Roosevelt Island Jewish Congregation Rededicates Sanctuary And Returns To Home At Cultural Center After 3 Year Hiatus Due To Flooding And Superstorm Sandy

According to the Roosevelt Island Jewish Congregation (RIJC):

After a more than three-year hiatus, the Roosevelt Island Jewish Congregation (RIJC) has returned to the space where, for 19 years, it held Shabbat worship services, High Holiday services and Hebrew school classes.

A re-dedication ceremony held on Sunday, August 30, 2015, was conducted by Rabbi Leana Moritt, spiritual leader of the RIJC, and attended by members of the congregation, its board and guests, including representatives of local religious and cultural organizations.

Rabbi Leana Moritt (holding a Torah scroll), pauses before leading RIJC Board member Judith Berdy (near left) and congregants of the Roosevelt Island Jewish Congregation, as well as Fr. Gerardo Ramirez (left), leader of the local Episcopal Church, into the re-dedicated sanctuary.

Image From RIJC

The room designated for use as a sanctuary, plus an adjacent classroom, located in the section of 548 Main Street on Roosevelt Island known as the Cultural Center, were both destroyed by a flood from an upstairs apartment in the building in July 2012. Superstorm Sandy further damaged the rooms in October 2012.

Repairs to and renovations of all damaged rooms of the Cultural Center were paid for by the Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation, which manages the facility.

"We are gratified to see how much we have grown and come together as a community over the last three years as wandering Jews in temporary homes. Now that we have come home, we will be better able to focus our attention on one another, on what makes us tick as a community and on nurturing the qualitative quotient of RIJC experiences," said Rabbi Leana Moritt, spiritual leader of the RIJC since 2007.

"The Roosevelt Island Jewish Congregation is thrilled we will be able to again hold High Holiday services and our other activities in our long-time home. This re-dedication of the sanctuary means that we will be celebrating many Shabbat services, chagim and simchas in the newly re-dedicated room," added Nina Lublin, President of the RIJC.

The Roosevelt Island Jewish Congregation The Roosevelt Island Jewish Congregation (RIJC) is an egalitarian, progressive, friendly and fun synagogue first founded 1976, and formally organized in 1983, serving the residents of Roosevelt Island. Our congregation is dedicated to providing Jewish spiritual support and renewed Jewish knowledge to all who seek it, as well as a strong Jewish community on and for the Island. For more information, please visit www.rijc.org.

You're Invited To Roosevelt Island Jewish Congregation Sanctuary Rededication At New Cultural Center 2 PM Sunday August 30 - RIJC Finally Returning Home After 3 Year Absence Due To Flooding And SuperStorm Sandy

Image From The Roosevelt Island Jewish Congregaton

According to the Roosevelt Island Jewish Congregation (RIJC):

The Roosevelt Island Jewish Congregation Board of Trustees & Rabbi Leana Moritt are delighted to invite you to join us 2 PM Sunday, August 30 as we REDEDICATE OUR SANCTUARY at the Cultural Center in time for the High Holy Days 5776.

The Torah will be ceremonially paraded in and installed

We will all help move furniture and arrange the aesthetics of our rededicated space.

Dress casually for a full plate of activities.

All are invited!

Families are encouraged to bring their children!

Refreshments will be served.

Please contact Nina Lublin at nelublin@hotmail.com for additional information.

If you have already joined as a member, thank you.

If you have not joined, please consider membership.

The entrances to Cultural Center can be accessed thru the Breezeway next to 540 Main, at the staircase behind the old Hardware Store @548 Main Street, or through the elevator entrance behind the Public Safety Office.

RIJC President Nina Lublin adds:

The RIJC is delighted to announce its return to the Cultural Center after a 3-year absence due to flooding & SuperStorm Sandy. After conducting Shabbat services, celebrating holidays & festivals, running its Hebrew School & supporting our members & friends in times of need in many locations around RI, we are thrilled to come back "home".

We are rejoining our original neighbors, the Main Street Theatre & Dance Alliance, as well as joining many new ones in the re-built & renovated Cultural Center space. This is an exciting time for us, & we welcome everyone to come by, meet our Rabbi, Leana Moritt, & see us Sunday afternoon. And we look forward to seeing you in September too, as we celebrate the New Year.

Please visit our website, rijc.org for the full schedule of activities.

UPDATE 9/1 - More from Re-dedication ceremony.

Roosevelt Island's Main Street Theater & Dance Alliance May Not Return To Renovated Cultural Center - Executive Director Says RIOC Seeking Onerous $8 Thousand Monthly Fee

Reported July 2013:

The Main Street Theater & Dance Alliance (MST&DA) and the Roosevelt Island Jewish Congregation (RIJC) have been unable to use the space they formerly occupied at the Cultural Center following a July 2012 flooding incident which caused substantial damage to the premises.

 Image Of Roosevelt Island Cultural Center Entrance At 548 Main Street

Since that time RIOC has been in the process of repairing the damaged Cultural Center and establishing procedures for future use of the space by Roosevelt Island community groups including former occupants such as the MST&DA, RIJC and other groups seeking space.

The Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) has finally repaired the damage caused by July 2012 flooding and made worse by the October 2012 Hurricane Sandy. RIOC recently completed the renovation of the Cultural Center but the MST&DA may not be able to return to the new Cultural Center reports its Executive Director Owen Johnston during last night's Roosevelt Island Residents Association (RIRA) Public Session.

Mr. Johnston told the RIRA Common Council that RIOC is seeking a $8 Thousand monthly fee from MST&DA in order to use the Cultural Center space and noted:

... the idea that we would not be able to dance on our own dance studio floors does not make any sense....

In response to questions from RIRA's Aaron Hamburger, Mr. Johnston added:

... the fees they are discussing are beyond onerous. Quite frankly, they are absurd. Its not anything we as an organization have ever experienced. It's been in the past, RIOC has understood the benefit we bring to the community.

Also, Mr. Johnston said RIOC intends to use a portion of the Cultural Center space for some of its own office and storage use.

Mr. Johnston will be meeting today with RIOC to discuss the issue further and will be seeking the support of the Roosevelt Island community to return the MST&DA to the newly renovated Cultural Center.

Last evening, I asked RIOC President Charlene Indelicato:

Owen Johnston of Main Street Theater & Dance Alliance claims that Rioc is seeking what he claims to be an exorbitant rent of $8 thousand per month for the newly renovated Cultural Center Space.

Is it true that Rioc is seeking $8 thousand per month from Main Street theater for the space?

Also, any comment from Rioc regarding issue of Cultural Center space and it's use by community organizations.

Ms. Indelicato replied:

I have no comment at this time other than to say the amount stated was never discussed

Here's what Mr. Johnston said at RIRA meeting last night.



Stay tuned.

UPDATE 6:50 PM - MST&DA Board President Jenine Olsen reports on today's meeting with RIOC:

We had a meeting today with RIOC and came away with a firm belief that they understand and personally value the contributions we have made for so many years to this community. We also came away with a better understanding of the constraints RIOC is faced with under the current political directives.

We are working on a proposal which we feel will be received in a positive way and allow us to again deliver our quality programs at 548 Main Street. The $8000 monthly fee was one interpretation that Owen came away with after being given the rates proposed for the spaces we would use at the hours we would need. We are optimistic that our rent will not be near that amount when we meet again with RIOC and present our proposal.

Temporary Ferry Dock, Cultural Center Renovation, Proposed Southpoint Park Korean Pavilion & More To Be Discussed At November 6 RIOC Real Estate Advisory Committee Meeting - Also Update On Cornell Negotiations In Closed Executive Session

 Former RIOC Officials At Oil Dock in November 2009 Watching NY Water Taxi Ferry Boat Pass

According the the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC)

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that a meeting of the Real Estate Development Advisory Committee of the RIOC Board of Directors will be held on Wednesday, November 6, 2013 at 4:00 p.m. at the RIOC administrative office, 591 Main Street, Roosevelt Island, New York.

Agenda:

1. Temporary Ferry Dock;

2. Cultural Center Reconstruction Status;

3. Southpoint Park Pavilion Update;

4. Good Shepherd Plaza Developments;

5. Historic Lamppost Donation Location;

6. Updates on Rehabilitation Projects in Lighthouse Park and Westside Pier;

7. Updates on Projects in Process, including Blackwell House;

8. Chair’s Motion for Executive Session for Update on Current Negotiations Regarding Cornell NYC;

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

The audio web cast of the meeting will be available a few days later.

During recent Aspen Institute Building the Digital City Conference, Cornell NYC Tech's Dan Huttenlocher described the intent for their new Roosevelt Island campus as being a:

...  hot spot for tech kind of activities and not just for academic activities...

with plans for:

...  companies right there on campus as part of what we do every day...

Full video of panel is here.

Roosevelt Island Cultural Center Closed Due To Flooding Damage Since July 2012 - RIOC Provides Update, Expects To Complete Renovation By End Of Summer 2014

Reported last August:

... The Main Street Theater & Dance Alliance (MST&DA) and the Roosevelt Island Jewish Congregation (RIJC) have been unable to use the space they formerly occupied at the Cultural Center following a July 2012 flooding incident which caused substantial damage to the premises.

Since that time RIOC has been in the process of repairing the damaged Cultural Center and establishing procedures for future use of the space by Roosevelt Island community groups including former occupants such as the MST&DA, RIJC and other groups seeking space. To date, the additional community groups seeking to share space in the Cultural Center are the Roosevelt Island Islamic Community and the Jewish Chabad congregation who are seeking places of worship for their members...

... If you know of a Roosevelt Island non profit community group seeking space, have them contact RIOC so that RIOC is aware of their needs....

Today, RIOC sent the following update:

Construction on Roosevelt Island Cultural Center

In 2012, the Roosevelt Island Cultural Center suffered water damage from flooding and unfortunately, was severely harmed several months later during Hurricane Sandy. Work is ongoing to restore the Center in order to make it available to the community once more. Debris and damaged areas will have been cleared as of this Friday; restoration work is currently in the design stage.

Currently, RIOC is working to complete the construction plans and specifications by the end of November 2013. Once these documents are complete, a formal Request For Proposals will be issued and final bids to complete the work should be received by January 15, 2014. RIOC will review the bids, select the contractor and award the contract for the necessary construction during 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.

Here's a discussion of Roosevelt Island Cultural Center space needs and allocations from the July 16 RIOC Real Estate Advisory Committee meeting.

Roosevelt Island Cultural Center Management Plan For Non Profits, Community Space Utilization Plan, Trellis Presentation And Moving Southown Dog Run On RIOC Real Estate Committee Agenda For Wednesday August 21

According to the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC)

NOTICE OF THE
AUGUST 21, 2013 MEETING OF THE
REAL ESTATE DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE
OF THE ROOSEVELT ISLAND OPERATING CORPORATION
BOARD OF DIRECTORS

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that a meeting of the Real Estate Development Advisory Committee of the RIOC Board of Directors will be held on Wednesday, August 21, 2013 at 5:30 p.m. at the RIOC administrative office, 591 Main Street, Roosevelt Island, New York.

Agenda:

1. Presentation by Trellis Proprietor
2. Update on 548 Main Street Cultural Center Repairs and Management Plan
3. Discussion of the Development of Park and Community Space General Utilization Plan
4. Discussion of the Request to Move the Southtown Dog Walk
5. Any Other Committee Business That May be Brought Before the Committee

***

The Open Meetings Law of the State of New York requires that all public bodies conduct meetings, convened for the purpose of officially conducting public business, in a manner open to attendance by the general public to observe and listen.

The Main Street Theater & Dance Alliance (MST&DA) and the Roosevelt Island Jewish Congregation (RIJC) have been unable to use the space they formerly occupied at the Cultural Center following a July 2012 flooding incident which caused substantial damage to the premises.

Since that time RIOC has been in the process of repairing the damaged Cultural Center and establishing procedures for future use of the space by Roosevelt Island community groups including former occupants such as the MST&DA, RIJC and other groups seeking space. To date, the additional community groups seeking to share space in the Cultural Center are the Roosevelt Island Islamic Community and the Jewish Chabad congregation who are seeking places of worship for their members.

Here's a discussion of Roosevelt Island community space needs and allocations from the July 16 RIOC Real Estate Advisory Committee meeting.



If you know of a Roosevelt Island non profit community group seeking space, have them contact RIOC so that RIOC is aware of their needs.

 Also to be discussed at Wednesday's RIOC Real Estate Committee meeting is a request to move the Southtown Dog run

as well as a presentation by the Trellis Diner owner.

An audio web cast will be available soon after the meeting.

Report From Acting RIOC President Don Lewis - Roosevelt Island Cultural Center Renovation, Lighthouse Park Electrical Repairs, Steam Plant Request For Interest, Tennis Permits & More

 Image Of Acting RIOC President Don Lewis From RIOC

Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Acting President Don Lewis sends the following report to Roosevelt Island residents.

In connection with our diligent efforts to ensure that Roosevelt Island’s infrastructure and public facilities are well maintained, below is an update on certain projects throughout Island. This week’s column concludes with news for tennis players who are undoubtedly looking forward to warmer weather.

Tram Enclosure Project

As part of our ongoing Tram Enclosure Project, we intend to repair and refinish floors at both Tram stations. We cannot, however, proceed until the temperature is consistently above 40 degrees, including the overnight hours. We hope to be able to commence this work by late April or early May.

Good Shepherd Community Center

This spring our contractor will recommence and complete its work at the Good Shepherd Community Center, including repointing the masonry facade and restoring the cupola. We share the community’s delight at the beautiful new slate shingle roof that was installed during the project’s earlier phase. We look forward to the finished product once this final phase is completed.

Z-Brick Reparations

In connection with repairs to roadways, sidewalks and pathways that RIOC undertakes on an as-needed basis, we intend to repair certain Z-bricks in the beginning of the spring. We are aware that the Z-bricks are cherished by many residents and look forward proceeding with this project.

Cultural Center Renovations

The demolition phase of the Cultural Center wrapped up on February 22. We have a hired an architect who will soon get started on restoring this vital community space. We are mindful of the importance and historical significance of this community space, and will continue to work diligently to ensure that the Cultural Center is restored as soon as possible.

Tennis Permits

Tennis permits for the new season will be available on the RIOC website beginning on March 18. Members who held onto their permits from last year need not come in for a new card; instead they can simply pay for this year and their card will automatically be updated.

Below is report from Mr. Lewis to the February 28 RIOC Board of Directors Meeting. Mr. Lewis reported that the Steam Plant will be decommissioned in the near future and RIOC will be issuing a Request For Expressions Of Interest regarding its future use in the next couple of weeks. Mr. Lewis also noted that repairs to electric cables damaged by Hurricane Sandy in Lighthouse Park will be completed later this spring. Hopefully, Lighthouse Park, which has been closed since last November, will then re-open.

RIOC Real Estate Committee Meeting Today - Roosevelt Island Cultural Center Rehabilitation, Improved Public Amenities And Octagon Composting On Public Agenda - Executive Session On Southtown Development, Cornell NYC Tech, Steam Plant, & Main Street Retail Space

According to the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC)

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that a meeting of the Real Estate Development Advisory Committee of the RIOC Board of Directors will be held on Tuesday, February 26, 2013 at 5:30 p.m. at the RIOC administrative office, 591 Main Street, Roosevelt Island, New York.

Agenda:

1. Update on 548 Main Street Cultural Center Rehabilitation
2. Discussion/Identification of Areas for Improved Public Amenities
3. Discussion of the Octagon Composting Site Permit
4. Chair's Motion for Executive Session for Update on Current Negotiations Regarding:

a) Southtown Development
b) Cornell NYC
c) Steam Plant
d) Main Street Retail Sublease

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

An audio web cast of the meeting will be available soon after the meeting.

Here's the latest on Cultural Center Rehabilitation from February 13 RIOC Operations Committee. The Committee discussed potential users of the renovated space. including current occupants (Main Street Theater, Roosevelt Island Jewish Congregation) as well as potential new users (Islamic Center and others).



Current longstanding occupants of the Cultural Center are concerned they may lose some space within the reconfigured Center after its rehabilitation from summer flooding to future users.

RIOC Real Estate Committee Meeting Tomorrow - Roosevelt Island Community Space and Cultural Center Flooding On Public Agenda, Cornell NYC Tech, Steam Plant, Main Street Retail Progress and Westview Privatization Discussed In Executive Session Without Public Present

Image From Echo

 According to the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC)

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that a meeting of the Real Estate Development Advisory Committee of the RIOC Board of Directors will be held on Tuesday, December 18, 2012 at 4:30 p.m. at the RIOC administrative office, 591 Main Street, Roosevelt Island, New York.

Agenda:

1. Discussion Concerning Issues With Provision of Community Space
2. Update on 548 Main Street Cultural Center Rehabilitation
3. Chair's Motion for Executive Session for Update on Pending Negotiations Regarding
a) Cornell NYC
b) Steam Plant
c) Main Street Retail Progress
d) Westview
4. Any Other Committee Business That May be Brought Before the Committee

The Open Meetings Law of the State of New York requires that all public bodies conduct meetings, convened for the purpose of officially conducting public business, in a manner open to attendance by the general public to observe and listen.

An audio web cast of the Public Session will be available a few days after the meeting.

Report From Acting RIOC President Don Lewis - Roosevelt Island Hurricane Sandy Damage, Team Rubicon Hurricane Relief Efforts, Blackwell Park Cleanup, Cultural Center Flooding Renovation, RICC Cornell Meeeting, Tree Lighting & Happy Thanksgiving

 Image Of Acting RIOC President Don Lewis From RIOC

Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Acting President Don Lewis sends the following report to Roosevelt Island residents.

The State of New York, including the Roosevelt Island Community, has been through a rough stretch with Hurricane Sandy and its aftermath. Be that as it may, we still have much to be thankful for, including the fact that no one on the Island was injured as a result of the storm. With that in mind, I want to wish you and your families a Happy Thanksgiving from RIOC.

Hurricane Sandy Damage

Over the past three weeks, we have assessed damage to the Island caused by the storm. The lower locations on the Island experienced three to five feet of flooding and approximately 21 Island trees were lost. We are continuing to inspect the trees that withstood the storm to make sure that none are in danger of falling. As I mentioned in my last column, we are eligible for federal assistance from FEMA because we followed the agency’s emergency command procedures.

Team Rubicon Relief Efforts – Donations Needed

RIOC has partnered with Team Rubicon USA to help people in New York City who are suffering as a result of the storm. We are collecting donated canned goods, baby food, baby clothes, diapers, winter coats, batteries, toiletries, cleaning supplies, garbage bags, shovels and more. Team Rubicon USA is transporting the items to areas hardest hit by the storm, including Staten Island and the Rockaways. The Roosevelt Island community has responded with great generosity, and we have received an overwhelming amount of supplies. However, help is still needed and we are continuing to accept donations from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday at our 591 Main Street office. If you are unable to donate during those hours, please bring items to the Roosevelt Island Public Safety Department at 550 Main Street anytime after 5:00 p.m. For more information and a complete list of items that are needed, please call 212-832-4540 ext 349.

Blackwell Park Cleanup

RIOC was pleased to team up with the Roosevelt Island Jewish Congregation, the Roosevelt Island Residents Association and the Main Street Theatre and Dance Alliance to clean up Blackwell Park on Sunday morning. About 20 volunteers – children and adults – bagged 80 bags of leaves and branches, and enjoyed the gorgeous fall weather. We appreciate everyone’s efforts.

Cultural Center Renovation

Last week RIOC met with representatives from the Main Street Theater Group and the Roosevelt Island Jewish Congregation to discuss the progress of the renovation of the Cultural Center. The renovation requires two distinct steps to return the Center to a usable condition. First, there is remediation, which encompasses the demolition and removal of all the damaged flooring, walls, ceilings, and the removal of molds from the affected areas, and establishes the extent of the renovation work. The second phase, will involve the renovation of the facility. We will continue to work with both groups to help them find alternative space on the Island while the work is ongoing.

Roosevelt Island Community Coalition

RIOC recently had a productive meeting with the Roosevelt Island Community Coalition (RICC) to discuss community items of interest and concern related to the Cornell-Technion campus. RIOC is also involved in discussions with Cornell concerning infrastructure and additional issues related to the project. We look forward to continued coordination between RICC and RIOC concerning the campus.

Tree Lighting

We invite you to join us for our annual Tree Lighting event on Friday, December 7th at 7:00 p.m. at Blackwell Plaza. The Main Street Theater and Dance Alliance and children from Roosevelt Island Youth Center will provide entertainment. We also expect Santa Claus to stop by and be available to take pictures. We encourage you to attend and celebrate the holiday season with the Roosevelt Island community.

July Flooding At Roosevelt Island Main Street Theater & Dance Alliance Still Not Repaired - Support Asked For At RIRA Meeting

Image From Main Street Theater & Dance Alliance

Reported last September that:

... Flooding at the Cultural Center in Roosevelt Landings last July forced the RIJC and Main Street Theater & Dance Alliance to seek out temporary space until the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) and/or Urban American returns the space to a clean and safe condition (Urban American is the the landlord for Roosevelt Landings)...

 Theater Entrance Image From Main Street Theater & Dance Alliance

During the November 7 Roosevelt Island Residents Association (RIRA) Meeting Public Session, the Main Street Theater & Dance Alliance (MST&DA) Board of Directors President Nina Wintringham reported that as far as she can tell, no repairs have yet been made to the premises and they are unable to use their damaged space although MST&DA has found temporary space at other Roosevelt Island locations.

A meeting with the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) is scheduled for today to discuss the matter added Ms. Wintringham.

I have asked RIOC for a comment on the situation and will update if answer is received.

Here's what Ms Wintringham had to say during the RIRA Public Session.



More on the flooding at the Theater and Jewish Congregation from earlier post.

UPDATE 11/10 Received this reply from RIOC's Spokesperson yesterday afternoon:

We had a productive meeting today with the Main Street Theater Group and Jewish Congregation. We look forward to working collaboratively with both groups in our continuing efforts to restore the premises.

I replied:

Thank you for the reply.

Can RIOC describe what efforts are being undertaken to restore the premises?

No reply from RIOC yet.

Yom Kippur Service For Roosevelt Island Jewish Congregation Moved To Manhattan Park Community Center Starting Tuesday 6:30 PM - July Flood At Cultural Center The Cause

Image From Roosevelt Island Jewish Congregation

The Roosevelt Island Jewish Congregation (RIJC) sends the following message and schedule for their upcoming Yom Kippur service starting tomorrow night.

Dear RIJC Members and Friends,

From the bottom of my heart, a warm and enthusiastic THANK YOU for joining us for Rosh Hashanah last Sunday, Monday and Tuesday at the RIJC's temporary home at the Manhattan Park Theatre/Community Center. Rabbi Moritt and Cantor Brian Kalver, assisted by our own Charlie Schwartz, led us in thoughtful prayer and song and sermon. It was a pleasure to see many familiar faces and make some new friends as well.

Please be sure to join us this Tuesday evening promptly at 6:30 pm for our Kol Nidre service, as we begin the most solemn and serious contemplation of the year past and the one yet to come. On Wednesday at 9:15 am we will continue our day of prayer and atonement, and later, celebration of the year to come with Havdalah and a light breaking the fast.

Our updated schedule appears here, as well as information for next Sunday -- Sukkot on the Senior Terrace.

Tuesday, September 25 at Manhattan Park Theatre 8 River Road

6:30pm, SHARP Kol Nidre / Erev Yom Kippur

Wednesday,September 26 at Manhattan Park Theatre

9:15am Yom Kippur - Morning Service

9:30am Child Care @ RI Day Nursery - 4 River Road
10:30am Children's Service @ RI Day Nursery

4:45pm Afternoon Service, followed by Ne'ilah and Havdalah,
7:30 (approximately) Tekiat Shofar / End of Fast

And

Sunday, September 30

4:00pm Sukkot/ Sukkah Building, Decorating, Services, Pot-Luck Dinner At the Senior Terrace.
Details to follow.

Flooding at the Cultural Center in Roosevelt Landings last July forced the RIJC and Main Street Theater & Dance Alliance to seek out temporary space until the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) and/or Urban American returns the space to a clean and safe condition (Urban American is the the landlord for Roosevelt Landings).

During the September 20 RIOC Board of Directors Meeting Public Session, RIJC President Nina Lubin thanked RIOC for helping provide temporary space during Rosh Hashanna and Yom Kippur. Ms. Lubin urged RIOC and Urban American to repair and make safe the Roosevelt Island Cultural Center damaged by flooding making RIJC and the Main Street Theater and Dance Alliance uninhabitable. Here's what Ms. Lubin had to say.



The flooding at the Cultural Center was discussed during September 13 RIOC Operation Committee meeting (audio web cast of the meeting is here and Cultural Center flooding discussion begins at 32 minute 40 second mark)