RIVAA Gallery shares
some highlights from their February 8 Roosevelt Island Black History Month
exhibition opening reception honoring unlauded Black inventors. According to
RIVAA Gallery Instagram post:
It was a fabulous opening ... night of “The Lives That Matter, The Lives We
Live” for Black History Month featuring local black artists filled with music
and an artist talk....
The Roosevelt Island Residents Association (RIRA) Common Council was once was a very active and influential organization representing the Roosevelt Island community but in recent years has been mired in personal animosities, irrelevancy and lack of strong resident participation.
Frank Farance is a long time RIRA member, as well as a former and current RIRA President. Mr Farance is trying to revitalize RIRA as an effective Roosevelt Island advocacy organization and is seeking candidates to run in the upcoming election. I spoke with Mr Farance at last Saturday's Good Shepherd Plaza Farmers Market.
Mr Farance reports:
RIRA is a 501(c)(4) not-for-profit Island-wide organization, formed in 1977 to exclusively represent the interests of Residents to New York State - back then Urban Development Corporation, since 1984 Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation (RIOC) - because Roosevelt Island is leased from the City to New York State. Many things unique to our community aren't directly addressed by our Community Board, our City Councilmember, our State Senator, our State Assemblymember. Examples include:
Early on it was Garbage collection. We have the AVAC (still brilliant), yet as NYC residents, we are entitled to garbage collection. Our garbage departs in containers, not garbage trucks. Up until a decade ago, regularly, RIRA had to advocate for AVAC pickup in the City's budget.
For the first two decades, it was the State Legislature that needed to approve our RIOC budget - we went to Albany to advocate.
The Tram - our icon - is unique and has required RIRA's advocacy to avoid tram shutdown and reduced schedules - things, presently, we still advocate for the Residents.
RIRA has fought for (and litigated) our open spaces/parks - no more residential buildings on the Island - unlike Manhattan where every nook and cranny is filled with sliver buildings.
RIRA has fought for Resident Representation (a majority) on the RIOC Board, which helps inform RIOC's decision-making and operation, we advocated for agreement with Governor/Legislature.
After the brutal treatment by PSD in 2013, we fought for community policing and reinvented PSD with the leadership of Jack McManus - thanks to PSD, our community is the safest in NYC.
Over decades, we have fought for the improvement of air quality in our community.
We discovered carcinogens in RIOC's public water fountains and had them shut immediately.
We fought for the protection of our Island's wildlife.
We fought for improvements to 911 system => better emergency response to Roosevelt Island.
We made recommendations to RIOC on public purpose funding for community organizations.
We advised on bike/traffic/roadway/promenade safety - like those new blinking stop signs.
We were able to get COVID masks and tests for the community during COVID pandemic.
We have supported and provided monthly community emergency presentations since COVID.
We supported efforts, including Eastwood/Roosevelt Landings, on improper submetering.
We supported efforts on fair pricing for Manhattan Park pool for Section 8 tenants.
We supported affordable housing in its many forms.
For decades, we provide the community breakfast on Roosevelt Island Day.
We advocated for cleanup/better organization of the merchant waste, especially in Southtown.
We advocated for better parking, better administration of Motorgate (the waitlist has gone down).
And there are hundreds of smaller topics that RIRA has advocated for over the decades.
These are all major accomplishments you can see and feel - directly in our community. Although every resident is a member of RIRA, we would love for you to come join RIRA Common Council. If you are unable to join now, but discover you want to participate later, there is a process to become new member (with the recommendation and support of an existing Common Council member) during the 2-year term.
2024 RIRA Elections
Every two years, the even years, we hold an election for our Common Council, which is our Board of Directors. To assure geographic diversity, roughly each building complex is one district, and there is representation at the district level, but your work, your opinions, and your efforts are all Island-wide. The President and Vice-President positions are elected and Island-wide. We were unable to hold elections in 2020 due to COVID, and in 2022 due to a lack of personnel.
Expectations
Being a Common Council member means committing some time to RIRA, typically an hour-long monthly meeting (first Wednesday of the month at 8 PM), and then approximately 1-2 hours of committee work. Each Common Council member must join at least one committee. We have the following committees: Communication Committee; Government Relations Committee; Housing Committee; Island Services Committee; Legal Action Committee; Planning Committee; Public Safety Committee; Social, Cultural and Educational Services Committee; Youth Committee; Community Emergency Committee.
The officers President and Vice President typically require ~20 hours/week. The officers Secretary and Treasurer (elected from within the Common Council) typically require ~5-10 hours/week. Committee Chairs typically require ~10-20 hours/month.
Nominations
We are holding elections this year. The first step is to nominate yourself. The nominations forms are at https://tinyurl.com/RIRA2024NOMFORM and please complete the form and drop it off at the Island House Doorstation at 555 Main St (RIRA Nominations Envelope) by Noon October 24, 2024. You will be called to confirm we have received your nomination, so please include your phone number. If you have questions, contact frank@farance.com for info, put RIRA in the Subject: line.
Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney joined with Roosevelt Island Residents Association (RIRA) President Rossana Ceruzzi, long time and soon to retire Roosevelt Island pediatrician Dr Kathy Grimm and a group of about 20 concerned residents
to explore plans to bring a comprehensive health care facility to Roosevelt Island during a Saturday, June 11 morning meeting at Cornell Tech.
I had a great town hall meeting this morning with Roosevelt Island residents talking about the healthcare needs and access for Island residents.
Healthcare inequity is something that affects NYers every single day & I’m here to find solutions. pic.twitter.com/Y4STFYnrOZ
Following the meeting, Dr Grimm took Congresswoman Maloney on a tour of
the medical offices she currently shares with Dr Jack Resnick at 520 Main Street. That office
is hoped to be the future home of a new Roosevelt Island comprehensive
medical facility.
I spoke with Ms Maloney and Doctor Grimm after the office tour which included the room where an X-Ray machine was left by the Urgent Care company that vacated the premises several years ago. According to Ms Maloney:
I'm here with Dr Katherin Grimm who has served this community for many
years. She regretfully is going to cut her hours back and we need
another medical facility here on the Island.
We just had a meeting
with community leaders. We have come up with a plan. We are going to
approach RIOC to see if they will buy into it and support it.
We
are conducting a survey of the residents of the Island. If they would
use this facility if a world-class medical establishment came in.
Medical care is needed on the Island not only for Covid shots and treatment but for pediatrics and for all types of care.
I hope I'll be able to work with community to achieve this goal
During the meeting at Cornell Tech, RIRA President Rossana Ceruzzi told the group she has spoken with Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) President Shelton Haynes about the proposed new medical facility for 520 Main Street. Ms Ceruzzi requested RIOC and Hudson Related (the Main Street Retail Master Leaseholder) provide some incentives such as free rent for a period of time to a new medical practice as an inducement to open on Roosevelt Island. Ms Ceruzzi said Mr Haynes indicated he was open to the idea and is willing to explore it further.
Ms Maloney and Ms Ceruzzi hope to attract a first class medical provider such as Weill Cornell Medicine, NYU Langone or Northwell to a new Roosevelt Island facility.
On Roosevelt Islander Instagram page, I asked if Roosevelt Island residents need and support a local health care facility. Responses included:
We will miss you Dr. Grimm. We definitely need a pediatrician and family Doctor.
We need urgent care office with an option to have a rapid PCR tests to be done. And general physician office if possible.
Yes, we need local health care to Ri
Yes, please!!!!!!
I hope they do quickly
Yes!!! We need a multi specialty care practice and urgent care facility years ago!!!
Need a pediatrician
Roosevelt Island resident Christina Delfico adds:
Supporting the health of people and planet is vital. Local access to pediatric care sets children up for a bright future. As the doctor of the only Roosevelt Island pediatric office retires, please don’t let that close the door on services for our community - help us keep care local to serve the population now and into the future. Roosevelt Island needs healthcare access locally.
Stay tuned for an upcoming survey that will be distributed to the Roosevelt Island community about your health care needs.
ATTN Roosevelt Islanders: This Saturday at 10am, I will be hosting a community meeting about the health care needs of Roosevelt Islanders, and I want to hear from YOU.
On June 11, Roosevelt Island Day, Congresswoman Maloney and Roosevelt Island
Residents Association (RIRA) President Rossana Ceruzzi discussed effort to
bring a health care facility to Roosevelt Island.
Congresswoman Maloney says she needs to hear from the community and the
Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) that a health care facility is wanted
and needed.
Ms Ceruzzi thanked Congresswoman Maloney for offering to help pursue a health care facility for Roosevelt Island and said she was sure the community would support such a project.
A community meeting is being held 10 AM Saturday June 18 at Cornell Tech Cafe
to discuss. Residents are encouraged to attend and express their opinions on
the issue.
What do you think? Do you support the idea of a local Roosevelt Island community health facility?
Unleashed Dogs Running On Roosevelt Island Ball Fields Results In Complaints
From Parents, Other Residents And Tickets From RIOC PSD Enforcing Dog Ban On
Fields - Owners Say No Safe Place For Their Dogs And Start Petition For Off
Leash Hours And New Dog Run
Roosevelt Island Operating Corp
(RIOC) President Shelton Haynes reported to the May 19 RIOC Board Of Directors
meeting
(full video of meeting here)
that in the next 3 to 4 weeks the North Dog Run near the Octagon building will
be upgraded and that longer term plans include a Dog Run in Lighthouse
Park.
Also, Mr Haynes announced a Southtown "temporary" dog run to be developed in the
area next to the Ferry Dock landing under the Queensboro Bridge and appeared
to say it would be ready in about a month.
Mr Haynes added that a more permanent solution for a Southtown Dog Run will be
located in the area between the Hudson Related Riverwalk Building 8 and
Building 9 when construction of Building 9 is completed. It is anticipated
that Building 9 construction will begin in the next few months.
However, it is possible that the "Temporary" Dog Run, if successful, will
become permanent.
But, today RIOC Tweeted the Temporary Dog run near the Ferry Dock will open in the Fall:
The existing southern dog run will be ready for public usage late next week. This dog run will be open to the public until the fall as the construction for Southtown Building 9 is set to begin. Once that work commences, the temporary dog run near the ferry will be open. pic.twitter.com/1KPct9wRWI
During Mr Haynes discussion of plans for Roosevelt Island dog runs, RIOC
Director Michael Shinozaki urged Roosevelt Island building owners to take
more responsibility by providing space for their resident's dogs since the
building ownership suggested Roosevelt Island was a 'dog friendly" place as an
inducement for new owners and residents.
Here is the dog discussion during Mr Haynes' President's Report.
Roosevelt Island Residents Association (RIRA) President Rossana Ceruzzi and
RIRA Island Services Committee Chair Raul Cavazos-Binder have
been working to find a solution
and compromise among community members holding a variety of viewpoints on the
subject of Dog Runs and off leash running.
According to Ms Ceruzzi:
It took significant effort of RIRA working closely with RIOC’s President
Haynes and finally, the dog park is well on its way to being built. Soon dog
parents will enjoy the outdoors with their four-legged friends thanks to a
brand-new dog park that will be a great addition to RI.
It has been longer than expected in the making due to the pandemic, but it
is now on the way. Amenities will include water fountains for humans and
doggies, especially for the summer when dogs can get easily overheated and
so everyone will stay hydrated, dog-waste bag dispensers, dedicated trash
receptacles and much more.
Also, general park rules/etiquette will be in place including owners picking
up after their dogs, dogs being licensed and vaccinated for rabies, bringing
no more than two dogs per household into the park, not allowing female dogs
in heat inside the park, limiting the small dog area of the park to canines
under 30 pounds
Dr. Jennifer Heinen is a Roosevelt Island resident and dog owner who
organized a petition drive
for a new Southtown Dog Run and Off Leash hours for dogs on Firefighters
Field. Dr. Heinen reports:
During the RIOC Board Meeting on the evening of 5/19, Shelton Haynes (RIOC
CEO) announced a plan for the area between the ferry entrance and the bridge
to be used as a temporary dog run; this area currently contains debris,
concrete slabs, and rocks.
While this could be a potential solution, I have significant concerns about
the ability to make this space safe for our pets (he provided no details on
the approach to this). RIOC's lack of transparency and lack of input from
the dog community are worrying.
I propose that a dog-owning representative be present in every meeting
regarding these issues, and an exact plan of renovation for that spot be
publicly provided for comment. I fear that resources that are not deemed
safe and reasonable by dog owners will not be utilized; this could result in
continued rising tensions among community members until an approach approved
by the dog community is adopted.
We also require additional information about long-term plans for a new
state-of-the-art dog run for South Town, for which funding has already been
provided by Related. Transparency is a matter of respect for all Roosevelt
Island citizens, and I hope to have more of it from RIOC in the future.
Dr. Heinen described the hazardous conditions at Southtown Dog Run in a letter
read by RIOC General Counsel Gretchen Robinson during the May 19 RIOC Board
Meeting Public Session.
Earlier today, RIOC workers were laying new soil and repairing the current
Southtown Dog Run
Here's the site for new Southtown "temporary" next to ferry dock beneath the
Queensboro Bridge.
The RIRA Isand Services Committee will be meeting tomorrow, May 25 at 6:30 PM
via Zoom to discuss this issue more.You're invited to attend.
Here's the Zoom link. https://us06web.zoom.us/j/89630683903
UPDATE 9:10 PM - The RIRA Public Safety Committee discussed the issue of unleashed dogs with RIOC Public Safety Department Chief Kevin Brown and Deputy Chief Anthony Amoroso during meeting this evening.
Here's the discussion.
UDPATE 5/25:
Tipster spotted NYPD K9 unit running unleashed today on Rivercross Lawn.
Roosevelt Island does not allow unleashed dogs for safety of kids, adults and other dogs.Some dog owners complain and organize petition drive to allow off leash hours. Tipster spotted NYPD K-9 unit with unleashed dog running today on Rivercross Lawn. https://t.co/816VLi747Qpic.twitter.com/e80jM7wrPl
— Roosevelt Islander (@Rooseveltisland) May 25, 2022
The Roosevelt Island Residents Association (RIRA) and
ICare Medical Supply
are offering free Covid 19 PCR Saliva Tests at Gallery RIVAA (527 Main Street)
Monday March 14 thru Friday March 18 from 10 AM to 4 PM. First Come,
First Serve.
As demonstrated by Roosevelt Island Disabled Association President Wendy Hersh, just spit in the tube
there is no swab stuck up your nose.
According to NYC Health Department, the most recent 7 Day Covid Testing Data from March 6 - March 12 for
Roosevelt Island (Zip Code 10044 ) shows 344 people tested and 4 new Positive
Cases for a rate of 1.16%.
ICYMI: Our new #COVID19 alert levels can help you understand what precautions to take based on the spread of the virus in NYC. Currently there is lower community spread of the virus.
Vaccinated people who get #COVID19 are less likely to report lasting symptoms and health problems (known as "long COVID") compared to unvaccinated people. Protect yourself from "long COVID" by staying up to date with your vaccines: https://t.co/paiKZT1o2Hpic.twitter.com/5VpWt5lcHf
The Roosevelt Island Residents Association (RIRA) will be offering free Covid 19 PCR Tests at the Roosevelt Island Carter Burden Senior Center (546 Main Street) starting Monday, February 21 thru Saturday February 26 from 10 AM 5 PM weekdays and 10 AM - 2 PM Saturday.
RIRA President Rossana Ceruzzi reports that RIRA has obtained 6 thousand Covid 19 PCR tests and is looking for storefront space to continue testing in March.
According to NYC Health Department, the most recent 7 Day Covid Testing Data from February 9 - 15 for
Roosevelt Island (Zip Code 10044 ) shows 461 people tested and 8 new Positive
Cases for a rate of 1.74%.
You can order free at home Covid tests by mail too.
The good news is that you can now order at home tests for free through the
@USPS!
I am still looking into the reports of error messages for some folks,
but most people have been able to get their orders in here:https://t.co/0uka5cziML
According to NYC Health Department, the most recent 7 Day Covid Testing Data from January 16 - January 22 for
Roosevelt Island (Zip Code 10044 ) shows 578 people tested and 49 new Positive
Cases for a rate of 8.48%.
These statistics show a continuing decrease in positive covid tests from
previous weeks.
As previously reported:
... the 7 Day Covid Testing Data from December 31 - January 6 for Roosevelt
Island (Zip Code 10044 ) shows 843 people tested and 181 new Positive Cases
for a rate of 21.47%....
... the 7 Day Covid Testing Data from
December 27 - January 2
for Roosevelt Island (Zip Code 10044 ) shows 610 people tested and 188 new
Positive Cases for a rate of 30.82.%.
... the 7 Day Covid Testing Data from
December 26 - January 1
for Roosevelt Island (Zip Code 10044 ) shows 580 people tested and 171 new
Positive Cases for a rate of 29.48.%....
There were 13 people hospitalized from Roosevelt Island zip code 10044 with
Covid 19 for the 28 day period from December 15 - January 11 for a rate of
111.4 per 100 thousand people.
There have been 11 people hospitalized from Roosevelt Island zip code 10044
with Covid 19 for the 28 day period from November 30 -December 27 for a rate
of 94.2 per 100 thousand people.
Also, according to
NYC Health Department
10,783 (92.38%) Roosevelt Island residents have received at least one Covid 19
vaccine dose and 9,562 (81.92%) residents are full vaccinated.
Here's a very interesting discussion.
I joined
@NY1's
@errollouis
to talk about Omicron in NYC, what this pandemic taught us about preparing
for the next one and the role politicians must play in supporting public
health.
We went deep on a few things and this one is definitely
worth a listen!https://t.co/SWQu93dIGj
250 at home COVID 19 tests with K95 face masks were distributed to Roosevelt Island residents today by NYC Council Member @julmenin @senatorserrano and Roosevelt Island Residents Association. pic.twitter.com/csv41BMLJD
playing at the
University of Louisville and attributes much of her success to Roosevelt Island NY toughness. She even
has a tattoo on her leg showing Blackwell Park where she started playing hoops
on Roosevelt Island.
Emily Engstler of Louisville may be the best defender in the country!! Stats
prove it. She explains why her New York toughness has helped her become who
her coach calls “the best we have had since
@angel_35 “
@UofLWBB@em__ballerpic.twitter.com/jBJD7dPuWy
RIRA’s Children, Youth & Education Committee, in its commitment to
improve the lives of our youth, is starting an initiative to promote our
island’s youth and young adults' success stories. A group of students will
research candidates and interview them with depth and detail. Their stories
will be published in the Roosevelt Islander Blog Post. For this interview,
Dylan Marfey researched the successes of Emily Engstler who was born in
Queens and then moved to Roosevelt Island when she was 7 years old. She was
active on the island with many of its youth programs, including baseball and
then found her passion in Basketball with the support of her family, peers,
and the community.
I always take to heart Gibran Khalil Gibran’s quote: Keep me away from the
wisdom which does not cry, the philosophy which does not laugh and the
greatness which does not bow before children.
If you have any success stories you would like us to include in this
initiative, please email Adib Mansour at
RIRAdib@earthlink.net
Here's Emily Engster playing at Roosevelt Island Blackwell Park basketball
court.
5-Star Syracuse commit Emily Engstler is the NYC basketball star you don’t
know pic.twitter.com/qXCb5zEfLx
Roosevelt Island Residents Association (RIRA) President Rossana Ceruzzi, Vice
President Erin Feely-Nahem and Common Council Member Frank Farance were
handing out copies of a new RIRA communications initiative - a printed
newsletter - during last Saturday's Roosevelt Island Day.
According to Ms Feely-Nahem, the purpose of the newsletter is to:
... update the community to some of the work RIRA committee's are doing and upcoming information, meetings, special events, etc.
Mr Farance adds:
We (Rossana, Erin, and I) gave away all our copies on Roosevelt Island Day. We're going to try to do this on a semi regular basis, the newsletter was well-received by both residents and politicians/candidates. Enjoy!
The Roosevelt Island Resident Association’s (RIRA) Public Safety Committee (PSC) is hosting a virtual Zoom Conversation with
Roosevelt Island Public Safety
Director Chief Kevin Brown tonight, March 16th, 2021 at 7:00pm.
According to RIRA PSC Chair Erin Feeley-Nahem:
Please join us for an update from Chief Brown on what the Public Safety
Department (PSD) is doing to ensure the community’s safety during these
unprecedented times. Your ideas, and concerns, will be acknowledged and
discussed during the open dialogue with Chief Brown, scheduled following the
presentations.
the Public Safety Committee (PSC) asks for your thoughts on
this project, and on the proposed redirection
of bike traffic, away from Main Street, and on to the East Promenade. The
area directly behind Roosevelt Landings is considered by many Roosevelt
Landing tenants to be part of their “back yard” and is utilized as a place
to gather, for children to play, or to walk their dogs. As it is also
utilized by runners and bicyclists some feel its mix use creates unsafe
conditions now.
Our thoughts voiced, can provide RIOC and the PSD with the opportunity to
reassess the “clarity of purpose” for this project, with consideration of
your needs, so the continuing development plans ensure the safety of all
individuals and families who utilize this area.
Roosevelt Island Residents Association (RIRA) Nominations Committee Chair Adib Mansour reported October 21:
... Earlier this month, the RIRA Common Council unanimously
decided that RIRA 2020 election be rescheduled to 2022, as a result of
COVID-19 and exceptional and unprecedented circumstances, presenting
life-threatening risks and complex logistical constraints that do not allow
for a fair and transparent RIRA election to proceed.
Consequently,
the outgoing Common Council members will remain seated through the upcoming
term Nov. 2020 - Nov. 2022. Nevertheless, a RIRA nomination campaign has been
launched to invite and encourage Roosevelt Island residents to join RIRA, as a
majority of RIRA Common Council seats (34) are currently vacant. Interested
residents will be voted in by the current Common Council members on November
4th....
On November 4, current RIRA Island Services Committee Chair Rossana Ceruzzi was selected as President and Public Safety Committee chair Erin Feely-Nahem was selected Vice President.
According to Ms Ceruzzi:
RIRA focus will continue to be on the relevant, critical issues of the community including supporting local businesses and increasing opportunities to engage our youth.
RIRA is a relentless advocate for Roosevelt Island and will always fight to preserve our quality of life and strive to make our community safe for everyone.”
As we are in the process of forming the new committees, including the communications committee, and appointing the respective Chairs, ad interim, every communication with RIRA will be only directed to President and VP.
I would like to add that one of our priorities will be improving and increase RIRA’s communications/updates with our local media.
And Ms Feely-Nahem:
Thankfully this year Adib Mansour volunteered to Chair the nomination committee. He did an amazing job, with very little help, and managed to bring in 11+ recruits, all skilled, and excited to fill a majority of the vacant seats that existed on the semi-dormant Common Council.The energy, and enthusiasm displayed by the candidates was contagious, and following introductions and discussion, purpose returned, and excitement in the possibility of a “new” Common Council was obvious. Alongside the old board members who remained, new candidates were seated and all voted to elect the new Officers for the 2020-2022 term.
For me this past term taught me the importance of having an active Vice President. I accepted the challenge and ran for Office. Elected, in this capacity I am very excited to work with Rossana Ceruzzi in her role as President. I am confident that with the election of new RIRA officers, which includes Bafode Drame as Treasurer, the Common Council will be able to rebuild trust within the community. In time I believe we will once again become the voice utilized for the betterment of the Island, as determined by the Residents’ needs. I look forward to serving as an “interim” VP, until such time as a safe election can be held, and the position filled by an Island wide vote.
I hope that we can create a Common Council that residents will once again use as a resource for getting things done that they feel will benefit our community. Our goals will be determined by the needs of the community.
RIRA Island House Common Council Member Frank Farance adds:
I'm very happy with the new elections, officers, and Common Council.
The new members introduced themselves and we have new volunteers with interesting and helpful expertise. One thing that this community will appreciate is that our new leadership - Rossana and Erin - are active and accomplished community activists who stand up for the needs of our community.
This is in contrast to the past half-dozen years where RIRA might be described as the "Cherry Blossom Residents Association" - a RIRA leadership focused upon activities that residents can only participate if they sign non-disclosure agreements - really!
During that time, other committees such as the Island Services, Public Safety, and Public Purpose Fund committees focused upon individual good works but lacked the advocacy of the RIRA President and RIRA Vice President. In short, we're back to actually representing residents' interests to RIOC, the City, and other entities, we're back to a transparent organization, and that is consistent with RIRA's core mission for the past four decades.
After the October 2019 RIRA meeting, a group of Common Council members, including Ms Ceruzzi, Ms Nahem, Mr Mansour and Mr. Farance, walked out of the meeting and expressed great concern over the future of RIRA as an organizaton due to what they believed was a lack of transparency and internal dissension.
Here's what they said.
Now the Rebels are in charge of RIRA - let's see what they can do.
Roosevelt Island Residents Association (RIRA) Interim President David
Lawson and Nominations Committee Chair Adib Mansour report:
Dear Roosevelt Island residents,
I hope you are keeping well
in these difficult times.
We are a few days away from the US
general election! Traditionally, this is also the time for the election to the Common Council of the Roosevelt Island Resident Association (RIRA). The purpose of the RIRA, is to represent the interests of the island
residents to all governmental, governmental-related and private institutions:
that develop policy affecting Roosevelt Island and its residents;
that
supervise or manage our housing and that supervise or manage other Island
operations;
as well as to ensure that the health, safety and welfare of its
members and the quality of life in our community are maintained and improved.
This is an important entity, as it is the only elected body on the Island
formally entrusted by the community to defend its interests.
Earlier this month, the RIRA Common Council unanimously
decided that RIRA 2020 election be rescheduled to 2022, as a result of
COVID-19 and exceptional and unprecedented circumstances, presenting
life-threatening risks and complex logistical constraints that do not allow
for a fair and transparent RIRA election to proceed.
Consequently,
the outgoing Common Council members will remain seated through the upcoming
term Nov. 2020 - Nov. 2022. Nevertheless, a RIRA nomination campaign has been
launched to invite and encourage Roosevelt Island residents to join RIRA, as a
majority of RIRA Common Council seats (34) are currently vacant. Interested
residents will be voted in by the current Common Council members on November
4th. In the absence of the usual RIRA election, once new Common Council
members are voted-in and seated with the current ones, the President and
Vice-President will exceptionally be elected among and by Common Council
members, like the other officers (Secretary and Treasurer).
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.
