Benches Removed From Roosevelt Landings Main Street Windowed Atrium Area - Some Residents Unhappy That Long Time Communal Gathering Spot For Elderly And Youth Gone, Others Say It Is Necessary To Be Rid Of Drug Dealing, Loud Music And Loitering

The cement benches inside the Roosevelt Island Main Street windowed atrium were recently removed by Roosevelt Landings building ownership.

I asked Roosevelt Landings managing agent C+C Management:

Why are the sidewalk benches under the arcade being removed? Some residents were pleased they are being removed and others object.

 A C+C Management spokesperson answered:

After multiple discussions with RIOC and Public Safety, the benches were removed to reduce loitering and smoking in the area.

Comments on Roosevelt Islander Instagram post about the bench removals include:

• It was a nice place to collect thoughts once and a while.
• The older people will suffer because they sit there and socialize.
• This is so against the original vibe of the island, it's a communal space , a place for people to gather outside their homes, a place for elderly to see friends and reduce isolation, a place for younger people to 'chat shit' with friends. If there's anti social behavior PSD should intervene, getting rid of the benches is prejudiced and anti community. If the plan (whose plan ? Not people who live here) is to get rid of the coverings then again ...why ?? It enables people to gather in all weather. This makes me sad.
• It makes me sad every time I come to the island to visit my parents how much they have ruined the place since I left.
• The problem is that PSD doesn’t intervene- I live above the 560 benches in a street facing apartment and I’ve called PSD countless times at 2am for loud partying on those benches that carries over to the outside of Bread & Butter (not just weekends, but during the week/work nights). PSD comes over, gives them a fist bump, chit chats, and heads back to their HQ- they don’t issue tickets, they don’t break up the party- they just go over, say hello, and leave. I know because I watch and I can hear PSD. If there was a way for residents to enjoy having their windows open while still being able to sleep, it’d be a different story- but if PSD doesn’t enforce noise laws, removing the benches to break up the party seems like the solution. I wish it weren’t so.
• Please, it is not for socialization. The bench by 560 is for drug dealing and for drug using while they do it infront of their toddlers and kids. 540 recently has become a rapping bench where loud music and drugs start midday until 3-5am non stop. We can argue that your building remove the elements covers that they had to prevent the exact same thing.
• Honestly I’m glad those benches are gone. Rarely did you see seniors sitting there. It has become an infestation of people smoking weed, drinking and loud music! It’s like Public Safety was afraid to confront them! It’s absolutely a terrible look for this Island!!
• if you live in the island there are people dealing drugs on this bench. That’s probably why it was removed. Speculating of course. all the elderly who use those benches to get some air and sun and rest on their way home from the train and the store can kick rocks right?
• They were nice to have during the day, but it’s been really nice to sleep with my windows open for the first time in the 3 years I’ve lived in my current apartment. People are always out partying (loudly) until 4am on the 560 benches and PSD does nothing with the noise complaints called in- the building probably got so many complaints from all the tenants with street side windows who couldn’t open them & enjoy a breeze during the night.
• Public safety has had years to do their jobs and clear out the overnight loud partying on those benches and they haven’t…despite being 100 feet away in their HQ. It’s a shame we can’t rely on PSD or RIOC to do the bare minimum on this island, but tenants shouldn’t have to suffer because of it (or because of inconsiderate slobs that party there all night and leave all their trash & beer bottles for building staff to clean up every morning).

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New Light Fixtures Bring Back Pooping Pigeons To Roosevelt Landings Arcade - There Has To Be A Better Way Says Frustrated Roosevelt Island Resident

Received the following message from a Roosevelt Island resident:

A while ago Hudson-Related replaced the lights again in the arcade. I’m not talking about the hanging lights but the lights attached to the walls in the middle of the arcade. The lights that are there now have a flat surface that pigeons sit on and now we are back to the same problem.

There is pigeon poop in the middle of the arcade every morning, and most of the day, that the Urban American guys have to clean up every day. Not only is the clean-up a problem but people can no longer just walk freely in the arcade but one has to move to the sides so that they don’t get hit with pigeon poop. There has to be a better way.

I asked Hudson Related to comment. Will update when answer received.

UPDATE 1:30 PM - A Hudson Related spokesperson replied:

We are actively looking into solutions.

Why The Green Light Shining Above Roosevelt Island Arcade Walkway At Roosevelt Landings Asks Resident - Do You Know Why? Could Be For Greenlight A Vet

A reader asked:

do you have any idea what the green cellophane is about over the bulbs over the walkway at Roosevelt Landings?  I noticed their office also had green bulbs in their desk lamps.

Image Of Roosevelt Landings Arcade Green Light Friday November 20

According to this tweet, it may be in support of our military veterans for Veteran's Day.

Our home in NYC did a #GreenLightaVet walkway as a salute this evening!!!! Outstanding #RIOC @Rooseveltisland pic.twitter.com/DjzZmiBKKm

— Trevis Dane Wimer (@TDaneNYC) November 11, 2015

Here's more on Greenlight A Vet:

Change one light to green in a visible location-on your porch, in your home, or at your office-and keep it glowing every day as a symbol of appreciation and support for our veterans. Then, share your support by taking a picture of your green light and posting it using the hashtag #greenlightavet.

We love seeing your #GreenlightAVet pictures, even after #VeteransDay! Keep 'em coming! https://t.co/CBEl9z9YGL

— Greenlight A Vet (@greenlightavet) November 23, 2015

UPDATE 3:50 PM - Urban American's Josh Eisenberg reports on the Roosevelt Landings Arcade Green Light:

We put up the green lights at Roosevelt Landings and at other buildings throughout the Urban American portfolio in honor of Veterans Day in conjunction with the “Greenlight a Vet” project. My brother and I are members of Team Rubicon, one of the veterans groups that supported the public awareness initiative.

Over our operating history, Urban American has always been committed to the greater community we serve and to resolving some of the challenges faced in neighborhoods where our residents live. The most personal of which are those faced by the City's returning veterans and service members. My father, my brother and I are all former Army officers and, as principals of Urban American, we are committed to continuing the very long and distinguished history of support that NYC has shown for its veterans. Several years ago, we initiated our Veterans Housing Initiative, which is designed to reduce or completely eliminate thousands of dollars out-of-pocket housing expenses that returning veterans face while they await their GI Bill, medical or other veterans benefits. We also established Reticle, a project through which we prominently showcase the photography, paintings and other art created by NYC veterans in our buildings. Art and photography are a critical mode through which many veterans grapple with the difficulties of their transition out of uniform or their experiences overseas and it can be very hard for struggling artists to find a place to display their art and tell their story.

By “greenlighting" our buildings on Veterans Day and for several days afterward, we wanted to show our appreciation for veterans residing in communities across New York City and to raise awareness among their neighbors to honor the service and sacrifice these veterans have made for all us.

More on the Urban American Roosevelt Landings Reticle art program for veterans at this previous post.

Mayor DeBlasio's Transition Chief Carl Weisbrod and Other Roosevelt Island Residents Want To Know When We Are Getting Our Wine Store - Hudson Related's David Kramer Gives Status Update On Main Street Retail Progress

Site of New Roosevelt Island Liquor Store And Former Home of the Grog Wine Shop

Westviewer asks

Any word on retail, especially the liquor store? Work had begun on the site some time ago, then stopped while the walkway was being redone. Now, nothing. We remain the only neighborhood in NYC without a wine/ liquor store.

During the January 14 meeting of the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Real Estate Development Advisory Committee (audio web cast here), Main Street Retail Master Leaseholder David Kramer of Hudson Related provided an update on the status of Main Street retail.

Mr. Kramer began the update by reporting that he recently met Roosevelt Island resident and Mayor DeBlasio's Transition Chairman Carl Weisbrod. Mr. Weisbrod's first words to Mr. Kramer were:

When are we getting our wine store?

Mr. Kramer expects the Wine Shop to open soon. The Wine Shop is owned by the same owner as the Wholesome Factory organic grocer on Main Street. The Wine Shop lease was signed over two years ago, they are current on their rent, have their liquor license and are in process of getting building permit.

Mr. Kramer added:

... Hudson Related has successfully completed phase 2 of our program. Phase 1 was listening tour, strategy phase...

... Part 2 was the corridor upgrade ...  we're very pleased with how that turned out...

... Part 3  which is now we need some more retailers...

and using a football analogy:

... We're at the 50 yard line. We're not in the red zone yet but we're getting there...

Here's video of the Main Street Retail discussion with Mr. Kramer.



During January 15 meeting of the Roosevelt Island Residents Association (RIRA) Main Street Retail Committee, Hudson Related's Arianna Sachs- Rosenburg reported:

• Trellis has received an approval for its exterior improvements from RIOC and is presently interviewing contractors for the work.
• The Hardware store continues to be under eviction process.
• New tenants are being sought for the space currently occupied by the Thrift Store. If possible, the Thrift Store may be able to stay in a much smaller space.
• The Wholesome Food Factory is performing well as are the Southtown stores. No specific mention of the Subway or Ice Cream store performances.
• Hudson Related is seeking solutions for pigeons nesting on the new lamps at the Roosevelt Landings Main Street Arcade.

New Roosevelt Island Shaped Main Street Benches In Place - What Do You Think?

Did you notice

the new

Roosevelt Island shaped Main Street

benches?

What do you think?

New Roosevelt Island Main Street Retail Signage - What Do You Think Of New Signs And Look Of Windowless Arcade?

Have you noticed the new Roosevelt Island Main Street storefront signage?

At Gallery RIVAA,

Fusion Salon,

The Thrift Shop,

Public Safety Department,

and Nail Salon.

What do you think? Do you like the new Roosevelt Island Main Street signs and Eastwood/Roosevelt Landings Arcade without the windows?

No More Construction Scaffolding For Roosevelt Landings Main Street Arcade, Windows Gone And New Ceiling Installed - Do You Like The New Look?

Image Of New Roosevelt Island Roosevelt Landings/Eastwood Main Street Arcade

As reported last week, the construction scaffolding over the Roosevelt Landings Arcade

Roosevelt Landings Scaffolding For Arcade Renovation

was scheduled to be completely removed by yesterday.

It was - here's what the Main Street Arcade now looks like

with new ceilings, fresh paint

and without the Arcade windows.

What do you think?

Westview Arcade renovation is about to start.

Roosevelt Island Main Street Arcade Construction Scaffolding At Roosevelt Landings To Be Removed By Monday August 5, Renovation Of Westview Storefronts Then Begins

Roosevelt Landings Scaffolding For Arcade Renovation

According to the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC):

Please be advised on Thursday, August 1, 2013, removal of the construction scaffolding at Roosevelt Landings between 580 Main St and 504 Main St will begin and is expected to be completed by Monday, August 5, 2013.

In addition, on Monday, August 5, 2013 renovation work will commence on the storefronts of the Westview Building. Parking in this area will be limited due to the installation of scaffolding and demolition work that is required for the project. No Parking signs will be posted and will be in effect from Monday, August 5th to Wednesday, August 14th.

Sincerely,

Roosevelt Island Operating Corp Advisories Group

Own A Piece Of Roosevelt Island History, Red And White Main StreetRetail Signage Can Be Yours - Hurry Up If You Want Your Piece OfRoosevelt Island Nostalgia

Roosevelt Island's unique red background with white lettering Main Street retail store signage is no more.

Image From Glark

As described by former Roosevelt Island resident and Font Memories Blogger Evan Coyne Maloney:

... one of the more odd aspects of Roosevelt Island still remains: the storefront occupants on Main Street seemed to compete over whose sign would display the most generic and lifeless name:

• THE THRIFT STORE
• HARDWARE AND VIDEO STORE
• FLOWER SHOP
• NAIL SALON
• ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH
• ...and my personal favorite: THE CHILD SCHOOL

The drab brutalist architecture of Main Street, Roosevelt Island and the austerity of Helvetica always made me wonder if that’s what NYC would have “evolved” into had the Bolsheviks taken over here and not in Russia...

You may like and have fond memories of Roosevelt Island's old retail signage. If so, the Roosevelt Island Historical Society (RIHS) is giving you the opportunity to own the signage for yourself. According to RIHS President Judy Berdy:

Remember the red and white signs over the Eastwood stores? They are being replaced by a new look.

The sign can be yours!! Contact us at the RIHS and you can own an 11 foot long metal sign. We ask for a donation to the RIHS to help us continue preserving the island history.

The signs must be removed by 7/31. Call us today to reserve your piece of history!!!

The signs are currently being shown in the window at Rivercross on Main Street.

Developer Hudson Related took over Roosevelt Island's Main Street retail corridor as the Master Leaseholder from the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) and has been in the process of giving Main Street retail a make over. So far, Main Street Retail Signage looks like this.

Hudson Related's David Kramer promises the Roosevelt Island Main Street retail corridor and signage will look very nice once it is completed.

Update On Roosevelt Island Main Street Stores From RIRA Retail Committee - Public Library, Arcade Renovation, Trellis, Graphics & More

The Roosevelt Island Residents Assocation (RIRA) Retail Committee met with a representative of Main Street Master Leaseholder Hudson Related (H/R) last Thursday to receive a progress update

 

on store leasing and the renovation of Roosevelt Landings/Westview Arcade.

Here's a summary of the meeting from RIRA Real Estate Committee.

• Eastwood rehab should be finished in a month. There will be a delay rehabbing the other side of the street because approval needs to be given from building owners.
• The current graphics on the vacant windows are "temporary". H/R thinks they are snazzy and worthy of conversational. Members in attendance expressed mostly displeasure.
• Trellis - submitted renderings. But there is a dispute with how to enclose trash which must be okayed with both RIOC and owners. Also. there some exterior design problems holding up the renovations.
• 504- no movement for either floors. The library is being slow but hopefully a lease will be signed the end of June.
• Flanagan - may be moving out. He expressed interest in starting a new business.
• Thrift - will be downsizing at some point.
• Benches - prototype for Main Street is being designed.
• Kiosks - stay of execution for current ones. Status quo on the electronic ones.
• Hardware Store - waiting for judge's verdict.
• Accountant and We are One - are in some sort of proceedings.
• Bakery - Fav's Bakery wants to come to site of old bakery. in negotiations.
• No comment on new leases.

UPDATE 6/17 - Clarification, Dr. Flannigan's practice at 507 Main Street Roosevelt Island since 4/1/2000 is not relocating.

Workers Begin To Remove Roosevelt Island Main Street Arcade Windows Yesterday - Some Residents Pissed, Hudson Related Says Give It A Chance

Workers for Main Street Master Retail Leaseholder Hudson Related began removing the Roosevelt Landings/Eastwood Window Arcades yesterday. One resident wrote in:

I thought they weren't going to pull the shelter down by Eastwood? Really pissed watching them pull all the glass out on my way to work Monday!

Hudson Related's David Kramer listened to some residents expressing their unhappiness with the removal of the Arcade windows during April 2 Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Real Estate Advisory Committee meeting but maintained that he thought the area would look much nicer without the windows, would not be much of a burden on residents and urged residents to give it a chance.

Here's what the residents and Mr. Kramer had to say on the subject.



More on Mr. Kramer's Main Street retail update from this previous post.

Demise Of Roosevelt Island's Homogenous Red Storefront Signage Begins Today With Trashing Of Public Safety Department Sign - Retailers Can Now Use Whatever Colors They Want

The demise of Roosevelt Island's homogeneous red Main Street retail storefront signage began today starting with removal

 and upside down trashing

of the Public Safety Department sign at 550 Main Street.

Main Street Master Leaseholder Hudson Related's David Kramer explained the new signage policy during April 2 Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Real Estate Advisory Committee meeting. According to Mr. Kramer:

... Every retailer can do whatever they want, that we are providing a certain platform which is to have a flat sign across that is lit and whatever they want to do within the rectangle they can do...

... we have some suggested colors...

Here's a final remembrance to Roosevelt Island's Main Street signage from 2009 post:

Main Street Image Of Roosevelt Island Is The Village From Glark

Roosevelt Island's drab, dreary and depressing Main Street has often been compared to East Berlin prior to the fall of the Wall or even The Village from the great British Television program The Prisoner. Glark, a blogger recently visiting Roosevelt Island wrote:

This morning I got up early and explored the half of Roosevelt Island I missed on my first trip to this weirdo bit on earth in the East River. Main Street in so late 60s and early 70s it made my teeth ache. It’s all concrete and metal siding, rundown and aesthetically homogeneous. It’s like a English village via Soviet Russia. It’s the New York version of The Village from the cult TV series The Prisoner. It’s fascinating that it is so close to Manhattan and yet worlds apart....

So long Main Street Red Storefront Signage.

Hudson Related's David Kramer Provides RIOC With Update On Roosevelt Island Main Street Retail Progress - Arcade Transformation, Window Removal, Trellis Renovation, Public Library Lease, Signage & More

During April 2 Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Real Estate Advisory Committee meeting (audio web cast of meeting is here), Roosevelt Island Main Street Master Leaseholder Hudson Related's David Kramer provided an update on Main Street retail retail progress.

Mr. Kramer reported that the big news is that Hudson Related will immediately begin to:

... transform the Arcade Experience with wood ceiling, different light fixtures and opening up the space... provide some lighting for the signage...

Here's Mr. Kramer on the Arcade Transformation.



Later in the meeting Roosevelt Island Residents Association (RIRA) Retail Subcommittee Chair Susan Marcus asked Mr. Kramer what the best strategy would be to fight him on removing the Westview Arcade Windows. After some laughter Mr. Kramer jokingly suggested some

... Civil Disobedience...

and then stated his long held position for removing the Arcade windows:

... we need the approval of the building owner and to the extent the building owner doesn't grant the approval, that would stop us in our tracks us and that would be a huge mistake...

...I would suggest you and your band of advocates wait until you see how it looks at Eastwood...  I have never  been particularly swayed by the argument that the diagonally slanting rain needs to be protected by intermittent window panels where there is space in between where there isn't window panels and at some point you leave the Arcade and then you are not protected at all...

... I encourage you guys to have an open mind before you hold rallies in front of Westview owners residence to take a look at how it turns out at Eastwood...

Here's Mr. Kramer on the removal of window arcades.



Ms. Marcus provides this summary of Mr. Kramer's full presentation.

• construction on new lights and wood ceilings should begin very soon
• lights will be put behind signs
• signs must be same shape but store owner can use own colors and designs
• Eastwood is being insulated
• empty store front windows will have new film put on them like the deli
• Trellis' plans were rejected because they went beyond the actual store to the street. H/R is giving Trellis generous amount of time to come up with new plans.
• New Market will be opening soon. What soon is was unclear.
• Liquor store has license but will not be worked on until market is open
• Library lease is moving forward but still an issue with windows at 504. Lease has yet to be signed.
• H/R is willing to partition the top of 504
• Kiosks are still in the planning stage. H/R is thinking of using a vendor the city is using. Will be fancy electronic ones. Not sure about concrete ones that we are using now. May take a handful of years to install the new electronic ones.
• a bakery may be close to signing a lease
• Hardware store is still in the middle of a slow eviction process
• No news on Thrift Store and is not a big concern of H/R at this time.

Here's the full discussion on Roosevelt Island Main Street retail update with Mr. Kramer.

Clog Editors Discuss Brutalism Architecture At Roosevelt Island's Gallery RIVAA - Roosevelt Island Is A Unique And Amazing Place They Say

Image From Clog

As previously reported, following the opening of the Roosevelt Island Motorgate Art Gallery

Image of Motorgate Art Gallery Mural

the editors of Clog Magazine celebrated the launching of their latest issue with a discussion of Brutalism

Image From Clog

at Gallery RIVAA.

John Lee of the Stewardship Report shares this video of Clog Magazine's talk about Brutalism.



Among the topics discussed was the wisdom, or lack thereof, of Main Street Master Leaseholder Hudson Related's plan to remove the glass window partitions from the Main Street Arcade. In response to a question from the architects whether the glass partitions were useful, the audience at Gallery RIVAA said that the windows were useful which, according to the architects, was more important than any opinion they may have.

You can buy Clog's Brutalism issue here.

Update On Roosevelt Island Main Street Retail From Hudson Related's Master Leaseholder - No Shock And Awe But They Are Working Very Hard Says David Kramer, 7 Leases Signed, Signage and Wayfinding Kiosks Coming

Image Of Main Street Signage Prototype

An update on Main Street Retail was provided by Hudson Related Master Leaseholder David Kramer during November 20 Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Real Estate Committee meeting. Mr. Kramer reviewed the 7 new and renewal leases signed:

• Coach Scot's Main Street Sweets (will open shortly)
• Subway Sandwich Shop (looks terrific says Mr. Kramer, opened up to huge numbers)
• Natural Food Market (a month or two away)
• Wine Shop (taking a long time to get its liquor license)
• Gallery RIVAA (3 year renewal lease)
• Trellis (new renewal lease signed and drawing up plans for substantial renovation of space.)
• Child School (Art and Music space at 2nd floor of 504 Main Street, coordination of work needs to be done with the NY Public Library which is in negotiation for first floor of 504)

Mr. Kramer stated that he did not wish to speak about leases still under negotiation or tenant lease terminations still under negotiation but added that 2 leases were being negotiated with current Roosevelt Island residents.

Mr. Kramer discussed 2 new digital signage and wayfinding kiosks that he would like to install on each side of Main Street. He added that Roosevelt Island needs at least 10 of these kiosks up and down Roosevelt Island from Lighthouse Park to the FDR Memorial and offered to share the design costs if RIOC chooses to install the additional non Main Street kiosks on Roosevelt Island.

Mr. Kramer added that the Arcade signage and lighting prototype pictured above will be extended up and down Main Street.

Mr. Kramer was asked about the fate of the hardware store and declined to speak about it publicly. RIOC Director Margie Smith stated that RIOC did not charge the hardware store for the rent of previous tenant and assumed that the previous tenant built those charges into the sale price of the business to the current hardware store owners.

Here's the audio webcast of the November 20 RIOC Real Estate Committee meeting. The presentation and discussion of Main Street retail begins at the 13 minute 15 second mark and ends a the 48 minute mark.



Also discussed during the meeting were plans for the decommissioning of the Steam Plant and a Sportspark Young Adult Program.

Roosevelt Island Retail Signage Going Up -Subway Sandwich Shop Signage and Arcade Shops On Main Street Logo In Place

Work is progressing on the interior of the new Roosevelt Island Main Street Subway Sandwich Shop and today I noticed signage placed in the window.

Also, Hudson Related has new signage in the Main Street Arcade

and facing out towards the street.

What do you think?

Update On Roosevelt Island Main Street Arcade Prototype - Windows Removed, Ceiling Wood Paneling, Light Fixtures, Signage Installed And Fresh Coat Of Paint - What Do You Think?

An update on Master Leaseholder Hudson Related's proposed mockup of the Roosevelt Island Main Street Arcade.

The ceiling wood paneling, lighting fixtures and signage have been installed as well as a fresh coat of paint applied to the walls and

can be compared to the current look a few feet away.

Here's view from across the street

and inside a store.

More on the Roosevelt Island Main Street arcade from previous post.