Very Popular Roosevelt Island Good Shepherd Plaza Picnic Tables Missing, Where Did They Go Ask Worried Residents?

Last August, the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) in collaboration with Shops On Main Street Master Leaseholder Hudson Related placed picnic tables in Good Shepherd Plaza behind the Church

which proved to be very popular with residents. At the time, Paul Krikler of Island House wrote to RIOC President Shelton Haynes:

I don’t know who to thank for these. If it’s you all, then Thank You. I already saw a neighbor eating dinner with her daughters there this evening.

I think it’s a wonderful use of the space. I’d love to take my dinner outside once in a while. With my family.

I hope this is permanent...

The Good Shepherd Plaza tables are the perfect spot to crash your neighbor's picnic for some spontaneous entertainment too.

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But residents became concerned this week when the Good Shepherd Plaza picnic tables disappeared asking:

Any idea when the picnic tables located at 543 Main will returned?

pic.twitter.com/HuLHjCPKNQ

— Bhangeri (@bhangeri) June 9, 2021

Yay!

— Bhangeri (@bhangeri) June 9, 2021

It turns out the picnic tables are currently covered on the Rivercross Lawn next to the Mediation Steps 

waiting to be painted by local groups for Roosevelt Island Day. 

According to Shops On Main Street:

Last spring, Shops On Main gifted RI’s Good Shepherd Plaza six picnic tables. It's been such a pleasure to see so many islanders use them and we’re delighted to offer SoM’s restaurants and cafes more outdoor seating options. 

This year we're taking it a step further by making the tables fun, creative, and captivating by inviting six island-based organizations to turn them into artful masterpieces with a theme of ISLAND INSPIRED. Among the participating groups are the Main Street Theater & Dance Alliance, The Girl Scouts, Cornell Tech, RI Youth Center, WFF, and Island Kids. 

Each group will be provided art materials to bring these tables to life on Saturday, June 12 on Meditation Lawn. The public is invited to come out and watch. The final creations will be returned to Good Shepherd Plaza and bring ongoing connection and joy to islanders long after Roosevelt Island Day 2021.

We can all breath a sigh of relief - the Roosevelt Island Good Shepherd Plaza Picnic Tables will return. 

I'd love to see more picnic tables for outdoor seating, particularly by Blackwell House.

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Sponsored Post - Roosevelt Island Shops On Main Street Wishing You Happy Healthy Cozy Holidays - We Shopkeepers Are Thankful For The Opportunity To Know Such Friendly Islanders. Wishing You All The Best.

Roosevelt Island Shops On Main Street Wishing You Happy Healthy Cozy Holidays. 

As You Stroll Down Main Street This Holiday Season Remember That We Shopkeepers Are Thankful For The Opportunity To Know Such Friendly Islanders. Wishing You All The Best From Your Friendly Neighborhood Shops.

Roosevelt Island Main Street Theatre And Dance Alliance Expanding Childrens Programming And Space - Moving Into Main Street Retail Space Formerly Occupied By Music & Play Station

Hudson Related Shops On Main Street announced today that the Roosevelt Island Main Street Theatre & Dance Alliance (MST&DA) is taking over the space formerly occupied by the Music & Play Station. 

 According to Shops on Main Street:

We are very excited to announce that Main Street Theater and Dance Alliance (MSTDA) will be expanding to Main Street! The MSTDA programs enrich the lives of so many Roosevelt islanders starting at age 0. We are big fans of everything they do and are happy that they will be moving into 507 Main Street and are officially part of Shops on Main. We will miss Music & Play Station and wish Bridget and Owen Johnston fulfilling and prosperous adventures as they move to the West Coast. 

MST&DA adds:

Hey Roosevelt Island!!! 

Kristi and Kimbirdlee of MSTDA have some exciting news!!! Main Street Theatre & Dance Alliance is coming to Main Street!!! 

Main Street Theatre & Dance Alliance has been an integral part of the cultural fabric of Roosevelt Island for almost 40 years. We are now thrilled to expand our programming to 507 Main St! 

Our classes for toddlers and students from age 5 and under will now take place where the Music and Play Station was. 

Our aim is to be the bridge to the young children and families who loved taking classes with Owen and Bridget Johnston by offering music, drama and dance for ages 5 and under. We will continue to offer the same high quality music, theatrical and dance training as well as performing opportunities to everyone in our diverse community as we always have. Roosevelt Islanders will also have the opportunity to take private music lessons in piano, voice, violin, guitar, acting and audition preparation. Our location at 548 Main Street within the Cultural Center and the Howe Theatre will continue to operate with classes for all ages, as well. 

Over the last 3 years, MSTDA has grown and this expansion is just what we and our families need! Please stop in to say hello at 507 Main St and be sure to check out our schedule for the Winter Semester (coming out soon!). www.mstda.org 

Some classes that will be offered: 

• PLAYMAKERS PRESCHOOL DRAMA 
•  SING-A-LONG w/ J-Fad the Rad Dad 
•  PRIVATE MUSIC INSTRUCTION 
• PRE-BALLET 
• LITTLE DANCERS 
• CAPOIERA 

The Main Street Theatre & Dance Alliance strives to nourish creativity by providing high quality music, theatrical and dance training as well as performing opportunities to everyone in our diverse community. We believe that every person, child or adult, should have the opportunity to participate in the arts, regardless of cultural, socio-economic, ethnic background or age.

More info on MST&DA at their web site and  

Facebook Page.

New Outdoor Seating For Roosevelt Island Take Out Food Says RIOC, 6 Picnic Benches Placed At West Side Of Good Shepherd Plaza Yesterday - But They're Gone Today

A reader asked yesterday about picnic benches

spotted behind the Chapel in Good Shepherd Plaza:

I think the picnic tables behind Chapel at Good Shepherd Plaza are additional outdoor seating for Roosevelt Island restaurant/deli take out. @RIOCny https://t.co/HcI2GUuB4A pic.twitter.com/UrERpTFd61

— Roosevelt Islander (@Rooseveltisland) August 20, 2020

Read more »

Can Outdoor Cafe Culture Thrive On Roosevelt Island? RIOC And Hudson Related Shops On Main Street Looking To Help Local Restaurants With More Outdoor Seating While Maintaining Coronavirus Social Distancing

Great question - @Rooseveltisland is the perfect place for a really great cafe culture all the time - not just during a pandemic. Great cafes is one of the things I miss most about my hometown. If there can be thriving cafes in Astoria we should be able to perfect them here. https://t.co/CWkQz3Z1WA

— Minnehanonck (@minnehanonck) May 15, 2020

Image of Roosevelt Island Pier NYC, Summer of 2012

During the June 2 Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Operations Advisory Committee video conference meeting, I asked what will RIOC do to help Roosevelt Island restaurants and residents with social distance outdoor seating once the restaurants are allowed to open for more than take out and delivery:

Will RIOC allow restaurants to have outdoor seating in public spaces such as Good Shepherd Plaza, Blackwell Plaza, temporary outdoor seating around the perimeter of McManus and Firefighters Field for example. What is Roosevelt Island's version of NY Open Streets Plan. 

RIOC President Susan Rosenthal and Chief Finance Officer John O'Reilly replied that so far none of the restaurants have asked for anything but that RIOC will soon be meeting with Hudson Related Shops On Main Street to discuss possible plans.

Here's the full RIOC Operations Committee discussion on possible plans for Roosevelt Island restaurants once they fully reopen.



RIOC Director David Kappel noted:

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Rent Relief May Be Coming For Roosevelt Island Main Street Retail Stores From RIOC And Master Leaseholder Hudson Related But What About The Residential Tenants? RIOC Videoconference Board Meeting April 23 To Discuss Deferring Commercial Lease Payments Among Other Items On Agenda

The Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Board Directors will hold a meeting tomorrow, April 23, not in person but by videoconference due to the Coronavirus Pandemic social distancing protocols.

Image From RIOC

According to RIOC:

TO VIEW THE RIOC BOARD MEETING ON YOUR MOBILE DEVICE OR COMPUTER, CLICK HERE:

TO SUBMIT YOUR COMMENTS TO BE READ DURING THE PUBLIC SESSION OF THE BOARD MEETING:

http://rioc.ny.gov/FormCenter/Meetings-4/Speakup-43

* Please keep all comments to below 500 words.

**This is the same form that is used for registering to speak at a RIOC Board Meeting. It has been changed to accept comments from the public.

Among the items on the April 23 RIOC Board Meeting Agenda are:

• 4. Authorization to Amend the Master Sublease Agreement for Main Street Retail Space with Hudson Related Realty LLC (Board Action Required)
• 6. Authorization to Amend the License Agreement with Roosevelt Island Racquet Club Associates (Board Action Required)

What is the Main Street Retail Lease and Tennis Club License amendment about?

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What Stores Are Open For Pick Up And Food Delivery On Roosevelt Island During The Coronavirus Pandemic?

Roosevelt Island's Piccolo Trattoria Pizza restaurant had closed last week but today I spoke with owner Oscar

who reports that they will be open Tuesday - Sunday for take out and delivery only during the Coronavirus Pandemic. Order here or call (212) 753-2300

Other Roosevelt Island take out and delivery food options include:

Nisi Kitchen - (212) 752-1517

Please be aware that Nisi Kitchen is adjusting operation hours from 10am and closing at 11pm throughout the week, please stay tuned for updates! pic.twitter.com/PQlMQfRcgu

— NisiKitchen (@NisiKitchen) March 23, 2020

Read more »

Roosevelt Island Main Street Shops Go Online - Check Out Virtual Music + Play Station Kids Classes And Family Friendly Yoga & Meditation With Island Om - Sing And Relax

Shops On Main Street promotes Roosevelt Island retail stores and reports

Music + Playstation is now bringing music to Roosevelt Island online! You can find them on Facebook LIVE at the following times:

• Tuesday, 10AM
• Thursday, 10AM
• Saturday, 10AM

The fun and casual interactive classes are a great way for your kids (and you!) to add a happy new activity into your days.

Head to their Facebook page here, like and follow their page so you can stay up-to-date with these classes and more.

According to Music + Play Station:

We are going Online!

Image From Music & Play

Read more »

NYC Mayor Bill de Blasio Visits Roosevelt Island Nisi Kitchen In Support Of Local Restaurants - You Can Support Our Open Businesses Too, Nisi, Foodtown Supermarket, Island Wine, Piccolo Trattoria, Wholesome Factory Organic Market, Bread & Butter Deli And Cafe @Cornell Tech

As previously reported, NYC Mayor Bill de Blasio visited Roosevelt Island last Tuesday to view the additional hospital beds being created at Coler Hospital. Mayor de Blasio made another Roosevelt Island stop that day at Nisi Kitchen to support our local restaurants according to this tweet by Nisi owner Alex Razaghi.

We're thrilled to receive NYC Mayor Bill De Blasio at Nisi Kitchen, who stopped by to give some words of encouragement. Thank you so much for your support! pic.twitter.com/Q5tYafk3BX

— NisiKitchen (@NisiKitchen) March 24, 2020

You can support our open Roosevelt Island businesses too including:

• Nisi Kitchen - (212) 752-1517

Please be aware that Nisi Kitchen is adjusting operation hours from 10am and closing at 11pm throughout the week, please stay tuned for updates! pic.twitter.com/PQlMQfRcgu

— NisiKitchen (@NisiKitchen) March 23, 2020

• Foodtown Supermarket (212) 371-2680. Please prioritize the hours of 7am-8am on Tuesday’s and Wednesday’s for our senior citizens, immunocompromised and disabled neighbors. It will be greatly appreciated.

Read more »

Sponsored Post - Roosevelt Island Shops On Main Street Wishing You Warm, Bright & Happy Holidays

Roosevelt Island Shops On Main Street wishing you Warm, Bright, Happy Holidays.

As you stroll down Main Street this holiday season remember that we Shopkeepers are thankful for the opportunity to know such friendly Islanders. Wishing all the best.

Scenes From Roosevelt Island Shops On Main Street Block Party - Nisi Restaurant Pancake Easting Contest, Sanctuary Silent Disco, Island Om Yoga, Gallery RIVAA Art & More - A New RI Tradition Begins

Let's hope that like Roosevelt Island Day, Fall Arts Festival, Halloween Parade and Holiday Tree Lighting, a new annual tradition has been begun for Roosevelt Island - the Nisi Restaurant Pancake Eating Contest.

Start of Nisi Restaurant Pancake Eating Contest at Roosevelt Island Shops on Main Street Block Party @TheHudsonCos @craignewmark pic.twitter.com/9RNdzcrpwj

— Roosevelt Islander (@Rooseveltisland) October 5, 2019

The Nisi Pancake eating contest was part of this past Saturday's first annual Hudson Related Shops On Main Street Block Party.

Presented by Shops on Main, Main Street Block Party is the first festival of its kind on Roosevelt Island’s Main Street. The event brings together neighbors and visitors of all ages to celebrate Shops on Main through food, art, festivities and fun....

Main Street Retail Master Leaseholder Hudson Related's David Kramer describes the Shop On Main Street Block Party:

Anything we can do to throw a party, help the retailers out bring people on to the streets and sidewalks....

... It's great to see people on the streets of Main Street and hopefully it'll keep up. We have a bunch of new tenants who are working to open up their spaces we have some new tenants whether it's Pup Culture or Hotpot and so our hope is that Roosevelt  Islanders will continue to reinvest in their retail corridor.

Here's more from the Nisi Pancake Eating Contest



and interview with Nisi owner Alex Razaghi who says he would like to make it an annual event.



The winner of the first Roosevelt Island Pancake Eating contest was a young visitor from Brooklyn, Rufus Burns-Heath, who outlasted all the other competitors while working on his plate with numbers 10-12 pancakes served. Rufus received a Nisi $100 gift certificate for winning from Alex.

There were lots more activities during the Shops on Main Street Block Party.

Roosevelt Island's new event space/restaurant The Sanctuary hosted a Silent Disco on the Rivercross Lawn:

Roosevelt Island Silent Disco last Saturday during Shops on Main Street Block Party pic.twitter.com/6dis1YTzQL

— Roosevelt Islander (@Rooseveltisland) October 7, 2019

Jax Schott, owner of the not yet open Island Om Yoga Studio hosted Yoga

and Meditation sessions

Island Om meditation on East River waterfront during October 5 Roosevelt Island Shops on Main Street Block Party. pic.twitter.com/mHlJkumEnp

— Roosevelt Islander (@Rooseveltisland) October 7, 2019

with gorgeous view of the East River waterfront.

Gallery RIVAA artists were selling their work

and showing David Kramer the new Island Of Art mural on wall next door the the gallery.

Wholesome Factory showed residents how to make their own mini flower bouquets.

Roosevelt Island Shops on Main Street adds:

Doggie toys and treats at PupCulture / Tastings at Island Wine & Spirits / Mild to hot to sweet tastings at LiuKouShui Hot Pot Noodle / Arts and crafts for all ages at Gallery RIVAA / Make your own mini bouquet at Wholesome Factory / Free Nail decals + manicures with Roosevelt Nails / Free Empanadas + Lemonade at Bread + Butter / Tastings at Subway Sandwich / Musical entertainment / Face painting and much much more…

The Block Party was well done. Hope to see more events like this in future - particularly the Nisi Pancake eating contest.

Nisi Pancake Eating Contest, Island Om Yoga Demo, The Sanctuary Silent Disco & Music+Play Sing-A-Long Among Highlights Of First Ever Roosevelt Island Shops On Main Street Block Party Saturday October 5 - You're Invited

Hudson Related's Roosevelt Island Shops on Main Street is hosting it's first annual Block Party tomorrow, Saturday October 5 from 11 AM - 4 PM, rain or shine.

Presented by Shops on Main, Main Street Block Party is the first festival of its kind on Roosevelt Island’s Main Street. The event brings together neighbors and visitors of all ages to celebrate Shops on Main through food, art, festivities and fun. Each shop opens their doors to showcase their business through one-day only experiences. Main Street Block Party is a living testament to the coexisting uniqueness of Shops on Main.

The Shops On Main Street Block Party event schedule includes:

Rivercross Lawn Events

11AM - Yoga Kick-off with Island OM

12PM - Silent Disco with The Sanctuary
1PM - Sing-a-long with Music + Play Station
3PM - Closing Meditation with Island OM

Good Shepherd Plaza Events1

12PM - Music begins
1PM - Pancake eating contest outside of Nisi Kitchen

Throughout the day you won't want to miss...

Doggie toys and treats at PupCulture / Tastings at Island Wine & Spirits / Mild to hot to sweet tastings at LiuKouShui Hot Pot Noodle / Arts and crafts for all ages at Gallery RIVAA / Make your own mini bouquet at Wholesome Factory / Free Nail decals + manicures with Roosevelt Nails / Free Empanadas + Lemonade at Bread + Butter / Tastings at Subway Sandwich / Musical entertainment / Face painting and much much more…

Am looking forward to the Nisi Pancake eating contest.

Yum. We need a good pancake 🥞 place on Roosevelt Island https://t.co/U86wdO8WKZ

— Roosevelt Islander (@Rooseveltisland) September 26, 2019

On Monday, October 7, Hudson Related's David Kramer will give an update on Main Street retail spaces to the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Real Estate Development Advisory Committee. Hopefully there will be more good news of new retail openings in addition to the recent announcements about openings of The Sanctuary event space/restaurant at the former Dayspring Church and Granny Annie's Irish Pub in the former Riverwalk Bar space.