Report From The RIOC Interim Leadership Team On Roosevelt Island Red Bus Service, Tram Operations, Infrastructure Repairs, Executive Management Search & More Among Topics In Very Interesting January 2025 Newsletter From RIOC

According to the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC): 

Dear Roosevelt Island Community:

The first RIOC Newsletter of 2025 is here!

Hear from the RIOC Interim Leadership Team, meet new Assistant Manager at the Roosevelt Island Tramway Darren McCarthy, read the latest updates from RIOC and much more!

Hard copies can be picked up starting later today at the Roosevelt Island Older Adult Center (546 Main Street), the Public Safety Department (546 Main Street), and the Roosevelt Island Public Library (504 Main Street). You can also view it anytime by visiting the RIOC website 

Here is the RIOC Interim Leadership Team Letter of CFO Dhru Amin, Acting Chief Operating Officer Mary Cunneen and Associate General Counsel Lada Stasko from the January 2025 RIOC newsletter.

Dear Roosevelt Islanders:

We wish everyone on Roosevelt Island a very happy New Year! This year marks the 50th anniversary of residents moving to the island— what an incredible milestone! 2025 got off to a strong start for us at RIOC with the arrival of our two new Red Buses, which went into service starting January 8th. It was a long road to get here, but we want to thank our finance, procurement, and transportation teams for their months of hard work in bringing these buses to Roosevelt Island. As many of you know, the state of our Red Bus fleet has been severely diminished over the course of many years, resulting in reduction of service in August of last year. Since then, the corporation has succeeded in rebuilding the fleet, adding transportation personnel, enhancing maintenance efforts and restoring service to the appropriate level . As of this month, we are on track to meet our goals; most mornings now see four Red Buses on the road for local service, while our minibus has become the new Octagon Express shuttle. In addition, we have restored the weekly Shoppers Bus service for elderly and disabled riders, which we know is an important lifeline for many islanders. Some challenges remain, and we are currently planning our next bus purchase, given the advanced age of most of our fleet. But we are on much firmer footing today than we’ve been in quite some time, and we appreciate the patience the community has shown us during this journey.

Regarding the Tram service, as you’ll read further in this newsletter, we’ve made some operational adjustments, including additional PSD presence on the Manhattan side even when lines haven’t formed, installing new priority seating signage inside the cabins, and working with our Tram operator, Leitner-Poma, to improve the visibility of station attendants on the Tram platform, all of which we hope will improve the overall rider experience. Over the winter holiday break, we experienced several days of heavy ridership, due in part to the influx of tourists and favorable weather conditions. Our focus remains on working with Poma and state regulators to return the Tram to its previous schedule, which should help alleviate some of the wait times when lines form. Please be aware that while we recognize residents’ efforts advocating for the Tram priority boarding, the reality is that the Tram is a common carrier and a form of public transportation subject to state laws and certain inter-agency agreements. Rest assured that will continue focusing our efforts on working with Poma to expedite repairs to the Tram’s communication system, which will allow us to resume running the Tram permanently at a faster pace and return to the prior, normal schedule.

Looking ahead to 2025, we have several infrastructure projects we aim to continue or close out, including our Roadways Redesign Project, replacing the railings along Eleanor’s Pier, repairing the concrete around The Girl Puzzle Monument, and completing the remediation work to fix the persistent flooding in front of Sportspark at the corner of North Loop Road. For the Tram, we have budgeted a capital project for Tram modernization to improve the cabins and brakes. We will also work to expand the footprint of our new digital signage, including adding new kiosks at the Manhattan Tram station and the F-train stop. Additionally, we’ll continue making everyday quality- of-life improvements, from fixing Z-bricks to ensuring our grounds remain beautiful and well-kept, as they always need attention. And in 2025, RIOC has partnered up with New York Community Trust (NYCT) to provide $250k in funding to be distributed in public purpose grants to island non-profits. NYCT plans to release the RFP for grant funding in mid-February, which will be available on their portal and open to all Roosevelt Island nonprofits that wish to apply.

Finally, a quick update on RIOC’s leadership situation. While we have been proud to step up and work together as an interim leadership team for almost a year, filling multiple high-level roles without a President/CEO and General Counsel can be a challenge, especially over an extended period. In December 2024, RIOC issued an RFP for an executive search firm, which, once in place, will begin working to find a new CEO and General Counsel for the corporation. This process will take some time, at least several months, before any roles are filled. So, we appreciate the community’s continued patience and understanding. As soon as these vacant executive positions are approved by RIOC’s Board of Directors, we will be able to move forward collectively at full strength.

Dhru, Mary, Lada

 and the full newsletter.

Click here for the RIOC Newsletter.

UPDATE On Roosevelt Island Tram OMNY Payment System Installation - Mixed Signals From RIOC And The MTA About Installation Date, Could Be As Soon As June Or End Of The Year

As reported last February 8:

... Roosevelt Island has been waiting for the MTA OMNY payment system to be installed at the Roosevelt Island Tram stations as far back as 2020....

and the Bring OMNY to the Roosevelt Island Tram Online petition has 1404 signatures (1421 as of today).

During the April 3, 2023 Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Board of Directors meeting, RIOC President Shelton Haynes reported being told by the MTA that the OMNY payment system installation for the Roosevelt Island Tram has been delayed until the late 2nd quarter of this year.

This is actually good news if true because:

... During the February 6, 2023 NY State Senate Joint Public Hearing on the 2023-24 Executive Budget Proposal, Roosevelt Island's NY State Assembly Member Rebecca Seawright asked MTA Chair Janno Lieber:

The Roosevelt Island Tramway still continues to lack OMNY. Can you tell us why this has been delayed and when you expect it to be installed so that our Roosevelt Island residents and visitors can benefit from this service?

Mr Janno replied: 

The answer is it's projected to happen in the second half of this year... ... We didn't have software in some of the specialty locations like Roosevelt Island Tram, the Air Train in Jamaica Station and a few other places. The software has to catch up and we are working on it but that right now the projection it's going to be the second half of this year....

After the RIOC Board meeting, I asked a representative of Roosevelt Island's NY State Senator Liz Krueger's office:

Shelton said during his President’s report tonight that OMNY will be installed at the Tram Station by end of the 2nd quarter this year. 

At the end of the meeting I asked him if I heard him correctly and he confirmed that he said OMNY will be installed by end of 2nd quarter. I told him that my understanding was MTA says it will be installed by the end of the year. Shelton says he talks to the MTA almost weekly and he was told by end of 2nd quarter. 

Has your office heard anything new about timing of OMNY installation for the tram.

After speaking with the MTA, Ms Kreuger's representative replied:

We are HAPPY  to confirm the date has been moved up from the end of the year!

On April 10, I asked the MTA to confirm OMNY installation on the Roosevelt Island Tram by August June 2023, the end of the 2nd quarter and received a mixed signal that did not confirm the earlier date. 

According to the MTA spokesperson:

In October, the MTA Capital Program Committee updated the OMNY forecast for substantial completion to Q2 2025. The MTA is currently engaged with the vendor in a scheduling re-baselining process on the OMNY project.

The MTA is building out OMNY functionality for New York City Transit first, before addressing other agencies, including AirTrain and the Roosevelt Island Tram; we plan on integrating the Roosevelt Island tram with OMNY before the end of 2023.

OMNY continues to grow as New Yorkers tap and enter the transit system in record numbers – with 2 million taps in one day recorded this month. Commuter railroad customers already have the benefit of mobile ticketing and contactless payment through the extraordinarily popular TrainTime App, which has seen 1.5 million users purchase over 24 million tickets since its launch in August and has a 4.9 star rating on the App Store.

  The NY Post reported:

In that vein of slip-slip-slip:
- The timeline for getting the Roosevelt Island Tram onto OMNY is now before the end of 2023 instead of the second half of 2023;
- It'll be the first non-MTA agency, so the JFK AirTrain now looks to be 2024 at the earliest.

— Nolan Hicks (@ndhapple) March 29, 2023

One resident says there is a silver lining in not having OMNY on the Tram yet:

Not having a OMNY scanner is actually the best thing it can happen to RI residents as it allows us to cut the long line of people looking to purchase tickets and go straight to the tram.

Here's a bit of Roosevelt Island OMNY history. Former RIOC Chief Financial Officer spoke to Manhattan Community Board 8 in September 2021 about efforts to get the OMNY system installed at the Roosevelt Island Tram  

 

and during a June 8, 2022 RIOC audit committee meeting (at 7 minute mark), CFO O'Reilly reported that RIOC receives only $2.00 of the $2.75 Roosevelt Island Tram fare.

Long Time RIOC Board Director Michael Shinozaki Resigns, Tram OMNY Payment System Delayed Again, Pickleball, Child Care, Blackwell Park Redesign And Roadway Paving Project Among Roosevelt Island Topics Addressed In RIOC President's Report At December 22 Board Meeting

Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) President Shelton Haynes was ill yesterday and was not able to attend the December 23 RIOC Board Of Directors meeting last night. In his place, RIOC General Counsel Gretchen Robinson read the RIOC President's Community Report to the Board and those in attendance.

Among the topics discussed were: 

• Long Time RIOC Board Director Michael Shinozaki resigned - no reason given,
  
• MTA OMNY Payment system installation on Roosevelt Island Tram delayed again until at least 2nd quarter of 2023,
• RIOC expects to have a School Age Child Care (SACC) License by next month,
• NY Community Trust will continue to manage the Public Purpose Fund grants and will have an announcement after the Holidays,
• Pickleball Court will be coming this spring to the outdoor Sportspark area currently used as a basketball court
• Sportspark still waiting for inspection approvals,
• Blackwell Park Design Project and Roadway Paving projects will be seeking community input in next few months.
  

RIOC Board of Directors Meeting | Recap pic.twitter.com/zNQGJMpEZ2

— Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation (@RIOCny) December 23, 2022

Here's the RIOC President's Report read by Ms Robinson.

Full video of the December 23 Board of Directors meeting will eventually be available at the RIOC website.

Sportspark Renovations, 2022 Southpoint Park Halloween Extravaganza, Return Of Main Street Halloween Parade In 2023, Pickleball Courts Coming, Blackwell Park Renovations Among Topics Discussed By RIOC President Shelton Haynes In Community Report To Board Of Directors Tonight

Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) President Shelton Haynes presented his Community Report earlier this evening to the October 20 RIOC Board of Directors Meeting,

Among the topics discussed were:

iDig2Learn Pumpkin Smash taking place Saturday November 5

October 29 Halloween Extravaganza at Southpoint Park, the traditional Main Street Parade will return next year

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.

Introduction of new VP of Communications Akeem Jamal

Return of regular meetings with local elected officials

Departure of RIOC Assistant VP Of Operations Altheria Jackson

Here's the October 20 RIOC President's Report from Shelton Haynes.

Sportspark Substantially Completed But Opening Delayed Until Late Fall Or Winter Say RIOC President Shelton Haynes During President's Report To Board Of Directors Meeting - Other Topics Discussed Include Blackwell Park Redesign With Comfort Station, Staff Person Promoted To Chief Operating Officer And More Roosevelt Island News

Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) President Shelton Haynes presented his Community Report to the September 29 RIOC Board of Directors Meeting,

Among the topics discussed were:

• Temporary Dog Run locating at Firefighters Field, 
• Sportspark Facility substantially completed but target opening date delayed until late Fall/Winter 
• Blackwell park will be redesigned and include a new comfort station
• 5 year RIOC employee Mary Cuneen will be promoted to Chief Operating Officer
• October Halloween Celebration in Southpoint Park, same as last year. No mention of traditional Roosevelt Island  Halloween Parade.
• Hispanic Heritage Festival Celebration October 15
  
• Roosevelt Island Property managers scheduled for October
• RIOC files temporarily stored in the Cultural Center have been removed opening up space for community group to use.
  

Here's the full September 29 RIOC President's Report

 

Click to the beginning of the video to watch the full September 29 RIOC Board Of Directors meeting.

Status Of Roosevelt Island New Tram Station Elevators, Southpoint Park Shoreline, FDR Hope And Nelly Bly Memorial Projects Among Items Discussed In RIOC President Shelton Haynes June 24 Community Report To Board Directors - Dog Run, Food Pantry, Horticultural Beautification Strategy, Road Striping And More Too

Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) President Shelton Haynes presented his Community Report to the the June 24 RIOC Board of Directors Meeting,  

Mr Haynes began his report by congratulating Roosevelt Island resident and long time RIOC Board Director David Kraut for his 27 years on the RIOC Board and virtually presented Mr. Kraut with a plaque commemorating his service.

Here's video of the RIOC President's Report.

Mr Haynes announced upcoming Roosevelt Island Community events,

updates on a variety of issues,

closing of the Swift Covid 19 Pop Up testing site,

status of new Tram Station Elevator 

Southpoint Park Shoreline

and Nelly Bly Memorial Projects.

Also discussed in the President's report were:

December 2020 RIOC President's Report - Upcoming Plans To Engage With Roosevelt Island Community Groups On Bike Safety And Other Issues, Free Covid 19 Testing Site Coming This Month, Agreement With WFF On Cat Sanctuary & More

Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Acting President Shelton Haynes presented his President's Report to the community during the December 29 Board of Directors Meeting, Mr Haynes announced RIOC plans to engage in public conversations this month on Bike lane/safety/signage issues and will reach out to local community groups on a monthly basis for feedback on a variety of RIOC initiatives.

Mr Haynes also reported:

• RIOC reached an agreement with Wildlife Freedom Foundation on the Cat Sanctuaries.
• Tram Elevator will be out of service for another couple of weeks, a Red Bus Shuttle will be in service to and from Manhattan
• A free, rapid Covid 19 Test Site at the former NY Public Library site will be open this month
  
• Tram elevator out of service for another couple of weeks, red bus shuttle will be in service to and from Manhattan
• New Youth Center failed FDNY elevator inspection, should be completed by end of January
• A month or two delay in Manhattan Tram Elevator project due to Covid 19 and obtaining parts from Europe
  
• FDR Hope Memorial unveiling soon weather and social distancing permitting
• McManus Comfort Station should be done this sprin
  

Here's the full President's Report from Mr Haynes.

Full video of December 29, 2020 RIOC Board meeting here.

Roosevelt Island Community Report From RIOC President Susan Rosenthal - Thanks Residents For Organizing March For Justice, Distributing Face Coverings, Delivering Food To Those In Need & More During Coronavirus Pandemic Shutdown

During the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC)  June 4 Board of Directors meeting, RIOC President Susan Rosenthal thanked residents for their community service during the Coronavirus Pandemic lockdown. Ms. Rosenthal thanked:

• Zoe Lopez and Thalia St Hubert, the young organizers of inspiring June 3 Roosevelt Island March For Justice,
• Lynn Shinozaki for helping to distribute thousands of face masks to the Roosevelt Island community
• Joyce Short helping come up with a procedure for opening Tennis Courts scheduled to begin June 20
• David Lawson for help working on bicycle safety plan and
• Wendy Hersh for organizing food deliveries to Roosevelt Island elderly, disabled, homebound and anyone else who was in need.

Ms Rosenthal also reviewed status of various Roosevelt Island capital projects including the Motorgate waterproofing (50% complete)  and new Tram Elevator (20% complete).

Community Report From RIOC President Susan Rosenthal On Roosevelt Island Disinfectant Efforts To Minimize Coronavirus, Blackwell House Renovation Done, Tram Station Elevator Project Stop Work Order, Lighthouse Park Expansion Moving Forward, Finalizing Nellie Bly Memorial Agreement With Artist & More

Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) President Susan Rosenthal reports to the March 5 Board of Directors meeting on:

• Coronavirus - Red Bus, Tram and facilities are being disinfected
• Blackwell House work done , waiting for final inspection from NYC Buildings Department,
• Youth Center renovation is done, waiting for final inspection by FDNY
• Tram Elevator foundations halted by stop work order but will resume this week
• Hope Memorial work halted by stop work order too, hopes to have it resolved this week
• Lighthouse Park expansion plans moving forward
• Finalizing agreement with Nellie Bly Memorial artist
• April 2 Re-introducing RIOC Public Safety Department meeting at Senior Center

Here's video of Ms Rosenthal's President Report:



and more on Roosevelt Island Coronavirus efforts.

Roosevelt Island Tram operator using disinfectant wipes in cabin prior to passengers boarding today @RIOCny #coronavirus https://t.co/VWm36ILIkY pic.twitter.com/Rqjf4ix3G0

— Roosevelt Islander (@Rooseveltisland) March 7, 2020

RIOC President Susan Rosenthal Reports On Roosevelt Island Infrastructure Projects - Southpoint Park Shoreline Restoration Moving Forward, Tram Station Elevator Construction Begins Again, More Green Space For Lighthouse Park Expansion, No Soccer Field & More

Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) President Susan Rosenthal provided updates on various Roosevelt Island infrastructure projects during the January 30 RIOC Board of Directors meeting including the Southpoint Park Shoreline Restoration

Images from RIOC

Read more »

RIOC President Says Citibike Is Coming To Roosevelt Island This Spring During Tree Lighting Remarks, Also Status Report On Roosevelt Island Construction And Renovation Projects

Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) President Susan Rosenthal delivered a report on various construction projects and infrastructure renovations to the the crowd of residents at the Tree Lighting Ceremony last Friday night. Ms Rosenthal also told the crowd that Citibke docking stations will be here this spring but no further details as to how many docks or their location.

Here's Ms Rosenthal's report at the Tree Lighting Ceremony.



UPDATE 1:30 - Apparently nothing new in the Citibike remarks.

According to RIOC Public Information Officer Terrence McCauley:

No more details, ... She was just talking about earlier reports that we were still exploring the possibility. We’re still waiting to hear back from Citi Bike, so nothing is imminent. No change in status from the last time we talked about it. We’ll keep you posted.

And Ms Rosenthal adds:

... No decisions have been made on locations. We are awaiting their proposal based upon their analyses and experience.

RIOC President Susan Rosenthal Roosevelt Island Community Report - Southpoint Park East River Waterfront Access Project, Blackwell House Opening Not Yet, Motorgate Repairs, Electric Car Charging Stations, New Tram Elevator Construction Starting, Youth Center Renovations Nearly Complete, Halloween Parade & Town Hall With Nellie Bly Memorial Artist

Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) President Susan Rosenthal reported to the October 17 RIOC Board of Directors meeting on the following subjects:

• Southpoint Park project to open up both East and West Side sides between fence and East River giving access to the waterfront.
  
  
  
  
  More info here.
• Blackwell House - no definite date yet when it will reopen. FDNY Fire inspection scheduled in middle of November and Department of Building inspection as well. Exterior painting currently being done. Hope to open by end of year but can't be sure.
• Motorgate repairs waterproofing phase 1 done. Phase 2 to begin
• Electric Car Charging Stations will be on 4th level by entrance to Motorgate Garage
• New Tram elevator construction will start at end of October
• Youth Center renovation will be completed next month.
• Halloween Parade will march from Capobianco Field to Sportspark on Main Street
• December 3 Town Hall with artist about the Nellie Bly Memorial.

Here's Ms Rosenthal's October 17 Roosevelt Island President's Report

RIOC President Reports To Roosevelt Island Community - Citibike Coming Next Spring, Seawall Improvements To Access Soutpoint Park Waterfront, Capital Projects Tracker, Upcoming Hudson Related Retail Presentation, Soccer Field Opening Soon & More

As reported August 30:

Last Thursday, August 22, RIOC staff together with representatives from NYC Council Member Ben Kallos' staff, met with Citibike to discuss bringing the bike sharing system to Roosevelt Island. During a conversation I had with Ms Rosenthal, she said of the Citibike meeting:

We met with Citi Bike today. They’re doing an analysis and will come back to us in a month or so with possibilities we can present to the public.

During yesterday's September 5 Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Board of Directors Meeting, RIOC President Susan Rosenthal announced during her President's report that Citibike docks should be available on Roosevelt Island by this spring. Mr. Rosenthal added that discussions are currently underway regarding number and placement of the docks and no decision have been made yet.



Ms Rosenthal's President Report also included:

• Gretchen Robinson returns to RIOC as new General Counsel,
• Budget includes 40 million in capital projects which can be viewed on RIOC's Capital Projects Tracker,
• Blackwell House waiting for FDNY and Department of Buildings inspections approvals before opening,
• Octagon Soccer Field scheduled to be completed by end of this month,
• Double yellow lines painted on Main Street for pedestrian safety,
• Reduced traffic on promenades and slower speeds for authorized vehicles,
• Hudson Related's David Kramer will give a public presentation to RIOC Real Estate Development Advisory Committee on Main Street Retail leasing efforts,
• Langan Engineers will give a presentation on fixing Southpoint Park's damaged seawalls hoping to open the waterfront area to the public and
• Tram elevator has received all permits and is now waiting for the contractor to re-assemble the subcontractors so work can begin

Here's the full RIOC President's Report from Ms Rosenthal.



A full video web cast of the September 5 RIOC Board meeting should be available on RIOC web site.

Roosevelt Island Community Report From RIOC President Susan Rosenthal - Update On Tram Overhaul Project, Cherry Blossom Festival, New Capital Planning Director And Public Information Officer, Blackwell House Opening Ribbon Cutting, Youth Center Building Needs More Work, Motorgate Garage Waterproofing & New Murals Displayed At Motorgate Gallery Opening

Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) President Susan Rosenthal reported to the March 7 RIOC Board of Directors meeting on the following subjects.

• Roosevelt Island Tram Overhaul Project - Ms Rosenthal thanked RIOC project manager Prince Shah for developing plan to keep Tram operating during Overhaul project. The Tram Cable overhaul aspect of project is on schedule for completion. However, gear box renovation may be delayed because parts coming from Europe have not cleared customs yet. Rope work may be finished before Gear Boxes arrive. In that case, both cabins will operate until work starts on Gear Boxes and then 1 cabin in operation again.
• Cherry Blossom Festival scheduled for April 13. F Train and both Tram Cabins are scheduled to be operating that day and RIOC is trying to get added ferry service. RIOC working with RIRA on Cherry Blossom Festival. 10 thousand people attended last year.
• New RIOC Capital Planning Director hired. Has over 30 years working experience with NYC Parks Department.
• New Public Information Officer hired.
• Blackwell House opening and ribbon cutting ceremony coming up soon.
• Youth Center building needs alot more work than originally thought. New RFP issued for work.
• Motorgate waterproofing project contractor to be selected soon - garage will be open during work.
• Motorgate Gallery opening April 5 - murals from 2018 Fall For Arts Festival will be displayed.

Here's Ms Rosenthal's complete community report.

Report From RIOC President Susan Rosenthal - NY State $25 Million Cornell Tech Payment Not Received Yet, Roosevelt Island Youth Center Update, Halloween Parade Theme Rock Icons, Veterans Celebration & More

Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) President Susan Rosenthal reported to the October 18 RIOC Board of Directors meeting on the following subjects.

Various construction projects under way

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....

Preliminary Study Finds Roosevelt Island Water Fountains Have Elevated Bacteria & Iron Levels Higher Than EPA Allows Says RIOC President At Board Of Directors Meeting Yesterday - Remediation Plan Hoped For Within 2 Weeks

As reported July 6:

The Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation (RIOC) announced Friday that it will shut down drinking water fountains on the Island while it investigates potential water source line issues.

RIOC thanks Island resident Frank Farance for sharing his concerns about the fountains with RIOC.

Independent consultants have been enlisted to assist RIOC with its review....

 Image From Frank Farance

And:

... WATER FOUNTAINS

Healthy Building International Inc. has been retained by the Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation (RIOC) to conduct water sampling and analysis at several drinking water fountain locations in parks and playgrounds across Roosevelt Island, RIOC President and CEO Susan Rosenthal said Tuesday.

The tests are designed to provide a comprehensive analysis of the water and to confirm its acceptability for consumption. The samples will be compared with the relevant federal Department of Environmental Protection (EPA) contaminant levels of microbials, metals and inorganic substances....

 Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Susan Rosenthal reported during the July 23 RIOC Board meeting that preliminary testing of Roosevelt Island water fountains revealed:

... some high levels, higher than EPA allows, of bacteria, not E-Coli, in some of them. One sample had elevated iron levels..

RIOC is waiting for the results of more tests and hopes to have a preliminary remediation plan within the next 2 weeks.

Stay tuned for more.

Community Report From RIOC President Susan Rosenthal - Roosevelt Island Drinking Water Fountain Contaminant Study, Motorgate Garage Repair Plans, Helix Ramp & Tram Platform Additional Work May Cause Travel Delays, Boat Prow Graffiti & More

Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) President Susan Rosenthal reports to the community:

WATER FOUNTAINS

Healthy Building International Inc. has been retained by the Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation (RIOC) to conduct water sampling and analysis at several drinking water fountain locations in parks and playgrounds across Roosevelt Island, RIOC President and CEO Susan Rosenthal said Tuesday.

The tests are designed to provide a comprehensive analysis of the water and to confirm its acceptability for consumption. The samples will be compared with the relevant federal Department of Environmental Protection (EPA) contaminant levels of microbials, metals and inorganic substances.

A plumbing engineer selected from RIOC’s newly formed A&E (Architectural and Engineering) Services committee (a panel of qualified, multi-disciplined architects and engineers) will help RIOC officials interpret the results, draft and consider potential solutions. The water analysis and a downstream review is focused on each specific point of water line connection to each actual fountain or public use spigot or valve.

RIOC announced last Friday that it was immediately shutting down water fountains after concerns, raised by Roosevelt Island resident Frank Farance about potential water source lines, prompted the agency to schedule the analysis.

“As-built drawings” – the final set of drawings a contractor files to document work, changes, construction processes and the location of all elements of the work completed and maintained - were not archived for work at all the parks and playgrounds built in the early 1970s and maintained thereafter. Those drawings document whether the playground fountains are connected to the irrigation lines or domestic water lines in the area. Without the “as-built” drawings for the other drinking fountains on the Island, RIOC cannot be certain about the connection source of all the other fountains.

RIOC had the “as-builts” for Southpoint Park’s drinking fountain from 2010 and can verify that the water is from its domestic line not the park’s irrigation system.

It was revealed during a recent water use disagreement with Wildlife Freedom Foundation (WFF), which runs cat sanctuaries on the Island, that the WFF water hose was using an irrigation line connection for its Southpoint sanctuary. (WFF has since said it was willing to continue to use “not potable,” irrigation water for their Southpoint sanctuary).

In addition to this project, The A&E services committee is expected to help RIOC manage capital projects, infrastructure maintenance and repairs – including the Sportspark renovations, the FDR Hope Memorial, the Firefighters Field comfort station/bathroom construction, future Lighthouse renovations, elevator consultant and Motorgate repairs - more efficiently and simply put, “get things done more quickly,” Rosenthal said.

MOTORGATE

At our June board of directors meeting, another group, Architecture and Engineering Group, P.C. (AEG); was awarded a contract to re-inspect the entire Motorgate facility, conduct a parking analysis and prepare documents for the plans to repair the garage. More details will be forthcoming.

WORKLISTS for the Tram Platforms, HELIX ramps and graffiti at the Prow

While major construction on both the Tram platforms and the Helix is complete, you may have noticed workers completing a series of additional tasks which include some additional asphalt and materials finishes.

The additional work – which includes concrete finishing work on the platforms and on the Helix’s upper ramp (the return ramp to Queens from Motorgate), repaving and repair of the Flat Plaza (where the RI flagpoles are located), undersides work, installation of guardrails on the lower ramp; and lane, asphalt and crosswalk striping at both ends of the ramp – also includes fixes to incomplete or incorrect installations or incidental damage to existing finishes, material, and structures; and must be completed by the contractor prior to final payment.

“We have been informed some of this work may cause travel delays on the Helix or at the Tram stations at Roosevelt Island and midtown Manhattan during the next couple weeks. As soon as we have more details, we will advise,” Rosenthal said.

Graffiti removal at The Prow, the metal dingy-like boat structure that juts out into the East River near Octagon Park has begun. RIOC crews are using Prosoco-brand paint remover which is environmental friendly and works well on metal.

After application, the product “cures” for up to an hour, before the surface is brushed and then power-washed with regular water. This step may have to be repeated several times to remove some of the Prow’s toughest graffiti spots.

Once the surface is free of graffiti, RIOC grounds crews will apply a wax-based product as a protective layer to make any new graffiti easier to remove with just a power washer as the layer of wax (and the new graffiti will “melt” away. A new layer of wax is then reapplied.

The work on the Prow and other graffiti-defaced areas around the Island is expected to continue through September.

Fourth of July Activities

RIOC is proud of have hosted more than 8,600 visitors to our Fourth of July Family Fireworks viewing event last week.

Many thanks to our partners at Cornell Tech and FDR Four Freedoms State Park, NYPD, FDNY, RIOC’s grounds, facilities, and other staff members especially our entire cadre of PSD officers, most of whom worked on foot, bike, car and from aerial viewing spots – vetting incoming car traffic at the Roosevelt Island bridge, handling crowd control from Lighthouse to Southpoint parks; and manning designated security posts from 7 a.m. – 11 p.m.

“I’d also like to extend a special shout-out to Erica Spencer-EL and Jessica Murray, the director and manager of our Community Affairs Department for leading the event coordination task group and their diligent contributions to what became a record-breaking, memorable day,” Rosenthal said.

“We’ve scheduled debriefing meetings this week with our teams to review the event’s logistics to see how we can improve for next year,” she said.

MORE OUTDOOR MOVIES

Be sure not to miss RIOC’s ongoing slate of outdoor movies in Southpoint Park this summer, next up include:

• Friday, July 20: Star Wars: Episode VIII - The Last Jedi; (rain date July 27)
• Saturday, July 21: The Fifth Element; (rain date July 28)
• Friday, August 3: Black Panther; (rain date August 10)
• Friday, August 17: A Wrinkle in Time; (rain date August 24).

Report From RIOC President Susan Rosenthal - Roosevelt Island July 4 Celebration Ticket Distribution/Security, Tram Cabin Service, Helix Repair, Tram Elevator, Public Purpose Applications, Cooling Center & Westvew Privatization

Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) President Susan Rosenthal reported to the June 25 RIOC Board of Directors meeting (video of full meeting will be available here) on the following subjects.

• July 4 Fireworks celebration at FDR Four Freedoms Park, Cornell Tech campus and Southpoint Park - Tickets for viewing Fireworks at FDR Park will be made available to Roosevelt Island residents one day in advance of the General Public.
• There will be more security this year with NYPD and private security. Every person will have to go through check points. Total security from Roosevelt Island Bridge to FDR Park.
• Southpoint Park activities will include Bounce houses, Giant Slides, Inflated Obstacle Course, 5 food trucks, plenty of toilets
• Both trams cabins will be running by July 4.
• Both sides of Helix will be open by July 4
• Tram Elevator project has started with fencing placed in Manhattan Tram Plaza area
• Public purpose applications will be available in July
• Roosevelt Island cooling centers will be open during day and evening until 10 PM.
• Westview privatization - diligently working on trying to resolve open issues - Board may be called back during the summer to approve an agreement

Here's Ms. Rosenthal's report.

RIOC President Community Report - Roosevelt Island Weekend Races Reduced, Tram Platform & Helix Ramp Repairs Update, Pothole Fixes & Roosevelt Island Day

Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) President Susan Rosenthal reports to the community:

During the past decade, road running on Roosevelt Island has become increasingly popular due to the Island’s flat, fast race course and the scenic views along the East River seawalls.

But recent RI residents’ complaints about the parking restrictions, noise and traffic caused by the 5K and 10K events has led us to review our race permit policy. And after meeting with a delegation of Southtown and Roosevelt Island Residents Association members this week – including Mickey Rindler, Janet Falk, Dave Evans, Melissa Wade, Erin Feely-Nahem, and Jianfan Zhu – in addition to several internal meetings between myself, RIOC Vice President of Operations Shelton Haynes and RIOC’s Public Safety Department, Permitting; and Parks and Recreation teams; we’ve decided to implement the following changes:

• No more than two road races per month;
• The elimination of 10K events; only 5K events with a maximum of 1,000 people will be permitted;
• Move the race course away from residential buildings and reduce the impact to traffic;
• Uniform starting times of 8:30 a.m., no pre-race microphone or speaker use until 30 minutes prior to start time;
• Impose non-compliance monetary penalties to race directors and organizers.

With some events already under contract, we may not be able to implement these changes for all upcoming 2018 races, but we have been in telephone and written contact with all the race promoters re-emphasizing our existing rules.

We are also asking race organizers to remind participants to use the MTA subway or NYC Ferry to travel to the Island instead of driving or traveling by the Tram due to the ongoing Helix ramp repairs and the Tram platform construction project. And if you must drive, please abide by the event parking signs to steer all cars to the Motorgate.

In considering these changes, we’ve tried to balance our earnest desire to bring more visitors to the Island with the encouragement that they will support our businesses and restaurants, particularly those along Main Street. We know these changes are not going to be perfect, but we are embracing what you are saying and we are going to do something about it. And, if we need to make further modifications, let’s continue the dialogue.

Tram Platform and Helix Update

The Tram Platform construction work is on schedule; we’re planning for completion before Roosevelt Island Day on June 16, when both cabins will be back in operation and, at the RI Station, a new MetroCard vending machines will be installed and the existing kiosk will be re-opened for use.

One lane of the Helix ramp project has been completed and work has begun on the second travel lane. As was before, workers will have to demolish the existing concrete topping slab, and in some cases, replace the underlying rebar, (the mesh of steel wires used to strengthen and hold the concrete in compression).

As we’ve mentioned previously, some sections of the Helix’s existing structural concrete slabs (see illustration)

were in worse disrepair than we’d originally diagnosed and will require a more extensive repair that may extend this project’s completion a few additional weeks.

Potholes

Rain is good for Roosevelt Island’s trees and grass, not so much for our roads.

During downpours, water seeps through cracks in the old or weakened asphalt (or Z-bricks in some cases) and the sand and gravel “roadbed” that supports the road soaks up that water. Cars, heavy trucks and buses pass over the road and force the water to spread through the sagging roadbed.

Eventually the asphalt sinks into the eroded parts of the roadbed and small cracks, become larger from the continued impact of tires; eventually forming a small pothole that grows into a big one. Compound this with the record amounts of snow and freezing ice dumped on us during the recent winter, along with the negative byproduct of using salt to defrost the surfaces; and you’ll see some areas of our roads have become untenable.

We have a plan, that we started to implement now that drier skies have prevailed in recent days. The RIOC maintenance crew has addressed some of the worst stretches of roadway potholes - near the Octagon tennis courts and along West Loop road by the RI Tram and subway stations - using “cold patch”; a cold asphalt product used to make road repairs quickly. Cold patch can be shoveled or poured into a pothole from the container without heating and tamped down with a hand tool.

But this is only a temporary fix to a larger problem. In 1969, When Roosevelt Island was designed as a mixed-income residential community, urban planners and architects wanted this to be a car-free (and dog free) Island (a novel concept at the time). Cars crossing the Roosevelt Island Bridge were to be required to park at the Motorgate garage.

Thus, when Main Street was created, the roadbuilders laid the Z-brick atop of a gravel and sand roadbed with no concrete binding agent in between, like most traditional roads designed for heavy traffic loads. Years later that decision, plus our residential and commercial growth, has lead us to today’s issues.

We’re working now to procure a full-service roadway company to work with us to make the necessary repairs. I’ll provide you updates as we get closer to the RFP’s issuance, contract award and project schedules.

I’d like to thank Steve Noone, our assistant Vice President of Capital Planning and Projects; and Alonza Robertson, our RIOC public information officer; for teaching me more about road repair than I ever thought I would know.

Roosevelt Island Day

Roosevelt Island Day is Saturday, June 16. We’re looking forward to partnering with many different Island groups – including the Roosevelt Island Senior Association, the Roosevelt Island Residents Association, the RI Garden Club, RI Girl Scouts, Island Kids and others - toward staging a day-long community festival that celebrates the Island’s beauty and diversity and encourages volunteerism in furtherance of that goal.

Besides, the interactive games, children’s activities and food, I’m happy to announce that the evening’s concert performer will be The Funktion, an eight-piece Motown tribute band. Get ready for a great party!

Report From RIOC President Susan Rosenthal - 2018 Macy's July 4 Fireworks Celebration On East River, Meeting With Citibke On Coming To Roosevelt Island, Summer Youth Center Plans & More

During May 17 Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Board of Directors meeting, RIOC President Susan Rosenthal reported:

1- 2018 Macy's July 4 Fireworks will be on East River this year giving Roosevelt Island fantastic views of the celebration,



2- Meeting next week to discuss bringing Citibke docking stations to Roosevelt Island. Talks will include possible locations.



3- Says receiving wonderful reports of RIOC Youth Center doing well.

Future plans for Roosevelt Island Youth Center. Planning summer basketball league, gardening program and Saturday teen nights. Beacon Summer Camp.

RIOC Closing Youth Center during summer for renovations of building. 2nd floor of Sportspark to be used by older youth when Youth Center building is closed during summer.



4 - Here's the complete RIOC President's Report from Ms Rosenthal including info on June 16 Roosevelt Island Day, which RIOC will be producing by themselves for first time, Tram Platform Repair work, Motorgate painting and repair and more.