New York City community. On 9/11, for example, Perez was among a group of RIOC employees who went immediately to Ground Zero, volunteering their time and energy to assist rescue workers however they could.

Perez has seen a lot of change over the years, but he is excited about the momentum that Sportspark has built. “In the early days, things were a little crazy here, but it’s a lot more structured now,” he says. “We’re seeing a lot more people come in these days. The new classes we offer, like Zumba and Boot Camp, are really popular, and residents always love our daily open swim.”

Indeed, Sportspark is clicking on all cylinders, and Eddie Perez is a big reason why.

Fountain Maintenance

The fountain near the Tram station is closed for repairs due to cracks in the tiles. Replacement parts are on back order. Once they are received, we will commence with the repairs. We have also turned off both of the fountains by Blackwell House, because of safety concerns due to rusting and deterioration. The fountains will remain turned off until further notice.

Tennis Permits

RIOC is currently upgrading the process concerning outdoor tennis permits. We expect the upgraded permits to be available soon, but if you would like to sign up to receive an email notice of exactly when permits will be available, please visit www.rioc.ny.gov.

RIOC on Twitter and Facebook

For the latest information about news and events on Roosevelt Island, follow RIOC on Twitter @RIOCny and visit our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/RIOCNY.

Report From RIOC President Leslie Torres - Roosevelt Island Increased Con Ed Gas Service Plans For Cornell Arrival, FEMA Reimbursement For Hurricane Irene Repairs and Preventive Measures, Emergency Preparedness Workshop & Outdoor Field Permits

March 21 RIOC Ops Committee Discussion of Con Ed Plans (video/audio out of Sync)

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

I want to wish you a happy beginning to the spring season. It’s a wonderful time to get outside, to take advantage of the warmer weather and the longer days, and to be reminded of what a beautiful place Roosevelt Island is to live and work.

Discussions about Gas for the Island

RIOC is in on-going discussions with Con Edison about their plans to supply increased gas services to Roosevelt Island with the arrival of the Cornell-Technion campus. We will be working with Con Edison to develop the best strategy for providing gas service for the long-term future.

FEMA Reimbursement for Irene Repairs and Preventative Measures

As you all remember, last summer Roosevelt Island weathered Hurricane Irene. Earlier in 2011, RIOC underwent companywide FEMA training so that when storms and other potential disasters strike, we would be able to execute FEMA’s emergency management command procedures. That’s exactly what we did during Irene to minimize damages, and as a result we are eligible to receive reimbursement dollars from FEMA to help cover the cost of repairs after the storm. The process takes an estimated six months from the date of reimbursement submission.

Additionally FEMA will help cover mitigation costs, providing reimbursement for the preventative measures that RIOC plans to take in order to limit losses and damages during future emergencies. We are working to identify potential weak spots on the Island and then we will make the necessary repairs in order to ensure that our residents and properties are safe. For example, we are currently assessing plans to shore up the Seawall – a project that will be reimbursed, in part, by FEMA because RIOC Staff completed their preparedness training last year.

Emergency Preparedness Workshop

On a related note, State Senator José M. Serrano and the American Red Cross in Greater New York are sponsoring a free workshop designed to prepare individuals and families for emergencies on the Island. The event is Friday, March 23 at 6:00 p.m. at the Good Shepherd Community Center and it’s co-sponsored by Council Member Jessica Lapin and Assembly Member Micah Kellner. Attendees will learn how to create a family disaster plan, build and maintain a supply kit, and keep loved ones safe and informed during times of disaster. For more information and to RSVP, please call the District Office at (212) 828-5829.

Dr. May Edward Chinn Play

I thoroughly enjoyed the performance of Dr. May Edward Chinn earlier this month at the Main Street Theatre & Dance Alliance. The play told the inspirational story of Dr. Chinn, a pioneer in cervival cancer research and treatment who broke barriers as the first African-American woman to graduate from Bellevue Hospital Medical College and the first to intern at Harlem Hospital. It was a terrific show and a poignant way to celebrate Women’s History Month!

Spring Season Begins for Outdoor Sports Fields

The weekend of March 31-April 1 marks the opening of the spring season for our outdoor fields. To apply for a permit, visit www.rioc.ny.gov/generalapp.htm or contact Donna.Masly@rioc.ny.gov.

The video discussion at top is of March 21 RIOC Operations Committee meeting (full audio web cast of meeting is here - Con Ed discussion starts at 2 hour 32 minute 45 second mark). VP of Operations Fernando Martinez briefed the RIOC Board Directors on early stage plans of Con Ed for possible increased gas usage on Roosevelt Island with the development of new Cornell Technion campus. Video is missing last minute and half of discussion.

Report From RIOC President Leslie Torres - RIOC Employees Save East River Jumper, Cornell Begins Environmental Review, Quebec Transport Minister Visits Tram and Women's History Month Performance

You Tube Video Of Deputy Mayor Robert Steele Presentation on Roosevelt Island Cornell Project at March 7 Long Island City Partnership

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

I open this week’s column with the story of how RIOC Public Safety Department Officers and groundskeepers saved the life of a man who had jumped into the East River last week.

On the afternoon of February 27, groundskeeper Jamal Perry was sweeping near the Tramway Plaza, when he saw a jacket on the ground that didn’t belong to anyone nearby. He investigated further and spotted a man in the river. Perry notified PSD, which had just received a call about the jumper. PSD immediately dispatched officers Julio Jimenez and Jonathan Martinez. Jimenez threw the man a Life Ring and held a rope that Martinez clung to as he bravely climbed the Seawall onto the rip-wrap and pulled the man to safety. Perry and fellow groundskeeper Nelson Soltren helped pull him back over the Seawall, where Martinez, a certified EMT, attended to the man, who fortunately sustained no major injuries.

“I was just glad I was there to see the jacket,” said Perry. “I love this community and I would do anything to help.”

NYPD and FDNY personnel arrived a few minutes after the man was rescued to treat him and transport him to Mt. Sinai Hospital.

“It didn’t actually hit me until I was on my way home that night that we had actually saved a man’s life,” Martinez said.

It was a great example of bravery, selflessness and teamwork by RIOC personnel. The PSD Officers will be honored at this year's Commendation Ceremony in May.

Cornell Project Takes Another Step Forward

At the March 1, 2012 RIOC Board Meeting, a resolution giving Cornell the green light to move to the next phase was unanimously approved.

The City and State can now move forward with the required land and environmental reviews.

Quebec’s Minister of Transport Visits Tram

Last Saturday RIOC was honored to host a delegation from the Quebec government, headed by Minister of Transport Pierre Moreau. Quebec’s largest city, Montreal, is exploring the idea of building a tram of their own, so naturally they came to Roosevelt Island to see first-hand how a tram can thrive in an urban setting. RIOC’s Vice President for Operations Fernando Martinez and Leitner Poma of America representatives Armando Cordova and Jon Mauch were on-site to welcome our Canadian friends and lead them on a tour of our tram facility. Afterwards, Moreau and his team said they were impressed by our system and operation, which showed them that a tram can be an economical, efficient and environmentally friendly public transportation option. It’s gratifying whenever other global cities look to Roosevelt Island to learn about the innovations we’ve made that enhance urban living.

Women’s History Month Event

In honor of Women’s History Month, we would like to invite you to a two-woman performance Dr. May Edward Chinn, a play about the doctor’s remarkable life. Dr. Chinn was a pioneer in cervical cancer studies and aided in the development of the Pap smear test. She broke barriers, being the first African-American woman to graduate from Bellevue Hospital Medical College and the first to intern at Harlem Hospital. The play was originally produced by the Richard Allen Center for Culture and Art.

There are two performances at the Main Street Theater & Dance Alliance – Saturday, March 10 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, March 11 at 3 p.m. Space is limited. Please RSVP by calling 212-832-4540.

More on the East River rescue incident from this previous post.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

New York Power Authority Tree Program

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

Construction Updates

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

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