RIOC Approves $100 Thousand RIRA Roosevelt Island Public Purpose Fund Allocation Recommendations During Board Meeting Yesterday - And Approves $175 Thousand For Roosevelt Island Youth Program Too

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The Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) approved the Roosevelt Island Residents Association (RIRA) recommendations for distribution of 2014 Public Purpose Funds during yesterday's Board Of Directors meeting. A total of $100 Hundred Thousand was allocated to 11 different Roosevelt Island organizations. In addition, $175 Thousand in Public Purpose Funds was allocated to the Roosevelt Island Youth Program.

Below is an excerpt from RIOC staff memorandum to the RIOC Board of Directors supporting approval of RIRA's 2014 Public Purpose Funds recommendations:

Attached please find the Roosevelt Island Resident Association (RIRA) recommended Public Purpose Grant awards for the year 2014-15. This year, RIRA’s internal deliberation and discussion of grant applicant merits was supplemented by evaluation criteria based upon sections of the application (summary sheet attached). Generally, these criteria took into account the purpose of the grant request, whether the project for which funds were being requested could be achieved without a Public Purpose Grant, and overall impact of the project on direct beneficiaries and the community. RIRA used the evaluation worksheets and its own discretion in the determination of each program’s appropriateness.

Twelve applicants requested funds, however RIRA has only recommended awards for 11 organization due to RIOC’s disqualification of one applicant based upon it not being a designated 501(c)(3) designated organization.

On a separate but related note, included in the FY 2014-15 Public Purpose disbursements will be the $175,000 approved for the Roosevelt Island Youth Program. The Youth Program will provide RIOC with appropriate documentation in support of the funds.

I have reviewed the recommendation and concluded that the process followed by RIRA has been fair and the amounts recommended for each grantee to be reasonable. Based upon the foregoing, I recommend the approval of the attached Public Purpose Grants for the 2014-15 fiscal year and disbursement of $175,000 to RIRA for the Roosevelt Island Youth Program.

Click her for the full RIOC memorandum supporting approval of the RIRA 2014 Public Purpose Funds recommendations. The Roosevelt Island Women's Health Organization was the applicant denied funding because it is not a designated 501(c)(3) organization.

Here's the discussion yesterday by RIOC Directors approving the RIRA recommendations for allocation of Public Purpose Funds



and the approved funding allocations to Roosevelt Island organizations.

Roosevelt Island Day Nursery (RIDN)
Amount Requested: $35,000 Recommendation: $4,000

The RIDN, a recurring applicant, currently has two locations on the Island (405 Main Street and 4 River Road) and continues to serve a number of families. Given affordability concerns, there continues to be an effort to offer scholarships and applicants for such are evaluated by a third-party organization. The $35,000 that RIDN desires for scholarship assistance could conceivably help a number of families but could not be granted due to the aggregate needs of other PPF applicants. The recommended amount the committee puts forward is intended to provide some help in availing financial aid (scholarships) but believes RIDN could make a more concerted effort to aid needy applicants through a more aggressive pursuit of funding from other sources or perhaps from its own resources. As such, in the view of the committee with due consideration of information received, the practical breadth of the program as currently structured on the Island remains limited when compared to benefits derived from other organizations.

PS/IS 217 Parent Teachers Association (PTA)
Amount Requested: $32,000 Recommendation: $15,000
The PTA, a recurring applicant, remains an active supporter of PS-IS/217. The essence of their request is to support a program (Salvadori Centre Globe) that focuses on a project-based approach to learning math and science. Grades 4 – 8 will be targeted as 60% of the students in those grades did not achieve proficiency in their last New York State mathematics exam. The committee believes this enrichment effort could provide medium to high benefit and will contribute to and enhance student performance, especially in math and science. Further, it is hoped to help mitigate losses from PS-IS/217 of the “best and brightest” to other schools due to parents’ concerns about school performance.

Roosevelt Island Visual Arts Association (RIVAA)
Amount Requested: $39,500 Recommendation: $16,000
The reality of higher rents has set in under the Master Lease Program. The RIVAA recurring request targets its increasing rent and utility expenses. Beyond its regular gallery, the RIVAA brought art to the Motorgate area and plans to do even more. While the committee believes that RIVAA does avail a special quality and benefit to the Island, given other competing priorities, it is not possible to fund fully the request. The committee continues to encourage RIVAA to, among other things, expand its fund-raising efforts so to mitigate expenses.

Life Frames, Inc.
Amount Requested: $19,900 Recommendation: $3,000
The Life Frames program is directed by an energetic leadership and supporting staff while continuing to be well received by those who participate in it. Though the gardening site near the Youth Center remains available, the committee found no evidence that the program will be able to use a site for gardening on the grounds of PS-IS/217. However, there could be some classroom interaction at the Public School, the Child Center, Coler Hosital, as well as the Senior and Disabled Associations. Life Frames, as a recurring requestor, continues to be well-funded in California but also continues to face more challenges in its funding effort in New York City. Though Life Frames as a long-time applicant has submitted an application that includes a wide list of possibilities/goals, when paired with information taken from the interview, the committee felt those goals would be hard to attain.

Roosevelt Island Historical Society (RIHS)
Amount Requested: $25,000 Recommendation: $5,000
The Historical Society, a recurring applicant, operates a Visitor’s Center that provides a wealth of information about the Island and probably has the most extensive database of Island history. The application is primarily for funding to: (a) support hiring a summer intern who does extensive archiving and database development, (b) update maps and brochures, (c) support independent contract staff very knowledgeable about the Island, and (d) avail year round support for the Historian. The committee acknowledges these as valid uses of funds but is unable to recommend full or higher funding given competing needs, inclusive of two non-recurring applicants in this year’s pool. The committee projects that going forward, given the pending growth on the Island and the associated increase in the number of visitors, the useful services of the Center will grow exponentially in demand and with some revenue stream. From this, high benefits will accrue to the Island in a broader sense.

Roosevelt Island Senior Association (RISA)
Amount Requested: $15,000 Recommendation: $13,000
The RISA, as a recurring applicant, continues to provide a valuable service to and advocacy for Island senior residents. As such, RISA continues to seek funding for needed upgrades, improvements and replacements that will enhance and highly benefit the quality of life for seniors on the Island. Having corrected errors in its prepared budget and provided to RIOC and the committee for review, the committee recommends that appropriate PPF funds are availed to support the efforts of RISA.

Island Kids
Amount Requested: $15,000 Recommendation: $10,000
The Island Kids program is well-received throughout the Island and has again requested funding to support its scholarship efforts. The scholarship program allows for a wider number of children to attend who otherwise would not be able to given relatively modest family resources. The committee felt the program’s scope merited funding given its high benefit to the Island.

R&R Concerts
Amount Requested: $11,250 Recommendation: $7,000
R&R Concepts, a recurring applicant, has consistently offered a variety of concerts that are well-received by and easily accessible for Island residents. The funds requested would cover about 50% of the anticipated costs for musicians, supplies and other expenses. The committee suggested that more outside funding be pursued, including from foundations. Further, R&R could investigate use of PS-IS/217 for performances with potential cost-savings and was urged to do more advertising in advance, inclusive of notices in Island buildings. The committee believes the Island continues to receive good benefit from R&R Concerts at relatively low cost.

Roosevelt Island Disabled Association (RIDA)
Amount Requested: $9,000 Recommendation: $9,000
The RIDA request is a little less than last year and is basically aimed at transportation, maintenance/repair and other associated costs. By providing bus transportation, the committee believes RIDA, a recurring applicant, has been extremely successful in providing previously non-existent opportunities with high benefit for the disabled. Though difficult to fully measure the outcome, forty bus trips, each capable of accommodating ten wheelchairs, would seem to enhance quality of life in ways many of us take for granted. The committee felt that similar elaborating language should have been included in the uncompleted Section One of the application that asked for a “successful community initiative” undertaken. The committee asked if it was feasible and advantageous to pursue joining a national disabled organization and if other funding sources were available. The response to the former was that joining a national would not be advantageous and likely a disadvantage. As to other sources of funding, this is becoming an increasing challenge for RIDA.

Main Street Theater and Dance Alliance
Amount Requested: $27,250 Amount Recommended: $15,000
MST&DA, a first time applicant, has a host of needs following the trauma of Hurricane Sandy, i.e., the storm’s impact upon costs, upon the prior location, and upon enrollment. The committee acknowledges the high value to the Island of the long-standing programs offered by the Alliance. Also noted was the breadth of residents who participate. For example, of 81 students who self-reported ethnicity, 25% were Asian, 21% White/Caucasian, 17% African-American, 6% Hispanic, and 30% of mixed heritage. The committee believes strongly that the Alliance should be restored to its former glory. Current projections from other possible funding sources will not do that.

Island Cats
Amount Requested: $3,000 Recommended: $3,000
As a first time applicant for PPF, Island Cats brought a lot of ‘sincerity of purpose’ to the committee. This group of concerned Islanders effectively care for “animals in the wild” (currently estimated at 90 or slightly more cats) that are located on Roosevelt Island and invisible to many residents. Yet, Island Cats with 12 – 20 volunteers, does its best to take care of the animals (feedings, medical care, etc.). There are shelters and/or feeding stations for these outdoor cats near Day Springs Church, the Garden Club and at the south end of the Island. Island Cats works with the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and with other animal rescue organizations to stem the over population of stray cats abandoned on our Island. Their plan is to expand their program to reach out more to the disabled and elderly shut-ins, including increased therapeutic visits. This would provide good benefits and include, for example, nail-clipping the animal(s) owned by the visited or availing an animal to “cuddle”. Partnering with Dr. Resnick’s DASH program is under consideration as well as with both the Senior and Disabled Associations. Of course, there are expenses associated with what Island Cats does and with their plans for expansion. The committee was impressed by their enthusiasm and agrees with their need for help.

Report From RIOC President Charlene Indelicato - Roosevelt Island Motorgate Art Gallery Opening, Motorgate Non Resident/Visitors Parking Rate Increase, Sportspark Temporary Heating Done, Outdoor Dining At Pier Options, Tram Station Painting, Potholes & More

Aerial View Of Repaired West Pier

Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) President Charlene Indelicato sends

Image Of Repaired Roosevelt Island West Pier Deck

the following report to the community.

As the weather warms up, events and outdoor activities are being planned – a date has been set for the Motorgate Gallery Opening, and Bike New York is planning a Spring Kickoff event for mid-May. As RIOC’s new fiscal year began on April 1, the regular fare on the Red Buses has been eliminated and the RIOC Board will soon meet to review recommendations for the award of Public Purpose Funds. Work continues on construction projects and seasonal maintenance of the Island’s roads and fields.

Bus Fare Elimination

As of last Tuesday, April 1, the $0.25 fare on the Red Bus has been eliminated. A refund for any unused fare change cards can be obtained at the RIOC Bus Garage (680 Main St.) until April 30, 2014. If you have any questions or would like more information, you may call the RIOC Offices at 212-832-4540. Please note that this fare elimination is effective for local and express bus service only, and does not affect fares for special bus service such as the Shopper's Bus.

Motorgate Garage

A rate increase has been planned for non-resident and visitor parking in the Motorgate Parking Garage. Resident rates for monthly parking passes will not be affected, and an advisory will be issued before the change goes into effect. You may call the Garage at 212-832-4585 with any questions. In addition, frequent parkers in the Motorgate Garage should be aware that the elevators on the North side of the Garage have been repaired and are in excellent working condition. With easy elevator access, parking on the North side or the South side of the Garage is equally convenient.

Public Purpose Funds

Every year, Public Purpose Funds are allocated to not-for-profit programs that benefit Roosevelt Island residents by providing educational, artistic and cultural enrichment, or contributing to an overall better environment for the community. Applications for the 2014-2015 Public Purpose Funds have been reviewed by the RIRA Public Purpose Fund Committee and their recommendations will be presented at the April 10 meeting of the RIOC Board of Directors for approval.

Construction

On March 31, reconstruction work on the West Pier near the Subway Station was completed, and we are looking forward to reopening the Pier to the public shortly. RIOC is pleased to restore this beautiful area to active use and is currently looking into outdoor dining options for this Summer.

Last week, the Sportspark facility was closed on Monday and Tuesday while contractors performed the necessary tie-ins for the facility’s temporary heating system. Work was completed on time, and Sportspark reopened on Wednesday, March 27 for Open Swim and Mommy & Me classes. Although the work may have caused a slight inconvenience to the community, we are pleased to note that this was the only closure of the facility during the temporary system’s installation process.

Now that temperatures are suitable for the work to be performed, both the Roosevelt Island and Manhattan Tram Stations will undergo renovation work, including repainting and platform repair. A kickoff meeting was held with the contractor, and the project is scheduled to commence within the next week. Work is projected to last approximately 18 weeks and is weather sensitive. RIOC will issue advisories to notify the public in advance of any affects on travel.

Our Facilities Department has begun to repair damage done to the roads by the past Winter’s cold and stormy weather. A number of potholes on Main Street, including the area near the Helix Ramp, have already been sealed and filled. Staff will also be working with a contractor throughout the coming week to repair other locations throughout Main Street.

Motorgate Gallery Opening

Save the date – on Saturday, April 26, RIOC and the Roosevelt Island Visual Art Association will be hosting the second annual Motorgate Gallery Opening. The show will exhibit the beautiful murals painted at last year’s Fall for Arts Festival as well as selected works from previous years. We hope you will be able to join in and enjoy the wonderful artwork that has been created right here on Roosevelt Island.

RIOC Advisories

RIOC Advisories is an email alert system that keeps the public up to date on traffic disruptions, emergency situations, construction diversions, community meetings, events and other Roosevelt Island specific information. We encourage all residents to sign up for RIOC Advisories in order to receive community and emergency alerts. Remember, if we can’t reach you, we can’t alert you. To subscribe, visit rioc.ny.gov/advisorybody.htm or send an email to Subscribe@rioc.ny.gov.

RIRA Common Council Approves $100 Thousand Public Purpose Funds Allocations To 11 Roosevelt Island Organization - On To RIOC For Final Approval

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The Roosevelt Island Residents Association (RIRA) Common Council approved the recommendations of its 2014 Public Purpose Funds (PPF) committee for the allocation of $100 thousand in Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Public Purpose Funds during its monthly meeting last Wednesday night. These recommendations will now be submitted to RIOC for its final approval.

Here is RIRA PPF Chair Dave Evans presenting the recommendations of the Committee,



the follow up discussion by RIRA Common Council members.



and the PPF Committee recommendations:

Roosevelt Island Day Nursery (RIDN)
Amount Requested: $35,000 Recommendation: $4,000

The RIDN, a recurring applicant, currently has two locations on the Island (405 Main Street and 4 River Road) and continues to serve a number of families. Given affordability concerns, there continues to be an effort to offer scholarships and applicants for such are evaluated by a third-party organization. The $35,000 that RIDN desires for scholarship assistance could conceivably help a number of families but could not be granted due to the aggregate needs of other PPF applicants. The recommended amount the committee puts forward is intended to provide some help in availing financial aid (scholarships) but believes RIDN could make a more concerted effort to aid needy applicants through a more aggressive pursuit of funding from other sources or perhaps from its own resources. As such, in the view of the committee with due consideration of information received, the practical breadth of the program as currently structured on the Island remains limited when compared to benefits derived from other organizations.

PS/IS 217 Parent Teachers Association (PTA)
Amount Requested: $32,000 Recommendation: $15,000
The PTA, a recurring applicant, remains an active supporter of PS-IS/217. The essence of their request is to support a program (Salvadori Centre Globe) that focuses on a project-based approach to learning math and science. Grades 4 – 8 will be targeted as 60% of the students in those grades did not achieve proficiency in their last New York State mathematics exam. The committee believes this enrichment effort could provide medium to high benefit and will contribute to and enhance student performance, especially in math and science. Further, it is hoped to help mitigate losses from PS-IS/217 of the “best and brightest” to other schools due to parents’ concerns about school performance.

Roosevelt Island Visual Arts Association (RIVAA)
Amount Requested: $39,500 Recommendation: $16,000
The reality of higher rents has set in under the Master Lease Program. The RIVAA recurring request targets its increasing rent and utility expenses. Beyond its regular gallery, the RIVAA brought art to the Motorgate area and plans to do even more. While the committee believes that RIVAA does avail a special quality and benefit to the Island, given other competing priorities, it is not possible to fund fully the request. The committee continues to encourage RIVAA to, among other things, expand its fund-raising efforts so to mitigate expenses.

Life Frames, Inc.
Amount Requested: $19,900 Recommendation: $3,000
The Life Frames program is directed by an energetic leadership and supporting staff while continuing to be well received by those who participate in it. Though the gardening site near the Youth Center remains available, the committee found no evidence that the program will be able to use a site for gardening on the grounds of PS-IS/217. However, there could be some classroom interaction at the Public School, the Child Center, Coler Hosital, as well as the Senior and Disabled Associations. Life Frames, as a recurring requestor, continues to be well-funded in California but also continues to face more challenges in its funding effort in New York City. Though Life Frames as a long-time applicant has submitted an application that includes a wide list of possibilities/goals, when paired with information taken from the interview, the committee felt those goals would be hard to attain.

Roosevelt Island Historical Society (RIHS)
Amount Requested: $25,000 Recommendation: $5,000
The Historical Society, a recurring applicant, operates a Visitor’s Center that provides a wealth of information about the Island and probably has the most extensive database of Island history. The application is primarily for funding to: (a) support hiring a summer intern who does extensive archiving and database development, (b) update maps and brochures, (c) support independent contract staff very knowledgeable about the Island, and (d) avail year round support for the Historian. The committee acknowledges these as valid uses of funds but is unable to recommend full or higher funding given competing needs, inclusive of two non-recurring applicants in this year’s pool. The committee projects that going forward, given the pending growth on the Island and the associated increase in the number of visitors, the useful services of the Center will grow exponentially in demand and with some revenue stream. From this, high benefits will accrue to the Island in a broader sense.

Roosevelt Island Senior Association (RISA)
Amount Requested: $15,000 Recommendation: $13,000
The RISA, as a recurring applicant, continues to provide a valuable service to and advocacy for Island senior residents. As such, RISA continues to seek funding for needed upgrades, improvements and replacements that will enhance and highly benefit the quality of life for seniors on the Island. Having corrected errors in its prepared budget and provided to RIOC and the committee for review, the committee recommends that appropriate PPF funds are availed to support the efforts of RISA.

Island Kids
Amount Requested: $15,000 Recommendation: $10,000
The Island Kids program is well-received throughout the Island and has again requested funding to support its scholarship efforts. The scholarship program allows for a wider number of children to attend who otherwise would not be able to given relatively modest family resources. The committee felt the program’s scope merited funding given its high benefit to the Island.

R&R Concerts
Amount Requested: $11,250 Recommendation: $7,000
R&R Concepts, a recurring applicant, has consistently offered a variety of concerts that are well-received by and easily accessible for Island residents. The funds requested would cover about 50% of the anticipated costs for musicians, supplies and other expenses. The committee suggested that more outside funding be pursued, including from foundations. Further, R&R could investigate use of PS-IS/217 for performances with potential cost-savings and was urged to do more advertising in advance, inclusive of notices in Island buildings. The committee believes the Island continues to receive good benefit from R&R Concerts at relatively low cost.

Roosevelt Island Disabled Association (RIDA)
Amount Requested: $9,000 Recommendation: $9,000
The RIDA request is a little less than last year and is basically aimed at transportation, maintenance/repair and other associated costs. By providing bus transportation, the committee believes RIDA, a recurring applicant, has been extremely successful in providing previously non-existent opportunities with high benefit for the disabled. Though difficult to fully measure the outcome, forty bus trips, each capable of accommodating ten wheelchairs, would seem to enhance quality of life in ways many of us take for granted. The committee felt that similar elaborating language should have been included in the uncompleted Section One of the application that asked for a “successful community initiative” undertaken. The committee asked if it was feasible and advantageous to pursue joining a national disabled organization and if other funding sources were available. The response to the former was that joining a national would not be advantageous and likely a disadvantage. As to other sources of funding, this is becoming an increasing challenge for RIDA.

Main Street Theater and Dance Alliance
Amount Requested: $27,250 Amount Recommended: $15,000
MST&DA, a first time applicant, has a host of needs following the trauma of Hurricane Sandy, i.e., the storm’s impact upon costs, upon the prior location, and upon enrollment. The committee acknowledges the high value to the Island of the long-standing programs offered by the Alliance. Also noted was the breadth of residents who participate. For example, of 81 students who self-reported ethnicity, 25% were Asian, 21% White/Caucasian, 17% African-American, 6% Hispanic, and 30% of mixed heritage. The committee believes strongly that the Alliance should be restored to its former glory. Current projections from other possible funding sources will not do that.

Island Cats
Amount Requested: $3,000 Recommended: $3,000
As a first time applicant for PPF, Island Cats brought a lot of ‘sincerity of purpose’ to the committee. This group of concerned Islanders effectively care for “animals in the wild” (currently estimated at 90 or slightly more cats) that are located on Roosevelt Island and invisible to many residents. Yet, Island Cats with 12 – 20 volunteers, does its best to take care of the animals (feedings, medical care, etc.). There are shelters and/or feeding stations for these outdoor cats near Day Springs Church, the Garden Club and at the south end of the Island. Island Cats works with the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and with other animal rescue organizations to stem the over population of stray cats abandoned on our Island. Their plan is to expand their program to reach out more to the disabled and elderly shut-ins, including increased therapeutic visits. This would provide good benefits and include, for example, nail-clipping the animal(s) owned by the visited or availing an animal to “cuddle”. Partnering with Dr. Resnick’s DASH program is under consideration as well as with both the Senior and Disabled Associations. Of course, there are expenses associated with what Island Cats does and with their plans for expansion. The committee was impressed by their enthusiasm and agrees with their need for help.

2014 Roosevelt Island Public Purpose Funds Applicants Announced Today By RIOC - Applications Forwarded To RIRA For Review And Recommendations To The RIOC Board

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The Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) just released the list below of the 2014 Public Purpose Funds applicants, amounts requested and total amount requested

RIOC President Charlene Indelicato reports:

... Every year, Public Purpose Funds are allocated for programs that benefit Roosevelt Island residents by providing educational, artistic and cultural enrichment, improved health or a better environment...

According to RIOC:

... Eligible applications will be forwarded to RIRA for its review and recommendations to the RIOC Board...

More information on Roosevelt Island Public Purpose Funds available at RIOC web site and previous posts.

Report From RIOC President Charlene Indelicato - Roosevelt Island Tree Lighting Ceremony, 2014 Public Purpose Funds, Goldwater Patients Relocations, Construction Update & More

2012 Roosevelt Island Tree Lighting Ceremony At Blackwell Park

Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) President Charlene Indelicato sends the following report to the community.

The holidays are upon us, and in celebration of the season RIOC will be hosting Roosevelt Island’s annual Tree Lighting Ceremony – more information is below. Despite the cold weather, many construction projects are going forward on the Island – work is taking place at the West Pier, Good Shepherd Community Center, 504 Main Street and the Motorgate Garage. RIOC would like to wish safe travels to those who are going to see family, as well as to those who are coming home to Roosevelt Island to be with their loved ones.

RIOC Advisories

Following the phone outage on Roosevelt Island this past week, we would like to encourage residents to sign up for our email advisory system. The advisories that RIOC sends include important updates on Island events, traffic diversions, Tram service, construction and other news that directly affect Roosevelt Island residents. In the event of an emergency, the advisories are the fastest way to get information directly from us. You can sign up online at http://rioc.ny.gov/advisorybody.htm or send an email to subscribe@rioc.ny.gov .

Tree Lighting

Roosevelt Island’s annual Tree Lighting Ceremony will be taking place at 7 p.m. on Friday, December 6 at Blackwell Plaza. This festive Island tradition celebrates the unique spirit that brings the community together. Performers from The Main Street Theater and Dance Alliance, The Child School, and Roosevelt Island Youth Program will sing holiday songs as we await the lighting of the tree. We invite you to come out with your friends and family to listen to Island performers, watch the lights twinkle, and even have a photo op with Santa. Come join in the fun and festivities!

Holiday Train Show

This year, the New York Botanical Garden has included a replica of the Roosevelt Island Lighthouse in their annual Holiday Train Show! The Show is a cherished tradition that delights people of all ages. Marvel at the charming model trains and New York landmark replicas, stroll the spectacular grounds, break for lunch and hot chocolate in the Holiday Dining Pavilion, and shop for everyone on your list! A 30% discount has been offered to members of our community – if you would like to attend, you can get tickets at nybg.org and use discount code 9036.

Public Purpose Funds

As a reminder, the Public Purpose Funds application is now available online at http://rioc.ny.gov/grants.htm. The deadline for submissions is Friday, January 10, 2014 at 11:59 PM. All non-profit organizations on the Island that are in need of funding are encouraged to visit the webpage for more information or to apply.

Motorgate Garage

Work at the Motorgate Parking Garage is moving forward as renovation to the surface conditions and lighting continues. The project will be entering into sections 5B South, 6B North, 6C South, 6D South, and 6B South beginning in two weeks. Work in sections 4B North, 5B North, 5D, 5C, 6A North and 6A South for this portion of the project is expected to be completed by December 2, 2013, during which time these sections will be reopened to patrons for parking.

·       December 2, 2013 — December 16, 2013: Section 5B South.
·       December 16, 2013 — January 3, 2014: Section 6B North.
·       January 3, 2014 — January 17, 2014: Section 6C South.
·       January 17, 2014 — January 31, 2014: Section 6D South.
·       January 31, 2014 — February 14, 2014: Section 6B South.

We appreciate your cooperation and patience during this project.

Construction Updates

Repairs will soon be commencing at the West Pier – the contractor has been selected and will take the site next Tuesday, November 26, 2013. Work is expected to be completed in three to four months. The construction site will extend along the West side of the Island, from the Subway station to the second staircase leading from the promenade up toward the street. Signs and notices to redirect pedestrian traffic will be posted.

Restoration work will also be taking place at the Good Shepherd Community Center. The entry doors and narthex, or entrance area at the front of the building, will be renovated over the next six months. The existing schedule of the Community Center will be taken into account; the project will also be implemented in phases in order to facilitate its continued use. Work is expected to commence on December 2, 2013.

Painting and repair work on the Tram has been rescheduled. The reason for the change in schedule is that the paint to be applied to the Tram requires the temperature to remain higher than 50° F in order to cure properly. Following a discussion with the contractors, it was determined that April 2014 is a much more feasible point in time for the work to take place. The sidewalk near the Tram and bus turnaround will also be repaired in the Spring.

At 504 Main Street, designs have been approved and authorization to begin work on the windows has been given – expect to see replacements soon.

Goldwater Hospital Move

The NYC Health and Hospitals Corporation has announced that the dates for the Coler-Goldwater patient relocation move – originally scheduled for Sunday, November 17, 2013, and Monday, November 18, 2013 – have been changed. The new dates are Sunday, November 24, 2013, from 4 a.m. until 6 p.m. and Monday, November 25, 2013, from 8:30 a.m. until 9:35 p.m. PSD and the NYPD will be available to direct traffic around the Roosevelt Island Bridge. RIOC Advisories and Notify NYC will be sending out more information in the form of advisories. If you have any questions or concerns, you may contact 311 for the most up-to-date information

Report From RIOC President Charlene Indelicato, We Will Get Things Done She Says - Roosevelt Island 2014 Public Purpose Funds Applications Available, Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony Coming Up, Cultural Center Renovation, Southtown Construction, Sportspark Classes & More

RIOC President Indelicato Report To November 7 RIOC Board Of Directors Meeting

Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) President Charlene Indelicato sends the following report to the community.

The weather is turning colder, and construction is proceeding briskly on Roosevelt Island. The Halloween Parade was a huge success, but now we are looking forward to the next big Island event – the annual Tree Lighting Ceremony. It’s also the season to apply for the 2014-2015 Public Purpose Funds – non-profit groups with plans to improve life on the Island should take advantage of the opportunity and submit an application.

Public Purpose Grants

Application materials for the 2014-2015 Public Purpose Funds are now available online. Every year, Public Purpose Funds are allocated for programs that benefit Roosevelt Island residents by providing educational, artistic and cultural enrichment, improved health or a better environment. This year, the application form has been revised to be more user-friendly and easier to read. Roosevelt Island not-for-profit groups who are looking for additional funding are encouraged to apply.

Southtown Construction

Construction at the site of Southtown’s future Building 7 is underway. On the nights of November 11 and 12, Hudson/Related will be performing municipal infrastructure work involving the sewer system. As noted previously, the team will be working with the septic system and workers will be wearing protective gear – this is not a cause for alarm as it is just a precautionary measure against personal contact with septic materials.

Construction on Roosevelt Island Cultural Center

The Roosevelt Island Cultural Center was severely water damaged last year by flooding before and during Hurricane Sandy. RIOC is currently working diligently to restore the Center to active community use. The damage and debris has been cleared, work on the construction plans and specifications should be completed within the month. Once the plans are complete, a formal Request For Proposals will be issued. By January 15, 2014, final bids will be received and RIOC can begin the selection process. The contract to complete the necessary construction will be awarded in the month of February; renovation is expected to be completed by the end of summer 2014.

Our main priorities for the renovation of the Cultural Center are to restore the space for community use and to prevent water damage in the future. We know that the Center is an important space on Roosevelt Island, and RIOC is working hard to make sure that the work is conducted accordingly.

Halloween Parade

A huge crowd showed up to check out the costumes, floats, games and rides at last week’s annual Halloween Extravaganza, sponsored by Urban American with support from RIOC and the R.I. Youth Program. You can view photos of the event on our Facebook page: www.facebook.com/RIOCNY . Many thanks go out to those who helped make the Halloween Parade such a great success, including the staff of Urban American, RIOC, the R.I. Youth Program and of course, to the residents who came out to show off their costumes!

Tree Lighting Event

Save the date – Roosevelt Island’s annual Tree Lighting Ceremony will be taking place on Friday December 6, 7 PM at Blackwell Plaza. We invite you to come out with your friends and family to listen to Island performers, watch the lights twinkle, and even have a photo op with Santa! Join in the fun and catch some holiday spirit.

New Classes Open at Sportspark

Sportspark is now offering three yoga classes per week at 250 Main Street! Beginner level classes take place at 7 AM on Wednesday mornings; Open Level classes take place on Thursdays at 6 PM and Saturdays at 12 PM. Beginner level classes are suitable for those with little to no yoga experience, while Open Level will include more advanced techniques. If you are unsure about your level of experience, do not worry – all levels are welcome in every class. The fee is $5 per one-hour class. For more information, contact Eddie Perez at Eddie.Perez@rioc.ny.gov or call 212-832-4569. We’ll see you there!

Mommy & Me Water Safety Classes have resumed at the Sportspark Pool. There are still spaces available for parents and children in all time slots; we encourage you to sign up for these fun and educational classes. Registration will remain open until all spaces are filled, so contact Eddie Perez at Eddie.Perez@rioc.ny.gov or call (212) 832-4540 for more information! Dates and times are available online at rioc.ny.gov/MAMClass.htm .

Contacting RIOC

If you’re looking to contact RIOC, there are a variety of ways to get in touch. RIOC’s Facebook page offers a contact form for you to submit questions, comments, or concerns. You can also visit our page for event photos, announcements, news and more at www.facebook.com/RIOCNY . As always, you may also send an email to information@rioc.ny.gov or you may call the office at (212) 832-4540. workers