Community engagement sessions will return in January 2023
Roosevelt Island Pickleball Court coming to Sportspark outside basketball court area and inside gym
Blackwell Park renovations, expanding playground areas and resurfacing basketball court. Community input will be sought on Blackwell Park improvements.
The Sportspark renovation is about 95% complete. Waiting for punch lists work to be completed and, Department of Buildings and FDNY inspections. Hope to open in a couple of months if not sooner.
The Board of the Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation (RIOC) appoints Shelton J. Haynes as President and Chief Executive Officer of RIOC – hooray for Mr. Haynes! To read more about it, visit https://t.co/LIS3i4LIQ0pic.twitter.com/5GsOBScnBf
Mr Haynes has served as the RIOC Interim President/CEO since June 2020
following the abrupt and controversial firing of former RIOC President Susan
Rosenthal, which is currently the subject of a wrongful termination lawsuit by
Ms Rosenthal.
Mr Haynes was the RIOC Vice President of Operations since 2016.
RIOC Board Chair Linda Manley reported to the Board Members during March 16 meeting:
It is my recommendation and I think the recommendation of the Executive Chamber that Shelton be appointed as President and CEO of the Corporation....
The Executive Chamber is the Office of NY State Governor Andrew Cuomo, also known commonly around RIOC as "The Second Floor".
RIOC Board member David Kraut added:
I would note that I don't disagree with anything you said about Shelton. Shelton is prepared to do this job.
This board did not do a search as is recommended in our bylaws. Such a search would ... be very difficult at this point in time.
I also note that the Executive Chamber has recommend Shelton to us and I see no reason to disagree with that recommendation but it did come from outside. The Governor does hold a seat on this Board in fact if not in law and we can proceed from there....
Here's video of discussion including remarks from Mr Haynes upon being approved as the new RIOC President.
Thank you all for the overwhelming support with calls, emails, text messages, social media posts and etc. I am truly honored and humbled at being appointed as President/CEO of the Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation. We have such a dynamic group of professionals that are committed to excellence. I am eager to continue to build upon our mission while working with the community to enhance the quality of life on Roosevelt Island.
The Board of Directors of the Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation (RIOC) today voted to appoint Shelton J. Haynes as President and Chief Executive Officer, a role in which he has been serving in an acting capacity since June of last year. Having first joined RIOC in April 2016 as Vice President of Operations, Mr. Haynes oversaw the Island’s day-to-day functions as well as management of the Corporation’s various administrative, operational, and planning departments, including the Public Safety Department.
When Mr. Haynes was promoted to Chief Operating Officer, his vision was to provide strategic planning and create a results driven environment. He placed emphasis on enhancing the Corporation’s overall efficiency and internal subject matter expertise. He invested in critical training, redefining agency positions, recruiting top notch professionals, creating checks and balances, working tirelessly with the public, setting measurable goals with key performance indicators, and lastly, enhancing technology to streamline business processes. More importantly, he is committed to creating a culture where everyone is working toward a common goal.
Mr. Haynes’ most visible impact on the Roosevelt Island community has been his leadership in dramatically increasing the scope of RIOC’s Capital Program. From 2013 to 2015, before Mr. Haynes arrived, RIOC spent an average of $4.5 million per year on capital projects. From 2017 all the way through 2020, the average amount spent on major capital projects such as the landmark restoration of Blackwell House, a newly renovated youth center, and the seawall railing replacement, has more than doubled to over $14.5 million per year. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, for FY 2020-21, Mr. Haynes was instrumental in working with the RIOC Board of Directors on the approval of $40 million towards the Capital Program.
HCR Commissioner RuthAnne Visnauskas said, “We are so pleased to see Shelton Haynes take the helm as President and CEO of RIOC after four years of outstanding service as Chief Operating Officer and then Acting President. Shelton’s extensive experience and expertise with strategic planning, corporate operations and management will build upon RIOC’s success and move the organization forward with fresh ideas. We look forward to continuing to work together with Shelton for the benefit of all who call Roosevelt Island home.”
“I’m honored by the opportunity to serve such a diverse, engaged and passionate community alongside a team of extremely dedicated and talented group of professionals.” said RIOC President & Chief Executive Officer, Shelton J. Haynes. “I thank Governor Cuomo, RIOC Board Chair, RuthAnne Visnauskas, and the RIOC Board of Directors for this humbling opportunity. I look forward to enhancing the quality of life on Roosevelt Island and providing exceptional service to the community that we serve.”
Mr. Haynes brings to the role more than two decades of experience with 10 years of executive level expertise and 16 years of overall management acumen. Previously, Mr. Haynes served as Chief Operating Officer at the Housing Authority of DeKalb County in Georgia, where he oversaw all agency operations, strategic and operational initiatives, as well as the executive management team.
Under his leadership, the Housing Authority was able to transform underperforming departments into high performing ones, based on measurable key performance indicators and compliance audits. He received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology from Hampton University.
firing at the direction of NY State Governor Andrew Cuomo carried out by the
RIOC Board of Directors based upon certain allegations against Ms Rosenthal made
by an employee.
A complaint was made to the Governor’s office and others on June 12th by an
employee of the Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation that alleged that the
President of the organization had used inappropriate language and engaged in
inappropriate conduct in the workplace.
This complaint was immediately referred to the New York State Governor’s
Office of Employee Relations for investigation. This investigation
substantiated that the President had used racially and sexually offensive
language, in clear violation of State policy and the strict standards set by
this Administration. The President was Immediately terminated.
Ms Rosenthal has remained silent until now. On October 19 Mr Rosenthal filed a
lawsuit
in NY State Supreme Court alleging wrongful termination. According to the
lawsuit
(Page 1-2):
... Rosenthal, until her abrupt and improper termination on June 19, 2020,
was the President of the Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation
("RIOC", or "Respondent"). A long time, fierce advocate for civil rights
and, more recently, a supporter of the Black Lives Matter movement
Rosenthal, a white female, brought an increased level of racial diversity to
RIOC over her more than five year tenure as President. It is thus both
ironic and tragic that Respondents blindly accepted the malicious, false and
baseless allegations of racism and using sexist language from a known
malcontent employee (the "Employee").
Rushing to announce their decision to terminate Petitioner on Juneteenth,
Respondents conducted a brief, sham investigation which ignored irrefutable
evidence that the allegations were nonsense. Had the Respondents conducted a
good faith investigation, they would have quickly come to that conclusion.
Instead, not only did Respondents terminate Rosenthal in violation of their
own internal policies, but they did so with a public announcement which had
the anticipated effect of besmirching a more than 45 year long exemplary
career.
In short, in order to obtain some cheap publicity on Juneteenth, they
arbitrarily, maliciously and in violation of law threw Rosenthal under the
proverbial bus. By this special proceeding, Rosenthal seeks reinstatement,
back pay, attorneys' fees and damages.
... When she was hired in 2015, Rosenthal was warned by RIOC management of a
'cabal,' which included Employee, which targeted management and sought to oust
them from RIOC. Roosenthal was told to be careful because of their propensity.
Again further proving the axiom that no good deed goes unpunished, Rosenthal
even supported the promotion and increased pay Employee enjoyed....
was fired by NY Governor Andrew Cuomo. According to this statement received June 20 from Rich Azzopardi, Senior advisor to NY Governor Andrew Cuomo:
A complaint was made to the Governor’s office and others on June 12th by an employee of the Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation that alleged that the President of the organization had used inappropriate language and engaged in inappropriate conduct in the workplace.
This complaint was immediately referred to the New York State Governor’s Office of Employee Relations for investigation. This investigation substantiated that the President had used racially and sexually offensive language, in clear violation of State policy and the strict standards set by this Administration. The President was Immediately terminated.
I've been looking into what happened. Yesterday, I asked newly appointed Acting RIOC President/CEO Shelton Haynes and the RIOC Board of Directors:
Was the RIOC Board involved in the 1 week investigation and decision to fire Ms Rosenthal? Did the RIOC Board agree with decision by Governor Cuomo to fire Ms Rosenthal?
Who will be in charge of RIOC until a new President is appointed? Will RIOC Board conduct the search process for new RIOC President or will that be done by the Governor?
Will any current or planned RIOC project or policy be changed due to the firing?
What was the language used that caused the firing? I understand a painting in Ms Rosenthal's office was part of the allegation - is that true? Has the RIOC employee who made complaint made similar complaint against former RIOC President or any other RIOC staffer?
Any other comment from RIOC or the RIOC Board to the Roosevelt Island community?
To date, no answer to these questions other than announcement yesterday that Shelton Haynes has been appointed by the RIOC Board as Acting President/CEO. The RIOC Board met last Friday in Executive Session without prior public notice to approve Mr Haynes, currently Chief Operating Officer, as Acting RIOC President/CEO. At the time of the Friday RIOC Board meeting, Ms Rosenthal was already fired by Governor Cuomo. The RIOC Board had no involvement in firing Ms Rosenthal.
But, I have learned more about the allegations that led to Ms Rosenthal's dismissal as RIOC President.
Below is a June 12 email sent from a RIOC employee to a long list of elected officials, RIOC Board Members, RIOC Staff, Community Board 8 members, Governor's Staff and others describing the alleged speech and conduct by Ms Rosenthal that got her fired by Governor Cuomo.
UPDATE 6/20 - Statement from Rich Azzopardi, Senior advisor to NY Governor Andrew Cuomo:
A complaint was made to the Governor’s office and others on June 12th by an employee of the Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation that alleged that the President of the organization had used inappropriate language and engaged in inappropriate conduct in the workplace.
This complaint was immediately referred to the New York State Governor’s Office of Employee Relations for investigation. This investigation substantiated that the President had used racially and sexually offensive language, in clear violation of State policy and the strict standards set by this Administration. The President was Immediately terminated.
UPDATE 6/21 - Roosevelt Island NY State Assembly Member Rebecca Seawright comments on firing of Ms.Rosenthal:
The top priority must be to ensure the continuity of operations and services for the residents of Roosevelt Island during these most challenging times. We will look to the new leadership of the Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation for such assurances plus regular and transparent communication going forward.
NY State $25 million payment for Cornell Tech has not been received yet but will be coming soon.
Roosevelt Island Youth Center update. Steady number of 40-50 kids using the facility daily. 220 kids have registered for Soccer program. Volunteer coaches needed. Basketball program to come. Robotics and coding program from Cornell Tech being planned.
Upcoming events.
October 27 Roosevelt island Halloween Parade theme is Rock icons yesterday and today.
November 10 Veterans Celebration. RIOC leased space at 544 Main Street for a Veterans Center.
Holiday decorations. Ms Rosenthatl said:
... We heard what you liked and did not like last year. We've made improvements. Tell us what you think after they go up....
Improving ways of communications between RIOC and the Roosevelt Island community.
Ms. Rosenthal added:
... My door is always open. That's true for anyone on the Island....
Below is Ms Rosenthal's full RIOC President's Report.
The full Agenda and supporting Board material package for meeting is here.
RIOC Director David Kraut noted at the end of the Ms Rosenthal's report:
... The island is in better shape than its ever been and it's getting better, step by step, capital project by capital project.
Our main job is to sweep the streets, shovel the snow, cut the grass, take out the trash. We're doing very well....
Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) President Susan Rosenthal reported to the March 23 RIOC Board of Directors meeting on current projects including:
Seawall railings replacement - start construction in June,
Sportspark announcement regarding opening hopefully by Monday or Tuesday,
Blackwell House renovation Request For Proposal (RFP) posted,
Tram Platforms renovation (both Manhattan and Roosevelt Island stations)
Rat problems at Roosevelt Island Youth Center,
Youth Center Building Renovation,
Youth Center Operator RFP being revised with assistance of NY State Office of Children & Family Services,
Renwick Ruins Scaffolding To Repair Falling Cornice and
Final Report coming soon on status of Renwick Ruins condition commissioned by FDR Park (estimated cost of stabilizing Ruins is $20 Million)
Here's Ms. Rosenthal's report to the RIOC Board (Part 1)
Part 2:
Tram Elevator RFP - creating glossy brochures and exploring personal contacts seeking contractors,
Roosevelt Island Public Space Water - It's safe,
New BBQ's, picnic tables and benches, and water fountains,
Motorgate Gallery Art Gallery Opening and
Renwick Ruins Stabilization and future plans for re-purposing.
Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) President Susan Rosenthal reported to the February 16 RIOC Board of Directors meeting on:
free public community space temporarily located at the Cultural Center,
plans for free community space to be permanently located at renovated 2nd floor of Sportspark facility,
intent to hire Director of Parks & Recreation,
determining what type of future programming to be undertaken at Sportspark,
Sportspark ready to open since January but is being held up by problems at NYC Department of Building, not known for sure when Sportspark will open,
Blackwell House renovation construction to start this spring,
marketing campaign to persuade contractors to work on Roosevelt Island projects,
new Tram Station Elevator RFP to be issued next month with public relations campaign to persuade contractors to bid on project,
Tram Platform renovations on Manhattan and Roosevelt Island stations - want it completed before Cornell Tech ribbon cutting in September so Governor and Mayor won't be on platform under construction,
Veterans Program moving forward with upcoming evening meeting March 21
Here's the full RIOC President's report from Ms. Rosenthal.
Susan Rosenthal reported to the April 14 Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Board Of Directors meeting (Full video web cast here) on her first month as RIOC Acting President.
Image Of RIOC President Susan Rosenthal At 4/14 RIOC Board Meeting
Ms. Rosenthal said:
... We got alot of repairs going on, alot of capital improvements going on ... and alot of really fun activities going on...
The Roosevelt Island fun activities Ms Rosenthal mentioned during her report include:
April 28 Southpoint Park Stakeholders meeting to develop a plan for the park and Smallpox Hospital,
April 30 Cherry Blossom Festival and
May 17 Roosevelt Island Tram 40th Anniversary.
The Roosevelt Island infrastructure repairs and improvements include:
Repairs to Motorgate Helix potholes starting in next 2 weeks,
New boiler and roof installation for Sportspark starting on or about August 15 which will require closing of Sportspark for a period of time,
New Tram Station Elevators construction to begin in September 2016 that will take a year to construct and
Four Freedoms Park will pay for and install new bike racks for about 30 bicycles near their entrance.
Future projects include
Possibility of Bike path from the Motorgate Helix and
Face Lift for the Roosevelt Island Youth Center
In response to a question from RIOC Director Margie Smith, Ms. Rosenthal replied that there was no new information about plans for Coler Hospital Flood Mitigation Plan berm that was presented last November.
RIOC Director David Kraut asked about plans for the Sportspark facility and its future use by Cornell Tech. Ms Rosenthal said a renovation of Sportspark will require a huge amount of capital. Ms Rosenthal added:
...It's a gigantic project...
and RIOC will:
... have to enter into either a long term arrangement with some kind of health club facility that will infuse capital or do it ourselves which I don't think we are in a position to do....
According to Ms. Rosenthal, Cornell Tech is not going to take over responsibility for renovating Sportspark.
... Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) President Charlene Indelicato is leaving RIOC to take a position as Dobbs Ferry Village Administrator. Ms Indelicato's last day at RIOC is March 18. Current RIOC General Counsel Susan Rosenthal will be the Acting President/CEO until a permanent President/CEO is selected.
Ms Indelicato (center) Ms Rosenthal (right) RIOC Chair Jamie Rubin (left) 3/10 Board Meeting...
I feel privileged to be temporarily taking hold of the reigns at RIOC. Fortunately for me, Charlene Indelicato believed in a team approach to leadership so as General Counsel for nine months, I was already involved in all pending transactions and outstanding issues facing the Island. And, I interacted with all departments of RIOC so I am no stranger to our outstanding staff.
There are so many projects to be excited about: the generous donation of a sculpture by the renowned artist Gustav Kraitz which will be adorning the west side of the Island; the new ferry service which is in the planning stage; completing a host of badly needed repairs for Motorgate and Sportspark already on the drawing block.
The Board has approved moving forward with new seawall railings and in a few weeks we will be presenting to the Community Board the plans for new Tram Station elevators.
For the near term, the Board and Management will explore new ways to improve the quality of life on Roosevelt Island through a targeted re-investment plan. So, stay tuned.
I encourage participation and input from all and look forward to getting to know you better.
Appointment: Appoint Charlene Indelicato as Village Administrator of the Village of Dobbs Ferry for a term of one year for a salary of $170,000, effective April 4, 2016, and authorize the Mayor to execute a contract with Ms. Indelicato on terms and conditions approved by the Attorney for the Village, Labor Counsel and the Board of Trustees.
No word yet on who will be the new RIOC President, either on a permanent or temporary basis.
Stay tuned for more.
UPDATE 3/3- Ms. Indelicato's final day at RIOC will be March 18. It is expected that current RIOC General Counsel Susan Rosenthal, appointed in May 2015, will be named as Interim President upon approval by the RIOC Board of Directors.
Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) President Charlene Indelicato reported on various construction projects including:
Cornell Tech,
Building scaffolding facade work,
High Pressure Gas Line,
Queensboro Bridge Feeder Cables and
Last Saturday's Blizzard Snow Removal
at the January 28 RIOC Board of Directors meeting.
Ms Indelicato and the RIOC Board members complimented RIOC staff for their efforts removing snow from Roosevelt Island's sidewalks and roads caused by last Saturday's blizzard.
RIOC Director Michael Shinozaki remarked that while walking on the street, he was thanked by residents for the work by RIOC in cleaning up after the blizzard.
Here's the January 28 RIOC President's Report from Ms. Indelicato.
Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) President Charlene Indelicato reported to the October 22 RIOC Board of Directors meeting on current construction projects
Image of Main Street Con Ed Riser Construction Work Taking Place Past Summer
taking place on Roosevelt Island including:
Local Law 11 building facade work scaffolding on Main Street,
Cornell Tech,
Con Ed High Pressure Gas Line and Risers,
Emergency and regular maintenance work on Transformers and
Verizon High Speed Internet Connection To Sportspark
Ms. Indelicato said:
... I feel like an Air Traffic Controller because we have so many things going on and all of it has to be coordinated.
I know that it impacts the residents. I am very, very concerned, as is the rest of RIOC staff, that the various construction, which has to be done, is done in a manner that is least intrusive. That takes alot of work.
Permits were not required when I first got here.... since change is very hard, we are still in the process of sometimes discussing with various utilities, sometimes prodding various utilities, sometimes threatening various utilities into getting permits that in the rest of the world is as of course.
... We take complaints about the trucks and flag people and we appreciate people telling us what the issues are so we can address them.... PSD has gone above and beyond in the escorting and traffic control to make sure that it is as least intrusive as possible...
Here's RIOC President Charlene Indelicato's October 22 Board of Directors report .
Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) President Charlene Indelicato provided an update on various Roosevelt Island projects and issues during yesterday's September 10 RIOC Board of Directors meeting.
Ms. Indelicato reported:
Cornell is going up at a fantastic rate. I must say PSD has been outstanding in limiting the pain of traffic and the impact of concrete trucks...
Con Ed will be doing nighttime work replacing feeder cables by Queensboro Bridge,
MTA will be doing work at Southpoint Park's Strecker Lab and
RIOC installed new lights at Motorgate Atrium near Gristedes which she believes will improve safety issues
In addition, Ms Indelicato discussed the ongoing problems with, and temporary fixes for, the two Roosevelt Island Tram Manhattan Station elevators.
Ms Indelicato said that the company preparing design and construction drawings for the two new Tram Manhattan Station elevators recently went bankrupt delaying work on the project for about a month. RIOC expects a successor company to take over work on the design and construction drawings soon pending approval of the bankruptcy court and fiscal vetting by RIOC.
Ms. Indelicato anticipates the two new Roosevelt Island Manhattan Tram Station elevators to be working by Autumn of 2016.
Also, Ms Indelicato discussed bicycle safety issues on the Roosevelt Island Bridge helix. RIOC will not ban bicycles from the helix ramp but seek to improve safety with signage, road striping and education as well as investigate possible solutions for fixing the Motorgate elevator with the assistance of Cornell Tech.
Here's Ms. Indelicato's September President's Report to the RIOC Board of Directors.
Thanking Directors for approving new General Counsel (despite reservations of Board Members on the process - more to come on this subject),
Urges users of the newly renovated Cultural Center to keep the premises clean (she noted the RIOC Board Meeting took place at the Cultural Center on the set of upcoming Main Street Theater & Dance Alliance's Little Shop Of Horrors set which was more preferable set to their previous show - Urinetown),
Says Con Ed Town Hall Meeting on New High Pressure Gas Line has not been scheduled because Con Ed has not presented a doable plan yet and
July 4 Fireworks on East River will be a challenge for RIOC but Public Safety and 114th Precinct will be ready (She did not specifically say whether Southpoint Park will be open to public or not).
Here's the RIOC President's Report from Ms. Indelicato.
During May 14 RIOC Real Estate Advisory Committee meeting agenda item on the Roosevelt Island Cultural Center (full audio web cast here), I asked about the fee policy for Roosevelt Island groups that could not afford to pay for its use. RIOC's Chief Financial Officer Frances Walton and Permits Director Donna Masly said they thought the fee policy was reasonable for all.
Here's the full May 14 RIOC discussion on Roosevelt Island Cultural Center.
In our first community update of 2015, I would like to wish a happy New Year to our residents and all those on Roosevelt Island. Congratulations as well to the winners of our special RIOC Advisories "Thank You" holiday raffle, in which three lucky subscribers to our electronic community and emergency alert system received a free holiday gift basket.
I encourage all Roosevelt Island businesses and residents to sign up for these alerts if you have not already. Visit us at rioc.ny.gov for more information or to subscribe.
Public Purpose Grant
Letters of Intent to apply for the 2015 Public Purpose Fund were due yesterday, on Friday January 16th. Information about the Fund is available online at rioc.ny.gov . In 1989, New York State established this fund to support the Roosevelt Island community, but the fund became depleted over the years. In 2008, RIOC stepped in to make these funds available annually. RIOC partners with the Roosevelt Island Residents Association, which reviews applications and makes recommendations for funding to the RIOC Board of Directors.
New Compliance and Internal Controls Officer
We would like to extend a warm welcome to the newest member of our staff, Gretchen Robinson. Ms. Robinson, our new Compliance and Internal Controls Officer, comes to us with more than a decade of legal experience, most recently as a prosecutor with the Civilian Complaint Review Board of the City of New York. We are happy to have her as a part of our team.
Bike New York
Do you ride your bike on Roosevelt Island? Have you ever wanted to learn more about bicycle safety, maintenance, and the rules of the road? Last year, Bike New York received a grant to provide innovative pilot programs and free bike education classes specifically on Roosevelt Island. Learn more about their offerings at bike.nyc/education/roosevelt-island
Photo: 2014 Bike New York Spring Kickoff Party Credit: Caitlin Goodspeed
If you or your family are interested in cycling, but would like to learn how in a safe and stress-free environment, we encourage you to attend one of Bike New York's "Learn to Ride" classes for kids or adults. Check their Class Calendar online at bike.nyc/education/classes for information or to register.
Roosevelt Island Seasonal Cleanup
In preparation for the winter season, the Grounds department has been readying the Island's fields and park for cold weather and snow. Southpoint Park's greenery, made up entirely of plants native to this region, has received its annual trimming back and will grow again in the spring.
Photo: Southpoint Park's native plants
As a reminder, residents are urged to use caution while traveling in cold or inclement weather. While our Grounds and Facilities departments work around the clock to remove snow and ice from roads and pathways in our community, some areas are prone to consistent icy conditions. If you see any areas that require extra attention this season, please contact the RIOC offices via email at information@rioc.ny.gov , or call 212-832-4540.
RIOC Advisories
As a reminder, RIOC launched a new and improved Roosevelt Island-specific emergency and community alert system late last year. By signing up online for RIOC Advisories, you will be the first to know about Emergencies, Tram & Red Bus Service, Construction, Special Events and more. Please visit us online at rioc.ny.gov to sign up or for more information. Remember, if we can't reach you, we can't alert you!
If you have questions or require assistance, we encourage you to send an email to information@rioc.ny.gov or to call 212-832-4540 during our daily office hours. A member of our Community Relations department will be happy to work with you to resolve any difficulties, or to provide help during the sign-up process.
As we are nearing the end of the year, this will be our last community update until 2015. To all of the members of our community: We here at RIOC wish you a happy and healthy holiday season and a wonderful new year. In addition, I would like to thank everyone who came out to celebrate the annual lighting of the Blackwell Plaza tree and our contributors for helping make this event a great time for all. Many thanks to Fuji East, Bike New York, Main Street Sweets, Gristedes, Starbucks, The Hudson Companies & Urban American for contributing, and to the Girl Scouts and Cornell Tech for volunteering at the celebration!
Winter Weather Preparations
RIOC’s Grounds and Facilities departments are hard at work preparing the Island for the upcoming winter season. While Roosevelt Island has escaped heavy snowfall so far, it’s vital to be prepared to clear the roads and walkways when a storm hits. In order to ensure snow is cleared as quickly and efficiently as possible, RIOC will be issuing “No Parking” advisories requiring drivers to remove their cars from Main St. and the East and West roadways when severe weather is expected. During this time, we will attempt to make free parking available in designated locations, including inside the Motorgate Garage. Free parking inside Motorgate would be limited to 24 hours from the time of entry. If a car is left in the Garage in excess of the time limit, the driver would be responsible for any fees for the additional time. Your compliance with the advisory helps us keep the roads as safe as possible for drivers and pedestrians, and we thank you for your cooperation.
In addition, areas that have been subject to recurring icy conditions in the past may be barricaded and closed to foot traffic during heavy snowfall. Residents are still urged to use caution while traveling by foot, car or bicycle, and to watch out for problem areas. As always, we ask that you contact us by calling 212-832-4540 to report any areas that need further attention so that we may address any safety issues as soon as possible.
PSD Holiday Safety Tips
The holidays are coming up for many of us, which often means gift shopping, decorating, and traveling to visit friends and family. The Roosevelt Island Public Safety Department offers these tips to stay safe during the often hectic season:
Safe Shopping – Minimize the amount of money, credit cards and valuables you carry and carry your keys on your person separate from your identification. Be particularly aware of your purse/wallet in crowded situations, such as rush-hour trains and buses.
When dining out, place your purse in your lap. The back of a chair is an easy target for thieves. Also, never carry a wallet in a rear pocket; use a front trouser or an inside coat pocket.
Be Street Smart – Be aware of your surroundings. Use well-populated and well-lit streets, and avoid overloading yourself with packages.
Auto Safety Tips – Park in well-lit areas, keep doors and windows locked, and take any valuables with you. Keep any packages stowed in the trunk while shopping. Note: If you plan on doing more shopping after placing packages in the vehicle trunk, consider moving the vehicle to another parking spot. Never leave a GPS system or mount visible – put both inside a glove box or other compartment.
Safety at Home – To prevent electrical fires, check holiday lights for frayed wires or empty sockets. Turn off lights when going to bed or leaving home. Keep your tree away from heating sources, and make sure to keep live trees watered.
Public Purpose Funds
Every year, RIOC awards a set amount of Public Purpose Funds to non-profit organizations whose programs benefit Roosevelt Island residents. These funds are provided for the educational, artistic, environmental, and cultural enrichment of the community, with an aim to deliver services to those who need them most. A notification will be issued to the public via our RIOC Advisories alert system with instructions on how to apply for funding. This information will also be posted on our website soon at rioc.ny.gov. All Roosevelt Island not-for-profit groups that are looking for additional funding are encouraged to apply.
Good Shepherd Plaza Revitalization
As you may have noticed while walking near the Good Shepherd Community Center (543 Main St.), new planters and benches have arrived at the site. These improvements are part of a larger effort undertaken by RIOC in cooperation with the Roosevelt Island community to beautify and improve the Good Shepherd Plaza. After a comprehensive public input process, upgrades to the Plaza’s landscaping and amenities were settled on and are now being executed. We would like to extend our thanks to the community for their valuable input during this process and are looking forward to the next phase of this project.
Image Of December 11 RIOC Board Of Directors Meeting
Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) President Charlene Indelicato gave her President's Report to the December 11 meeting of the RIOC Board of Directors last night (full web cast of meeting is here).
Ms Indelicato noted it was the last RIOC Board meeting of 2014 and reflected on the end of her first full year as RIOC President. Ms Indelicato complimented the RIOC Staff on their efforts as well as the assistance of RIOC Directors in establishing a "Team RIOC" to address the issues facing Roosevelt Island. Ms. Indelicato also noted that she appreciates the input of residents constructive criticism which RIOC tries to address even when under duress.
Ms. Indelicato then addressed recently raised issues of:
Motorgate Lighting and bird droppings,
Con Ed Lighting problems near the Motorgate caused by water in manhole and
Temporary lighting which were not re-positioned properly but corrected once told about problem.
She also listed Roosevelt Island projects completed including:
Lighthouse foot bridge,
West Pier,
Good Shepherd Plaza almost done,
Good Shepherd Doors,
Cultural Center about to open,
Sportspark Temporary Heating,
Tram Bathroom fixed,
Everbridge Communications Alert System and
Phase 2 Of Island Wide Security Cameras
and Roosevelt Island projects about to start:
Helix
Seawall at Southpoint Park
Design Tram elevator
New bus garage
Permanent Heating at Sportspark
and all the other capital projects which is the most she has ever seen.
Here's Ms. Indelicato's full President's Report to the RIOC Board of Directors December 11 Meeting.
During yesterday's RIOC Board of Directors Public Session prior to the start of the Board meeting, Roosevelt Island Residents Association (RIRA) Vice President Sherie Helstien asked about the Motorgate Lighting problems.
Here's what Ms. Helstien said and the response from Ms. Indelicato and Board members Margie Smith and Michael Shinozaki.
Roosevelt Island is a mixed income, racially diverse waterfront community situated in the East River of New York City between Manhattan and Queens and is jurisdictionally part of Manhattan. The Roosevelt Island Tramway, which connects Roosevelt Island to the rest of Manhattan, has become the iconic symbol of Roosevelt Island to its residents.
The Purpose of this Blog is to provide accurate and timely information about Roosevelt Island as well as a forum for residents to express opinions and engage in a dialogue to improve our community.
