Two Submissions For Roosevelt Island West Promenade Waterfront Food Concession, Riverwalk Bar & Grill Selected - No Submissions For Roosevelt Island Rowing/Kayaking Facility

Aerial View of West Promenade Subway Pier Area

As previously reported, the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) issued Request For Proposals for a West Promenade Subway Pier food concession and a Rowing/Kayaking facility below the Queensboro Bridge on the East Channel. Submissions were due May 1. On May 2, I reported that there was one food concession proposal submitted and no rowing/kayaking submission.

Last Friday, I asked RIOC:

I am following up on earlier inquiry regarding the status of the Rowing/Kayaking facility for Roosevelt Island and the Waterfront Promenade Pier Food Concession. As you know, both were subjects of recent RIOC RFP's.

What is the status of the Rowing/Kayaking and Waterfront Promenade Pier Food Concession proposals?

Thank you.

RIOC Vice President of Operations Fernando Martinez replied this afternoon

No one responded to our Rowing/Kayaking RFP. We received 2 responses to the Waterfront Food Concession RFP. The owners of the Riverwalk Bar and Grill were selected to operate the concessions.

I followed up with:

Thank you for the update.

Who submitted the second proposal for the waterfront food concession and what is the reason for choosing one over the other?

Will update when answer received.

No Response For Roosevelt Island Rowing/Kayaking Request For Proposals, One Response For Waterfront Food Concession - RIOC Real Estate Committee Meeting In Executive Session to Discuss RFP's As Well As Island House and Southtown Ground Lease Extensions

Yesterday was the due date for submission of the Roosevelt Island Rowing/Kayaking and West Promenade Subway Pier Waterfront Food Concession Request For Proposals (RFP) to the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC). Though not officially confirmed, my understanding is that there were no submissions for the Rowing/Kayaking RFP and only one for the Waterfront Food Concession RFP.

Both of these subjects are among the Agenda Items for today's Executive Session RIOC Real Estate Committee meeting which is closed to the public.

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 2, 2012 at 5:30 p.m. at the RIOC administrative office, 591 Main Street, Roosevelt Island, New York.

AGENDA

1. Chair's Motion for Executive Session to Review and Discuss:
a. Responses to RFP's:
i. RFP#12-27395 Operation of a Kayaking/Rowing Concession in the Eastern Channel off
Roosevelt Island; and
ii. RFP#12-27396 Operation of a Waterfront Food Concession on the West Promenade of Roosevelt Island;
b. Proposed Modifications to the Ground Lease for Southtown Buildings 7, 8 and 9; and
c. Proposed Modifications to the Ground Lease for Island House. 

As with all RFP submissions, RIOC can choose to accept, reject or modify any proposal.

Last weekend, I visited Gantry State Park in Long Island City and came across their version of a waterfront food concession with seating for about 30, though it was closed at the time,

as well as these places to relax and take in the great East River Waterfront Views.

(note the Kahn/FDR Memorial in background)

 If you have not been to Gantry State Park in Long Island City - go, they did a great job.

RIOC Board Member/Child School Director Apologizes For Mistakes Not Disclosing Relationship With NY Rowing Association and For Fundraising Letter During RIOC Governance Committee Meeting Yesterday - Also Reports Lease For Theater/Auditorium At 504 Main Street To Be Signed In Next Few Days

The Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Governance Committee met yesterday (audio webcast of full meeting here). Among the items discussed were conflict of interest and disclosure requirements for RIOC Board Directors.

As previously reported, this issue was raised by the RIOC Governance Committee because of RIOC Director and Child School Executive Director Sal Ferrera's recent failure to disclose his relationship with the NY Rowing Association which was seeking a permit to operate a boating facility on Roosevelt Island and the distribution of a fundraising letter by the Child School to Roosevelt Island residents and organizations.

The discussion began with RIOC Director Margie Smith asking:

What exactly is considered a conflict of interest, what are disclosure requirements, who decides and where do we go from here

RIOC General Counsel Donald Lewis summarized the requirements stating:

 ... bottom line is it is a case by case examination...

and

... each director officer and employee of the corporation must endeavor to pursue a course of conduct which will not  raise suspicion among the public that he or she is likely to engage in acts of violating his or her public trust...

During the Governance Committee meeting, RIOC Director Sal Ferrera apologized and acknowledged his mistake in not disclosing his relationship with the NY Rowing Association. Mr. Ferrera explained that he did not think he needed to explain his relationship with the NY Rowing Association during the March 21 Operations Committee meeting because the intent of the proposal was for a pilot project and that no vote or Board Action was to be taken on the issue.

A question was then raised whether the NY Rowing Association had to be disqualified from the RIOC Request For Proposal for a rowing and kayaking facility because Mr. Ferrera spoke in their favor during a RIOC Real Estate Committee meeting. It was decided that RIOC would submit that question to the NY State Authorities Budget Office for resolution.

Mr. Ferrera also said that the Child School fundraising letter sent to Roosevelt Island residents and organizations was an error made by an employee. Mr. Fererra apologized for the fundraising solicitation letter and said it would not happen again. He noted that when he read the letter he was upset by it as well.

Here's the discussion.



Mr. Ferrera also reported that the Child School will sign a lease with Hudson/Related this coming Friday or the following Monday for the second floor of 504 Main Street to be used as an auditorium/theater with seating for 150. Mr. Ferrera indicated that the auditorium would have sufficient soundproofing so that it would not disturb the NY Public Library branch that may be located on the first floor of 504 Main Street some time in the future.



More on the future use of 504 Main Street from previous posts here and here.

UPDATE 6:25 PM - Mr. Ferrera writes:

I am writing in response to various individuals who have objected to a letter sent out from the Child School soliciting donations for the development of a performing arts center 504 Main. As some of your readers may know, 504 is building which has been never been tenanted since its construction in the 1970s . Unfortunately the letter erroneously referred to an amphitheater at 504 Main. The building will instead contain a small auditorium which will double as a theatre for our drama performances. Its seating capacity will be approximately 150. The space will also contain 3 classrooms that will focus on music ,dance and art. This new facility will be available to our community after school hours, the only cost will be for security (IF NECESSARY). Our construction plan includes sound proofing which should eliminate any disruption for the planned library on the first floor.

These individuals, have used the above letter as a pretext to question my ethics and raise the issue of conflicts of interest as a result of my serving on the RIOC board. As far as conflict of interests and the Child School is concerned, I do not as a matter of policy raise or propose any projects that will be solely beneficial to The Child School. A good example is the request made by the rowing group to build a temporary 80 foot floating dock under the Koch Bridge on RI. Yes, it will be accessible to the students of The Child School as well to all the interested residents that live on the Island. Yes, I also serve on the rowing groups not for profit board and that can be interpreted as a conflict which is why I have stood aside as the rowing group presented its proposal independently and in compliance with RIOCs stated policies and procedures. This project, along with 504 main, will benefit our community and in particular the children living on this island yet both projects are being used as a basis for various individuals to personally and wrongly attack my participation on the RIOC board.

My hope is that the vast majority of the residents on this island can see benefits of just these two projects and separate them from the real objectives of this small but very vocal group of individuals who refuse to accept my presence on the RIOC board as a result of my assignment by the Governor.

Update On Roosevelt Island East River Kayaking And Rowing Facility - RIOC Decides To Issue Expedited Request For Proposals During Real Estate Committee Meeting Yesterday

The Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Real Estate Committee met yesterday (audio webcast of full meeting here) to discuss the NY Rowing Association proposal to establish a seasonal rowing and kayaking facility beneath the Queensboro Bridge just south of the Oil Dock Pier facing Queens. The subject had first been discussed at the March 21 Operations Committee meeting in which the RIOC Board Directors present expressed approval for the concept but asked for additional information prior to giving approval.

During yesterday's Real Estate Committee meeting, the RIOC Board Directors reported reservations that safety concerns from objects falling from the Queensboro Bridge on to the proposed boating facility and the strong East River currents have not yet been adequately addressed. Another concern was that other NYC kayaking and rowing groups should be given the opportunity to express interest in a Roosevelt Island facility.

The RIOC Real Estate Committee decided to issue an expedited Request For Proposals for interested parties to operate a seasonal rowing and kayaking boating facility near the Oil Dock Pier.

Here's the full discussion.



No mention was made during the discussion of RIOC Director Sal Ferrera's undisclosed membership on the New York Rowing Association Board of Trustees or that the NY Rowing Association official making presentation to RIOC was a member of the Child School's Board of Directors in which Mr. Ferrera is the Executive Director.

Also, during the meeting I asked for an explanation regarding the dispute between the NY Rowing Association and its former location at the Peter Sharp Boathouse but received no answer.

Following this Agenda Item, the RIOC Real Estate Committee went into Executive Session, meaning it was closed to the public, to discuss the privatization and ground lease extension for Island House.

RIOC Real Estate Committee Meeting Monday To Discuss Roosevelt Island Kayaking And Rowing Proposal - Will They Also Discuss Obligation Of RIOC Directors To Disclose Relationships With Permit Applicants - Does It Matter?

You Tube Video of March 21 RIOC NY Rowing Association Presentation

According to the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC):

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that a meeting of the Real Estate Development Advisory Committee of the RIOC Board of Directors will be held on Monday, April 2, 2012 at 5:00 p.m. at the RIOC administrative office, 591 Main Street, Roosevelt Island, New York.

AGENDA

1. Review Leasing/Licensing Requirements under RIOC Property Disposition Guidelines.

2. Discuss Proposal for the Use of West Channel Promenade.

3. Discuss Proposal for Roosevelt Island Rowing and Kayaking Site Presented by New York Rowing Association

4. Chair�s Motion for Executive Session to Review and Discuss the Status of Privatization/Affordability Plan and Ground Lease Extension for Island House.
***
The Open Meetings Law of the State of New York requires that all public bodies conduct meetings, convened for the purpose of officially conducting public business, in a manner open to attendance by the general public to observe and listen.

Agenda Item #3 - the NY Rowing Association proposal for a boating facility below the Queensboro Bridge was discussed during the March 21 Operations Committee Meeting. (Video of Discussion above and audio webcast here.). The RIOC Directors present for the NY Rowing Association presentation expressed approval for the concept but also concern that they did not have adequate time to evaluate the proposal and asked to receive answers to some additional logistical questions at their next meeting.

After advocating for a Roosevelt Island boating facility for several years, I thought this was a great idea.  Unfortunately, the next day an issue arose over the possible undisclosed relationship between RIOC Director Sal Ferrera, also the Executive Director of the Child School, and the NY Rowing Association. As reported in this March 22 post:

...I sent the following inquiry to RIOC Director Sal Ferrera, President Leslie Torres, VP of Operations Fernando Martinez and the other resident RIOC Board Directors:

I am preparing a post on the March 21 NY Rowing Association presentation at RIOC OPS meeting.  The NY Rowing Association web site indicates that Sal Ferrera is a member of their Board of Trustees. Click here for info. Is that true?

If so, was that ever disclosed to RIOC Staff or Directors. I don't recall that it was mentioned during the meeting?

Is Sal being a member of the organization's Board of Trustees relevant to RIOC whether or not to approve the NY Rowing Association permit/license/lease?

Please let me know if anyone wishes to comment for Roosevelt Islander Online.

Thank you.

RIOC Director Sal Ferrera responds:

In response to your email, I am a member of the NYRA board and Vince Paparo is a member of The Child School board.

The Rowing association has been a wonderful addition to our co curricular program, when they wanted to relocate to RI , I felt the community and the Child School will benefit. Issuing a one year provisional permit will allow our board to evaluate the program.

I remained silent during the presentation and discussion and did not try to curry favor. Our Operations committee did a fine job in asking relevant questions

UPDATE 11:15 PM - Received the following response from RIOC's spokesperson:

The discussion and presentation about a potential rowing launch site under the Ed Koch bridge was at an Operations subcommittee meeting and Sal is not on that subcommittee.

Additionally, if any Board vote is taken concerning the NYRA, Sal intends to recuse himself from voting on the issue.

So far, no response from RIOC on whether Mr. Ferrera disclosed his relationship with NY Rowing Association to RIOC Staff or Directors prior to the Operations Committee meeting....

On March 23 I sent the following reply to RIOC's Press Spokesperson and RIOC Directors:

Thanks for the response but will RIOC answer the question whether RIOC staff and/or directors were aware that RIOC Director Sal Fererra was a Trustee of the NY Rowing Association and that the NY Rowing Association official making the presentation at Operations Committee is a member of the Child School Board of Directors?

On March 26 I sent this follow up to Ms. Torres, Mr. Martinez and the RIOC Directors:

I am following up on inquiry from last Friday (message thread below) regarding whether RIOC Directors and Staff had prior knowledge before the March 21 Operations Committee meeting that RIOC Director Sal Fererra was a Trustee of the NY Rowing Association and that the NY Rowing Association official making the Boating/Kayaking presentation at March 21 Operations Committee is a member of the Child School Board of Directors? Can you confirm whether RIOC Directors and Staff had such knowledge? Is such information relevant to the RIOC Board and staff?

Also was the RIOC Board and Staff made aware of the circumstances regarding the NY Rowing Association leaving their former site at the Peter Sharp Boat House on the Harlem River. There appear to be some dispute regarding the termination of NY Rowing Association management agreement with the Peter Sharp Boathouse which led to litigation between the parties before the expiration of their agreement.

Here is link to February 23, 2012 NY State Appellate Division decision on matter.

Please let me know if you wish to comment for Roosevelt Islander Online.

To date have not received any further response. The question remains whether Mr. Fererra disclosed his relationship with the NY Rowing Association to the other RIOC Board members or  RIOC Staff and if he disclosed the circumstances of the NY Rowing Association's dispute with the Peter Sharp Boathouse. If he did not, the question then becomes is that relevant?

Perhaps the NY State Authorities Budget Office (ABO) Model Code of Ethics provides some guidance?

Roosevelt Island Kayaking And Rowing In The East River May Soon Be Available - NY Rowing Association Wishes To Set Up Boat Club On Roosevelt Island

Image of East River Kayakers Underneath Roosevelt Island Bridge

A post from way back in March of 2008 asked:

... Wouldn't it be great if Roosevelt Island could get a boat house to launch kayaks! From an earlier Roosevelt Islander post:

Several years ago I inquired of RIOC about the possibility of a Kayak launch here and was told that the currents were much too strong to safely permit. But others with practical experience of such matters advised that with proper guidance a kayak launch could readily be created on Roosevelt Island....

Well, hold on to your oars and paddles because Roosevelt Island may just get a boat house and seasonal dock to launch kayaks and boats into the East River this spring/summer. The New York Rowing Association current lease on the Harlem River is ending.  They are looking to open a new facility right here on Roosevelt Island just south of the Oil Dock Pier underneath the Queensboro Bridge and presented a proposal to the March 21 Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Operations Committee meeting (audio webcast of meeting is here). The RIOC Board members expressed approval for the idea of the Boat House and program but requested additional information from the NY Rowing Association before they give final approval which they hope to be able to do within 2-3 weeks.

Here's what happened at the meeting.



More on this issue to come.

Here's what it is like rowing around Manhattan.



UPDATE 9:20 PM - Earlier this afternoon, I sent the following inquiry to RIOC Director Sal Ferrera, President Leslie Torres, VP of Operations Fernando Martinez and the other resident RIOC Board Directors:

I am preparing a post on the March 21 NY Rowing Association presentation at RIOC OPS meeting.  The NY Rowing Association web site indicates that Sal Ferrera is a member of their Board of Trustees. Click here for info. Is that true?

If so, was that ever disclosed to RIOC Staff or Directors. I don't recall that it was mentioned during the meeting?

Is Sal being a member of the organization's Board of Trustees relevant to RIOC whether or not to approve the NY Rowing Association permit/license/lease?

Please let me know if anyone wishes to comment for Roosevelt Islander Online.

Thank you.

RIOC Director Sal Ferrera responds:

In response to your email, I am a member of the NYRA board and Vince Paparo is a member of The Child School board.

The Rowing association has been a wonderful addition to our co curricular program, when they wanted to relocate to RI , I felt the community and the Child School will benefit. Issuing a one year provisional permit will allow our board to evaluate the program.

I remained silent during the presentation and discussion and did not try to curry favor. Our Operations committee did a fine job in asking relevant questions

UPDATE 11:15 PM - Received the following response from RIOC's spokesperson:

The discussion and presentation about a potential rowing launch site under the Ed Koch bridge was at an Operations subcommittee meeting and Sal is not on that subcommittee.

Additionally, if any Board vote is taken concerning the NYRA, Sal intends to recuse himself from voting on the issue.

So far, no response from RIOC on whether Mr. Ferrera disclosed his relationship with NY Rowing Association to RIOC Staff or Directors prior to the Operations Committee meeting.