... Neighborhoods like Inwood, Washington Heights, and Harlem face unique
parking challenges. Their proximity to major bridges and highways makes them
prime targets for commuters seeking free parking. They dump their cars on the
street for free, jumping on the subway for destinations in the Manhattan
core.
As a result, residents who own cars often compete for spots with drivers
from out-of-state neighboring areas, leading to frustration and inequity.
This frustration is not just an inconvenience; it disrupts daily life,
increasing tension among local residents who need access to convenient
parking near their homes.
The upcoming implementation of congestion pricing could exacerbate this
issue. As drivers seek to avoid the congestion fee by parking outside the
designated zone south of 60th St., some neighborhoods could become even more
saturated with out-of-state vehicles. This could further strain communities
already saturated with congestion, making it harder for residents to find
parking and access their homes conveniently....
... why hasn’t this program been implemented yet in New York City? Like so
much else, this is a case in which we can’t make local policy without
permission from the state government.
Albany has shown again and again that they don’t have a problem with
residential parking permits. After all, they have authorized them in
cities and towns all over the state — from Buffalo to Albany to New
Rochelle. But New York City has, so far, not even been given the option.
It’s time for this to change.
State authorization would only be the beginning of the process for us. The
City Council would then have to pass legislation to establish a program,
setting out the rules, pricing, and mechanism for enforcement....
I think it’s safe to say that we anticipate that we will be discussing this
issue in future committee meetings and community advisory groups.
RIOC Board Director Ben Fhala added:
... While we are not yet ready with news on this particular topic, it has been
on our radar for the last few months and is currently under review by the
team....
During the June 13, 2023 RIOC Public Safety Department (PSD) Community
Engagement meeting, residents discussed
Roosevelt Island parking problems
with PSD Chief Kevin Brown.
According to a resident speaking at the meeting:
... parking is getting worse and worse every week on Roosevelt Island. Every
spot on every street is taken...
and once Manhattan congestion pricing is implemented, Roosevelt Island parking
will be even a greater problem than it is now.
Among the ideas discussed were limiting street parking spots to holders of
permit stickers issued by RIOC.
Here's the discussion.
and a March 5, 2024 WNYC radio report on NYC residential parking permit issue.
During the March 14, 2024 Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Real Estate Development Advisory Committee (REDAC) meeting, Acting RIOC Chief Operating Officer Mary Cunneen provided an overview of the Motorgate Parking Garage operations including total capacity, usage,
rates and a comparison with other nearby parking garages in Astoria and the Upper East Side.
Heres the REDAC meeting discussion of the Motorgate Parking garage.
... During the February 15, 2024 RIOC Board of Directors Real Estate Development Advisory Committee meeting, the new interim RIOC leadership of Deputy General Counsel Gerrald Ellis and Chief Financial Officer Dhru Amin discussed the upcoming May 1 parking rate increases for Motorgate customers.
The new Motorgate Parking rates (including tax) are proposed as follows....
During the March 14 REDAC meeting, Mr Ellis reported that the previously announced Motorgate rate increase for disabled customers will not be increased to $127.50 but will remain at $62.50. According to Mr Ellis:
...The disabled
rate was originally planned to go from
zero to $62.50 which is what it's
currently at, and then to increase again
from $62.50 to $125 per month. We
are not going to implement with respect
to the disabled rate.
In order to make
this neutral, what was
announced previously was a 2% increase for the resident rate. In order to
keep this revenue neutral that will have
to be a little bit higher, not
drastically. I think what we've landed on
is 3% ... resident rate. We
anticipate these changes
are set to take effect May 1st...
Ms Cunneen reported that there are 438 people on the Motorgate Parking garage waiting list and that the longest a resident is on the current waiting list is from April 2022. She added that Motorgate is currently not opening accounts for non-residents due to the current demand from residents for parking spots.
RIOC Board Director Ben Fhala asked Manhattan Park (which owns 39% of Motorgate to RIOC's 61%) Property Manager Brian Weisberg about participating in future renovations of the Garage:
... so that's it's sustainable for the next 30 years....
Mr Weisberg replied:
Let me just say that everything
is open for a
discussion. Perhaps
other housing companies can get on
board not just Manhattan Park and RIOC.
In February 2022, Roosevelt Island Residents Association (RIRA) Committee Chairs toured the Motorgate Garage exploring ideas for increasing parking spots and RIRA's Frank Farance proposed expanding the garage by building an addition in the currently vacant quadrant of the area.
rate fee increase for customers. In April 2023, after much community
opposition to the Motorgate parking rate increases,
RIOC revised it's plan stating:
... After careful consideration, RIOC has adjusted the monthly permit rates
at the Motorgate Garage – aiming to be fair and equitable to all Island
permit holders.
General Update:
Monthly permit holder rates will experience an annual 2% increase to
accommodate rising operating expenses and allow for further upgrades to the
facility, effective May 1, 2024.
Disabled Monthly Parking Permit Holders:
Beginning May 1, 2023, the Disabled monthly parking permit rate will be
reduced from the proposed $125 rate to $62.50 only for existing enrolled
customers before April 6, 2023, at 11:59 PM for a period of one year through
May 1, 2024. On May 1, 2024, the Disabled monthly rate will be aligned with
the Senior Citizen parking rate. All new customers applying for the Disabled
monthly parking permit rate will be subject to the proposed $125 rate....
During the February 15, 2024 RIOC Board of Directors Real Estate Development
Advisory Committee meeting, the new interim RIOC leadership of Deputy General
Counsel Gerrald Ellis and Chief Financial Officer Dhru Amin discussed the
upcoming May 1 parking rate increases for Motorgate customers.
The new Motorgate Parking rates (including tax) are proposed as follows.
According to Mr Ellis the Motorgate garage ownership is a partnership between RIOC (60% owner) and Manhattant Park (40% owner) and that:
Manhattan Park is going to tell you that these rates are subsidized. They are all below market....
RIOC Director Howard Polivy said the Motorgate rates are much lower that similar facilities in Queens.
RIOC Director Ben Fhala added:
... This is a public Enterprise so
it doesn't really matter what the market
rate is as long as we're not losing
money and we have enough money set aside
to make renovations....
According to RIOC CFO Dhru Amin
... currently our monthly revenue is about $180-190,000 so annually
it's about 2.3... the management fees are
around a million so we are in a surplus although there are some maintenance items that do come up at times either with the elevator or other
things but I think at the end of the day we're still at a surplus....
... Resident monthly revenue is about $120,000, resident reserve monthly is about $38,000, diplomat is about $6,000 non-resident monthly is $13,000 and non-resident reserve
monthly is $1,000...
Based upon the revenue amounts, the vast majority of Motorgate customers are Roosevelt Island residents.
I asked:
Because of the huge backlog of people looking for parking, is there any opportunity to build more parking at Motorgate? Supposedly there's a fourth quadrant that there's was a plan to build eventually is that something that RIOC has looked into at all?
Mr Ellis replied:
Actively, not to my knowledge. I've seen the actual physical brackets where you could mount I beams to build out the rest of the quadrant. It's obviously built with that in mind that the fourth quadrant to be filled in. I'll say that we're going to continue this discussion talking about capital projects...
Here's the full discussion February 15 REDAC discussion of Motorgate parking fees.
In February 2022, Roosevelt Island Residents Association (RIRA) Committee Chairs toured the Motorgate Garage exploring ideas for increasing parking spots and RIRA's Frank Farance proposed expanding the garage by building an addition in the currently vacant quadrant of the area.
During the November 14 Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC)
Board of Directors Meeting
Public Session, Roosevelt Island Historical Society (RIHS) President Judy Berdy spoke for many residents
frustrated and angry with the ongoing
dysfunction
of RIOC including the
proposed appointment
of Acting Chief Operating Officer Mary Cuneen to the position on a permanent
basis.
According to Ms Berdy:
Welcome I don't say this lightly. After 46 years on this Island, I've seen a
lot but this evening the residents have to be heard. RIOC has been sinking
into a swamp of hiring, firing and vanishings. Not answering questions. It's
not known who is here, who's actually in person five days a week. Who's
running the island. It's the great mystery. Aside from newsletters from the
Second Floor, we hear little of what is actually happening of the
administration for the Public Benefit Corporation.
Brian and Amanda are wonderful. They are the most responsive people to this
community. You, the executives, have shamefully cut the Board Members out of
the picture. When you are confronted you go to the bunkers. You have staff
who try to serve the community as long as they stay under the radar.
Our Public Safety Department has had too many incidents of abusive behavior
towards the residents who want to ride the tram elevator. Your new officers
have not been taught what is painted on the vehicles - courtesy, respect and
professionalism.
I don't want to tell you of my co-worker who came and is 82 years old
and was told she had to get on the back of the line because it didn't count
she was 82 years old and a resident. The public safety officer put his foot
in the door so she could not get on the tram. Well she won that one.
It is time to learn Community respect and not bully our elderly and special
needs residents at the tram elevator. This abusive behavior gets more
publicity and makes it always putting you on the defensive.
You are promoting someone tonight who refuses to talk to the community and
the staff is scared of this person. This is the person who you want to run
this island? Will this continue? An administration in absentia? Or do
nothing for the community who live here?
This is our community. I want all our board members to be heard and listened
to because we are here 24/7. You're the hired help and we're the people that
have paid in aggravation and exhaustion for the last few years. We do not
need this. We need an Administration that cares about the community they
work for or else they are welcome to leave and we'll get new people thank
you.
The
resolution approving
Ms Cuneen as Chief Operating Officer was tabled and added for discussion to
the
Executive Session
already scheduled following the public board meeting. At the conclusion of the
Executive Session, there was no mention of Ms Cuneen so at least for now, her
appointment as RIOC Chief Operating Officer was not approved.
Paul Krikler followed Ms Berdy during the Public Session. Mr Krikler asked
RIOC to create a mobile Roosevelt Island Transit app to show the schedule for
the Red Bus, Tram, Subway and ferry in real time.
Susheel Kurien followed Mr Krikler asking why 4 of the very limited Main
Street Parking spaces are
reserved for RIOC President Shelton Haynes
and why does he not park in the Motorgate Garage or unreserved spaces like
everyone else. Mr Kurien reports being told by RIOC Public Safety Chief Kevin
Brown and former RIOC Communications VP Akeem Jamal that that every President
in America has a reserved parking spot. Mr Jamal's departure from RIOC was
announced during the Board meeting.
Here's video of what happened during this part of the Public Session.
Following Mr. Kurien, I asked:
How can the Roosevelt Island community be assured that RIOC will operate
efficiently and competently when it's President and General Counsel are suing
the Governor's staff?
Stay tuned for more from this very interesting RIOC Board of Directors
meeting.
During the June 13 Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Public Safety
Department
(PSD) Community Engagement meeting,
residents and PSD Chief Kevin Brown discussed Roosevelt Island parking
problems.
According to a resident speaking at the meeting:
... parking is getting worse and worse every week on Roosevelt Island. Every spot on every street is taken...
and once Manhattan congestion pricing is implemented, Roosevelt Island parking will
be even a greater problem than it is now.
Residents suggested several solutions including PSD giving out more tickets,
towing cars illegally parked and limiting street parking spots to holders of
permit stickers given out by RIOC.
More on the idea of residential neighborhood parking permits in
NYC.
Roosevelt Island Residents Association member Frank Farance has proposed
increasing the capacity of Motorgate Garage by 500 sports.
As reported in February 2023:
... In February 2022, RIRA Committee Chairs toured the Motorgate Garage
exploring ideas for increasing parking spots and RIRA's Frank Farance proposed
expanding the garage by building an addition in the currently vacant quadrant
of the area....
As far back as 1991, Roosevelt Island disabled residents were allowed to park for free at the Motorgate Garage,
but not any longer.
Without any prior notice from the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC), invoices were received last month by disabled residents informing them that their Motorgate Garage parking fees were increasing from zero to $125 per month.
During the January 17, Roosevelt Island Residents Association (RIRA) Public Safety Committee meeting, Co-Chair Erin Feely-Nahem asked RIOC Public Safety Department Chief Kevin Brown about the new charges for disabled people parking at the Motorgate Garage. According to Ms Feely-Nahem:
... what are we going to do if people can't afford to pay for their handicapped spots...
Ms Feely-Nahem also expressed concern about increased traffic congestion on Main Street caused by the parking increase at Motorgate Garage.
Here's the RIRA Public Safety Committee discussion on the issue.
Today, Roosevelt Island elected officials including Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine, NY State Assembly Member Rebecca Seawright, NY State Senator Liz Kreuger and NYC Council Member Julie Menin sent a letter to RIOC President Shelton Haynes regarding this issue. According to the letter:
We are writing to you regarding the recent monthly increase for disabled permit holders
at the Motorgate Garage at 688 Main Street. We ask that you pause on implementing this fare
increase and consider a more gradual approach which gives impacted members of the
community more time to plan financially and become familiar with the new payment structure....
Here's the entire letter.
On February 2, RIOC sent out this advisory regarding the Motorgate Parking rate increases.
Dear Resident,
RIOC has announced price increases for monthly permit holders at the Motorgate Garage at 688 Main Street. It is important to note that the decision to make increases was not made lightly. Critical infrastructure improvements have been made in the sum of a $20M investment to the Motorgate Parking Garage. With the rise of operating costs, upcoming projects, and worldwide inflation, RIOC has decided to raise its parking rates for the first time in over ten years.
RIOC's approach when examining parking rates centered around a fair and equitable increase for all monthly permit categories. The notification of rate increases began in September 2022. Recently, the disabled and handicapped parking monthly permits have sparked a discussion in the community. To clarify, while RIOC streamlined its monthly permit categories, we observed discrepancies among the rates for certain Island community members. The senior citizen rate is a total of $125. In the spirit of fairness, RIOC matched the senior citizen monthly parking rate to the disability/handicap category.
It should be noted that the average monthly parking permit in New York City is $570, nearly 360% more than what our seniors and handicapped population pay. While many New York City garages do not offer handicap or senior monthly permit rates. RIOC chose not to eliminate these categories as we recognize our incredible elderly and disabled communities.
While no one enjoys hearing the words "price increase," please know that RIOC hears the community's concerns and has considered them. With the Island community at the forefront, RIOC remains far below the city average. Notices for the handicapped/disabled and senior rates went out via email using the addresses on file from the vendor SP+ in December 2022, aligned with the vendor's obligation to give permit holders 30 days’ notice.
Also, to provide you a brief update, RIOC understands the growing need for additional parking on the Island, which is why President & CEO Haynes announced that RIOC has plans for a traffic study aimed to better understand and identify where areas on the Island that can be redesigned for additional designated parking areas and transform underutilized spaces.
We hope to have provided some clarity on the issue and appreciate your understanding in advance.
In February 2022, RIRA Committee Chairs toured the Motorgate Garage exploring ideas for increasing parking spots and RIRA's Frank Farance proposed expanding the garage by building an addition in the currently vacant quadrant of the area.
UPDATE 2/13 - This evening, RIOC sent out the following email announcement:
Dear Roosevelt Island Community,
I have spoken to countless Island residents and stakeholders and have had time to consider your feedback concerning the permit rate increases, specifically the disabled rate at the Motorgate Garage. RIOC remains committed to finding an equitable solution for all. However, RIOC cannot lower the $125 fee and adopt a more minor increase, as this would not be fair to our elderly constituents. In the spirit of impartiality, I must stand by my decision, as both groups should be treated fairly.
To that end, RIOC will compromise as today I am announcing that all Motorgate Garage rate increases will be postponed, to be effective April 1, to ensure ample time is given to all permit holders beyond SP+’s required 30-day notice. The ample notice should provide all permit holders, including our disabled community, more time to plan financially and become familiar with the new payment structure. In the coming weeks, SP+ will communicate the timeframe for crediting permit holders' accounts for those subject to the increase.
For more information or concerns, please contact SP Plus at 1-800-245-4714.
I appreciate your understanding.
Best wishes,
SHELTON J. HAYNES
President & CEO
UPDATE 4/10:
According to RIOC:
Motorgate Garage Monthly Parking Permit Holders,
After careful consideration, RIOC has adjusted the monthly permit rates
at the Motorgate Garage – aiming to be fair and equitable to all Island
permit holders.
General Update:
Monthly permit holder rates will experience an annual 2% increase to
accommodate rising operating expenses and allow for further upgrades to
the facility, effective May 1, 2024.
Disabled Monthly Parking Permit Holders:
Beginning May 1, 2023, the Disabled monthly parking permit rate will be
reduced from the proposed $125 rate to $62.50 only for existing enrolled
customers before April 6, 2023, at 11:59 PM for a period of one year
through May 1, 2024. On May 1, 2024, the Disabled monthly rate will be
aligned with the Senior Citizen parking rate. All new customers applying
for the Disabled monthly parking permit rate will be subject to the
proposed $125 rate.
Disabled monthly parking permit holders who were charged for April will be reimbursed by the Garage operator SP Plus.
RIOC remains committed to preserving and protecting the quality of life
for all community members while also providing the gold standard of
services to our Island community,” said RIOC President and CEO Shelton
Haynes. “The disabled community is the heart and soul of the Island, and
I thank them for their continued partnership. A special thank you to
the President of RIDA, Wendy Hersh, for furthering the discussion and
collaboratively working with RIOC to find a more fair solution for all
Disabled Parking Permit holders.”
“I want to thank President Haynes and the Roosevelt Island Operating
Corporation for listening to our concerns and working with us to develop
a more affordable parking permit rate for individuals with
disabilities,” stated Wendy Hersh, President of the Roosevelt Island
Disabled Association (RIDA). “We appreciated RIDA having a seat at the
table when it came time to re-evaluate these rates, and we look forward
to continuing this productive, open, and honest dialogue with RIOC in
the future.”
RIOC remains committed to preserving and protecting the quality of life
of all community members while providing the gold standard of services. A
special thank you to the Roosevelt Island Disabled Association for
furthering the dialogue and working with RIOC in a collaborative effort.
Thank you for your continued support and cooperation.
about a doubling of the monthly resident parking fee to $350.
Many Roosevelt Island residents who are monthly Motorgate Garage customers asked questions similar to this resident:
Did you find out if residents are getting garage price hike? Everyone is freaking out.
This afternoon, Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation (RIOC) President Shelton Haynes sent out a letter about the Motorgate parking rate increases. According to Mr Haynes:
I understand some misinformation has spread concerning the monthly parking rates at the Motorgate Garage located at 688 Main Street New York, NY 10044. Please allow me to clarify what happened and give you the facts.
Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation (RIOC) and Manhattan Park (an entity with a share of the garage) have contracted a vendor, SP Plus, to oversee the garage operations. Subsequently, SP Plus has sent out an inaccurate notice to monthly parking permit holders advising of rate increases. RIOC will take action to correct the error by the vendor. However, I want to address your concerns regarding the mentioned increases within the notice.
For over 14 years, the rates have remained flat for all permit holders while area parking garage prices have continued to soar.
While still achieving our goal of providing the best quality of life possible and keeping it affordable – RIOC will be increasing resident monthly parking permit fees for the first time in over a decade by $25 per month. In comparison, non-resident fees will increase by $76.03 per month.
The improvements and elevated services will prove to be immeasurable.
The new rates will be going into effect November 14, 2022 for resident permit holders and non-resident permit holders. Working together, we will continue to spotlight the beauty of Roosevelt Island while being a model for other communities in New York State to follow.
For more information or concerns, please contact SP Plus at 1-800-245-4714.
A Roosevelt Island resident and Motorgate Garage monthly customer
shares this email sent from Motorgate parking operator SP Plus Parking of a rate hike increase to $350
from the current monthly posted charge of $160.
The resident asks:
Wtf is going on?
I asked the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) today for an explanation of the rate hike but no response yet. A Motorgate Garage attendant told me this afternoon that the parking rates for non-residents are going up even more.
Given the tragic fire in the Bronx, I’m curious as to why public safety has
refused to remove the barricade in front of the deli, that clearly blocks
the fire hydrant, even though I have been told that the fire department told
them to remove it....
... During the January 18 Roosevelt Island Residents Association (RIRA)
Public Safety Committee (PSC) monthly meeting
chaired by Erin Feeley Nahem, Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC)
Public Safety Department
Chief Kevin Brown was asked about the barricade on Main Street in front of
the fire hydrant next to Bread and Butter Deli.
Chief Brown answered:
I have had numerous conversation with the fire department, the fire chief
and the fire marshal. If they need to move those barriers they're easily
removable.
They have no issue with the barricades and I wrote this to a resident who
had emailed me about this issue.
The Fire Marshal, as a matter of fact, he had noticed that on
numerous occasions cars are parked on that hydrant when he does his rounds
on the Island and it was something that PSD was constantly getting the
people off of that hydrant.
They would park there, leave their car and the Fire Department agreed with
us that the barriers there, if they need that hydrant they can drive right
into the to the barriers, remove them in less than two seconds and get on
with their business.
A tipster reported yesterday morning:
On my early, early walk this a.m. to Bread & Butter Deli, I was happy to
see the barricades removed. Hopefully RIOC / PSD will further clear the area,
paint the curb appropriately, put up new signage banning parking in the bus
stop & Not blocking the hydrant.
Later that afternoon, the barricade in front of the fire hydrant next to the
Bread & Butter Deli was still gone but a car was parked in front of the
hydrant.
A Public Safety Officer was about to write up a summons for the car parked in
front of the hydrant when a woman came running out of the Deli pleading with
the officer to not give her a ticket. The Officer told the woman to move the
car immediately and she did avoiding the ticket.
The barricade
was still gone today.
Yesterday I asked RIOC:
Residents have emailed me today that the Barricade in front of the Main
Street fire hydrant next to Bread & Butter Deli was removed today.
Is that true?
Why was it removed?
During the recent RIRA Public Safety Committee meeting, Kevin and Anthony
said it was necessary to prevent cars from parking in space blocking the
hydrant and that the FDNY was in favor of the barricade.
Any statement from RIOC on this matter?
No response yet from RIOC.
Here's video
from the January 28 PSC meeting of PSD Chief Kevin Brown and Deputy Chief
Anthony Amoroso discussing the hydrant barricade.
UPDATE 2/7 - The barricade is now back in front of the fire hydrant. No explanation from RIOC.
Given the tragic fire in the Bronx, I’m curious as to why public safety has
refused to remove the barricade in front of the deli, that clearly blocks
the fire hydrant, even though I have been told that the fire department told
them to remove it.
I get they wanted the cars to stop hanging out but you don't protect a
hydrant by blocking it. They originally had the pieces ziptied together. I
heard it was to harass the deli because someone in PSD has a beef with them.
Either way, it's a huge fire hazard. Completely in violation of city
ordinances I guarantee. No one can block a hydrant.
During the January 18 Roosevelt Island Residents Association (RIRA)
Public Safety Committee (PSC) monthly meeting
chaired by Erin Feeley Nahem, Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Public Safety Department Chief Kevin Brown was asked about the barricade on Main Street in front
of the fire hydrant next to Bread and Butter Deli.
Chief Brown answered:
I have had numerous conversation with the fire department, the fire chief
and the fire marshal. If they need to move those barriers they're easily
removable.
They have no issue with the barricades and I wrote this to a resident
who had emailed me about this issue.
The Fire Marshal, as a matter of fact, he had noticed that on numerous
occasions cars are parked on that hydrant when he does his rounds on the
Island and it was something that PSD was constantly getting the people
off of that hydrant.
They would park there, leave their car and the Fire Department agreed with
us that the barriers there, if they need that hydrant they can drive right into
the to the barriers, remove them in less than two seconds and get on with
their business.
I followed up asked Deputy Chief Anthony Amoroso:
Could clarify a little bit why those barrier gates are out in front of the
hydrant in front of the deli but they're not out in front of hydrants in other
locations?
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.
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@manhattanparkapartmentsto
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??
During the October 19 Roosevelt Island Residents Association (RIRA) Public Safety Committee (PSC) meeting, RIOC Public Safety Department Deputy Chief Anthony Amoroso reported:
Nobody can drive on the promenade unless it's an emergency vehicle or
some kind of delivery that is being escorted with PSD ...or some sort of
situation where they need to do some repairs...
RIRA PSC member Frank Farance disagreed that RIOC can ban all vehicles from the Promenades saying that their ground leases permit the building managements to use the Promenade in order to access their property.
Deputy Chief Amoroso replied:
... I looked into it with their leases and and we have the final say as far as driving on the promenades...
Here's more on RIOC Traffic Safety Plans for Main Street and the waterfront promenades discussed during the beginning of the PSC meeting including Mr Farance's suggestion of better traffic lighting instead of speed bumps on Main Street for greater vehicle and pedestrian safety.
Yesterday a delivery man on a scooter sped onto the pedestrian walkway almost hitting me and my baby who was in a stroller. Public safety was there on foot and stopped him but when asked for his drivers license the motorist simply said “I don’t have one” and public safety ultimately just let him go. What’s the point of having public safety officers there to stop motorists if they just let violators go with no penalty? They will surely repeat if there are no real consequences @shelton_haynes_rioc_ceo @rooseveltislandrioc
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.
