The Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Real Estate Development Advisory Committee (REDAC) will meet Monday March 17. Among the items on the Agenda is a discussion of the upcoming facade work for the Roosevelt Landing building complex facing Main Street and how that work will impact pedestrian and traffic.
Here's the Agenda attached to an email sent to local officials and local media on March 13, 2025.
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that a meeting of the Real Estate Development Advisory Committee of the RIOC Board of Directors will be held on Monday, March 17, 2025 at 4:00 p.m. at the RIOC’s Operations Office, 680 Main Street, Roosevelt Island, New York 10044.
AGENDA:
1. L&M Presentation: Facade and Atrium Work Along Main Street;
2. Update on Roadways’ Status;
3. Discussion of Upcoming Projects; and
4. Any Other Committee Business That May Be Brought Before the Committee.
According to the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC):
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that a meeting of the Real Estate Development Advisory Committee of the RIOC Board of Directors will be held on Monday, February 3, 2025, at 3:30 p.m. at the RIOC’s Operations Office, 680 Main Street, Roosevelt Island, New York 10044.
AGENDA:
1. Discussion of Eleanor’s Pier next steps
2. Update on Roadways status
3. Discussion of the Southtown Building 8 lease amendment
4. Any Other Committee Business that May be Brought Before the Committee.
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that a meeting of the Real Estate Development Advisory Committee of
the RIOC Board of Directors will be held on Wednesday, May 22, 2024, at 5:00 p.m. at the Good
Shepherd Community Center, 543 Main St, Roosevelt Island, New York 10044.
AGENDA:
1. “Focus on Main Street” Discussion Regarding the Responsibilities of the Housing
Companies, Hudson Related under the Master Retail Sublease, and the Retail Tenants.
2. Update on Current Projects:
a. Roadway Improvements
b. Coler Berm Design Process
c. Steam Plant/Stacks and Steam Tunnel
3. Discussion of Possible Master Lease Extension
4. Any Other Committee Business that May be Brought Before the Committee.
Main Street retail was discussed during the May 1 RIOC Operations Committee meeting. RIOC Directors asked Hudson Related's David Kramer and leasing representative Didier Ruiz about the current status of Main Street retail including:
the process by which tenants are selected,
the appearance of Main Street storefronts,
obtaining a medical practice and
some RIOC directors expressed unhappiness with what they believe is Hudson Related's lack of communication with the Board.
Here's video of the May 1 Operations Committee meeting. The Main Street retail discussion begins at the 1 minute 10 second mark.
The Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Real Estate Development Advisory Committee is meeting tomorrow, March 14.
According to the meeting
Agenda:
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that a meeting of the Real Estate Development Advisory
Committee of the RIOC Board of Directors will be held on Thursday, March 14,
2024, at 6:00 p.m. at the Good Shepherd Community Center, 543 Main St,
Roosevelt Island, New York 10044.
AGENDA:
1. Presentation by The NYC Health + Hospitals Corporation (HHC) on the Coler
Berm Project.
2. Presentation by Brian Weisberg, Vice President of The Roosevelt Island
Business Association (TRIBA).
3. Update by Ryan Archer, Senior Property Manager of Lisa Management, on
Commercial Spaces per the Master Sublease Agreement with Hudson Related
Retail LLC.
4. Discussion of the Motorgate Fees.
5. Working Advisory Groups on Emergent Issues:
a. Tramway and Cherry Blossom Festival,
b. Main Street Revitalization, and
c. Roadway Redevelopment.
6. Any Other Committee Business that May be Brought Before the Committee
The idea of a Coler Berm in the area of the
Coler Hospital
parking lot facing the Queens side of the East River
Here's the
November 9, 2015 presentation by Joseph Musso of NYC Mayor's Office of Resiliency to RIOC describing a
proposed plan to protect Coler Hospital from flooding by raising the ground elevation
and renderings of some possible design options
for the area.
Also an October 13, 2015 discussion of the issue by the RIOC Operations
Advisory Committee.
... 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....
Ms Rosenthal was the RIOC President at that time.
There has been no movement on this subject until now.
RIOC's controls the parking lot land and it's approval is necessary for
any proposed new development.
... installed the new swing dampeners on both the North and South Cabins. You can see the new blue dampeners on the outside of both ends of the cabin (pictured below)....
Image From RIOC
The Tram swing dampeners appear to be working. A Roosevelt Island Tram Rider Tipster shared this video and reported this morning:
Took the Tram at 8:10 this morning. Barely off the platform, it dipped and started swinging. It lasted approximately 1 minute before ascent resumed "normally". I started filming halfway through. The Tram Operator was quite good, asked people not to panic and give it a minute.
During the March 7 RIOC Real Estate Development Advisory Committee meeting, RIOC Acting Chief Operating Officer Mary Cunneen and interim co-leader of the leadership team Gerrald Ellis described how the Tram cabin swing dampener works.
RIOC has stated that a disruption in the wi-fi communications system between the Tram Cabin and station is the cause of the sudden Tram stoppage resulting in the cabin swinging back and forth. The cause of the communications disruption has been under investigation for several months but has not yet been found.
Here's some examples of the swinging Roosevelt Island Tram.
During the
November 14, 2023 RIOC Board of Directors
meeting, POMA's Roosevelt Island Tram Head Of Operations Armando Cordova
addressed safety concerns caused by the Tram's sudden stops and swinging
back and forth.
According to the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC):
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that a meeting of the Real Estate Development Advisory
Committee of the RIOC Board of Directors will be held on Thursday, February
15, 2024, at 5:30 p.m. at the RIOC’s Operations Office, 680 Main Street,
Roosevelt Island, New York 10044.
AGENDA:
1. Current Focus:
a. Z-Brick patchwork
b. Presentation by Idig2Learn regarding a proposed mini-forest planting in
Southpoint Park
c. Motorgate Parking Rate Discussion
2. Updates
a. Liu Shimming sculpture placement
b. Master Lease 2068 considerations
3. Capital Project Discussion
4. Future Topics
5. Any Other Committee Business that May be Brought Before the Committee
During a June 30, 2023 interview
with New York City Mayor Eric Adams, I asked him for his views on the Roosevelt
Island Master Lease between NYC and NY State and whether Roosevelt Island
should be returned to governance by NYC or remain governed by NY State upon
the expiration of the Master Lease in 2068.
According to Mayor Adams:
... we're not talking about Hong Kong returning to China. It's still going to
be in New York...
... we need feedback from
those who are living there now, whether the pros and cons, and I
think that the residents that live there should have a major input on how
they would like to continue to see the Island run...
Here's the June 30, 2023 interview with Mayor Adams
The Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) announced today, with only 1 day notice, that the RIOC Real Estate Development Advisory Committee will meet tomorrow May 18.
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that a meeting of the Real Estate Development Advisory Committee of the RIOC Board of Directors will be held on Thursday, May 18, 2023, at 5:30 PM at the RIOC Operations Office, 680 Main Street, Roosevelt Island, New York.
AGENDA:
1. Discussion of Placement of the “Drummer” Sculpture from Liu Shiming Art Foundation
2. Update on the Bike Lanes/Ramp Projects
3. Discussion of Future Projects
4. Any Other Committee Business That May be Brought Before the Committee
Back in 2021, residents were asking if Roosevelt Island needs a Motorgate Bike Ramp and if the money to build one could be better spent elsewhere. RIOC has never answered that question.
RELATED COMPANIES AND HUDSON CLOSE ON FINAL BUILDING OF ROOSEVELT ISLAND’S
RIVERWALK NEIGHBORHOOD
Riverwalk 9 will Complete the Quarter-Century Effort by Related and Hudson
to deliver a 9-Building Community with more than 2,000 Residences, Retail,
Restaurants, Parks, and more .
Project will Create 357 Much-Needed Apartments, including Workforce Housing
for Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center Employee....
Mr Kramer reported that the lower eight floors of Riverwalk Building 9 will be
acquired by Memorial Sloan Kettering Hospital for workforce housing and the upper 19 floors will be market rate rental apartments.
Building 9 will have combined 7 thousand square feet of ground floor and below grade office
space for the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp with a separate entrance and
signage.
Mr Kramer added that the RIOC office space is:
... a sweetheart rent, probably not right
adjective to use, let's just say a below market rent that was part of the
negotiation....
Hudson Related will create a Public Commons space between building 8 and 9 that will include a new
dog run. picnic tables, grill stations, amphitheater steps, porch swings, hammocks and cherry grove as shown below.
Also, a portion of Firefighter’s Field will be closed to public access during construction of the Building 9 superstructure. This work will also include erecting scaffolding along the boundary between the south side of the Building 9 site and the north side of Firefighter’s Field, erecting of sidewalk sheds, and adding a temporary curb ramp and crosswalk.
Here's Mr Kramer's Riverwalk Building 9 presentation to the October 19 RIOC REDAC committee
More information on Riverewalk Building 9 from this RIOC Memo
Related Companies and The Hudson Companies today announced the closing on $185 million in construction financing for the ninth Riverwalk building, a development in the Riverwalk neighborhood of Roosevelt Island. The new facility will include workforce housing for Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK) employees, market-rate rental apartments, and office space. Wells Fargo provided financing for the housing development. The project was designed by Handel Architects and will be built by Monadnock Construction. Construction will begin in the coming weeks, with an expected completion in mid-2025. The $185 million project includes $111 million of financing from Wells Fargo. In conjunction with the closing, Related and Hudson are executing the ground lease for the site from the Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation (RIOC).
“Riverwalk 9 is the realization of decades of hard work and resiliency through multiple challenges, including economic downturns and a global pandemic, to create new housing opportunities and further support the Roosevelt Island community and New York,” said Frank Monterisi, Executive Vice President at Related Companies. “We are proud to finally reach this monumental milestone, along with our partners at Hudson, along with Memorial Sloan Kettering, RIOC and Wells Fargo, for the Riverwalk Park neighborhood.”
“The start of work on Riverwalk 9 marks the culmination of a quarter century of work with our partner to build an entirely new and thriving neighborhood on Roosevelt Island,” said David Kramer, Chief Executive Officer of The Hudson Companies. “From our first planning meetings in 1997, we set out to bring these 19 undeveloped acres to life through mixed-income rental, condominium and institutional housing, dynamic retail, and beautiful new public open space. As we begin construction on the neighborhood’s final building, we’re proud to say we’ve achieved that vision. Thanks to our partners at Related, Memorial Sloan Kettering and RIOC, along with our funder Wells Fargo for their instrumental work in helping us reach this milestone.”
“The development of Riverwalk 9 marks the final phase of years of historical development at Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation (RIOC),” said Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation President and CEO Shelton J. Haynes. “The timely closing of this deal is indicative of the hard work of all parties involved at RIOC and our partners at Related Companies and Hudson. I cannot wait to get shovels in the ground to unveil our latest investment that will continue the tremendous economic boom we are experiencing. Once completed, Riverwalk 9 will spur further job growth, create new housing, and contribute nicely to the beauty of Roosevelt Island.”
“Wells Fargo is excited to be a part of the final phase of the Riverwalk development with Related Companies, The Hudson Companies and Memorial Sloan Kettering, bringing much needed housing to Roosevelt Island,” said Brian Lucey and Anna Belobrovka, managing directors in Wells Fargo’s Commercial Real Estate group.
Located at 430 Main Street, Riverwalk 9 is the fourth development designed with housing for MSK employees as part of the overall Riverwalk neighborhood. The new 28-story building will consist of 104 homes for the MSK community with a range of studios, two-bedroom, and three-bedroom across eight floors, and 253 market-rate studios, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom residences.
The building will also include ground-floor office space for the Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation (RIOC) and a commons space between the eighth and ninth buildings with new park lighting, a dog run, grill space, and acres of public open space. Amenities will include a fitness center overlooking the East River, a basketball court, a party room, a multi-sport virtual reality game room, and much more.
The start of work on Riverwalk 9 marks the culmination of a more than quarter century long effort by the Related-Hudson joint venture, which was designated by RIOC in 1997 to build the new community to fulfill the Island’s General Development Plan designed by Philip Johnson and John Burgee. Once complete, the entire Riverwalk complex will include nine buildings with more than 2,000 condominium and rental apartments, 40 percent of which are affordable. The area also includes hundreds of institutional workforce apartments at a range of income levels in each of the nine residential buildings for employees of MSK, Weil Cornell Medicine and others.
At the same time, Related-Hudson has developed parks, daycare facilities and ballfields as part of the undertaking, along with much-needed retail along Main Street, where it owns 90,000 square feet across 33 stores. Since the joint venture was designated to take over the master lease for this half-vacant retail corridor in 2011, it has transformed the stretch through extensive renovations and outdoor seating areas, signage, lighting and benches. Today, it's a vibrant shopping area for Roosevelt Islanders. Riverwalk is a short subway and tram ride away from Manhattan’s Upper East Side and a one-ferry ride from Astoria and Long Island City.
The
Roosevelt Island Operating Corp
(RIOC) Board of Directors Real Estate Development Advisory Committee
(REDAC) will meet in person for the first time since the start of the Covid
Pandemic tomorrow, Wednesday October 19.
According to the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC):
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that a meeting of the Real Estate Development Advisory
Committee of the RIOC Board of Directors will be held on Wednesday, October
19, 2022, at 4:00 PM at the RIOC Operations Office, 680 Main Street, Roosevelt
Island, New York.
Among the items on the Agenda are the construction of Riverwalk Building 9
next to Firefighters field and the temporary relocation of the Southtown Dog Run
to Firefighters Field during Building 9 construction.
Also on the Agenda is installation of a permanent Southtown commercial trash enclosure in the area next to East Side Access ventilation tunnel across from
the F train subway station..
Entering into a Sublease with Hudson Related for the construction and
operation of Southtown Building 9
Entering into commercial sub-sublease with Hudson Related for 7,000 sq. ft
of office space in Southtown Building 9 to be occupied by RIOC and used as
its principal business location
Relocation of the temporary Dog Run during the construction of Southtown
Building 9
Partial closure of Firefighters' Field during the construction of Southtown
Building 9
Temporary relocation of the crosswalk along Main Street adjacent to the site
during the construction of Southtown Building 9
Approval of sewer and sanitary connections necessary for the construction of
Southtown Building 9 and associated road work
Installation of a permanent enclosure for commercial trash produced by
commercial tenants in Southtown
Putting a dog park in Firefighter Field is a ludicrous idea that will interfere with kids and adults using the field for sports. Flying soccer balls and dog parks don’t mix, and the dog park will create a dangerous situation for humans and dogs alike.
Shelton Haynes doesn’t care about the community of Roosevelt Island. He would rather sugar coat what he’s doing with meaningless platitudes like “It’s an exciting time to be a Roosevelt Islander” while we watch our quality of life being steadily eroded. Further, no explanation has been given for this last minute decision.
We have 300 signatures on our petition representing community members opposed to having a dog park placed in Firefighter Field. Why isn’t Haynes listening? We deserve leadership that takes our concerns to heart and recognizes the value of our most precious asset- open space,
The Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Real Estate Development Advisory Committee is
meeting tomorrow, February 17. Among the items on meeting agenda is proposed Motorgate Bike Ramp.
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that a meeting of the Real Estate Development Advisory
Committee of the RIOC Board of Directors (“REDAC”) will be held on
Wednesday, February 17, 2021 at 5:30 p.m. via videoconference.
AGENDA:
1. Bike Ramp/Bike Lane Project
2. Sportspark
3. Lighthouse Tower
4. Nellie Bly Project
5. Dark Fiber Project
6. Any Other Committee Business That May be Brought Before the
Committee
*** Due to public health concerns and as authorized by Executive Order of
the Governor, this meeting will be conducted via videoconference.
Members of public may submit their comments for the REDAC meeting by 5:00
p.m. on Tuesday, February 16, 2021 via Speak at a Meeting link on RIOC’s
website. All comments will be taken as advisement. The public comment
period is not part of the REDAC meeting.
The link to a webcast will be posted on RIOC’s website by 12:00 pm on
Wednesday, February 17, 2021.
The proposed Motorgate Bike Ramp is on the Agenda for approval at the Real
Estate Committee and full Board meetings this week.
RIOC President Shelton Haynes and RIOC Board members have previously said
they would seek community input on whether the bike ramp is needed and
desired by the community. Other than an online survey regarding bike safety
issues, I am not aware of any community meetings or other attempts by RIOC
to seek the opinions of Roosevelt Island residents regarding approval of the
Motorgate Bike Ramp.
Has there been any outreach by RIOC to the community seeking opinions about
the proposed Bike Ramp? If so, what was it?
I have not seen any consensus by residents approving a Motorgate Bike
Ramp. In fact, Roosevelt Island Residents Association President Rossana Ceruzzi
has said:
... 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 is 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?...
Roosevelt Island Historical Society President Judy Berdy adds:
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..
Has RIOC considered using funds to rebuild the long broken Motorgate
Escalator instead of the Bike Ramp?
Does RIOC have any comment on the Bike Ramp and efforts to seek input from
the community?
UPDATE 10:30 PM - RIOC spokesperson Erica Spencer-El replied to my inquiry:
For the upcoming REDAC meeting scheduled for tomorrow at 5:30 PM via video conference, there will be a presentation from our CPP Project Manager who will provide a broad overview of the timeline for the Helix Bike Ramp/Lane project as well as community engagement efforts that were implemented to show our due diligence to solicit concerns and address safe bike access to R.I.
As for Motorgate, plans are in the works to address the facility, noting key issues concerning the atrium and prioritizing accessibility for all patrons.
As a frequent bike rider, the bike ramp is a nice to have if done well, but the money could be better spent elsewhere. I am fine using the elevation up and riding the current car ramp down. I often pause to see if there is a break in the traffic before I head down the ramp.
Many roads need repair, including the shore promenades; please forget that ramp.
Speaking as an avid biker, this bike ramp is not needed. Save those cherry trees 💯 Plz do fix the new potholes on top though. Also - not many folks need the escalators. They would be underused too
Screw the ramp and get rid of that cheese grater bridge!
According to notices sent out yesterday by the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC), the Roosevelt Island Rivercross Tenants Corp
is refinancing the mortgage on their 365 unit Co-op building and seeking approval of the RIOC Board of Directors for the transaction. The subject of Rivercross mortgage refinancing will first be discussed as the sole item on Agenda of August 5 RIOC Real Estate Development Advisory Committee meeting and immediately thereafter the sole public item on Agenda for approval by a Special Meeting of the RIOC Board of Directors.
As of 5 PM this afternoon, there is no other information or material available on the RIOC web site about the Rivercross mortgage refinancing. Yesterday, I asked RIOC for more info but have not received a reply yet. Typically, RIOC posts the Agenda and Item Board materials a few days before a Board of Directors meeting.
As previously reported, in 2011 the Rivercross Tenants Corp refinanced their then existing 30 year mortgage with a new $50 million 10 year 4.64% interest only loan. According to a statement at the time from the Rivercross Tenants Corp Board of Directors:
... The proceeds of the new mortgage will be used as follows: First, to pay off the existing mortgage (approximately $25,000,000, including prepayment fees); Second, to create a $15,000,000 capital improvement fund to pay for energy-savings investments (new windows, a more energy-efficient heating system and submetering); and Third, to create a $10,000,000 fund to pay the real property transfer taxes that may have to be paid if and when Rivercross leaves the Mitchell-Lama program and becomes a private coop....
Below are the RIOC notices regarding Rivercross mortgage refinancing meetings tomorrow.
According to RIOC:
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that a meeting of the Real Estate Development Advisory Committee of the RIOC Board of Directors will be held on Wednesday, August 5, 2020 at 4:00 p.m. via videoconference.
AGENDA:
1. Discussion of Mortgage Refinancing by Rivercross Tenants’ Corp
2. Any Other Committee Business That May be Brought Before the Committee
***
Due to public health concerns and as authorized by Executive Order of the Governor, this meeting will be conducted via videoconference.
The link to a webcast will be posted on RIOC’s website by 12:00 pm on Wednesday, August 5, 2020.
Also:
NOTICE OF THE AUGUST 5, 2020 SPECIAL MEETING OF THE ROOSEVELT ISLAND OPERATING CORPORATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that a Board of Directors meeting will be held on Wednesday, August 5, 2020 at 5:00 P.M.
AGENDA:
AMENDED AGENDA:
1- Authorization to Approve Mortgage Refinancing by Rivercross Tenants’ Corp. (Board Action Required)
2- Executive Session to Discuss Pending Litigation
Due to public health concerns and as authorized by Executive Order of the Governor, the August 5, 2020 Board of Directors meeting will be conducted via videoconference.
The link to a webcast will be posted on RIOC’s website by 12:00 pm on Wednesday, August 5, 2020
UPDATE 7:25 PM - August 5 Board of Directors materials are now posted on RIOC web site. Below is August 4 Memo from Acting President Shelton Haynes to RIOC Board of Directors supporting approval of the Rivercross Mortgage refinance.
Rivercross Tenants’ Corp. leases the property known as Rivercross pursuant to a Restated Ground Lease dated as of November 30, 1977, which was amended by Amendment #1 dated as of March 28, 2011 and the Second Amendment to Restated Ground Lease dated as of May 30, 2018. In July 2011, Rivercross obtained a $50,000,000 loan from NCB, FSB, which was secured by a first leasehold mortgage (the “Existing Mortgage”). The Existing Mortgage was for a 10 year term, maturing in 2021. The interest rate on the Existing Mortgage is approximately 4.64 %. Rivercross seeks approval to refinance the Existing Mortgage with the same lender (now known as National Consumer Cooperative Bank) with a first leasehold mortgage in the amount of $67,000,000, and a second leasehold mortgage securing a $2,900,000 revolving line of credit (collectively, the “New Mortgages”). While the interest rate of the New Mortgages will not be locked in until after RIOC’s consent has been obtained, it is anticipated that the interest rate of the New Mortgages will be approximately 3%.
In conjunction with the Existing Mortgage, the lender and RIOC entered into a Subordination, Non-Disturbance and Attornment Agreement, whereby the lender agreed not to disturb RIOC’s occupancy of the commercial space it sublets in Rivercross if the lender succeeds to Rivercross’s interest under the Ground Lease. RIOC delivered a written consent to the Existing Mortgage, which included various provisions relating to the rights of the parties in the event of the termination of the Ground Lease. The parties contemplate exchanging substantially similar documents in connection with the New Mortgages.
We have been advised by Rivercross’s counsel that it is Rivercross’s intention to use the loan proceeds remaining after satisfaction of the Existing Mortgage to fund reserves.
Recommendation
I hereby recommend that the RIOC Board of Directors consent to the proposed refinancing by Rivercross Tenants’ Corp.
There is no stated reason why approval of Rivercross mortgage refinancing requires an unscheduled "Special" Board meeting and could not be considered at the next regularly scheduled September 10 Board meeting.
The Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Board Of Directors Operations Advisory Committee will meet next Tuesday, June 2, to discuss the Roosevelt Island Coronavirus reopening plan as well as active construction projects. The meeting will be conducted via videoconference and open to the public.
I asked RIOC President Susan Rosenthal and the RIOC Directors:
Will the public be able to participate during the upcoming RIOC Board Committee meeting videoconferences as they do during in person meetingns?
RIOC Public Information Officer Terrence McCauley replied:
Public comments are not part of the agenda for either committee meeting. The public can always submit their comments for full board meetings on our website. http://rioc.ny.gov/FormCenter/Meetings-4/Speakup-43
NOTE: Although there is no public comment period on the agendas of the June 2 committee meetings, the public is invited to submit questions if they wish. The questions may or may not be addressed by the committee chairs. Questions may be submitted by clicking here: http://rioc.ny.gov/FormCenter/Meetings-4/Speakup-43
I'd like to know about opening the ball fields for socially distant recreation,
Great question for @RIOCny Astoria Park Field is open so people can walk around, get fresh air while maintaining social distance. Why not on Roosevelt Island? https://t.co/M2W5Q9LZQU
— Roosevelt Islander (@Rooseveltisland) May 3, 2020
Cornell Tech has done a community service keeping the campus oval open for Socially Distant recreation by Roosevelt Island residents. @RIOCny could learn a lesson and open Roosevelt Island ball fields for same. pic.twitter.com/fmUIPHgAEz
— Roosevelt Islander (@Rooseveltisland) May 30, 2020
The Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Board Of Directors Operations Advisory Committee will meet next Tuesday, June 2, to discuss the Roosevelt Island Coronavirus reopening plan as well as active construction projects. The meeting will be conducted via videoconference and open to the public.
I asked RIOC President Susan Rosenthal and the RIOC Directors:
Will the public be able to participate during the upcoming RIOC Board Committee meeting videoconferences as they do during in person meetingns?
RIOC Public Information Officer Terrence McCauley replied:
Public comments are not part of the agenda for either committee meeting. The public can always submit their comments for full board meetings on our website. http://rioc.ny.gov/FormCenter/Meetings-4/Speakup-43
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that a meeting of the Operations Advisory Committee of the RIOC Board of Directors will be held on Tuesday, June 2, 2020 at 5:30 p.m. via videoconference.
AGENDA:
Discussion of:
Active Construction Projects
RIOC’s Reopening Plan
Any Other Committee Business that May be Brought Before the Committee
Chair’s Motion for Executive Session to Discuss Contract Negotiations
***
Due to public health concerns and as authorized by Executive Order of the Governor, this meeting will be conducted via videoconference.
The link to a webcast will be posted on RIOC’s website by 12:00 pm on Tuesday, June 2, 2020.
Among the issues residents have raised concerning the Coronavirus re-opening of Roosevelt Island is the use of McManus and Firefighters ball fields
Great question for @RIOCny Astoria Park Field is open so people can walk around, get fresh air while maintaining social distance. Why not on Roosevelt Island? https://t.co/M2W5Q9LZQU
— Roosevelt Islander (@Rooseveltisland) May 3, 2020
Well, based upon the February 26 Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Real Estate Development Advisory Committee discussion, it appears that the deal is done and there will be Roosevelt Island Citibike sharing stations here this spring.
The location of a new Roosevelt Island Dog run took another turn during the December 4 Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Real Estate Development Advisory Committee (REDAC) December 4 meeting. RIOC President Susan Rosental reported that RIOC had listened to some community opposition
about placing the new Dog Run in Blackwell Park and decided to cancel that plan and seek a location in Southtown.
Ms Rosenthal added that the new location being sought in Southtown requires approval by the building's condo board but did not reveal the specific site. I learned later from a reliable source that the site is located behind either 415-425
or 455-465 Main Street,
between Main Street and the building's hedges.
In the event that approval is not given, RIOC will try to locate the Dog Run in the public commons area between the under construction Building 8 and Building 9,, which has not started construction yet.
Also, Ms Rosenthal told the REDAC that RIOC will start from scratch regarding renovation of Blackwell Park including a new Request For Proposals.
After listening to public feedback, RIOC staff members and our partners at Hudson-Related are reviewing alternate locations for the proposed dog run at Blackwell Park.
One space under consideration will require co-operative board approval. We are also considering relocating the dog run back to the land between Riverwalk 8 and 9 where it was originally planned. While we continue to explore locations, we also intend to continue with previously announced improvements to the plaza at Blackwell House by replacing the pavers and by making incidental improvements.
RIOC will continue to keep the community informed on our progress.
Here's the REDAC Discussion of Dog Run issue.
Ms Rosenthal noted that the current Southtown Dog Run
will remain for a few more months because Riverwalk Building 9 construction has been delayed due to developer Hudson Related not yet ready to sign the Ground Lease. RIOC believes Hudson Related will be ready to sign ground lease by April. RIOC will collect a $1 million penalty from Hudson Related for not signing ground lease by end of this year.
According to The Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC), the RIOC Real Estate Development Advisory Committee (REDAC) will meet Wednesday December 4. The following items are on the Agenda.
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that a meeting of the Real Estate Development Advisory Committee of the RIOC Board of Directors will be held on Wednesday, December 4, 2019 at 5:30 p.m. at the RIOC Operations Office, 680 Main Street, Roosevelt Island, New York.
Agenda:
Presentation regarding Memorial to Nelly Bly
Discussion of Dog Run Location
Discussion of Southtown Building 9 Closing Documents
Discussion of Transfer of Equity Interest regarding Roosevelt Landings
Any Other Committee Business That May be Brought Before the Committee
Some background on the Agenda items.
The Roosevelt Landings sale (valued at $340 Million as part of a $1.16 Billion multi apartment building portfolio sale) was approved by the RIOC Board of Directors during the October 17 Board meeting. According to this October 15, 2019 memo form RIOC President Susan Rosenthal in support of the Lease assignment, the new owner, L&M Fund Management:
... will enter into a Preservation Plan to preserve affordable housing at Roosevelt Landings, which will remain in effect throughout the remainder of the term of the Eastwood Lease. This plan will preserve 67% of Roosevelt Landings at rents ranging from 80% - 150% of AMI, with the remainder of the property at market rates. Tenants with market rate apartments at the time of closing will receive renewal leases with rent increases tied to the Rent Guideline Board increases, until these in-place tenants vacate their apartments. Section 8 and LAP (Landlord Assistance Program) tenants will remain in place....
... The Purchaser plans to perform over $25MM of capital improvements at Roosevelt Landings. These funds are financed with private capital coming from the Purchaser....
The new manager of the property will be C&C Apartment Management LLC replacing the current manager Urban American.
RIOC will receive a Transaction payment for the Roosevelt Landings lease assignment of $1,788,429.73.
Here's the discussion during October 17 RIOC Board meeting.
Representatives of the new Roosevelt Landings ownership (L&M Development) discussed the affordability plan during October 7, 2019 RIOC REDAC meeting.
Also, RIOC will be hosting a Nellie Bly Memorial Community Town Hall Meeting tomorrow December 3
According to a press release excerpt from Roosevelt Island real estate developer Hudson Related:
Related Companies and The Hudson Companies today announced the topping out of Riverwalk Park, a 100 percent affordable, 340-unit building at 460 Main Street on Roosevelt Island. Related and Hudson broke ground on the 21-story building in January. Riverwalk Park, planned as an Enterprise Green Communities Certified building, is the first newly constructed, permanently affordable housing ever developed on Roosevelt Island, is expected to be completed in 2021, bringing much needed affordable, middle-income and workforce housing to the Island and New York City....
.... The building contains 81 studios, 158 one-bedrooms, 51 two-bedrooms, and 50 three-bedrooms. The application process will launch in 2020 through Housing Connect – New York City’s housing lottery system. Depending on family and apartment size, income-level based rents will vary from a minimum of $505 a month for a studio to $3,431 for a three-bedroom....
Image Today Of Roosevelt Island Riverwalk Building 8 Under Construction
According to Mr. Kramer, construction of the 21 story Riverwalk 8 is on schedule with expected completion in 4th quarter of 2020. Currently, 1 floor is being done every 3 days and topping out is planned for July.
As previously disclosed, Riverwalk Building 8 will have a 50% community preference for the affordable housing lottery. The preference is for residents residing in Community Board 8 which includes Roosevelt Island and the Upper East Side. Efforts to have the community preference limited to Roosevelt Island residents only has so far been unsuccessful, although both Mr. Kramer and RIOC have said they would love to do it if allowed by their financing agreements.
Building 8 will also include mobility impairment and municipal employees lottery preferences.
Hudson Related will begin Building 8 marketing efforts starting this summer with a web site that will show unit types, area medium income ranges and projected rents.
In late spring/summer 2020 Hudson Related will begin local media advertising, distribute flyers and conduct informational seminars on how to apply for the affordable housing units using NYC Housing Connects. 4 months prior to the expected start of unit leasing, the Housing Connects lottery will commence. Leasing is expected to begin in December 2020/January 2021.
Building 8 will offer same services amenities as other Riverwalk building except there will be no outdoor rooftop deck....
(i) 3% of the 341 units will be reserved as Homeless Units,
(ii) 3% of the units will be reserved for very low-income families with household incomes of 40% of AMI,
(iii) 14% of the units will be reserved for families with household incomes of 50% of AMI,
(iv) 10% of the units will be reserved for families with household incomes of 80% of AMI,
(v) 20% of the units will be reserved for families with household incomes of 100% of AMI, and
(vi) 50% of the units will be reserved for families with household incomes of 130% of AMI.
This breakdown provides an even greater degree of affordability than was set forth in the Fifth Amendment.
NYC 2019 Area Medium Income (AMI) for a single person is $74,700. For a family of 2, AMI is $85,400 and for a family of 4, AMI is $106,700.
Here's video of the full RIOC Real Estate Committee discussion with Hudson Related about Riverwalk buildings 8 as well as building 9 which is scheduled to close at end of 2019 and construction to start soon thereafter. Building 9 will be a market rate rental that will include staff housing for an Upper East Side medical institution.
Below is the full Hudson Related Roosevelt Island Riverwalk building 8 press release:
Related Companies and The Hudson Companies today announced the topping out
Images from Kayla Parker
of Riverwalk Park, a 100 percent affordable, 340-unit building at 460 Main Street on Roosevelt Island.
Images from Kayla Parker
Related and Hudson broke ground on the 21-story building in January. Riverwalk Park, planned as an Enterprise Green Communities Certified building, is the first newly constructed, permanently affordable housing ever developed on Roosevelt Island, is expected to be completed in 2021, bringing much needed affordable, middle-income and workforce housing to the Island and New York City.
Images from Kayla Parker
“The realization of Riverwalk Park is the continuation of Related’s nearly half century commitment to affordable housing and a focus on creating housing opportunities for all New Yorkers,” said Bruce Beal Jr., President of Related Companies.
“We started the development of the Riverwalk neighborhood in 1997, and we’re excited to add to this wonderful neighborhood of affordable housing, rentals, condominiums and housing for non-profit institutions,” said David Kramer, President of The Hudson Companies.
“Hudson is proud to reach this major milestone for our eighth building with Related in the Riverwalk neighborhood," said Alex Kaplan, Project Manager of The Hudson Companies. "Roosevelt Island is a unique and beautiful place and now 340 more families will be able to call the area home.”
Jamar Adams, Vice President of Related Companies added, “This beautiful new building will offer critical housing to our City’s working families and continue to support Roosevelt Island’s renaissance as a vibrant diverse community.”
The $135.8 million Riverwalk Park project was funded through a $19.8 million permanent subsidy loan provided by New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development, $12.9 million in new volume cap exempt bonds provided by New York City Housing Development Corporation, and a $12.5 million loan from New York State Homes and Community Renewal under its Homes for Working Families program. Citi Community Capital served as the project's senior lender. Sixty percent of Riverwalk Park’s units will be permanently affordable, with the remaining 40 percent affordable for 40 years.
Designed by Handel Architects, Riverwalk Park will house a mix of studio, one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartment homes, and offer a full suite of amenities to its residents. The building contains 81 studios, 158 one-bedrooms, 51 two-bedrooms, and 50 three-bedrooms. The application process will launch in 2020 through Housing Connect – New York City’s housing lottery system. Depending on family and apartment size, income-level based rents will vary from a minimum of $505 a month for a studio to $3,431 for a three-bedroom.
Riverwalk Park is the eighth building developed by Related and Hudson in the Riverwalk neighborhood of Roosevelt Island. As part of the project, the development team, in partnership with Monadnock Construction, will also oversee renovation of Firefighters Field on Roosevelt Island, which includes a field relocation, the installation of park lighting, and the construction of a new neighborhood comfort station. Riverwalk Park, Firefighters Field and a comfort station are located adjacent to the recently opened Astoria Ferry Line.
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.
.jpg)
