Families can also go get their tree directly from Greg's Trees on 45th Road and 21st Street or from any other Greg's location. Mention PS/IS 217, and the school will receive 10% of the sale price! (If going directly to Greg's, please email team217info@gmail.com with your receipt so we can claim our 10%.)
This morning we celebrated the opening of PS/IS 217's green roof with a
ceremonial planting. The space was funded with $1M from my office's
participatory budgeting process, $250,000 from
@galeabrewer
& $500,000 from
@Rebecca76AD. Thanks
@RepMaloney
for joining us!
pic.twitter.com/ZgB8SWstVS
After more than 6 years of planning, fundraising and construction, Roosevelt
Island PS/IS 217 Green Roof opened today with a ribbon cutting and first
plantings by students.
As principal, it is my great pleasure to welcome all of you to the opening
of the Roosevelt Island School-- Green Roof. And what a roof it is! The
purpose and beauty of its design, landscaping, materials and setting are so
obvious that this space in which we find ourselves, seems to speak for
itself....
... We have waited so long to be here today. The green roof is a wonderful
addition to our facility. As is usually the case, wonderful things take a
lot of work and in this case that work was done by a lot of people. It is
appropriate at this ceremony to assure those who worked so hard that we will
make the most of their creation and it is appropriate that we thank
them:
For the initial concept, we thank Ms. Fokine, who was inspired by her trip
to Japan.
We thank Christina Delfico who took that dream to its first steps of
realization.
For funding Council Member Kallos, Assembly Member Seawright, Manhattan
Borough President Brewer, Congresswoman Maloney and NY State Senator Serrano
who backed this project.
For our PTA and RI community constituents who got out the vote and
championed our vision - RIOC, RIRA, Roosevelt Island Garden Club, the Girl
Scouts, and Roosevelt Island Parent Network.
For the designers Mary Rice, Abel, Bainnson & Butz who heard what we
wanted and realized our vision in their plans.
For our construction team led by Muhammed Siqb Arshed
And for our Custodial EngineerJeff Atkins and the custodial staff who has
tended this space in all its stages of completion.
And we thank forward all those who will tend this incredible space and make
it a vibrant learning, a multi-enriching and a spiritually healing place.
The new educational green roof at PS/IS 217 on Roosevelt Island will give
the next generation of leaders the tools to excel in STEM starts in the
classroom.
I am proud of NYC for being at the cutting edge of
ensuring that our students are at the forefront of learning.
pic.twitter.com/92mJn7hPrR
As a member of the Assembly Education Committee, proud public school parent
and former PTA activist, I was pleased to cut the ribbon on PS/IS 217 on
Roosevelt Island Green Roof and STEM learning Hub. We funded $500k toward
successful completion. 🌻🪴
pic.twitter.com/r1Au9ONon8
— Assembly Member Rebecca Seawright (@SeawrightForNY)
November 29, 2021
According to this press release from NYC Council Member Ben Kallos:
Students at PS/IS 217 have a new educational green space on their roof,
thanks to funding from Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney, Borough President Gale
Brewer, Council Member Ben Kallos, and Assembly Member Rebecca Seawright.
Today they celebrated completion of the project, including a ceremonial
planting.
$1 million in funding for this project comes from
Council Member Ben Kallos, which was allocated from participatory budgeting
that the school won in 2015 and 2016 thanks to the advocacy of the Roosevelt
Island Community. Borough President Brewer funded $250,000 and Assembly
Member Rebecca Seawright contributed $500,000 to the project.
To
win funding through participatory budgeting, the whole Roosevelt Island
community worked together to turn out a winning number of votes. Community
members that advocated for the project include the PS/IS 217 PTA, Girl Scout
Troops 3001 and 3244, Roosevelt Island Garden Club, Roosevelt Island
Parents’ Network, Sharon Bermon from the NYPL Roosevelt Island Branch, and
community activist Christina Delfico.
“STEM education is a vital part of shaping our future generation of
leaders,” said Council Member Ben Kallos. “I am excited to celebrate the
completion of PS/IS 217’s green roof, which will provide students with the
opportunity to play and learn in new ways. I look forward to seeing all that
the school is able to accomplish with this space.”
“I am thrilled
to be here at the opening of the new educational green roof at PS/IS 217,”
said Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney. “Giving the next generation of leaders
the tools to excel in STEM starts in the classroom, and I am proud that
our City schools are at the cutting edge of ensuring just
that. I thank Councilmember Kallos, Borough President Brewer, and
Assemblywoman Seawright for our ongoing partnership in ensuring New York
City’s students are at the forefront of learning.”
“I’m excited
to be able to celebrate the completion of the green roof at PS/IS 217, a
project that will provide educational space to learn about the importance of
protecting our environment,” said Manhattan Borough President Gale A.
Brewer. “I know that this space will benefit students for years to come by
acting as a learning hub for 21st century skills and advancing scientific
and environmental knowledge, in addition to supporting our city’s climate
resiliency efforts by keeping the roof cooler, acting as an insulator,
saving heating and cooling costs, helping to protect the school from
environmental wear and tear, as well as reduce noise.”
“As a member of the Assembly Education Committee, proud public school parent
and former PTA activist, I was please to award PS/IS 217 on Roosevelt Island
with $500,000 for the creation of a Green Roof and construction of a STEM
learning Hub. Our students deserve a safe place to learn and play. I commend
Principal Mandana Beckman, school leadership, and PTA for seeing this
through for the benefit of students and educations at PS/IS 217,” said
Assembly Member Rebecca Seawright.
“This green roof provides flexible outdoor classroom space for educational
gardening, theater and performing arts, and general student education, and
recreation,” SCA President and CEO Nina Kubota said. “It’s a great example
of the SCA’s steadfast commitment to provide enhanced educational services
and better facilities for the City’s kids and the teachers and staff who
serve them.” “So many people had a small role in making a big impact,”
says local sustainability advocate Christina Delfico. “This roof top project
proves that community, schools, and government can create a sea of wide open
green space to excite students in every subject of learning.”...
The
Roosevelt Island PS/IS 217 PTA
welcomes back students and families to the
school
and introduces the administration, teachers and staff in this amusing video.
The annual Roosevelt Island Christmas Tree Emporium sponsored by the PS/IS 217 PTA opened for business today at Motorgate Plaza next to Foodtown and the Saturday Farmers Market.
Nominations for the positions are accepted thru the October 29 election date.
Current PS/IS 217 PTA President Irena Durkovic is not running for the upcoming term. Ms Durkovic reports:
I never had aspirations to be a PTA president, but was asked to do it
since nobody else wanted to. I could see how 217 was improving and knew
that the work PTA did had directly influenced that. I thought that
instead of just enjoying the benefits of someone else's work, it was my
civic duty to volunteer.
Once on a board I continued to work
alongside my fellow board members on organizing and simplifying the
structure. There were a lot of small victories along the way, but the
highlight has definitely been the PTA’s ability to support the school
and help them safely re-open this fall. The most challenging part of
being on a PTA board was facilitating effective communication between
school, families and Roosevelt Island community. I consider it a great
personal success being able to volunteer and help my community for the
past two years, and I am looking forward to seeing new parents take the
lead.
The excellent NYC education web site Chalkbeat reported December 2:
A tiny portion of New York City parent-teacher associations reported raising more than $1,000 per student — amounting, in some cases, to more than $1 million — while hundreds of other such school groups said they raised no money at all.
The data, released for the first time Monday, lays bare the funding disparities between schools in wealthy neighborhoods and those in higher poverty ZIP codes. It does not include data for charter schools, alternative schools, and pre-K centers because these schools are not required to have parent associations, an education department spokesperson said....
... New York City’s Education Department has for the first time compiled and released data on the financial standing of PTAs around the city. City Councilman Mark Treyger, a former teacher who wrote the legislation requiring the report, says it's confirmed his fears about inequity in the city's public schools.
"How many times have we heard the DOE and the chancellor and the mayor talk about, your zip code should not determine the opportunities your families receive,” Treyger said. “Well, look at the data."
According to the report, 46 PTAs raised more than $500 thousand in the most recent school year. Of those 46 PTAs, 24 raised at least a million dollars.”...
I asked Roosevelt Island PS/IS 217 PTA President Irena Durkovic if the Chalkbeat fundraising amount of $236,000 was accurate. Ms Durkovic replied:
The amount reported is accurate, and it’s taken from our annual report that covers period from July 2018 through June 2019.
Ms Durkovic shares this statement from the whole 217 PTA executive board:
The PTA is grateful to the PS/IS 217 and Roosevelt Island communities for their support, which allows us to provide benefits for all students in our elementary and middle school here on Roosevelt Island.
For instance, we sponsor literacy and enrichment programs such as arts, physical education, and music; professional development and curriculum assistance to teachers; and community events for the school and its neighbors on Roosevelt Island.
We thank the many PS/IS 217 parents who donate to our annual fund and tirelessly volunteer their time, as well as RIOC and the broader Roosevelt Island community, who support the PTA through grants, the Roosevelt Island Farmer's Market, and in many other ways."
Here's Ms Durkovic describing Roosevelt Island PS/IS 217 PTA programs to the Roosevelt Island Residents Association (RIRA) Public Purpose Funds committee during May 28,2019 meeting.
Good content-unfortunate that many of the extras come down to PTA’s ability to fund. With changing demographic I think the number can get higher at 217. A big part of issue for fundraising here is that large international population doesn’t understand why it should be necessary.
Starting tomorrow, Roosevelt Island Christmas Trees are available for purchase at the Motorgate Rotunda next to Gristedes and the following 4 weekends thru December 23.
Roosevelt Island Non-Profits Present Applications for Up to $150,000 in Public Grants Next Week
Each year, the RIOC Board of Directors approves the allocation of Public Purpose Funds to non-profit community organizations whose work benefits Roosevelt Island residents, enhances their quality of life, health or environment.
The annual fund awards – up to $150,000 total in 2018 - are recommended by the Roosevelt Island Residents Association (RIRA) and are expected to be approved by the Board at its December 13 meeting.
The non-profits organizations will be making their presentations to the RIRA Public Purpose Funds Committee this Monday, October 22 at 7 p.m. and Thursday, October 25 at 7:30 p.m. at the Good Shepherd Community Center, 543 Main Street. These presentations are open to the public.
For the presentation schedule and the list of the organizations that have applied, click here.
Public Purpose Grants first became available after the construction of Manhattan Park in 1989, when New York State allowed the fund to be established in lieu of the developers paying sales tax on construction materials. The RIOC Board of Directors approves the allocation of these funds yearly based upon the recommendation of the Roosevelt Island Residents Association (RIRA). Not-for-profit community organizations are welcome to apply for a Public Purpose Grant by following the application process below.
Public Purpose Grants should be allocated to benefit Roosevelt Island residents, enhancing their quality of life through education, artistic and cultural enrichment, improved health, or a better environment.
On January 9, I asked RIOC President Susan Rosenthal:
I understand that the Roosevelt Island Youth Program was awarded the RFP contract by RIOC to operate the Youth Center.
Is that true?
Any comment from RIOC?
Ms Rosenthal replied the next day:
Based on RIYP’s grant application– which received the highest rating from an independent panel of reviewers from the NYS Office of Children and Family Services and the Roosevelt Island Day Nursery – we will be recommending that the Board, at its upcoming January 25 meeting, award the $200,000 annual grant to RIYP....
Newly hired RIOC Public Information Officer Alonza Robertson added:
The Roosevelt Island Youth Center operator contract term is for three years with a RIOC option to renew for up to two additional one-year terms.
Click here for all the details outlined in the original RFP.
RIYP Executive Director Charlie Defino reacted to the news:
The announcement that the Roosevelt Island Youth Program Inc.. has been selected to continue it's mission of serving the Roosevelt Island community is wonderful. We are ecstatic about having the opportunity to continuing offering free services to the entire island and building on our four decades of successful operation.
According to reliable sources, there were two applicants for the current Roosevelt Island Youth Center Operator Request For Applications - RIYP and Island Kids.
At least one Roosevelt Island resident disagrees with RIOC's recommendation of RIYP as the Youth Center Operator. A tipster forwarded this message sent by PS/IS 217 PTA President Erin Olavesen to the Roosevelt Island Parents' Network yesterday:
According to the WIRE, RIOC has confirmed that the RIYP is the highest scorer for the Youth Center operator contract. The award requires approval from the RIOC board. This will be put to a vote on January 25, at their next board meeting.
RIOC giving a 3 year contract to RIYP to run our youth center is distressing and disappointing on so many levels. I hear the talk and know many of you feel the same. I’m sending a letter to RIOC to express my concerns, and asking the WIRE to publish it. I know many of you feel the youth center leadership will never change, and it isn't worth giving it a second thought. I'd hope if enough of us raise concerns, RIOC will be forced to act.
Please let me know if you’d like to read it and possibly sign your name with mine. Our kids deserve better.
I asked Ms. Olavesen:
I understand that you sent a statement today to the Roosevelt Island Parents' Network objecting to RIOC awarding the Youth Center Operator RFP to the Roosevelt Island Youth Program (RIYP). You also stated that you will be contacting RIOC asking them not to award the Youth Center Operator RFP to RIYP and urged members of the Parents Network to contact RIOC and do the same.
Is that correct?
If it is correct, why do you think it is appropriate for the President of the PS/IS 217 PTA to advocate, either in favor or opposition, to any specific applicant for the Roosevelt Island Youth Center operator, particularly since the PTA itself receives Public Purpose Funding from RIOC?
Please let me know if you will comment on this matter. I am happy to include your response in a story I plan on publishing tomorrow.
Also, if you wish, am happy to publish any letter from you on the subject as well.
Ms Olavesen replied:
Please note that I sent an email to the RIPN and posted on the Roosevelt Island Parents' Facebook page as an island resident and mother of two children. I did not send the email or post on behalf of the PTA.
There is a contentious history between the RIYP and PS/IS 217 school principal/PTA. As previously reported last spring and summer, the PS/IS 217 PTA and School Principal were responsible for removing the RIYP as the PS/IS 217 Beacon After School Provider.
... members of the Roosevelt Island community have submitted numerous communications to RIOC generally questioning the legitimacy of the review that resulted in a tie. Some communications included disparaging remarks about bidders. All such communications, attempting to influence the RIOC review committee while the RFP is pending, are inappropriate and are prohibited by State Finance Law. These communications, among other things, caused RIOC to withdraw the RFP on January 27, 2017.....
Last week, a tipster reported the PTA asked for volunteers to help manager the Farmers Market. The tipster asked why the PTA is the Farmers Market manager?
217 PTA Urgently Needs Your Help for Farmer's Market Management & Event Planning for 2017-2018
Farmer's Market Volunteers Needed NOW!
Did you know that PTA Volunteers help manage the Roosevelt Island Farmer's Market?
We are in URGENT need of new community members to help the PTA manage the Roosevelt Island farmer's market. Our volunteers are primarily responsible for visiting the market on Saturdays and collecting rent payments from vendors. Ideally, a team of 2-3 people would help manage the market - taking turns visiting it each week.
Did you know that the rents from the farmer's market make up a sizable percentage of the PTA's annual operating budget?
The future of the RI Farmer's Market could be affected if we do not find new managers. Crucial funding for the PTA could also be put into jeopardy, which would result in cuts to the support and enrichments the PTA can provide 217.
So if you live nearby or regularly shop at the farmer's market, PLEASE HELP your community and school by getting involved today - email the PTA at psis217info@gmail.com.
... Does the PTA need a permit from RIOC to manage the Farmers Market and collect rents from the vendors? If yes, does the PTA have a permit to do so?
I don't ever recall any Request For Proposals from RIOC for a manager of the Farmers Market.
Do you think a RFP is required to manage the Farmers Market? If yes, will RIOC issue a RFP for the Farmers Market?
According to RIOC, the PS/IS 217 PTA received a permit dated April 7, 2017:
... for the purpose of operating a Farmers Market including the right to bring vendors, customers, personnel and equipment into the Licensed Premises. This permit is strictly for the following dates and times listed on the attached invoice....
This permit is subject to cancellation or termination at any time without prior notice by an officer of RIOC or an employee thereof so designated to act, who, in his/her sole discretion, determines that a violation has occurred....
... The License Fee Access Control Fee is hereby waived....
RIOC General Counsel Jacqueline Flug adds:
There was no RFP because RIOC was not procuring any services. RFPs are for procurement and done pursuant to State Finance Law and State procurement guidelines. RIOC does not operate the Farmer’s Market, we have simply given permission to the PA to use RIOC land for this. We have no other role in the Farmer’s Market. Accordingly, there are no plans for a future RFP either.
Below is the April 7, 2017 RIOC permit for the PS/IS 217 to manage the Roosevelt Island Farmers Market.
Roosevelt Island PS/IS 217 PTA President Erin Olavesen reports on the garbage and rat infestation problem at the school's courtyard. According to Ms Olavaesen:
The administration and PTA met May 24 with both RIOC and RIRA to update them on the situation, and to see if they could assist the school in getting rid of the rats and finding a long term solution to deal with the garbage.
The most important piece that I'd like to communicate is there are no rats or rodents inside of school. 217 prides itself on being one of the nicest facilities in District 2 and Ms. Beckman has the expectation that it remain so. Safety of students is her number 1 priority. Students are not in danger by attending school.
I'd like to respond to the information given regarding organic waste disposal. The information provided by the cafeteria manager, Rosa Ramez, is incorrect. Ms. Ramez manages Manhattan school cafeterias where schools have moved to zero waste and have composting programs. Although 217 is a Manhattan District 2 school, our waste management services are provided by Queens. Composting is beginning to be implemented in Queens schools, but we are not close to that happening at 217.
217 is not breaking the law by placing food waste in bags on the curb. People have cited codes regarding food waste being required to be in sealed containers. Because school has daily pick up, this does not apply. Please see the attached picture. This is a photo from a Queens school directly across the bridge. This picture was taken May 24 around 1 pm. Their trash, including food waste, is enclosed in clear plastic bags.
217 is required to use the clear trash bags provided by the DOE. 217 is not allocated any funds to purchase any other trash bags. Both trash and recycle are placed in clear plastic bags. We have daily trash pick up and on two of those days there is also recycle pick up. On the two recycle days, the truck is a split truck, picking up both trash and recycle. The clear bags allow the Department of Sanitation to distinguish trash and recyclables.
A few days ago our custodial staff requested storage containers to hold the trash outdoors during school hours. The Department of Sanitation will NOT remove the trash from the containers. The custodial staff will remove the trash at the end of the school day and place the bags, as always, on the curb for trash pick up. The Queens Department of Sanitation typically picks up around 5pm but it can sometimes be as late as 9pm before the trash is collected. Unfortunately this means the trash will sit curbside waiting for the Department of Sanitation to arrive.
This is an example of the bins:
They are plastic and airtight. I think we should be receiving four of them from the Division of School Facilities. The custodial staff was unsure of the timeline but I am happy to check in and update regularly. The staff is hopeful that this will be adequate to store all of the cafeteria trash generated from breakfast and lunch. If it isn't we'll return to DSF and see if more can be provided.
Rossana and Aaron from RIRA listened carefully to 217's challenges and limits in the May 24 meeting. They will be updating the Common Council at their upcoming meeting.
RIOC came to school today as well. Susan Rosenthal and Shelton Hayes both were in attendance at the meeting. They visited the area with their rodent expert and brought his recommendations to the meeting and offered to connect us so that he could offer his expertise. Unfortunately, the limits of the DOE mean some of the suggestions were not things 217 is able to do. A suggestion was to use "mint bags" which rats do not like. Because the bags are not clear and because the school is not allocated funding to buy bags, this is not an option. The school is also not permitted to buy or use bleach as a sanitizer.
RIOC acknowledged the challenges, and agreed that the bins 217 will be receiving were not a long term fix. Susan Rosenthal agreed that to get a fix the situation would have to be escalated beyond RIOC and the 217 administration. They were happy to assist and reach out to elected officials and others to help find a fix.
217 being a NYC DOE owned property on a state owned island makes things complicated. We all agreed that the current system isn't working and we wouldn't continue to accept how things are done in Queens if they aren't working on Roosevelt Island.
One important thing to note is that 217 is waiting for the DOE to pave the area where the rats are currently living. In addition to creating a safe egress from the cafeteria, the area will no longer be a nesting area for rodents. It will also be easier to clean. The paving job is one that has gone out for bids and 217 is now waiting. Susan Rosenthal is looking into the possibility of RIOC being able to do something to excavate and remove the nests while we wait for the DOE to pave. I'm happy to update when more information regarding the timeline of paving is available.
I'd also like to mention that on May 24, I was in communication with Ben Kallos' office about bins and a long term solution. I'll update when I know more about what Kallos' office is able to accomplish.
217 and RIOC also have a meeting scheduled with the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene next week. My understanding is the meeting is to provide information on rat management. When more information about the agenda of the meeting or the outcome becomes available I will share that information.
Now, if you'd read all of that...
Thank you all for your concern and patience and trust. I understand the situation is upsetting and we all want to find a solution, and it can be difficult to sit and watch and not see immediate resolution. I appreciate the emails from islanders who have emailed me as fellow 217 parents, island parents, concerned residents, and representatives of various organizations wanting to offer help and support.
I encourage you all to attend both the RIOC meeting and the RIRA meeting to thank them for their dedication to working with 217 to find a solution that works for our community. Please continue to email me with your questions. I am happy to share what I know and find out the the information if I don't know.
During the May 25 Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Board of Directors Meeting Public Session, Roosevelt Island Day Nursery Executive Director Pamela Stark spoke about the PS/IS 217 courtyard garbage and rat problem. Ms Stark noted that the school's courtyard garbage and rat problem are also effecting tenants at the neighboring Manhattan Park 2-4 River Road building.
RIOC President Susan Rosenthal also spoke about the PS/IS 217 rat and garbage problem and what is being done to fix it
during her President's Report to the May 25 RIOC Board of Director meeting.
RIOC Director David Kraut thanked Roosevelt Island activist Frank Farance for bringing attention to this issue and Ms Rosenthal added
Frank has been a pain in my butt often, but I will tell you this time he was on top of a very serious problem and I want to publicly thank him.
More info on the subject available at previous posts on April 28 and May 22.
UPDATE 5/28 - Main Street Wire's Briana Warsing shares this video of NYC Sanitation picking up PS/IS 217 garbage from courtyard late Friday afternoon.
Roosevelt Island resident Raye Schwartz reported yesterday:
I just came home from the farmer’s market. I crossed the street and was aghast at what I saw, so I walked into the alleyway between 217 and 2-4 River Road and took some photos.
Obviously the trash is not at the curb and it is not being picked up!
Can we please stop this nonsense and fix the problem before one or more of the children and/or faculty become sick by getting bitten or get injured? And if the 217 principal denies that it’s her responsibility because it’s outside the school wall, then RIOC must assume responsibility.
UPDATE 5/30 - Video of rats in courtyard beneath school window taken this morning.
The trees do run out, so I'd recommend getting them early, but the sale will run on weekends through December 24th or until the supply runs out. There will be some wreaths available as well. Feel free to email me, eolavesen@gmail.com with questions or comments!
And to support 217 while doing some Black Friday shopping, use our affiliate link at Amazon. We get 4-10% of the purchase just for clicking through the link. Shoppers have to click through BEFORE adding items to your cart for 217 to earn. The link is "quiet" so there is not indication that you're shopping to benefit 217 but we are receiving a percentage! Direct link: https://www.amazon.com/?tag=pi2p-20# And it's on our website if folks forget to bookmark it! http://www.217pta.com/news/this-holiday-season-support-217-with-this-amazon-link
If you're looking to buy a Christmas Tree, check them out at Motorgate Plaza and help our local school at the same time.
Roosevelt Island families, mostly parents with children attending our local PS/IS 217 school, as well as Jackson Heights families with children at PS/IS 217
during a November 19 Saturday morning fundraiser held at the Riverwalk Bar & Grill.
PS/IS 217 PTA's Will Sweeney introduced Council Member Kallos and thanked him for his support of the school and Roosevelt Island.
Here's what Mr. Kallos told the families attending the event.
Mr. Kallos spoke of his attempts to fix broken government to improve the lives of Roosevelt Island residents and noted that the next President of the US may be one of the children sitting in the room that day.
RIRA Public Purpose Funds Committee Chair Dave Evans reports:
I am pleased with the outcomes related to the discussion by the Common Council of the RIRA Public Purpose Fund Committee report Wednesday evening, November 9. This was done as part of old business in advance of formally seating the recently elected Council under new business. After discussions in response to various questions, the report that recommended funds for all nine applicants was approved.
Subsequent to completion of a few administrative details, the report is envisioned for review and approval during an upcoming meeting of the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Board of Directors as early as next month on December 8. For all of this, I am extremely thankful for the efforts of the smart, dedicated ladies who served on the Committee.
Below is the memo sent by the RIRA Public Purpose Funds Committee to RIOC.
The RIRA Common Council’s PPF Committee reviewed the RIOC-provided applications of nine qualified applicants, one of which is new to the Island, seeking funds for their respective programs. The Common Council approved the Committee’s report during a meeting on November 9, 2016 and also took note of the increasing need for public purpose funding in our growing Roosevelt Island community.
Given the above need and having in mind current PPF-related legislation associated with PPF distribution, we are anticipating increased funding as early as the next fiscal year distributions. The legislative stipulation, that up to 3% of the RIOC operating budget is for such funding, offers prospects for serving the qualified non-profits, and thus the community, in a more robust manner.
Further to the above, it is with pleasure that we provide you the attached funding recommendations for your review and approval. If any questions, please let us know and also when this matter will be on the agenda for the review and approval consideration of the Corporation’s Board. The Committee will provide under separate cover the Summary Sheet/Evaluation Forms its members were asked to complete and the other documentation you do and might require.
We thank RIOC for its continued support to the community and for the on-going the efforts associated with public purpose funding. Additionally, we thank you for allowing the RIRA-Common Council to provide inputs to the important process of availing grants to qualified Roosevelt Island applicants....
And the Committee recommendations for allocation of funds to the respective organizations.
Roosevelt Island Residents Association – Common Council
Approved November 9, 2016
Summary of FY 2016-2017 Public Purpose Fund (PPF) Committee Funding Recommendations Date Finalized - November 9, 2016
SPECIAL NOTE 1: THE COMMITTEE STRONGLY URGES THAT FUNDS RECOMMENDED TO ANY ORGANIZATION(S) THAT FOR REASONS ARE NOT USED IN WHOLE OR IN PART BE EQUALLY DIVIDED FOR DISBURSEMENT TO THE REMAINING APPLICANTS FOR THESE FUNDS.
SPECIAL NOTE 2: THE COMMITTEE STRONGLY URGES THAT RIOC IMPLEMENTS SOONEST THE APPROVED PPF-RELATED NYS LEGISLATION THAT STIPULATES THE ALLOCATION TO QUALIFIED ISLAND ORGANIZATIONS OF PPF AT UP TO 3% OF THE RIOC OPERATING BUDGET.
Following are the Committee funding recommendations...:
1. Carter Burden
Amount Requested: $20,000 Amount Recommended: $5,400
Carter Burden is new to the Island as of 1 July 2016 to specifically manage the Senior Center. They bring with them broad experience in availing programs/activities for seniors 60 or older. Two and one/half percent of their over $8M operating budget is devoted to the Island. Their operating hours are Monday thru Friday, 9am – 5pm. The programs offered (e.g., exercise, health/wellness, technical classes, etc.) as well as meals are free to recipients. Carter Burden envisions offering high quality programs and seeks Public Purpose Funds to cover costs such as for consultants and other costs associated with the aforementioned examples of classes offered. Given the above, the Committee believes PPF would be appropriate to at least initially help cover costs of their programs here as they settle onto the Island.
The Island Kids program is well-known and well-received on the Island. The Public Purpose Funds are envisioned to especially help provide a foundation for establishment of an after school scholarship program for K-3. There is also the well-known and highly regarded summer camp program for pre-K through 10. Though these programs do have a cost, such is not meant to serve as a barrier to participation. In fact, the goal is to be inclusive, using scholarships to help ensure that children, who otherwise could not attend, can attend free or at a much reduced rate. The Committee believes this organization provides a valuable service to the Island. Given the continuing growth/increase of young families as part of the Island population, the demand for these services will most likely continue to increase.
The Life Frames program continues to be directed by an energetic leadership and supporting staff inclusive of parental support. Observations continue to confirm that many children actively and enthusiastically participate in the gardening activities, primarily at the gardening site behind the Youth Center Building 504. At this primary operating location and, when the children are there with instructors, it is a delight to observe the joy and lessons it provides them. As noted in prior years, Life Frames seems well-funded in California but continues to face more challenges in growing its funding efforts in New York City. Even taking note of the operating budget, the percentage of it applicable to Roosevelt Island is not clear. The funding challenge continues to impact the programs of this organization with a rich history on the Island. As such, better clarity relative to the breadth of what Life Frames actually does on the Island beyond the aforementioned gardening could be beneficial.
It is obvious that MST&DA has continued to make significant strides to the point it seems fully recovered from the tragic storm Sandy that affected them and others on the Island. Importantly and most noticeable, their programs (for all age groups) and membership continue to expand, with many opportunities for the Island population. Of special note, in addition to their offerings for Island young adults, is the high number of children at PS 217 they touch at all grade levels. They partnered successfully with Beacon and Island Kids to provide theater at no cost to their summer programs. Going forward, MST&DA desires to maintain and expand staff, arts education, and further enrichment of Island cultural life. These goals are worthy of public purpose funding.
The Island PS-IS/217 is fortunate to have an active PTA that provides broad/significant support to its overall mission to educate children of the community. The essence of the funding request is to sustain continued support to a program (Salvadori Centre Globe) that focuses on a project-based approach to learning math and science. Grades 3, 6, 7 and 8 (comprising 180 primarily Island students), will benefit from this program in an effort to further increase the number of students who achieve proficiency ratings on the NY State exams. The committee believes this enrichment effort could provide medium to high benefit and will contribute to and enhance student performance in science, technology, engineering and math now and in the future. It is thought that Salvadori contributes to increases in test performance and in mitigating the loss of our promising students to other schools.
The RIDA efforts continue to include strong advocacy for quality of life matters for the disabled population of the Island. The RIDA bus comprises 60% of the costs associated with their program(s) for the disabled. Over 70 disabled individuals living on Roosevelt Island derive benefits that improve their quality of life through enhanced mobility. Included are motorized and manual wheelchairs as well as other mobility-related devices to support their needs. The bus is capable of transporting ten wheelchair passengers and others. RIDA also assists with transportation for the food program of the Manhattan Borough President. This benefits the disabled (and others) by availing food from June through November. Such collective efforts are of high value to the Island.
The RIHS Kiosk is well located and it is hoped the signage will help encourage pedestrian traffic its way. Though not sure of the feasibility, the Committee thinks management considerations going forward should include an adjustment of operating hours that coincide to heaviest pedestrian traffic. For example, such might be later in the day/early evenings and weekends. With estimates of 45,000 visitors per year, a strategically located donation receptacle could prove beneficial. Similar considerations have been suggested in prior years. The funding requested that resonated most with the Committee included funds that could be aimed at additional staff support and support to the Historian.
RISA is showing its flexibility in serving the senior population after recent changes on the Island. Part of the strength of this new RISA, according to their objectives, will be arrangements for serving the needs of seniors with new operating hours, inclusive of weekends. The Committee noted the broader age range that could benefit from senior-oriented programs and activities, thus potentially a greater number of participants. The funding recommended is intended to give the new RISA an opportunity to show its mettle.
9. Roosevelt Island Visual Arts Association (RIVAA)
The RIVAA application has been rather consistent over the past few years. RIVAA struggles with rent and utility bills and these costs of operations form the essence of a request for PPF funds. The application for the funds also clearly shows arrears of $10k for rent in addition to current charges. In prior times, the Committee has suggested aggressive fund-raising efforts, attention to gallery membership and prospects for dues to help off-set expenses. The aforementioned has not worked for RIVAA nor seemingly pursued with rigor. The question remains to the Island as to how there can be a boost to the operating viability of such a pleasurable gallery, appropriately situated at a nice location on the Island.
RIRA Island House Common Council Council Member Frank Farance raised objections to RIRA's approval of the Public Purpose Committee recommendations. Mr.Farance sent the following email to RIOC President Susan Rosenthal, RIRA President Jeff Escobar and others earlier today:
Last night at the RIRA meeting, we approved (on very short notice) a set of allocations for PPF applicants. At the prior RIRA meeting, we approved (via last minute proposal) the group of people reviewing the PPF applications. RIOC notified the public about presentations with very short notice (24 hours). Everything is being rushed, and we could have done this much better....
... While Jeff Escobar asked Common Council members for their interests, and then determined who would be Conflicted Out (I believe his decision-making is, largely, correct), what happened thereafter was not consistent with RIRA's Conflict of Interest Policy and not consistent with NYS law, as described by the Attorney General.
At last night's meeting, people who were Conflicted Out were permitted to participate in the discussion, including discussion of money allocations, of which several of them had financial interest (as PPF applicants), and spouses of RIOC Board members participated in the discussion. For example, Sherie Helstien is a member of the Roosevelt Island Seniors Association (RISA) whose PPF money allocations were being discussed last night, and she participated in that discussion, including suggesting different money allocations (which would benefit her organization). Lynne Strong-Shinozaki participated in the discussion, who has several conflicts (Trustee of RI Historical Society, one of the PPF applicants, and spouse of RIOC Board member). In additional, Lynne was discussing RIOC PPF, including the RI Youth Program's receiving Public Purpose Funds.
RIRA Conflict of Interest Policy: "Any Common Council member in attendance shall in advance of or as soon as it is recognized during Council consideration of a matter representing a conflict of interest shall not deliberate or vote on such matter and shall so indicate by stating "not voting due to conflict of interest"."
Apparent Violation: Those who were Conflicted Out participated in the deliberations.
RIRA Conflict of Interest Policy: "A member with a financial Conflict of Interest is required to leave the room during deliberations and voting. A member whose Conflict of Interest is due to a relationship with government or with other Island entities (see Part II below) is not required to leave the room during deliberations and voting."
Apparent Violation: Those who were Conflicted Out with financial conflict of interest participated in the deliberations.
Attorney General Guidance: "3. Requirement that the person with the conflict of interest not be present at or participate in board or committee deliberations or vote on the matter giving rise to such conflict. (N-PCL § 715-a(b)(3))."
Apparent Violation: Those who were Conflicted Out participated in the deliberations.
Attorney General Guidance: "4. Prohibition of any attempt by the person with the conflict to improperly influence the deliberations or voting on the matter giving rise to such conflict. (N-PCL § 715-a(b)(4))."
Apparent Violation: Some of those who were Conflicted Out improperly influenced the deliberations.
I raised a Point Of Order (via Roberts Rules) to object to the improper discussion by Conflicted Out members, but Jeff Escobar ruled my objection as not a Point Of Order. I believe it is a Point Of Order because it involves the organization's procedures as per discussion in meeting conducted by Roberts Rules.
On top of that, the proposed allocations were described inadequately: we (RIRA) have no idea what the money will be spent *FOR*. Yes, we know WHO is recommended, but not WHAT it will be spent for. Several of us asked Dave Evans (Chair of the RIRA PPF Ad Hoc) questions about the spending of the monies and criteria used, but largely there were a lack of answers. The discussion was shut down as Lynne(!) made the motion to table the decision-making ... Lynne's involvement seems wholly inappropriate, in light of her conflict.
In other words, if you read what was given to RIRA for decision-making, it is hard to know what we are getting for our money, i.e., RIRA is making decisions about recommending RIOC's spending of money without knowledge of what it will be spent upon. This lack of detail is inadequate for RIRA's decision-making, and inadequate for an organization making recommendations to RIOC.
I recognize that these concerns need to be addressed in a short time frame. I am available if you need further information.
More information on Roosevelt Island Public Purpose Funds including October 26-27 presentations made by Public Purpose Funds applicants to the RIRA Public Purpose Funds Committee are available on audio at the RIOC web site here and here.
Public Purpose funds first became available after the construction of Manhattan Park in 1989 when New York State allowed the fund to be established in lieu of the developers paying sales tax on construction materials. The RIOC Board of Directors approves the allocation of these funds yearly based upon the recommendation of the Roosevelt Island Residents Association (RIRA). Not-for-profit community organizations are welcome to apply for a Public Purpose Grant by following the application process below.
Public Purpose Funds should be allocated to benefit Roosevelt Island residents, enhancing their quality of life through education, artistic and cultural enrichment, improved health or a better environment....
RIOC announced this afternoon:
Please be advised that the 2016 Public Purpose Grant Community Review Process for applicant proposed programs and projects will be conducted at the Good Shepherd Community Center, 543 Main Street,Wednesday, October 26th and Thursday October 27th. The presentations are open to the public and will be an opportunity to learn more about the programs and projects from community groups who are seeking funding. At the conclusion of each presentation, time will be reserved for questions and answers by public attendees and members of the Roosevelt Island Resident Association’s Public Purpose Grant Committee.
Below is the schedule of applicant presentations:
October 26th
7:30 PM – 8:00 PM: Roosevelt Island Disabled Association
8:00 PM – 8:30 PM: Carter Burden Center for the Aging
8:30 PM– 9:00 PM: Roosevelt Island Visual Art Association
9:00 PM- 9:30 PM: Roosevelt Island Seniors Association
9:30 PM- 10:00 PM: Main Street Theatre and Dance Alliance
October 27th
7:30 – 8:00 pm: Life Frames
8:00 – 8:30 pm: Roosevelt Island Historical Society
8:30 – 9:00 pm: PS/IS 217 Parent Teacher Association
9:00 – 9:30 pm: Island Kids
For more information, please call our office at 212-832-4540.
Image Of Gale Brewer & Staff At Randall's Island Green Roof From Christina Delfico
Yissely Ortiz, BP Community liaison (left) and Deputy BP Matthew Washington (right), visited the NYC Parks Department Five Borough Green Roof on Randall's Island last Friday, August 12.
According to NYC Parks 5 Borough Citywide Operations and Technical Services Sustainable Facilities Division:
In the spring of 2007, the Five Borough Technical Services Division of the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation installed its first green roof system atop their headquarters, the Five Borough Complex on Randall‟s Island. Since then, the Technical Services division, in cooperation with the Parks‟ GreenApple Corps, has expanded the green roof program to encompass over 30 unique growing systems covering 30,000 square feet of our roof. As the fifth largest green roof in New York City, the 5-Borough project is not only a key component of the Parks‟ commitment to reducing its carbon footprint, but it also serves as a way to educate and inspire park staff and patrons, as well as supply a resource for peers in the field.
The 5-Borough green roof distinguishes itself from others, as it is the only known green roof in the country to feature distinct systems side by side. These systems vary by type of growing medium, depth of growing medium, and plant selection. By using a variety of planting systems and monitoring their progress, we are identifying the types of green roof systems that will thrive in the NYC urban environment.
Background
A green roof is a thin layer of vegetation installed on a traditional flat or pitched roof. Although the specifics of green roof design may vary, all green roofs have the same basic components (Fig. 1 from the bottom up): waterproofing layer(s), a root barrier (to prevent the plantings‟ roots from growing through the roof), water retention/water drainage layer, growing medium, and plants.
There are two types of green roofs: intensive and extensive. Intensive green roofs are greater than 6" deep and allow for a greater variety of plants including shrubs and even trees to be considered. They are similar to traditional rooftop gardens and often provide social and recreational uses. Intensive roofs can require more maintenance than extensive roofs and may also be more costly to install. By contrast, extensive green roofs are much shallower; their growing media are typically less than 6". They are lighter weight systems that provide primarily ecological and economic benefits. Plants likely to flourish on extensive green roofs are more specific and include sedums, succulents, alpine type plants, and some grasses. Extensive green roofs contain fewer layers than those of intensive roofs and tend to require less maintenance....
Here's view from on top of the Randall's Island NYC Parks Department 5 Boro Green Roof Garden.
Roosevelt Island PS/IS 217 teacher Ursula Fokine, PS/IS 217 PTA's Olga Shchuchinov and Erin Olavesen, and iDig2Learn's Christina Delfico joined Borough President Brewer and her staff on the August 12 tour of the NYC Parks Department Randall's Island Green Roof.
Image Of Roosevelt Islanders Green Roof Tour At Randall's Island from Christina Delfico
Ms Fokine said the purpose of the tour was:
... to be inspired by the work being done by the Parks Department. We are looking to design our roof, that we have now received such generous funding for, and we are looking to make our roof a combination of a space for our students and also to be environmentally exciting and sustainable.
We came today to see see the kind of plants and planting systems that are available and choices we have to now make to get our roof off the ground....
Image Of Ms. Fokine Examining Randall's Island Green Roof Vertical Garden by Christina Delfico
Manhattan Borough President Brewer added:
...I've never seen a roof like the school on Roosevelt Island in terms of size...
... Today is inspiring. What we learned is that we can do different things on the roof... this roof is so large it could be a learning laboratory, you could have all the cultural/artistic but you can also have the real green roof stuff....
Roosevelt Island is a mixed income, racially diverse waterfront community situated in the East River of New York City between Manhattan and Queens and is jurisdictionally part of Manhattan. The Roosevelt Island Tramway, which connects Roosevelt Island to the rest of Manhattan, has become the iconic symbol of Roosevelt Island to its residents.
The Purpose of this Blog is to provide accurate and timely information about Roosevelt Island as well as a forum for residents to express opinions and engage in a dialogue to improve our community.
