RIOC Board Of Directors Meeting Thursday March 6 - Approval Of Executive Recruiting Firm To Search For New President & General Counsel, Appointment Of Chief Operating Officer And Riverwalk Building 8 Lease Amendment To Reallocate Payments From Firefighters Field Lighting To Other Construction Projects On Agenda

The Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Board of Directors

Image Of December 19 RIOC Board Meeting via RIOC

will meet Thursday March 6 in the Good Shepherd Community Center (543 Main Street) beginning at 5:30 PM. 

Among the Meeting Agenda Items are:

• Authorization to Enter into the Second Amendment of the Ground Lease for Southtown Building #8 and the Sixth Amendment to the Southtown Development
• Authorization to Enter into Contract with Fusco Personnel Inc. for Executive Recruiting Services (Board Action Required) 
• Appointment of Mary C. Cunneen to the Position of Vice President/Chief Operating Officer of the Corporation (Board Action Required)

You're invited to attend, ask questions and share concerns about Roosevelt Island issues during the opening Public Session before the start of the RIOC Board meeting. Sign up here before 10 AM the day of the meeting to speak at the Public Session.

RIOC Board materials with supporting info on Agenda items are here including:

Southtown Building 8 Ground lease amendment

Appointmenet of Mary Cunneen as RIOC Chief Operating Officer

and the approval of an Executive Recruitment firm to conduct a job search for the new RIOC President and General Counsel.

Good News For Roosevelt Island Non Profit Organizations, RIOC Seeks Approval To Increase Total Annual Public Purpose Funds Distribution From $150 Thousand To $250 Thousand At September 19 Board Of Directors Meeting

The Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Board of Directors

will meet Thursday September 19 in the Good Shepherd Community Center (543 Main Street) beginning at 5:30 pm.

You're invited to attend, ask questions and share concerns about Roosevelt Island during the opening Public Session before the start of the RIOC Board meeting. Sign up to speak here.

Among the items on the Agenda are:

1. Adoption of the Whistleblower Policy and Procedures (Board Action Required)
2. Discussion of the Proposed By-Laws Revisions (Materials to Follow)
3. Authorization to Increase the Public Purpose Funds Amount (Board Action Required - Materials to Follow)
4. Authorization to Enter into Contract with the New York Community Trust (“NYCT”) for Public Purpose Funds Grant Program (Board Action Required – Materials to Follow) 5. Update on the Bus Operations...

Here's the full agenda for the September 19 RIOC Board Of Directors Meeting.

Here's the memo from RIOC CFO Dhru Amin to the RIOC Board of Directors in support of increasing Public Purpose Funds from $150 thousand to $250 thousand annually

and memo in support of the NY Community Trust to continue administering the Public Purpose Funds program.

As reported May 12, 2023, the Roosevelt Island Public Purpose Fund 

Image From NY Community Trust

administered by NY Community Trust distributed:

... $301,000 in two-year grants to 12 nonprofits working to benefit Roosevelt Island residents and enhance their quality of life....

... Based on formal criteria laid out in the Request for Proposals, they prioritized projects that enhanced the well-being of Roosevelt Island residents; organizations with a history of commitment and a proven track record of serving Roosevelt Island; that filled a critical gap in services to historically under-resourced communities (such as low-income populations, communities of color, older adults, and people with disabilities); that clearly articulated project outcomes and activities; and that aimed for long-term engagement with beneficiaries.

The grant recipients are:

• The Carter Burden Network, $29,000, to provide case management services to Korean-speaking residents.
• iDig2Learn, $20,000, for a community meals, composting, and beautification project.
• Island Kids, $20,000, for summer camp scholarships for 15 or more children.
• Main Street Theatre and Dance Alliance, $40,000, for 200 scholarships and work-study placements and 30 internships.
• Open Doors, a project of the Center for Transformative Action, $25,000, to publish a poetry anthology and provide poetry workshops.
• PTA PS/IS 217, $26,000, for dance arts education for 300 3K, Pre-K, and kindergarten students.
• Roosevelt Island: A Living Library/Life Frames, $28,000, to expand the “Vegetables and Me” workshop series, provide nutritional workshops, and expand accessibility offerings.
• Roosevelt Island Concerts, $13,000, to hold a performance and community outreach concert series.
• Roosevelt Island Disabled Association, $40,000, to provide food pantry services, field trips, and a mental health fair to disabled and older adult communities.
• Roosevelt Island Historical Society, $20,000, to support the Roosevelt Island visitor center and educational lecture series.
• Roosevelt Island Senior Association, $20,000, for community events and weekend and evening classes for older adults.
• Roosevelt Island Visual Art Association, $20,000, for a series of community events and exhibitions. 

 In addition, the Fund provided a grant of $15,000 to Community Resource Exchange to offer a series of free management and network-building workshops to grantees and other Roosevelt Island nonprofits. The workshops will help strengthen nonprofits in areas such as marketing, fundraising, and creating strategic partnerships.

There have been concerns raised by some Roosevelt Island organizations about a lack of transparency by NY Community Trust in not publicly reporting the reasons why some groups receive greater and others lesser amounts of Public Purpose Funds as was done in prior years when the Roosevelt Island Residents Association made these recommendations to RIOC. It's not clear whether greater reporting transparency is including in this new agreement with RIOC.

Roosevelt Island Tram Operations, Chief Financial Officer And Chief Operating Officer Appointment Approval & Proposed Budget Among Items On November 14 RIOC Board Of Directors Meeting Agenda - Executive Session Closed To The Public Discussion On Litigation Too - Residents Invited To Attend And Ask Questions During Public Session

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The Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Board of Directors will meet in person November 14 at 5:30 PM in the Cultural Center Theatre (548 Main Street) beginning at 5:30 PM.  

Among the items on the Agenda are:

V. New Business

1 - Appointment of Dhruvika Amin to the Position of Chief Financial Officer and Vice President for Financial Affairs of the Corporation (Board Action Required)

2- Appointment of Mary Cunneen to the Position of Vice President of Operations/Chief Operating Officer of the Corporation (Board Action Required)

3 - Presentation of the Proposed Budget for Fiscal Year 2024-25 (NO Board Action Required)

8 - Presentation by POMA to Discuss the Tram Operations

V1.

Chair’s Motion for Executive Session to Discuss:

a. proposed, pending or current litigation; and

b. the medical, financial, credit or employment history of a particular person or corporation, or matters leading to the appointment, employment, promotion, demotion, discipline, suspension, dismissal or removal of a particular person or corporation. 

Below is the full Agenda for the November 14 RIOC Board Of Directors meeting.

You're invited to attend the Board Meeting,  ask questions and share concerns about Roosevelt Island during the opening Public Session before the start of the meeting. Sign up to speak here.

But be aware that RIOC Board Members and staff usually do not respond to questions during the Public Session though sometimes they may do so or address the subject later during the actual Board meeting.  

If you have a question or concern, give it a try, you may get a response.

You can view a livestream of the meeting here too.

3 New Roosevelt Island Residents Joining RIOC Board Of Directors And Will Be Attending June 29 Board Meeting, Come Ask Your Questions During Public Session - Among Items On Agenda Are Executive Session To Discuss Pending Litigation, But Which One?

The Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Board of Directors will meet in person tomorrow, June 29 at the Cultural Center Theatre (548 Main Street) beginning 5:30 PM. 

As reported June 7, the RIOC Board of Directors will have 3 new members who are residents of Roosevelt Island:

Roosevelt Island Residents Ben Fhala, Michal Melamed And Lydia Tang Appointed To Fill 3 Vacant Seats On The RIOC Board Of Directors - Approved Today By The NY State Senate Finance Committee

Here's Mr Fhala and Dr. Melamed with NY State Senator Liz Krueger at Roosevelt Island Day. 

Mr Fhala has said he:

... Hopes To Bring Change And Fresh Perspective To Roosevelt Island - Goals Include Safeguarding Quality Of Life For All Residents, Managing Impact Of Tourism And Revitalizing Northern Side Of RI Among Others...

Below is the June 29 RIOC Board of Directors Meeting Agenda

 which includes:

Chair’s Motion for Executive Session 

1. Discussion of pending litigation

It is unknown if the pending litigation being discussed by the RIOC Board is concerning:

• Former RIOC President Susan Rosenthal's wrongful termination lawsuit,
• Former RIOC employees whistleblower lawsuit alleging corruption against RIOC President and Senior Staff,
• Former RIOC attorney lawsuit claiming employment discrimination 

or something else.

To date, RIOC has not commented publicly on these matters to the Roosevelt Island community.

Executive session means this portion of the meeting will be held in private, excluding the public from attending.

With the appointment of 3 new members, the RIOC Board had a few days of every Director's seat being filled. That only lasted a few days. According to a RIOC Tweet:

President Haynes stated, “On behalf of the RIOC Executive Team, I want to thank Mr. Ekpo for his deep commitment to helping grow our island and wish him well in his future endeavors.”2/3

— Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation (@RIOCny) June 16, 2023

Mr. Ekpo’s board seat will be replaced by incoming member Michal Melamed. We look forward to working with her and all our new Board Members to improve our island and the lives of all island residents. 3/3

— Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation (@RIOCny) June 16, 2023

Michal Melamed was appointed to the RIOC Board to fill a vacant seat and before Mr Ekpo left the RIOC Board. It is not known why RIOC would claim that she was replacing Mr Ekpo.

Filling this vacant RIOC Board seat with a new appointment cannot be considered until at least next January when the NY State Legislature is back in session. 

You're invited to attend,  ask questions and share concerns about Roosevelt Island during the opening Public Session before the start of the meeting. Sign up to speak here. 

But be aware that RIOC Board Members and staff usually do not respond to questions during the Public Session though sometimes they may do so or address the subject later during the actual Board meeting.  

If you have a question or concern, give it a try, you may get a response. 

UPDATE 6/29 - RIOC reported this afternoon:

Roosevelt Island Community,

RIOC has been informed a clerical error was made in removing Conway Ekpo from the Board of Directors. The Governor’s office will reinstate him in January 2024 pending Senate approval.

President & CEO Shelton Haynes commented, “I was pleasantly surprised and pleased to hear about the pending reappointment of Conway. I look forward to continuing the great work we have achieved together over the years. Conway has already left an indelible mark on the community thanks to his inclusive ideas and collaborative efforts.”

Team RIOC

Approval Of Upcoming RIOC 2023-24 Fiscal Year Budget On Agenda For In Person December 22 Board Of Directors Meeting - You're Invited To Attend And Sign Up To Ask Your Questions About Roosevelt Island Issues

The Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Board of Directors will meet in person tomorrow, December 22 at 5:30 PM in the the Cultural Center (548 Main Street).

You're invited to attend,  ask questions and share concerns about Roosevelt Island during the opening Public Session before the start of the meeting. Sign up to speak here.

Among the items on the Meeting Agenda is approval of the proposed RIOC Budget for Fiscal Year 2023-24 which projects revenue of $34,280,000 and capital improvements in the amount of $6.8 million.

Below is the Agenda for the meeting. 

Click on the links below for Board Materials on Agenda items.

1. NB-1 Budget FY2023-24
2. NB-2 Board meetings schedule 2023
3. NB-3 Ral-Bar_On-Call Electrical Services_Contract
4. NB-4 NYCT_PPF_Amendm Ratification
5. Financial Statement for November 2022
6. PSD Report Oct Nov 2022
   

You can watch the Board meeting here.

Roosevelt Island Southtown Building 9, Expanding RIOC President Powers, Lifeguard Services Contract & More On Agenda For RIOC In Person Board Of Directors Meeting October 20

The Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Board of Directors will meet in person tomorrow, October 20 at 5:30 PM in the the Cultural Center (548 Main Street)

Below is the Agenda for the meeting.

Click on the links for Board Materials on Agenda items.

1. NB-1 StandGuard_ Lifeguard Services Contract
2. NB 2-8 Portfolio- Southtown Building 9
3. NB-9 Expanding President CEO Powers
4. PSD Report September 2022
5. Financial Statement for September 2022

Share Your Roosevelt Island Community Concerns Or Questions At May 19 RIOC Board Of Directors Meeting Public Session Via Zoom - For Example, Will Reasons For Public Purpose Fund Allocations Be Made Public, Will RIOC Comment On Staff Corruption Allegations & Does RIOC Favor New Board And CEO Residency Legislation?

The Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Board of Directors will meet 5:30 PM Thursday May 19, 2022, via video conference. 

You can watch the Board meeting here and ask questions or share concerns about Roosevelt Island issues during the opening Public Session before the start of the meeting. Submit your written question or comment here. 

I submitted the following comments/questions:

1- The NYC Community Trust refuses to disclose the rationale for choosing Roosevelt Island organizations receiving Roosevelt Public Purpose Fund grants and the amount of funds allocated for each organization. In past years RIRA recommendations to RIOC For Public Purpose Fund awards included detailed reasons for their selections and amounts allocated.

Will The RIOC Board require NYC Community Trust to be transparent and open with the Roosevelt Island community by publicly stating the reason for the selection of each organization receiving a Public Purpose Fund Grant and the reason for the amount of that grant as has been done by RIRA for many years in the past.

Does the RIOC Board think it appropriate that the Carter Burden Roosevelt Island Senior Center received $5 Thousand, Roosevelt Island Historical Society received $5 Thousand, Wildlife Freedom Foundation $1 Thousand and the Piazzollo 100 received $1 Thousand.

All of these organizations received much less than all the other recipients with no explanation from NYC Community Trust. 

 2- The New York State Legislature earlier this week passed legislation awaiting signature of Governor Hochul to require a majority of the RIOC Board of Directors and the RIOC Chief Executive Officer to be residents of Roosevelt Island.

Does the RIOC Board of Directors or CEO favor the Governor signing this legislation?

3- A document was published on the OPNLTTR (Open Letter) web site dated March 26, 2022 purportedly shared by a group of Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) employees raising serious allegations of wrongdoings against the RIOC President and certain members of the RIOC executive staff. The employees sharing the document wish to remain anonymous claiming they fear retaliation.

Among the allegations are:

Misappropriation of state funds
Covering up a negligent death
Mismanagement of the AVAC System
Cronyism
Fraud
Abuse of power
Predatory Behavior/Grooming and Fostering a toxic work environment
Disability Discrimination
Violating NYS equal employment laws
Violating NYS ethics laws: JCOPE (title 19/disclosure of outside activities)

Is the RIOC Board investigating these allegations? Does the RIOC Board have any comment to the Roosevelt Island community about these serious allegations?

But be aware that RIOC Board Members and staff usually do not respond to questions during the Public Session though sometimes they may do so or address the subject during the actual Board meeting.  

If you have a question or concern, give it a try, you may get a response. 

Below is the Meeting Agenda:

It's interesting to note that the RIOC Board will go into Executive Session, closed to the public, for the second consecutive meeting to discuss what is believed to be an employment related issue involving another senior executive departing RIOC.

Click here for the Board Materials, including design services for Blackwell Park improvements project.

Why Is April 14 Roosevelt Island Operating Corp Board Of Directors Meeting Being Held In Executive Session With The Public Excluded From Attending And No Prior Public Session For Community Comments? Are Purported RIOC Employee Whistleblower Allegations Of Corruption Or Apparent Firing Of Community Affairs Director On Secret Agenda?

The Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Board of Directors will meet 5:30 PM Thursday April 14, via video conference. The sole Agenda Item is in executive session meaning that it will be held with the public excluded from attending. According to RIOC:

Chair’s Motion for Executive Session 

1. Discussion of the medical, financial, credit or employment history of a particular person or corporation, or matters leading to the appointment, employment, promotion, demotion, discipline, suspension, dismissal or removal of a particular person or corporation..

Unlike most RIOC Board meetings, there is no Public Session scheduled prior to the April 14 Board meeting for the residents to comment on community issues. I've asked RIOC several times why there is no Public Session for tomorrow's Board meeting but have not received any response.

Could the RIOC Board meeting secret executive session be about the allegations of wrongdoing leveled against RIOC President Shelton Haynes and other members of the RIOC executive staff?

As reported March 28:

A document was published on the OPNLTTR web site dated March 26, 2022 purportedly shared by a group of Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) employees raising serious allegations of wrongdoings against RIOC President Shelton Haynes and certain members of the RIOC executive staff...

... Click here to read the full document.

 Among the allegations are:

• Misappropriation of state funds
• Covering up a negligent death
• Mismanagement of the AVAC System
• Cronyism
• Fraud
• Abuse of power
• Predatory Behavior/Grooming and Fostering a toxic work environment
• Disability Discrimination
• Violating NYS equal employment laws
• Violating NYS ethics laws: JCOPE (title 19/disclosure of outside activities) 

The group of purported RIOC employee whistleblowers making these charges call themselves NYS We Deserve Better.

NYS We Deserve Better has a Twitter feed.

- Hiring of cronies and promotions with fictitious titles to reward loyalists
-Over the top spending with little to no oversight
Interested in learning more? Read and retweet our story to help bring change to our workplace and community. https://t.co/lpqI1sB4uZ

— NYSWeDeserveBetter (@NYSWEDESERVEBTR) April 10, 2022

Group claiming to be @RIOCny employees continue to bring pressure on current @RiocCeo , Executive Staff and Directors by recalling past episodes of corruption found in 2014. https://t.co/JSgbne9Uay @JulieMenin @SeawrightForNY @SenatorSerrano @SenGianaris @GovKathyHochul https://t.co/01nK9lVIOu

— Roosevelt Islander (@Rooseveltisland) April 8, 2022

There has been no public comment from RIOC about these allegations.

Or could the RIOC Board meeting secret executive session be about the apparent firing of long time RIOC Director of Community Affairs Erica Spencer-el, who was also named the Director of Communications last year.

On April 1, I asked RIOC Public Information Officer Amy Smith:

I've been told that Erica Spencer-El was fired by RIOC. is this true? When was she fired? I'm told it was last Friday. If not true, please indicate it is false.

I've been told that RIOC Public Safety Deputy Chief Anthony Amoroso and at least one other PSD officer escorted Ms Spencer-El from RIOC. Is that true? Please indicate if it is false.

As Director of RIOC Communications & Community Affairs, her status is of concern to Roosevelt Island residents and organizations.

Ms Smith replied later that day:

... please be advised that RIOC does not comment on personnel matters with the public.

Emails to Ms Spencer-El at RIOC which previously were delivered have been undelivered this past week.

Stay tuned.

Roosevelt Island 2022-23 Proposed Budget And Holiday Lights Among Items On September 29 RIOC Board Of Directors Meeting - You Can Watch Meeting Via Video Conference And Submit Question Or Comment

The Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Board of Directors will meet 5:30 PM Wednesday September 29, via video conference.  

You can watch the Board meeting here and ask questions or share concerns about Roosevelt Island issues during the opening Public Session before the start of the meeting. Submit your written question or comment here.

Among the items on the Agenda are:

• 1. Presentation of Proposed Budget FY 2022-23 
• 2. Authorization to Enter into Agreement with Neave Group for Roosevelt IslandHoliday Decoration (Board Action Required)

 Here is the full agenda for the September 29 RIOC Board Meeting.

Info on the Holiday Lights agenda item at this prior post.

According to the 2022-23 RIOC Proposed Budget

Capitol Projects

The Proposed Budget FY 2022‐23 projects capital improvements in the amount of $7,815,000, a decrease of $4,095,000 over the Approved Budget FY 2021‐22 amount of $11,910,000. The Proposed amount primarily consists of capital projects in the projected amount of $6,300,000, but also includes the capitalized purchase of equipment and vehicles in the amount of $515,000 as well as miscellaneous in the amount of $1,000,000. Categories of projects include sports fields and parks, historic and landmark structures, infrastructure improvements, facilities and offices and the Tramway. 

For sports fields and parks, the Proposed Budget FY 2022‐23 projects expenditures in the amount of $3,596,000, an increase of $996,000 over the Approved Budget FY 2021‐22 of $2,600,000. The increase is mainly due to the Sportspark renovation(Construction) project which is expected to be completed mid‐ year 2022. 

For historic and landmark structures improvement, the Proposed Budget FY 2022‐23 projects expenditures in the amount of $0, a decrease of $1,317,000 from the Approved Budget FY 2020‐21 amount of $1,317,000. The decrease is due to the projected completion of the Blackwell House Exterior and Roof, Lighthouse Restoration (Construction & Design) and Smallpox Hospital (Design) in FY 2020‐21. 

For infrastructure improvements, the Proposed Budget FY 2022‐23 projects expenditures in the amount of $2,704,000, a decrease of $1,306,000 from the Approved Budget FY 2021‐22 of $4,010,000. The decrease is mainly due to the projected completion of the Blackwell Plaza and Sidewalk Renovation. Motorgate Repairs PHASE 1 (Construction), and the Southpoint Open Space Park – Seawall (Construction) projects in FY 2020‐21 

For facilities and office improvements, the Proposed Budget FY 2022‐23 projects expenditures in the amount of $0, a decrease of $60,000 over the Approved Budget FY 2021‐22 amount of $60,000. The decrease is mainly due to the projected completion of AMC Mechanical/Piping. 

For equipment and vehicles, the Proposed Budget FY 2022‐23 projects expenditures in the amount of $515,000, an decrease of $200,000 over the Approved Budget FY 2021‐22 of $715,000. The decrease is mainly due to the projected completion of Dark Fiber in FY 2021‐22. 

For the Tramway, the Proposed Budget FY 2022‐23 projects expenditures in the amount of $0, a decrease of $1.725,000 over the Approved Budget FY 2021‐22 of $1,725,000. The decrease is mainly due to the projected completion of Tram Elevator Manhattan (Construction) project in FY 2021‐22. 

For the miscellaneous, the Proposed Budget FY 2022‐23 projects expenditures in the amount of $1,000,000, an decrease of $1,800,000 from the Approved Budget FY 2021‐22 of $2,800,000. The decrease is mainly due to the engagement of an Owner’s Representative to facilitate the many projects.

Revenues

RIOC’s Proposed Budget FY 2022‐23 projects revenues of $32,384,000, a decrease of $425,000 or 1.30% over the Approved Budget FY 2021‐22 amount of $32,809,000. RIOC generates most of its revenues from long‐term ground leases to developers of housing projects on the Island. These leases specify the methodology by which the ground lease revenues are derived, including amounts, timing and escalation of ground lease payments, specifically residential fees, ground rents and public safety fees.

In addition, RIOC generates revenues from its Tramway transportation system, Motorgate parking garage, metered street parking, commercial leases and interest income. Other revenues mostly consist of permitting fees collected for activities that take place in the Sportspark sports facility, the Cultural Center, the Sports Fields and third‐party construction on the Island.

Residential fees are projected to increase by $614,000 or 33.81%. This is mainly due to the Tax Equivalency Payment for Southtown Building #5 & 6 (Beg. 13th year after the Temporary Certificate of Occupancy). Ground rents are projected to increase by $597,000 or 3.92% mainly due to the completion of Southtown Building #8 in FY 2020‐21.

Commercial rents are projected to increase by $25,000 or 1.47% due to contractual escalations. Tramway revenues are projected to decrease by $1,734,000 or 27.28% mainly due to the ridership decrease in New York City after the pandemic.

Public Safety revenues are projected to increase by $72,000 or 3.16% due to contractual escalations and Southtown Building 8 construction.

Transport/parking revenues are projected to decrease by $10,000 or 0.31%, mainly due to a decrease in the projected street parking revenue....

.... Personnel Expenses

RIOC’s Proposed Budget FY 2022‐23 projects personnel expenses of $12,396,308, an increase of $478,766 or 4.02% over the Approved Budget FY 2021‐22 of $11,917,541. The projected increase is mainly due to raises to individuals who took on additional responsibility during the pandemic year.

The RIOC Board of Directors Audit Committee discussed the 2022-23 Proposed Budget during September 22 meeting shown below.

Click here to review the RIOC 2022-23 Proposed Budget.

Friends Of The Ruin Presenting Plan For Public Health Memorial Honoring Frontline Scientists And Medical Professionals At Roosevelt Island Smallpox Hospital Ruins During March 16 RIOC Board Meeting - $12 Million Renovation Of Sportspark Facility On Agenda Too

The Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Board of Directors will meet 5:30 PM tomorrow, March 16, via video conference.  

You can watch the Board meeting here and ask questions or share concerns about Roosevelt Island during the opening Public Session before the start of the meeting. Sign up to speak here. 

It's unlikely any RIOC Board Directors will respond to you during the Public Session but on occasion, some may address your issue during the offical meeting.

Here's the Agenda.

Among the items on the Agenda are:

3. Presentation “The Smallpox Hospital Ruin a Physical and Digital Memorial” by Friends of the Ruin Organization

and:

2. Authorization to Enter into Contract with Vanguard Construction & Development Co. Inc. for Sportspark Renovation Project (Board Action Required)

Stephen Martin, who once worked as the director of design & planning for Four Freedoms Park Conservancy, recently began Friends of the Ruin, a non profit whose mission is to stabilize the Smallpox Hospital ruin and return the building, which has been fenced off for over seventy years, to Roosevelt Island in the form of public park space. The organization envisions a stabilized ruin, beautifully landscaped and open to the public, free of charge, year round.

According to Mr. Martin: 

The Roosevelt Island Historical Society, the Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation, and the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation have been wonderfully supportive. Friends of the Ruin considers them partners in its mission. 

As part of an ongoing educational component to the organization's mission, Friends of the Ruin has been working with the Williamsburg High School for Architecture and Design (WHSAD), a Brooklyn blue ribbon public high school focused on architectural drafting, design principles, and historic preservation. WHSAD students, under the instruction of historic preservation firm Walter B. Melvin Architects, have spent the past five years studying Roosevelt Island, James Renwick, Jr. (architect of the Smallpox Hospital), and the ruin. After months of design charettes, critiques, and mood-boarding, students will often envision a renewed ruin as public housing, a high end retail experience, or a weekend party space.

Friends of the Ruin welcomes the students' enthusiasm but hopes the building could be permanently stabilized and opened to the public as a wild, landscaped (and safe) gothic ruin. The building (our City's only landmark ruin) was once a hospital to fight a devastating epidemic and also served as a nursing school training New York's frontline health care workers. 

It is the nonprofit's goal that the Ruin will serve, in the form of public park space, to memorialize the science, medical advances, and frontline workers fighting viral and infectious disease, including COVID-19, SARS, HIV/AIDS and many other diseases. We believe it is hard to imagine a more fitting site for this than in our country's first hospital dedicated to the smallpox epidemic, and on the historically rich Roosevelt Island.

Click to visit website and more info from Friends Of The Ruin here.

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A post shared by Friends of the Ruin (@nycruin)

UPDATE 3/16 - Roosevelt Island resident Jennifer Dunning adds:

Reading the news in the Islander tonight about The Ruin memorial -- such a perfect program, I wanted to throw out two ideas:  

Could we for once honor the home aides, an important l but almost never acknowledged part of "the frontline"? They worked so hard for so shamefully little money. They worried constantly about catching the virus and bringing it home to their families. And most played a crucial role in keeping the City as healthy as possible,, with such kindness and imagination.  

I don't know how I would have survived without. my beloved aide Tracy, who worked it out. with her husband that their four kids would be cared for by family members while he was at work. And Tracy packed a small suitcase so she could move in with me if transportation halted. These aides, health professionals, too, must be included in the honor. 

Also, please, oh please, keep The Ruin simple and unclunky . Would it be possible just to firm up and make safe the structure as is? 

It is a unique space in the City. Let the sunlight,(and rain!) pour in. Let whatever grows there now be left unmanicured.  A litte wild, a quiet, airy space where one can feel alone with thoughts and memories of the latest plague, of life and death. 

Instead of the usual cold and cumbersome statues of a nurse and doctor, how about a piece of period hospital furniture a wooden table or desk and chair,, fixed so they cannot be vandalized, with a quiet-looking plexiglass case with surgery instruments, perhaps, some handwritten notes from. a doctor at the smallpox hospital, in another century's plague time, and lots of photos of the nurses, doctors, patients, hospital cooks, etc. , and of rooms and the pharmacy,kitchen and a surgical table with more instruments. Some newspaper accounts of other hospitals on RI Island in other times. A simple beautiful creation that is not self-important., a suggestion of the Island as it was, even into the 1980's and 90's.

Please?

A question that should be addressed is what impact such a Memorial will have on Roosevelt Island transportation, particularly the Tram, with more visitors coming to Roosevelt Island to see this Memorial

Motorgate Bike Ramp And IT Infrastructure On Agenda For February 18 Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Board Of Directors Meeting - You're Invited To Watch And Ask Questions During Public Comment Session Prior To Meeting

The Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Board of Directors will meet 5:30 PM tomorrow, February 18, via video conference.  

You can watch the Board meeting here and ask questions or share concerns about Roosevelt Island during the opening Public Session before the start of the meeting. Sign up to speak here. 

Here's the Agenda.

Here's info on the Motorgate Bike Ramp agenda item.

Roosevelt Island Operating Corp Board Of Directors Meeting Tuesday December 29 - Approval Of RIOC 2021-22 Budget, Authorization To Place Bike Ramp Within Motorgate Helix And Riverwalk 8 Developer $1 Million Payment For Firefighters Field Bathrooms To Be Used Instead For Other RIOC Projects

The Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Board of Directors will meet 5:30 PM Tuesday, December 29 via video conference. You can watch the Board meeting here and ask questions or share concerns about Roosevelt Island during the opening Public Session before the start of the meeting. Sign up to submit your remarks. 

The meeting was postponed from December 17.

Among the meeting Agenda Items are:

• 1- Approval of the Proposed RIOC Budget for Fiscal Year 2021-22 (Board Action Required)...
• 3. Authorization to Approve Amendment of Lease with Riverwalk 8 Housing Development Fund Corporation and Riverwalk 8, LLC for Southtown Building #8 (Board Action Required)
• 4. Authorization to Place the Bike Ramp within the Helix Ramp (Board Action Required)

According to the Proposed RIOC 2021-22 Budget (Pages 1-2):

... The Proposed Budget FY 2021‐22 projects capital improvements in the amount of $11,910,000, a decrease of $27,882,000 over the Approved Budget FY 2020‐21 amount of $39,791,000....

Also:

...  RIOC’s Proposed Budget FY 2021‐22 projects revenues of $32,809,000, a decrease of $2,766,000 or 7.78% over the Approved Budget FY 2020‐21 amount of $35,575,000....

.... Commercial rents are projected to increase by $46,000 or 2.78% due to contractual escalations. 

Tramway revenues are projected to remain at same level as the Approved Budget FY 2020‐21.... 

... For grant and community support, the Proposed Budget FY 2021‐22 includes an extraordinary expense of $1,340,110, an increase of $172,519 over the Approved Budget FY 2020‐21 amount of $1,167,591. This is mainly due to increased costs for community service and the allocation of youth center personnel cost to support such service....

RIOC attributes most of the decrease in capital improvement spending to the completion of various projects, rescheduling of Sportspark renovation to fiscal year 2022-23 and the postponement of work on Dayspring Church and Motorgate Plaza/Atrium (RIOC Budget Page 1). Not sure what work on Dayspring Church was scheduled since it is now The Sanctuary, a private Events Space/future restaurant.

The proposed budget does not address impact of Coronavirus Pandemic on commercial rent and Tramway revenue.

Another item on RIOC Board Agenda for tomorrow is an Amendment to Riverwalk Building 8 Ground Lease which releases the developer, Hudson Related (Tenant), from constructing a Comfort Station at Firefighters Field and:

... instead have Tenant pay RIOC the sum of $1,000,000 in full satisfaction of its obligation under the Building 8 Lease with respect to the Comfort Station Work, so that RIOC will have those funds available for other construction projects on Roosevelt Island.

More details below.


Also on the Agenda for tomorrow's RIOC Board meeting is authorization to place a bike ramp 

                                                                                                   Image From RIOC

within the Motorgate Helix as shown below.

Image From RIOC

 According to the RIOC 2021-22 Proposed Budget (Page 2):

... projected receipt of a grant for TAP Funds for the bike ramp in the amount of $2,964,000 being delayed to FY’s 23 & 24....

More details on the bike ramp below.

 Full December 29 RIOC Board Agenda is below.

UPDATE 12/29:

Reaction from Roosevelt Island Historical Society President Judy Berdy and Roosevelt Island Residents Association President Rossana Ceruzzi. 

From Ms Berdy, deliberately all in CAPS:

YOU ARE HOISTING FRAUD ON THE ISLAND AGAIN. MEETINGS WITH NO PUBLIC INPUT ARE A SHAM 

TEARING DOWN OUR CHERRY TREES TO BUILD A BIKE RAMP IS A JOKE. WE HAVE SEEN BIKERS DO NOT GIVE A DARN ABOUT SAFETY AND WILL STILL GO DOWN THE HELIX!! 

WE GET A FEW DOZEN BIKERS ON A WEEKEND. THERE IS NO GROUNDSWELL OF BIKE RIDERS HERE. 

LOOSING ANOTHER GREEN AREA IS SHOWING THE CONSTANT REMOVAL OF GREEN FOR CEMENT AND UN-NECESSARY PROJECTS.. 

WE HAVE NOT SEEN ANY RENDERING OF PLANS IN A YEAR, PRINCE SHAH...WHERE ARE THE PLANS IN A PUBLCI PLACE? 

WE DEPERATELY NEED BATHROOMS AT FIREFIGHTERS FIELD. THE ONE BATHROOM AT THE TRAM CANNOT SERVICE THE DOZENS OF TOURIST AND ATLETES WHO NEED TO RELIEVE THEMSELVES. I ASSUME RIOC'S RESPONSE IS TO USE THE TREES AS TOILETS. 

THIS PANDEMIC HAS LEAD TO AN EPIDEMIC OF BAD DECISIONS BY RIOC. OUR PUBLIC SAFETY LEADERSHIP IS M.I.A. 

WE HAVE NEW, INEXPERIENCED OFFICERS, WHO KNOW LITTLE OF THE ISLAND AND HAVE NOT BEEN TAUGHT HOW TO DEAL WITH THE PUBLIC. THEY ARE BODIES, BUT NO SOUL FOR THE JOBS......ROBO-OFFICERS. WHERE IS TRAINING AND INTERPERSONAL INSTRUCTION KEVIN? 

SHELTON- TIME TO BE OPEN AND HAVE PUBLIC COMMENTS AT THE FAUX-MEETINGS. TIME TO TAKE OFF YOUR MASKS AND BE OPEN AND PUBLIC.

From Ms Ceruzzi:

This is an open statement expressing opposition to the “Bike ramp” as listed in the 12/29/20 RIOC Board of Directors Agenda under “New Business”.

While it is always important to treat the community with respect, it is very important to do so when controversial plans are being discussed. This project it's yet another rush through job that has NOT been presented to the community for consideration and when residents feel ignored or pushed around, dialogue becomes difficult. This is another project that will chop down trees in exchange for a bike ramp. Do we have any alternatives? What is the purpose of it? Who will it serve? Why has the escalator been out of service for over a decade? Escalators that would provide service to seniors, disabled and alleviate the congestion on the elevators at Motorgate? 

Most importantly the idea that RIOC is holding Board meetings where the public or Island representatives cannot speak up is unacceptable. Why were the public sessions stopped?

How can the community participate in the formulation of plans if no public session is held?

The pandemic should not be used as "the" excuse not to have public sessions in fact, Elected Officials have been holding Town Halls via Zoom platform regularly.

RIOC needs to be accountable to the community and the bottom line is that communicating with the community is a crucial attribute for the successful outcome of any venture.

We urge RIOC to reconsider this plan.

UPDATE 6:30 PM:

The Bike Ramp authorization was removed from RIOC Board Agenda tonight for further study.

UPDATE 9:30 PM - The RIOC Budget and Riverwalk 8 Lease Amendment were approved. Firefighters Field comfort station deferred. 

$1 million allocated for Comfort Station to be used by RIOC for "Health & Safety" projects instesd. RIOC staff  did not say what are Health and Safety projects and none of the Board Directors asked.

UPDATE 12/30 - Here's video of the RIOC Board discussion about the proposed Motorgate Bike Ramp.

Stay tuned for more on this subject.

RIOC Board Meeting Today September 14, Presentation Of Proposed Budget For 2021-22 Fiscal Year Main Item On Agenda - Spending Down, Revenue Down, Staff Reductions, Increased Expenses To Pay For Roosevelt Island Youth Center Services And Personnel

The Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Board of Directors will meet 5:30 PM today, September 14, via video conference. You can watch the Board meeting here and ask questions or share concerns about Roosevelt Island during the opening Public Session before the start of the meeting. Sign up to speak here.

The meeting was postponed from September 10.

The main item on the Agenda is presentation of the of Proposed Budget for fiscal year 2021-22:

AGENDA

SEPTEMBER 10, 2020 MEETING OF THE ROOSEVELT ISLAND OPERATING CORPORATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS VIDEOCONFERENCE1

5:30 P.M.

I. Call to Order

II. Roll Call

III. Approval of Minutes
1. July 2, 2020 Board Meeting (Board Action Required)
2. August 5, 2020 Board Meeting (Board Action Required)

IV. Old Business

V. New Business
1. Presentation of Proposed Budget FY 2021-22
2. Acting President’s Report
3. Committee Reports
a. Audit Committee
b. Governance Committee
c. Operations Advisory Committee
d. Real Estate Development Advisory Committee
4. Public Safety Report

VI. Adjournment

Click here to review the RIOC's Proposed Budget.

According to the Proposed Budget (Page 1-4):

Read more »

Appointment Of Shelton Haynes As Acting RIOC President And Approval Of Annual Report Among Items On July 2 Roosevelt Island Operating Corp Board Of Directors Meeting Video Conference - You're Invited To Watch And Ask Questions During Public Comment Session Prior To Meeting

The Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Board of Directors will meet 5:30 PM Thursday, July 2  via video conference. You can watch the Board meeting and ,ask questions or share concerns about Roosevelt Island during the opening Public Session before the start of the meeting. Sign up to speak here.

Among the items on the Agenda are:

• Appointment of Shelton Haynes as Acting President/CEO and 
• Approval of the Annual Report

Image From RIOC

 Mr Haynes is scheduled to deliver a President's report as well. Will he address any of the issues relating to the June 19 dismissal of former President Susan Rosenthal based upon allegations made by an employee that Ms Rosenthal made inappropriate racial and sexual remarks and that RIOC senior leadership did nothing to stop the behavior? According to the employee's complaint which was found to be substantiated by a 7 day NY State Governor's Office investigation:

... My experience of working at RIOC for the last several years have been toxic as we've experienced offensive racial comments and jokes of a sexual nature by Ms. Susan Rosenthal, RIOC's Chief Executive Officer/President. I've witnessed the lack of regard for employees as senior leadership continues to make excuses and play a blind eye on these troublesome issues....

Here's the July 2 RIOC Board of Directors meeting agenda.

Read more »

RIOC Board Of Directors Meeting Thursday January 30 - Roosevelt Island Lighthouse Park Expansion And Internal Controls On Agenda, Ask Your Questions At Public Session - Roosevelt Landings Negotiation Item In Executive Session Too

The Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Board of Directors will meet 5:30 PM Thursday, January 30 at the Cultural Center Theater (548 Main Street). You're invited to  attend,, ask questions and share concerns about Roosevelt Island during the opening Public Session before the start of the meeting. Sign up to speak here.

Below is the Agenda

Read more »

RIOC 2019-20 Budget, Public Purpose Funds, New CFO, Historical Documents Transfer Among Agenda Items For Roosevelt Island Operating Corp December 13 Board Of Directors Meeting - Public Comment Session Prior To Start Of Board Meeting Too

The Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Board of Directors will meet 5:30 PM Thursday, December 13 at the Cultural Center (548 Main Street).

Image From RIOC

Among the items on the Agenda are:

• Approval of Proposed 2019-20 RIOC Budget,
• Approval Of Public Purpose Funds Expenditures,
• Appointment of new RIOC Chief Financial Officer and
• Transfer of Roosevelt Island Historical Documents to  NY State Archive

Prior to the start of the RIOC Board meeting, there will be a public comment period. Sign up here to speak at the meeting.

According to the Proposed RIOC 2019 - 20 Budget:

RIOC’s Proposed Budget FY 2019‐20 projects revenues of $30,700,000 a decrease of $23,170,123 or 43.01 % over the Approved Budget FY 2018‐19 amount of $53,870,123. RIOC generates most of its revenues from long‐term ground leases to developers of housing projects on the Island. These leases specify the manner in which the ground lease revenues are derived, including amounts, timing, and escalation of ground lease payments, specifically residential fees, ground rents, and public safety fees. In addition, RIOC generates revenues from its Tramway transportation system, Motorgate parking garage, metered street parking, commercial leases, interest income, and other revenues. Other revenues mostly consist of permitting fees collected for activities that take place in the Sportspark sports facility, the Cultural Center, the Sports Fields, and third party construction on the Island.

Residential fees are projected to increase by $937,000 or 63.18 %. This is mainly due to two factors: (1) TEP payments from Southtown Building 9 in the amount of $134,000, and (2) the Sponsor Sales from Westview in the amount of $750,000.

Ground rents are projected to decrease by $23,570,123 or 61.82 % mainly due to the anticipated payment of the State’s contribution for Cornell in FY 18‐19.

Commercial rents are projected to increase by $57,000 or 3.63 % due to contractual escalations.

Tramway revenues are projected to decrease by $806,000 or 14.70 %, due to reduced ridership and downtime for long‐term overhauls.

Public Safety revenues are projected to increase by $57,000 or 2.83 % due to contractual escalations.

Transport/parking revenues are projected to decrease by $568,000 or 18.00 %, mainly due to the elimination of night‐time paid parking and over‐projection of the revenues in the FY 18‐19 budget.

Interest revenues are projected to increase by $16,000 or 4.58 % due to gradual increases in interest rates.

Other Revenues is projected to increase by $707,000 or 41.81 %. Most of the increase is due to projected revenues from FEMA for restoration of damages to the seawall from Hurricane Irene....

Click here for the full RIOC Proposed 2019-20 Proposed Budget included in December 13 Board Materials package as well as supporting material for other Agenda items.

AGENDA

DECEMBER 13, 2018 MEETING OF THE ROOSEVELT ISLAND OPERATING CORPORATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS THE CULTURAL CENTER THEATER, 548 MAIN STREET, ROOSEVELT ISLAND, NEW YORK 5:30 P.M.1

I. Call to Order

II. Roll Call

III. Approval of Minutes
1. October 18, 2018 Board Meeting (Board Action Required)
2. November 20, 2018 Special Board Meeting (Board Action Required)

IV. Old Business

V. New Business
1. Designation of Keith Thompson to Serve as Records Management Officer of the Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation (Board Action Required)

2. Approval of the Proposed RIOC Budget for Fiscal Year 2019-20 (Board Action Required)

3. Appointment of John O’Reilly to the Position of Chief Financial Officer and Vice President for Financial Affairs of the Corporation (Board Action Required)

4. Authorization to Transfer RIOC Archival Records of Historical Value to NYS Archives (Board Action Required)

5. Approval of Schedule of 2019 Meetings of the Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation Board of Directors (Board Action Required)

6. Authorization to Amend the Expenditure of Public Purpose Funds for Fiscal Year 2017-18 (Board Action Required)

7. Authorization of Expenditure of Public Purpose Funds for Fiscal Year 2018-19 (Board Action Required)

8. President’s Report

9. Committee Reports
a. Audit Committee
b. Governance Committee
c. Operations Advisory Committee
d. Real Estate Development Advisory Committee

10. Public Safety Report

VI. Adjournment

1 The RIOC Board Meeting will commence following a public comment period. The public comment period is not part of the meeting.

Presentation Of Proposed 2019-20 RIOC Budget, Youth Center Department Programs, AVAC Upgrade, Blackwell House Renovation, Helix Ramp Repairs & More On Agenda For September 6 Roosevelt Island Operating Corp Board Of Directors Meeting

The Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Board of Directors will meet 5:30 PM today at the Cultural Center Theater, 548 Main Street.

 (Image Of May 17 RIOC Board Meeting)

Prior to the start of the RIOC Board meeting, there will be a public comment period. Sign up here to speak at the meeting.

Among the items on the Agenda are a presentation of RIOC's Proposed Budget for Fiscal Year 2019-20 and  plans for RIOC Youth Center Department Youth Programs.

Images From 9/6 RIOC Directors Board Meeting Materials

According to RIOC:

AMENDED AGENDA

SEPTEMBER 6, 2018 MEETING OF  THE ROOSEVELT ISLAND OPERATING CORPORATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS THE CULTURAL CENTER THEATER, 548 MAIN STREET, ROOSEVELT ISLAND, NEW YORK
5:30 P.M.1

I. Call to Order
II. Roll Call
III. Approval of Minutes
1. June 25, 2018 Board Meeting (Board Action Required)
2. July 23, 2018 Special Board Meeting (Board Action Required)
IV. Old Business
V. New Business
1. Presentation of the Proposed Budget FY 2019-20
2. Presentation by the NYS Archives
3. Presentation by the RIOC Youth Center Department on the Youth Programs
4. Authorization to Enter into Contract with ENVAC Iberia, S.A. in connection with the AVAC Controls Upgrade Project (Board Action Required)
5. Ratification of the Amendment of Contract with AFL Construction Inc. for the Blackwell House Interior and Ramp Way Renovations (Board Action Required)
6. Ratification of the Amendment of Contract with Specialty Construction, Inc. the Helix Ramp and Flat Plaza Repairs (Board Action Required)
7. Authorization to Enter into Contract with EIA Datacom Inc. for Wiring and Access Control Services (Board Action Required)
8. Authorization to Enter into Contract with Derive Technologies LLC for Network Infrastructure Services (Board Action Required)
9. President’s Report
10. Committee Reports
a. Audit Committee
b. Governance Committee
c. Operations Advisory Committee
d. Real Estate Development Advisory Committee
11. Public Safety Report
VI. Adjournment
1 The RIOC Board Meeting will commence following a public comment period. The public comment period is not part of the meeting.

Click here to view the Board Materials for each Agenda Item.