Roosevelt Island Manhattan Park Residents Object To "Absurdly Expensive Electricity Bill" - Building Management Says Past Bills Were For Cost Of Electricity Delivery Only, Did Not Include Actual Usage, Current Bill Makes Up For The 5 Month Billing Delay

A Roosevelt Island Manhattan Park building complex resident reported recently: 

Manhattan Park tenants; have you received an absurdly expensive electricity bill this month, and have you agreed to pay for it? I'm tired of this sh*t.

I asked Manhattan Park management:

I have heard from several Manhattan Park residents very upset over what they describe as very high electricity bills recently received from Manhattan Park. 

According to these residents, Manhattan Park failed to send electricity bills for several months last year and are now billing for those months. Is that true? 

Some Manhattan Park residents question the accuracy of their electric bills as well. Are there other reasons for the recent high electric bills for Manhattan Park residents that are different from tenants in the rest of NYC? 

Also, residents have asked if the Holiday Lights in the Park area are included in the residents electric bill?

 A Manhattan Park management spokesperson answered:

The situation regarding the electricity billing for residents at Manhattan Park was the result of a delay in receiving invoices from the energy service company (ESCO) that provides electricity supply. The ESCO was recently contracted by ownership to provide less expensive electricity to the residents than would otherwise be charged by Con Edison. Con Edison continues to deliver the electricity to the residents.

The delay in receiving invoices resulted in the residents being undercharged for their electricity usage for the months of July – November 2021 as they were only charged for the cost of delivery and not for the actual supply of electricity. The revised billing reflects charges for actual usage so the residents are only being charged for the electricity that was actually being consumed by the residents in their individual units. To help alleviate any financial burdens or inconveniences for the residents, we negotiated a 10% discount for such electricity charges during those five months. In addition to the discount, we have offered residents payment plans so that these charges can be paid over the course of one year. It should be noted that the electricity billings at Manhattan Park only include actual costs for the supply and delivery of electricity and do not include any markup or profit. The ESCO has resolved their invoicing issues so we do not anticipate any further delays.

Manhattan Park management sent this April 25 letter to residents explaining their electricity bills

Dear Resident:

We are writing to you about your electricity bills at Manhattan Park. As you may be aware, the electricity bills that you receive each month are comprised of two separate charges: (1) the cost for the delivery of electricity; and (2) the cost of the electricity itself, or supply. Con Edison of New York (“Con Ed”) has always supplied and delivered the electricity to the residents of Manhattan Park.

In an effort to seek ways to reduce electricity costs, Management engaged with energy consultant Integrated Energy Partners Inc. to see if there were other energy companies that could supply electricity on a more cost-effective basis than Con Ed. After reviewing supply proposals with the consultant over several months, Management entered into a new agreement in June of 2021 with ENGIE Power & Gas LLC (“ENGIE”), an energy-service company approved by the NYS Public Service Commission, to supply electricity to Manhattan Park. Con Ed, however, remained as the company physically delivering the electricity to the site. Both ENGIE and Con Ed were to provide separate bills to Management for their respective services, ENGIE for electricity supply and Con Ed for electricity delivery. In turn, Quadlogic Controls Corporation (“Quadlogic”), the independent third-party submetering consultant, would utilize these bills to calculate the charges to bill the residents only for their portion of electricity usage.

Unfortunately, due to an administrative error at the start of the ENGIE agreement that was further magnified by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the first five months of ENGIE’s electricity invoices for the supply portion of the charges (covering the period of July-November 2021) were not received by Management. As a result, all electricity bills for the months of July-November only included the delivery charges applicable to electric usage but did not include charges for the actual electricity itself. Notwithstanding the delayed billing, these amounts are due and owing under your lease and will need to be paid by the residents. Your apartment’s outstanding electricity supply charges for the five-month period in question will be shown as a separate line-item in your next billing statement from Quadlogic.

We recognize that this could create a financial burden on residents, so we have formulated a plan to assist. Please note the following:

1. Management was able to negotiate a 10% reduction from ENGIE for the outstanding charges. This discount will in turn be passed onto the tenants in full as part of the retroactive billing. To reiterate, residents will only be charged for the electricity that was supplied and used (but not yet billed for) during this five-month period.
2. Management is willing to offer all residents a payment plan of up to 12 months (depending on the remaining term of your lease) to repay the outstanding amounts. If your household needs additional time to re-pay the outstanding ENGIE supply charges, please contact the management office at (212) 759-8660 at your earliest convenience to discuss the possibility of a longer repayment period tailored to your household’s financial circumstances.

We apologize for this inconvenience and would like to reassure you that we have taken steps to make sure that billing issues like this will not happen again. Please feel free to reach out to the management office if you have any other questions or concerns regarding this matter. 

Sincerely, 

GRC Management LLC 

On behalf of Roosevelt Island Associates 

The Manhattan Park spokesperson adds:

The Holiday Lights in the park area are not included in the residents electric bill.

CBS New York reports on huge increases in Con Ed electricity bills for NYC residents.

Roosevelt Island Manhattan Park Plaza Sidewalk Areas Packed With Parked Cars Today On A Sunday Afternoon - Residents Not Happy, What's Going On?

As reported October 25:

Residents at the Roosevelt Island Manhattan Park apartments have been complaining about the use of the Plaza sidewalk areas  adjacent to their buildings being used as a parking lot  by numerous vehicles over the last several months.

During the October 19 Roosevelt Island Residents Association (RIRA) Public Safety Committee (PSC) meeting, Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Public Safety Department Deputy Chief Anthony Amoroso advised the PSC that:

... The management offices can park on their property. We have no say whether it's Manhattan Park, Rivercross, they can park their vehicles on their property. It's how they access their property that we have a say....

According to Manhattan Park building management:

The parking on the site is temporary while motor gate garage is under going repairs. We apologize for any inconvenience.

Today, on a Sunday afternoon, the Manhattan Park plaza sidewalk area were packed with cars.

Who is parking here?

Manhattan Park residents reacted on an earlier Roosevelt Islander Instagram post about this subject:

• I think it sucks. It was a lovely plaza with a lovely view that now looks like shit and creates a dangerous situation with cars driving where there shouldn't be cars. And just because the property is "private" property doesn't mean it is, or should be okay. There are often zoning laws, and there should be here, that could prevent this kind of use of property, private or otherwise. The whole Island is going to hell on a handbasket.
• No cars are going on the green area. If I understand, this is the paved area in between buildings in Manhattan park. I don’t see hoe anyone can use that for recreation. Or how it has anything to do with the Octagon. As a resident, the only thing that I am concerned about is that these cars are not driving on the promenade.
• I think it sucks. It was a lovely plaza with a lovely view that now looks like shit and creates a dangerous situation with cars driving where there shouldn't be cars. And just because the property is "private" property doesn't mean it is, or should be okay. There are often zoning laws, and there should be here, that could prevent this kind of use of property, private or otherwise. The whole Island is going to hell on a handbasket. 
• This shows a total disregard from @manhattanparkapartments to its residents. These areas are not meant for parking. The amount of cars is out of control. Since when is it acceptable to have cars driving on the sidewalks and blocking stairs??

Roosevelt Island Manhattan Park Sidewalk Plaza Areas Are Private Property That Building Management Can Use For Parking As It Wishes Say RIOC Public Safety Deputy Chief - Manhattan Park Says Parking Is Temporary Until Motorgate Repairs Complete

Residents at the Roosevelt Island Manhattan Park apartments have been complaining about the use of the Plaza sidewalk areas

adjacent to their buildings being used as a parking lot 

by numerous vehicles over the last several months.

During the October 19 Roosevelt Island Residents Association (RIRA) Public Safety Committee (PSC) meeting, Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Public Safety Department Deputy Chief Anthony Amoroso advised the PSC that:

... The management offices can park on their property. We have no say whether it's Manhattan Park, Rivercross, they can park their vehicles on their property. It's how they access their property that we have a say....

Manhattan Park residents reacted on this Roosevelt Islander Instagram post about this subject:

• I think it sucks. It was a lovely plaza with a lovely view that now looks like shit and creates a dangerous situation with cars driving where there shouldn't be cars. And just because the property is "private" property doesn't mean it is, or should be okay. There are often zoning laws, and there should be here, that could prevent this kind of use of property, private or otherwise. The whole Island is going to hell on a handbasket.
• No cars are going on the green area. If I understand, this is the paved area in between buildings in Manhattan park. I don’t see hoe anyone can use that for recreation. Or how it has anything to do with the Octagon. As a resident, the only thing that I am concerned about is that these cars are not driving on the promenade.
• I think it sucks. It was a lovely plaza with a lovely view that now looks like shit and creates a dangerous situation with cars driving where there shouldn't be cars. And just because the property is "private" property doesn't mean it is, or should be okay. There are often zoning laws, and there should be here, that could prevent this kind of use of property, private or otherwise. The whole Island is going to hell on a handbasket. 
• This shows a total disregard from @manhattanparkapartments to its residents. These areas are not meant for parking. The amount of cars is out of control. Since when is it acceptable to have cars driving on the sidewalks and blocking stairs??

Manhattan Park building management answered on Instagram:

The parking on the site is temporary while motor gate garage is under going repairs. We apologize for any inconvenience.

According to this screenshot from September 29 RIOC President's Report presentation, the Motorgate repairs are 99% complete.

Will the "temporary" Manhattan Park sidewalk plaza parking be removed with the completion of Motorgate garage repairs?

Roosevelt Island Manhattan Park Luxury Building Lobby Renovation Creating Unsafe Conditions For Pedestrian, Wheelchair And Vehicle Access To Street And Sidewalk Area - RIOC Instructs MP To Obtain RI Permit And Provide Safe Sidewalk And Street Passage

Roosevelt Island Manhattan Park luxury apartment building at 40 River Road is currently undergoing lobby renovations, similar to those previously done at 30 River Road. But, as reported by the Roosevelt Island Daily, the construction activities have created unsafe conditions for  pedestrian, wheelchair and vehicle access to the street and sidewalk area.

Images from Roosevelt Island Daily

Yesterday, a Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) spokesperson addressed the issue raised by Roosevelt Island Daily:

PSD’s Acting Chief Kevin Brown met with Manhattan Park yesterday. At his insistence, Manhattan Park will immediately construct an ADA complaint ramp and will set up additional barriers for a proper pedestrian walkway. PSD will also issue a permit once it receives a detailed scope of work, information about the duration of the project, Manhattan Park’s safety plan and hours of operation.

I asked:

Is the Manhattan Park construction shut down until they comply?

The RIOC spokesperson replied:

They’ve been allowed to continue work since they made emergency adjustments at Acting Chief Brown’s insistence. RIOC staff is meeting with them again today to get further details on the scope of work so they can determine what adjustments are required to comply with our permitting process.

In response to my inquiry yesterday asking Manhattan Park management:

Any comment from Manhattan Park regarding the construction at 40 River Road blocking pedestrian, wheelchair and vehicle access.

I understand that after receiving complaints, RIOC is instructing Manhattan Park to construct a ADA accessible ramp and proper pedestrian access to the 40 River Road construction area.

Is the construction shut down until Manhattan Park complies with RIOC's instructions?...

A Manhattan Park Spokesperson replied:

We’ve enjoyed a great working relationship with RIOC for the last 30 years and have been in close touch with them about the project at 40 River Road. The project will continue to comply with all applicable rules and regulations and we look forward to finishing construction during the fall.

... We are complying with all of RIOCs requests with regards to the construction work and sidewalks. As you know from RIOC we’ve installed a new ramp, etc.

Regarding the issue of doing work without a permit, again we’ve complied with RIOC and kept them informed since the start of this project. We have a DOB permit and will work with RIOC to acquire whatever additional permits we need to.

Today, the area around 40 River Road construction site looked like this.

The RIOC spokesperson added today:

The work that is currently going on at Manhattan Park concerns the renovation of the building’s lobby. The project will be completed in late October and the sidewalk will be completely open to the public at that time. After a meeting with RIOC staff and members of PSD, the building manager has been informed that he must apply for a permit to continue work. PSD also informed the building manager that he must post appropriate signage and allow for proper access that is ADA compliant and provides citizens with safe passage into the roadway where sidewalk access is impeded by work.

PSD and RIOC staff also informed Manhattan Park that they must order additional barricades so that the barricades start at the end of the sidewalk. RIOC has also ordered them to install additional lighting on the barricades, which should be in place today or tomorrow.

For the benefit and safety of our residents and stakeholders, RIOC has installed additional lighting to make sure the sidewalk is well lit. These lights are aimed at the sidewalk, not into the construction area and not into the homes in the area. They aim down at the sidewalk only. It is our hope that Manhattan Park will provide sufficient lighting on the sidewalk for its residents.

And:

Update: as of one minute ago, Manhattan Park filed a permit for the work. It’s going through the internal review process starting this afternoon.

Incidentally,the 30 River Road lobby renovations look terrific. Hopefully, the 40 River Road lobby will look as good.

UPDATE 7:20 PM - A resident is happy to learn of the safety improvements.

Oh my goodness, just the other night we were walking passed this (at midnight) it was pitch black and my stroller (with my sleeping toddler) got stuck and I nearly flipped over my stroller. Scary moment. It was NOT safe at all. Good
Thing it's being fixed https://t.co/K8fMk3Yk3N

— mrs (@itsElizaRo) August 14, 2019

Roosevelt Island Riverwalk 341 Unit Affordable Housing Building 8 Status Update On Public Agenda At RIOC May 29 Real Estate Committee Meeting - Also Riverwalk 9 And Manhattan Park Ground Lease Negotiations Agenda Items In Executive Session Closed To Public

The Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Real Estate Advisory Committee (REDAC) is meeting next week to discuss the status of currently under construction



Riverwalk Building 8 (341 units of affordable housing) in a session open to the public. Followed by an Executive Session discussion, closed to the public, about ground lease negotiations for the future Riverwalk Building 9 (market rate rental) as well as amending the Manhattan Park ground lease.

According to the May 29 RIOC REDAC Agenda:

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that a meeting of the Real Estate Development Advisory Committee of the RIOC Board of Directors will be held on Wednesday, May 29, 2019 at 5:30 P.M. at the RIOC Administrative Office, 591 Main Street, Roosevelt Island, New York.

AGENDA:

Status Report on Southtown Building 8

Chair’s Motion for Executive Session to Discuss:

Ground Lease Negotiations for Southtown Building 9
Ground Lease Amendment Negotiations for Manhattan Park

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

Will update when more is learned about these matters.

How Does Trump Federal Government Shutdown Effect Roosevelt Island Residents With Housing Subsidies And Other Benefits?

The Trump federal government shutdown continues into its second month

Trump: "I am proud to shut down the government..."

He's "proud" of the pain he's causing hard-working families who cannot make ends meet. #TrumpShutdown pic.twitter.com/iDom8FXUw9

— Nancy Pelosi (@TeamPelosi) January 20, 2019

with no expectation as to when it may end.

Speaker Nancy Pelosi: “We cannot have the president, every time he has an objection, to say I’ll shut down the government until you come to my way of thinking…If we hold the employees hostage now, they’re hostage forever.” https://t.co/oVwpm1i4A2 pic.twitter.com/ZbkCS5DTtN

— ABC News Politics (@ABCPolitics) January 22, 2019

How does the Trump federal government shutdown effect Roosevelt Island residents? That was a concern expressed at the January 9 Roosevelt Island Residents Association (RIRA) meeting by Common Council member Adib Mansour who noted there are alot of people living on Roosevelt Island that depend on food stamps and housing subsidies who may be harmed by the shutdown. Mr Mansour asked for ideas to help neighbors adversely effected by the shutdown.

RIRA Common Council Member Eneaqua Lewis added that the Manhattan Park 2-4 River Road affordable housing buildings

have not had their leases/subsidies renewed yet by the Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD).



On January 17, Ms Lewis reported:

Manhattan Park. 2 & 4 River Road HUD subsidy expired on January 9. The last time I spoke with MP they said they would honor leases and also still renew leases in this time but they didn’t know what would happen if the shutdown lasted longer.

One month after the government shutdown began, its effects have begun to hurt some of the most vulnerable Americans: not just homeless people, but also those who are one crisis away from the streets https://t.co/n7QxKCCi5P pic.twitter.com/NGh2knrXbM

— NYT Politics (@nytpolitics) January 21, 2019

On January 18, I asked Manhattan Park ownership:

How does the government shutdown effect residents and building ownership of 2-4 River Road in Manhattan Park.

Are housing subsidies being paid and leases renewed.

I understand the HUD subsidy expired in January and has not been renewed due to the shutdown. Is that true?

Any statement from Manhattan Park on this issue?

Manhattan Park representative Brian Weisberg replied:

It's our hope that the shutdown will end soon. With that said, the financial impact of the shutdown will ultimately be on ownership. Tenants at 2-4 River Road in Manhattan Park won't be impacted.

Ms Lewis was quoted in a recent AP article on the government shutdown:

... People are really afraid right now and just don’t know what to do,” Lewis said. “I can’t afford market rate rent here. Where would I go? Where would everyone go? One side of the building is all elderly or handicapped. The other side is all families. Where would we all go?...

Here's Bronx/Queens Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez

First House Floor speech from Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (@AOC): “The truth of this shutdown is that it's actually not about a wall...The truth is, this shutdown is about the erosion of American democracy and the subversion of our most basic governmental norms." pic.twitter.com/r8tmsGSNtT

— CSPAN (@cspan) January 17, 2019

and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell

The American people deserve a functioning government and a secure border. We’re in Day 26 of a partial government shutdown because Democrats have made a marketing decision to obstruct President Trump, at all costs, even if it hurts substantive priorities they used to support. pic.twitter.com/eN4rwNyDwW

— Leader McConnell (@senatemajldr) January 16, 2019

expressing their stark differences on the government shutdown.

NYPD Releases Video Of Man Shooting Gun From Roosevelt Island Promenade Aimed At Upper East Side Building Across East River

You can see the gunshot muzzle flashes at beginning of video and then the two individuals walk south along the Roosevelt Island promenade.

WANTED: male and female in connection to reckless endangerment by discharging a firearm from Roosevelt Island into Manhattan on August 18 at 1 am. Help us ID these individuals, call #800577TIPS to share info. pic.twitter.com/nEyrS11Nyy

— NYPD NEWS (@NYPDnews) August 23, 2018

As reported yesterday, a $2500 reward is being offered for info on these individuals.

An extensive investigation is being conducted regarding shots fired in the rear of 30 River Rd. on #RooseveltIsland on Sat. 8/18 approx. 1:05AM. A unknown suspect fired approx. 5 rounds some striking #UpperEastSide buildings. $2,500💰reward for any info. Please ☎️ #800577TIPS pic.twitter.com/zyIiWWFfcX

— NYPD 19th Precinct (@NYPD19Pct) August 22, 2018

More info at these previous posts.

Update On Roosevelt Island Gunshots Aimed At Upper East Side Building - NYPD Offers $2500 Reward For Info And Manhattan Park Management Adds Roving Security Personnel

As reported last Monday:

A tipster reported gunshots were heard in the vicinity of Roosevelt Island's Manhattan Park building complex at 30 River Road early Saturday morning.

 Another resident reported:

...anyone else have police officers knock on their door asking about gunshots fired Friday night/Saturday morning?

  Image Of Manhattan Park From Google Maps

And:

... According to a NYPD spokesperson, an earwitness:

... heard 5 shots coming from rear of 30 River Road at about 1:10 am Saturday.

Investigation is ongoing

No injuries reported and no arrests have been made....

Mystery shooter has been firing at windows of a building on Manhattan’s UES. But from where???

Cops are checking out if shots were fired across the East river from #RooseveltIsland.

But as you can see in this #360video there are a lot of places the shooter could be. #PIX11NEWS pic.twitter.com/6WfAgoVXXP

— Darren McQuade (@BreakinNewsBoy) August 21, 2018

Today, the NYPD 119 precinct, which covers Manhattan's Upper East Side, offered a $2500 reward for information on the Roosevelt Island gunshots incident.

An extensive investigation is being conducted regarding shots fired in the rear of 30 River Rd. on #RooseveltIsland on Sat. 8/18 approx. 1:05AM. A unknown suspect fired approx. 5 rounds some striking #UpperEastSide buildings. $2,500💰reward for any info. Please ☎️ #800577TIPS pic.twitter.com/zyIiWWFfcX

— NYPD 19th Precinct (@NYPD19Pct) August 22, 2018

Today, I asked the Manhattan Park building management:

Any comment from Manhattan Park management regarding the NYPD investigation of gunshots believed to have come from Manhattan Park?...

... I've heard comments from residents who are very concerned about security precautions, or lack thereof, at Manhattan Park including background checks on occupants. Also residents have complained about what they say are many illegally divided apartments with a rotation of temporary occupants.

A Manhattan Park Spokesperson replied:

In response to the recent news reports, please know that the safety and security of our residents is our first priority.

Manhattan Park Management is cooperating fully with NYPD detectives during their investigation which is ongoing. We are coordinating with NYPD for them to conduct an informational session for residents at the Manhattan Park Theater Club.

We are making every effort to ensure the safety and security of our residents is addressed. After consulting with our security advisors, we have directed our security firm to add additional roving security personnel on an interim basis, while NYPD is conducting their investigation.

No further comment as this is an open police investigation.

Stay tuned for more info.

UPDATE 8:21 PM  - NYPD is seeking to identify individuals seen in video below.

We're seeking to identify the individuals in the video below who may have info regarding the Aug 18 shooting in which shots were fired from Roosevelt Island into Manhattan. Video shows River Rd on Roosevelt Island. Call Crimestoppers (anonymously) 800-577-TIPS pic.twitter.com/tI5COa4i4L

— Chief Dermot F. Shea (@NYPDDetectives) August 23, 2018

Behind The Scenes Making Of Colorful Roosevelt Island Manhattan Park Pop Up Pool Installation- Watch How It's Done

Watch how the colorful Roosevelt Island Manhattan Park building complex Pop Up Pool is made.

This years #MP_PoolParty video follows artist @TECHNODROME1 through the installation of the 2018 mural at the #K_CO and #pa_nyc designed pool on Roosevelt Island / video by by @PatMandeville and @DividedLineFilm https://t.co/Kt3eUSXsQz

— Pliskin Architecture (@_panyc) August 1, 2018

MP Pool Party 2018 from Pliskin Architecture on Vimeo.

Now jump in and cool off.

Roosevelt Island Manhattan Park Low Income Residents Speak Up For Affordable Housing At Town Hall Meeting - "Who's Going To Help Us, Who's Going To Stand Up For Us" They Ask Local Elected Officials

2-4 River Road is the affordable housing component of the Roosevelt Island Manhattan Park buildings complex with many elderly and low income residents.

During the June 28 Roosevelt Island Town Hall meeting with elected officials (full video of Town Hall here), Manhattan Park 2-4 River Road residents expressed frustration at being ignored by the Manhattan Park building management and local politicians.

After a discussion about Westview building privatization and affordability plan, a 2-4 River Road Manhattan Park resident grabbed the attention of those attending the Town Hall by saying:

 ... we are affordable housing also and they haven't told us if they are going to renew the contract with HUD which will keep us affordable. Also they discriminate against us all the time. They have submetering, they are profiting off the submetering and it seems like no one will help us....

.... Our voices are not being heard, maybe because we are labeled as just low income tenants so they don't care about us. But we're working class people too that also live on Roosevelt Island for decades and it is not fair that we constantly get ignored on Roosevelt Island. We matter too. Our children matter too. Our families matter too.

About the Manhattan Park Management it was said:

 ... They do not recognize us as part of their complex....

... They don't even call us Manhattan Park. They won't let us form a tenants association.

Last week they had a tenants appreciation barbecue and they didn't even invite us. I put up a sign in the Hallway/lobby telling everyone to come and they ripped the signs down and finally decided to invite us to the Tenant Appreciation Barbecue the day before and that's only because I made the tenants of Northtown Phase 2 aware that there was a Tenants Appreciation Day..

Who's going to help us? Who's going to stand up for us?....

Following the Town Hall meeting, Roosevelt Island elected officials offered to provide assistance to the 2-4 River Road Manhattan Park residents.

Last week, I asked 2-4 River Road Tenant Leader Association Board Member Eneaqua Lewis:

Is there any update and did the elected officials get back to you on these issues? Kallos, Serrano, Seawright?

Ms Lewis replied:

The only elected official that contacted me was from Senator Serrano’s office. They have been very helpful. Also democratic leaders from the Four Freedoms Democratic club contacted me, Ben Wetzler and Lauren Trapanotto. Ben is helping me start a complaint against MP management.

MP tried to shut us down because they said they didn’t consider us a “Real TA”. We provided them with paperwork proving we were members of the National Association of HUD Tenants. They then permitted us to have the community room for July 17. MP hasn’t confirmed whether they will show up to answer our questions.

Several tenants on our board have been harassed by MP, including but not limited to having our renewal leases denied or put on hold. At the Town Hall meeting a tenant of MP told me that MP routinely tries to deny giving a lease to anyone who participated in TA’s. As far as I know MP doesn’t have a TA besides 2-4 TA.

According to 76 Assembly District Democratic Party District Leader Ben Wetzler:

This is an extremely frustrating instance of harassment. The management company is clearly in the wrong, and by targeting a new tenants' association they are trying to strip residents of their right to address safety and affordability questions in the future. But the worst part is the tenants at 2 and 4 River Road are having to deal with all the stress of this at home while trying to navigate the bureaucracy without much help. I've been trying to put them in touch with an attorney in case they need to go to court over any of the lease issues and I understand Senator Serrano's office got involved as soon as he heard about what was happening, but there really needs to be a more straightforward way to handle these and a place they can go for support.

In response to my inquiry a Manhattan Park Spokesperson said:

Submetering Update: “As we’ve stated in the past, Manhattan Park purchases electricity from Con Edison at a bulk reduced rate that we pass through to the residents of 2-4 River Road, without any additional charges. Electricity prices are set by the utility provider and rates fluctuate, but the fact is that we are in complete compliance with all Public Service Commission regulations. Furthermore, residents in the affordable units receive a flat monthly utility allowance set annually by HUD based on consumption of the prior year, which often exceeds their energy consumption.”

Tenant Association Concerns: “Manhattan Park management has recognized a tenant association for 2-4 River Road and has provided the opportunity for a public meeting to take place in common space on the property.”

Tenant Appreciation Day: “All Manhattan Park residents, including those at 2-4 River Road, were invited to the Tenant Appreciation Day and in fact many residents from the property in question attended the event. Notices were posted in every building throughout the complex with significant notice.”

Will update when more info available.

Update On April 27 Roosevelt Island Fire - Single Mom With 3 Kids Moving Into The Manhattan Park Apartment That Day Have All Belongings Destroyed, Seeking Help For Fire Recovery

Reported last Friday:

... There was a fire this afternoon on the 9th floor of 10 River Road at the Manhattan Park residential complex on Main Street on Roosevelt Island at 5:30 p.m.

Some 25 FDNY and NYPD emergency vehicles responded to the incident. The cause of the fire appears to be electrical.

There were no reported injuries in the apartment nor in the rest of the building. The tenant was not home at the time of the fire, however there was a cat in the apartment that died due to apparent smoke inhalation, said Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation Public Safety Director Jack McManus....

Brittney Gates was moving into the Manhattan Park apartment that caught fire that day with her children. Ms Gates reports:

I saw the article on the Manhattan Park fire - that was my home. I’m a single mother of 3, and I was moving in that day. The movers and I had just finished moving all of our belongings, and I was able to let our pet cat out of his cage and roam free. I left the apartment to pick my kids up in Queens (hadn’t unpacked anything, hadn’t plugged anything in, hadn’t used a single appliance).

An hour and a half later, I was driving over the RI bridge, when traffic stopped. 15 or more emergency vehicles rushed by. 10 minutes later, my property manager called and told me there was a smoke condition in my apartment, and to please see him when I arrived at the building.

It was the worst evening of my life - nothing was salvageable - we lost all of our furniture and boxes of clothes and dishes and pictures and documents. And most importantly, our dear pet cat (whose name is Cat). The firemen held onto his body, and put him in a box. My kids and I had him cremated on Sunday.

I have a good job, but I also have three kids and many bills, and am starting over from scratch. Would you be willing to share my gofundme page, to help gather funds to purchase furniture and clothes and food and household items for me and my kids? It would be greatly appreciated....

If you are able to help our new Roosevelt Island neighbors, please visit Ms. Gates Go Fund Me Fire Recovery page:

On the evening of April 27, 2018, Brittney Gates, a single mother of three and army veteran, lost all her worldly possessions, including her beloved cat ("Cat") in an apartment fire. Just hours earlier, she had moved into this very apartment on Roosevelt Island. What was supposed to be a joyous day, marking a new beginning in a new home for Brittney and her family, turned to a horrific tragedy.

Brittney is a courageous, self-reliant woman, who is not quick to ask for help. This is not about her asking for help but about us coming together to focus on solutions so that she and her children can rebuild their lives.

No words can help heal broken hearts in a tragedy like this, but our joint efforts can! While no amount of money can compensate for the loss of her family member, “Cat”, it can help her to kick off a new beginning for her family....

Ms Gates adds:

The property managers have found a vacant 2 bedroom apartment in a different MP building that they are letting us move into today

Apartment Fire At Roosevelt Island Manhattan Park Hi Rise This Afternoon - Large Number Of FDNY And NYPD On Scene

The Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) reported at 5:35 PM:

Due to NYPD/FDNY activity. Expect delays in the vicinity of the Manhattan Park area.

Nycfire reported a fire at Manhattan Park's 10 River Road:

4/27/18 Manhattan All Hands 10-77 Box 1935: Address: 10 River Road. at Main St. (Roosevelt Island) Fire on the 9th floor of a 21 story 100x100 high rise MD. E-260: Transmit a 10-76 - Fire on the 9th Floor. - 17:24 B-45: Make it a 10-77 - I believe it's a… https://t.co/lJ0UPxbMtR

— Nycfire.net (@nycfire) April 27, 2018

A Roosevelt Island tipster

shares these photos

of the 10 River Road fire today.

RIOC Public Information Officer Alonza Robertson adds:

... there was an apartment fire in an upper level apartment that faces Main Street. There is a large number of fire and police on the scene.

According to NYC Fire.net:

Under Control. - 18:00

Duration: 44 min.

Will update when more info available.

UPDATE 8 PM - Another view.

UPDATE 10:40 PM - RIOC Public Information Officer Alonza Robertson provides an update:

There was a fire this afternoon on the 9th floor of 10 River Road at the Manhattan Park residential complex on Main Street on Roosevelt Island at 5:30 p.m.

Some 25 FDNY and NYPD emergency vehicles responded to the incident. The cause of the fire appears to be electrical.

There were no reported injuries in the apartment nor in the rest of the building. The tenant was not home at the time of the fire, however there was a cat in the apartment that died due to apparent smoke inhalation, said Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation Public Safety Director Jack McManus.

Both inbound and outbound traffic to Roosevelt Island was frozen for one hour, McManus said.

Additionally, the area around Manhattan Park, as well as the area in front of NYC PS/IS 217, was traffic gridlocked due to the responding emergency vehicles blocking Main Street in both directions. Island bus service was affected as well.

The FDNY and NYPD first responders began leaving the Island at 6:45 p.m. Island buses were back in service picking up passengers 20 minutes later.

Island traffic (inbound and outbound) resumed without delay by 7:30 p.m., McManus said.

Elderly Roosevelt Island Residents Freezing In Their Manhattan Park Apartments Unable To Afford High Electricity Bills, We Need Help Pleads Resident - Building Management Says Con Ed Increased Electricity Rates

Are elderly Roosevelt Island residents freezing in their Manhattan Park 2-4 River Road apartment

because they can't afford the high electricity bills charged by Manhattan Park management?

According to a March 4 Roosevelt Island Daily story:

... "I am a tenant who wishes to remain anonymous. My heating bill has tripled and so has the rest of the building's bills. Apparently management is saying they have to increase our rate. My family members' rent every month is only $139. How am I supposed to pay a $300 electricity bill? Especially when the heaters haven't even been used? It's cold everyday in my home because we don't use the heaters due to the electricity bill being unaffordable. Please help us. The elderly in [deleted] River Rd are so scared on their fixed incomes with rent at $120- $175 and heating bills at $400. Most people don't use the heat. They stop sealing our A.C and won't explain why. So, there's plenty of draft. I write to you at 2am at the age of 72 under 3 blankets and freezing. We need help"....

Click here for full Roosevelt Island Daily story.

2-4 River Road is the affordable housing component of the Manhattan Park buildings complex with many elderly and low income residents.

Winter storm is coming tomorrow.

Snow will begin as early as 10 PM tonight. We are monitoring this storm and will have updates throughout the day, so keep your eyes on this channel as well as @NYCOEM and @NotifyNYC. https://t.co/s8jC1uGcX3

— Bill de Blasio (@NYCMayor) March 6, 2018

The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Warning for #NYC from 3/6, 10:00PM to 3/8, 4:00AM. 6-12" of snow possible. Roads may be dangerous & strong winds may cause power outages. Use caution when walking, biking, or driving. For more info: https://t.co/zpmE9Tb9QW pic.twitter.com/eHdHmSBsoy

— NYPD NEWS (@NYPDnews) March 6, 2018

In response to my inquiry, Roosevelt Island's NYC Council Member Ben Kallos replied:

No one should be freezing in their own apartment in this City. Our Office is working to get in contact with the residents referenced in the story. Once that occurs we will do our best to get them the help they need through the City's resources.

According to a spokesperson for Manhattan Park management:

Management understands how fluctuating heating costs can impact monthly household budgets, especially for those living on a fixed income.

But electricity prices are set by Con Edison, the local utility provider for the property. Unfortunately, Con Edison increased their rates significantly during the last billing cycle due to the extremely cold weather at the beginning of the year, impacting all New Yorkers.

To help keep electric costs down, we purchase electricity from Con Edison at a bulk reduced rate that we pass through to the residents of 2-4 River Road, without any additional charges. Further, residents in the affordable units receive a flat monthly utility allowance set by HUD, which throughout the year often exceeds their energy consumption.

We also offer our residents a level payment plan option, which spreads electricity costs over the full year. But with the coldest months likely behind us we are hopeful that electricity rates will return to a more normal range on the next billing cycle, and remain more constant throughout the year.

Very high electricity charges are a long time issue for many Manhattan Park residents as seen from this 2013 post.

Take A Tour Of A 3 Bedroom Apartment At Roosevelt Island's Manhattan Park - A Mere $5150 Per Month - Construction Of Roosevelt Island 340 Affordable Rental Units Starting This Spring

More info at Manhattan Park's web site.

$5150 per month for a Roosevelt Island 3 bedroom apartment would not be considered affordable housing for most New Yorkers.

Mayor Bill de Blasio says NYC has a plan for affordable housing.

This city is your home. We want to make it as easy as possible for you to afford to keep it your home. https://t.co/whffeFNg1D pic.twitter.com/b6PJxVUBEq

— Bill de Blasio (@NYCMayor) January 20, 2018

163,905 New Yorkers are living in affordable apartments we’ve built or protected since we came to office, but the work is just getting started.

Find out more about our city's affordable housing initiative at https://t.co/whffeG4Rqd pic.twitter.com/MlkkTiXzMT

— Bill de Blasio (@NYCMayor) January 19, 2018

Roosevelt Island's Southtown Building 8 is scheduled to start construction this spring and will contain 340 middle and low income affordable rental housing units.

Waves Off Roosevelt Island Painting Cover Colorful Manhattan Park Pool This Summer - Inspired By Goldfinger Pool Scene

The colorful Roosevelt Island Manhattan Park pool is back again this summer.

Check out the scene at Manhattan Park's Pool Party on #RooseveltIsland: Art project meets summer destination! https://t.co/GmutG8uThY

— Citi Habitats (@CitiHabitats) July 27, 2017

Here's how it's done.

Read more »

Roosevelt Island Outdoor Movie At Manhattan Park Lawn Last Night - Next Friday, Roosevelt Island Outdoor Movie At Firefighters Field, Star Wars: The Force Awakens

The Roosevelt Island Twittervers reports:

First outdoor movie of the summer on Roosevelt Island, right outside our apartment! #summerinthecity pic.twitter.com/LIpYwLFary

— Heather M. Briere (@HeatherBriere) June 19, 2016

On Friday, June 24, the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) will show it's first 2016 outdoor movie at Firefighters Field - Star Wars : The Force Awakens.

The full schedule for Roosevelt Island Outdoor Movie series

Image From RIOC

at Firefighters Field is here.

Memorial Day Weekend Read, Free Download Of Spy Thriller Dark Sky Written By Roosevelt Island Resident Joel Canfield Thru Sunday - Then Relax With Book On A Roosevelt Island Hammock

Memorial Day weekend is a good time to relax reading a suspenseful, mystery-thriller spy book. Even better if the book's hero lives on Roosevelt Island, the author is a Roosevelt Island resident and you can get a free download of the book through Sunday.

Author Joel Canfield tweets:

1st book in the saga of Roosevelt Island's most unlikely hero is now available through Sunday for free download! https://t.co/Yh9DNBxugJ

— JoelCanfield (@JoelCanfield) May 27, 2016

After downloading Dark Sky, have a relaxing read on one of the

Manhattan Park Lawn hammocks.

Roosevelt Island Residents Are Invited To Join The Manhattan Park Pool And Swim Club - Opens Saturday May 28, Fees Are Same For Roosevelt Island Residents

It sure feels like summer today and with the upcoming Memorial Day weekend temperatures expected to be in the high 80's, it's good to know that the Manhattan Park Pool, Swim Club and Sun Deck opens for the season on Saturday May 28.

The Manhattan Park Pool Membership Fee Schedule is below. Fees are the same for Roosevelt Island residents. Non-Roosevelt Island residents pay more.

Contact Manhattan Park for more information and to join the Swim club at 212.759.8660 or info@manhattanpark.com

As reported last week, the Manhattan Park Swim Club initially listed higher fees for non-Manhattan Park Roosevelt Island residents to join than for Manhattan Park residents.

Frank Farance did some research and discovered a provision in the Manhattan Park ground lease with the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) which appears to require Manhattan Park Pool membership fees not to be based upon which Roosevelt Island building a resident lives in.  The revised Manhattan Park Pool fee schedule shown above was issued shortly thereafter.

Good job by Mr. Farance digging into this issue and good job by Manhattan Park revising it's Pool Fee policy.

Enjoy the Manhattan Park pool


12ozProphet Presents Hot Tea's "Asylum" from 12ozprophet on Vimeo.

and Special Events.



The Manhattan Park pool is one of two outdoor pools on Roosevelt Island. The Octagon building has a pool but is only open to it's residents.

SPONSORED POST - Summer Is Almost Here, Roosevelt Island Residents Are Invited To Join The Manhattan Park Swim Club With 60 Foot Pool And Sun Deck Opening May 28, Sign Up Now

All Roosevelt Island residents are invited to join the Manhattan Park Swim Club.

Hot Summer Cool Pool

Manhattan Park’s amazing 60’ pool, swim club and sun deck opens on May 28th and any Roosevelt Island resident can join the island’s most talked-about summer scene.

Sign Up Now.

Where: Manhattan Park Management

Office, 30 River Road, Roosevelt Island

Questions: 212.759.8660 info@manhattanpark.com

The street artist Hot Tea has created a colorful Public Art project with the Manhattan Park pool. 


12ozProphet Presents Hot Tea's "Asylum" from 12ozprophet on Vimeo.

You can enjoy Special Events like this 2014 Miami Vice Pool Party.



"Residents" fees listed below are for those who live at Manhattan Park. "Non Resident" fees are for everyone else.

Please contact Manhattan Park for more information 212.759.8660 info@manhattanpark.com

UPDATE 5/26 - The Manhattan Park Pool Membership Fee Schedule is revised below. Fees are the same for Roosevelt Island residents. Non-Roosevelt Island residents pay more.

Beautiful Blooming Roosevelt Island Tree With Pink Flowers And A Surprise - Cluster Of Red Flowers Too

Paula Beltrone shares these pictures of a beautiful blooming Roosevelt Island tree and reports:

There is a tree at Manhattan Park blooming

and it has pink flowers (probably a Magnolia Tree)

but in the midst of the pink blooms is a tiny cluster of red flowers.

I thought it was interesting and pretty.

It is both. Thanks for sharing.