$1.2 Million Roosevelt Island Blackwell Park Paver Project Complete With Brand New Sidewalk, Plaza Water Fountain Fixed Too And Working After Many Years Of Neglect

The long time neglected and cracked Roosevelt Island Blackwell Park Plaza sidwalks are now replaced with brand new pavers and are open to the public. The broken Plaza water fountain was working today too.
 

According to a presentation by Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) President Shelton Haynes to the October 28 RIOC Board of Directors meeting, the project cost was approximately $1.2 million.

                                            Screenshot From October 28 RIOC Board Of Directors Meeting President's Report Presentation

The new sidewalk and water fountain looks good.

UPDATE 11//19 - According to RIOC:

RIOC is welcoming the holiday season with a newly renovated Blackwell Plaza, a cornerstone to R.I.’s Main Street, as it opens to the public today, Friday, November 19th.

The plaza will once again shine as a safe, accessible, and welcoming area for the community and visitors alike. The polished plaza will include safer and wider sidewalks, ADA compliant walkways, a renovated and expanded accessible outdoor group seating area, a working fountain, and an irrigation system to support the addition of 127 new shrubs and hedges in coordination with A Living Library.

Come out and enjoy this new, sound place of gathering, community, education, and memory-making.

Roosevelt Island Blackwell Park Improvement Renovations Underway, New Safer Sidewalks And Plaza Area, ADA Compatible Walkway, Upgraded Water System And Picnic Benches For Shadeless Concrete Area Outside Of Library

The Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) began work last July on the approximately $1.05 million Blackwell Park Improvement Project to:

... provide a safer sidewalk and plaza area for the community to use, it will provide an ADA compliant walkway to the ramp for the Blackwell House and an open seating area outside of the NYPL library. In addition, the existing site utilities will be upgraded, including a new RPZ...

 Earlier this month, the Blackwell Park construction area looked like this

and today

As Phase II and III progress, new and upgraded sidewalks have been added around Blackwell Plaza while work on the plaza pavers continues. Look for picnic benches to arrive and the project to wrap up later this fall. pic.twitter.com/5GWOofJpGa

— RIOC NYS (@RIOCny) September 14, 2021

According to RIOC:

On Monday, July 26th, Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation (RIOC) commenced work on the Blackwell Park Improvement Project, which will help shape a safer, more accessible, and welcoming outdoor space for the community and visitors alike.

Improvements that the project offers include ADA compliant group seating, renovated walkways and plaza pavers for safe, smooth travel, and an upgraded water distribution system.

These improvements will take place in three consecutive phases: 

Phase 1: Revamp of the open space adjacent to the Roosevelt Island branch of the New York Public Library, making way for an inviting communal area

Phase 2: Renovation of distressed sidewalks and pathways

Phase 3: Upgrades to the water distribution system and the overhaul of fractured plaza pavers

The project is expected to be completed in early fall of 2021

Some residents have expressed reservations over the concrete floor in the outdoor area with little or no shade next to the Roosevelt Island Public Library and Living Gardens green area. Also, the picnic tables for the outdoor area next to the Library shown in Phase 3 picture above do not appear to be suitable for comfortable reading while sitting.

Here's the memo in support of the Blackwell Park Improvement Project prior to the June 24 2021 RIOC Board Of Directors.

Roosevelt Island Manhattan Park Luxury Building Lobby Renovation Creating Unsafe Conditions For Pedestrian, Wheelchair And Vehicle Access To Street And Sidewalk Area - RIOC Instructs MP To Obtain RI Permit And Provide Safe Sidewalk And Street Passage

Roosevelt Island Manhattan Park luxury apartment building at 40 River Road is currently undergoing lobby renovations, similar to those previously done at 30 River Road. But, as reported by the Roosevelt Island Daily, the construction activities have created unsafe conditions for  pedestrian, wheelchair and vehicle access to the street and sidewalk area.

Images from Roosevelt Island Daily

Yesterday, a Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) spokesperson addressed the issue raised by Roosevelt Island Daily:

PSD’s Acting Chief Kevin Brown met with Manhattan Park yesterday. At his insistence, Manhattan Park will immediately construct an ADA complaint ramp and will set up additional barriers for a proper pedestrian walkway. PSD will also issue a permit once it receives a detailed scope of work, information about the duration of the project, Manhattan Park’s safety plan and hours of operation.

I asked:

Is the Manhattan Park construction shut down until they comply?

The RIOC spokesperson replied:

They’ve been allowed to continue work since they made emergency adjustments at Acting Chief Brown’s insistence. RIOC staff is meeting with them again today to get further details on the scope of work so they can determine what adjustments are required to comply with our permitting process.

In response to my inquiry yesterday asking Manhattan Park management:

Any comment from Manhattan Park regarding the construction at 40 River Road blocking pedestrian, wheelchair and vehicle access.

I understand that after receiving complaints, RIOC is instructing Manhattan Park to construct a ADA accessible ramp and proper pedestrian access to the 40 River Road construction area.

Is the construction shut down until Manhattan Park complies with RIOC's instructions?...

A Manhattan Park Spokesperson replied:

We’ve enjoyed a great working relationship with RIOC for the last 30 years and have been in close touch with them about the project at 40 River Road. The project will continue to comply with all applicable rules and regulations and we look forward to finishing construction during the fall.

... We are complying with all of RIOCs requests with regards to the construction work and sidewalks. As you know from RIOC we’ve installed a new ramp, etc.

Regarding the issue of doing work without a permit, again we’ve complied with RIOC and kept them informed since the start of this project. We have a DOB permit and will work with RIOC to acquire whatever additional permits we need to.

Today, the area around 40 River Road construction site looked like this.

The RIOC spokesperson added today:

The work that is currently going on at Manhattan Park concerns the renovation of the building’s lobby. The project will be completed in late October and the sidewalk will be completely open to the public at that time. After a meeting with RIOC staff and members of PSD, the building manager has been informed that he must apply for a permit to continue work. PSD also informed the building manager that he must post appropriate signage and allow for proper access that is ADA compliant and provides citizens with safe passage into the roadway where sidewalk access is impeded by work.

PSD and RIOC staff also informed Manhattan Park that they must order additional barricades so that the barricades start at the end of the sidewalk. RIOC has also ordered them to install additional lighting on the barricades, which should be in place today or tomorrow.

For the benefit and safety of our residents and stakeholders, RIOC has installed additional lighting to make sure the sidewalk is well lit. These lights are aimed at the sidewalk, not into the construction area and not into the homes in the area. They aim down at the sidewalk only. It is our hope that Manhattan Park will provide sufficient lighting on the sidewalk for its residents.

And:

Update: as of one minute ago, Manhattan Park filed a permit for the work. It’s going through the internal review process starting this afternoon.

Incidentally,the 30 River Road lobby renovations look terrific. Hopefully, the 40 River Road lobby will look as good.

UPDATE 7:20 PM - A resident is happy to learn of the safety improvements.

Oh my goodness, just the other night we were walking passed this (at midnight) it was pitch black and my stroller (with my sleeping toddler) got stuck and I nearly flipped over my stroller. Scary moment. It was NOT safe at all. Good
Thing it's being fixed https://t.co/K8fMk3Yk3N

— mrs (@itsElizaRo) August 14, 2019

Damaged Roosevelt Island Z Bricks Replaced On Main Street Today

Workers were replacing damaged Roosevelt Island Z Bricks

on Main Street today.

UPDATE 4/2 - According to the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC):

Pothole and Zee Brick repairs will continue on Main Street north to Lighthouse Park on Friday, 4/3/15 through Tuesday 4/7/15 from 7 AM to 7 PM, excluding Saturday and Sunday, 4/4/15 and 4/5/15. Expect delays. Traffic will be controlled by flag men

Roosevelt Island Sidewalks In Urgent Need Of Repair To Avoid Tripping Hazards After Winter Damage - RIOC Says Repairs Will Be Done

Image From Roberta Kleiman

The Roosevelt Island Residents Association (RIRA) Island Services Committee is reviewing the conditions of Roosevelt Island sidewalks.

Image From Roberta Kleiman

According to the ISC:

Condition of Roads and Paths – ISC adopted this as a new issue. There has been much damage to sidewalks and paths throughout the Island this winter. Repairs are badly needed to eliminate tripping hazards. Frank will be the Lead Person on this issue. First, he will inspect the bad places and take a photo showing the condition of the sidewalk. Then a list will be presented to RIOC with a request for rapid repair work.

Images From Roberta Kleiman

Roosevelt Island resident Roberta Kleiman reports:

I wiped out while running 3 weeks ago and severely sprained my wrist and bruised my ribs and knees. It was on the section of sidewalk between Manhattan Park and Octagon. My foot got caught in the uneven pavement, and I went flying forward (there was no ice in the vicinity). The sidewalks and perimeter of the island seem to have taken a beating this winter. I don't think repairs for them were mentioned in the 37 million recently discussed, though I've been told that perhaps this sort of repair would be covered in the maintenance budget. The RIRA Island Services Committee is currently looking into this matter.

Also, though less urgent in my opinion, there are sections of the perimeter that are in bad shape as well. There's a section near the Fire Station where I've seen several runners fall. There are sections of the pavement above the Avac path that are quite uneven and bumpy. Heading south from the Fire Station towards Southtown, there are also some bad sections. A woman I know who uses a wheelchair told me she can no longer travel on that part of the perimeter. I would also think these irregularities could pose problems for the runners in the many races held on Roosevelt Island.

I hope that the sidewalk repairs will be made as soon as possible, and that the perimeter will also be repaired soon!

Images From Roberta Kleiman

The conditions of Roosevelt Island sidewalks were discussed during yesterday's, March 9, Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Operations Advisory Committee (full audio web cast of meeting). RIOC Director Margie Smith raised the issue to RIOC President Charlene Indelicato and RIOC Engineering Director Jim Mortimer (by phone) who reported that sidewalk damage would be repaired.



One of the Starbucks Barista's was hurt from a fall on a Roosevelt Island sidewalk and I took a spill tripping on raised sidewalk by Rivercross lawn, though not hurt other than scrapes, bruises and embarrassment.

Roosevelt Island Sidewalk Replacement And Construction Of New Walkway In Front Of Rivercross Building

Construction of New Rivercross Sidewalk

The replacement of existing flagstone sidewalk and construction of new concrete walkway in front Rivercross building was continuing yesterday. According to RIOC:

Please be advised the River Cross sidewalk will be under construction on Thursday, September 3, 2009 and Friday, September 18, 2009 as RIOC's contractor will be removing the existing flagstones and pouring concrete to create a new walkway.

This will be done in stages allowing pedestrians to utilize the sidewalk. There may be one day that the walk will be closed for a few hours, where pedestrians will need to use the opposite side of the street. Signs will be posted. The construction will be from the Main Street curb in front of 503 to the existing concrete sidewalk |and west towards the mediation steps.

The professional offices of 501 Main Street will not be closed, but will be redirected to allow access to their offices during the construction.

Roosevelt Island Sidewalk Construction In Riverwalk Requires Re-Routing Of Southbound Red & NYC Bus On Way To Tram - Will It Be Temporary?

Construction of New Sidewalk on the Manhattan Side of Riverwalk Buildings

Construction of the new sidewalk on the Manhattan side of the Riverwalk buildings in Southtown began on Tuesday and is scheduled to be completed by Thursday. The construction has required the re-routing of the Southbound Red & NYC Bus to loop around the Queens side of Southtown on the way to the Tram instead of it's normal Manhattan side route.

Red Bus Stop In Front Of Riverwalk Bar & Grill

During this construction both the NYC and Roosevelt Island Red Bus will stop in front of the Riverwalk Bar & Grill and passengers walk thru the Riverwalk Commons on the way to the F subway station.

Red Bus Passengers walking thru Riverwalk Commons To Roosevelt Island Subway Station

Passengers exiting the Roosevelt Island subway station are directed by signage to the NYC Bus heading towards Goldwater Hospital.

Sign For Bus To Goldwater Hospital

In the past, RIOC has considered making this temporary construction necessitated route permanent with the Southbound buses using the Queens side Main Street Loop and the Northbound buses the Manhattan Main Street loop.

Is that a good idea? Any thoughts? It certainly would be a benefit to the Riverwalk Bar & Grill having so many people walk past their doors at all hours of the day and night but will it be better for bus passengers and traffic patterns than the current route.

Roosevelt Island Sidewalk Construction Advisory For Riverwalk and Rivercross Areas

Riverwalk Sidewalk To Be Replaced

RIOC has issued the following advisories regarding sidewalk construction on the Manhattan side of Southtown and sidewalk replacement by the Rivercross Building to Meditation Steps.

Sidewalk Construction Advisory

Please be advised construction of the new sidewalk on the west side of Southtown Buildings 4, 5 and 6 will take place on Tuesday, September 1st through Wednesday, September 3rd (weather permitting). The west side drive from the tram to the subway connecting to Main Street will be a one way north bound traffic lane only. Pedestrians walking from the tram to the subway or vise versa on the West Drive will not be able to use the existing sidewalk, but one lane will be used as a pedestrian walk for those two days.

A temporary bus stop for buses heading South for the Subway will be on the Main Street sidewalk of Building 4 (425 Main) (Riverwalk Bar & Grill Express). Signs will be posted.

MTA Buses dropping off at the tram and then heading to Goldwater Hospital will let passengers out after the traffic circle next to the tram trailers. RIOC buses dropping off or picking up at the tram heading back or to the Subway will let passengers off at the corner of the Tram Rd. & West Drive Southwest corner of Building 6, 405 Main opposite side of the Tram. Signs will be posted.

And:

Please be advised the River Cross sidewalk will be under construction on Thursday, September 3, 2009 and Friday, September 18, 2009 as RIOC's contractor will be removing the existing flagstones and pouring concrete to create a new walkway. This will be done in stages allowing pedestrians to utilize the sidewalk. There may be one day that the walk will be closed for a few hours, where pedestrians will need to use the opposite side of the street. Signs will be posted. The construction will be from the Main Street curb in front of 503 to the existing concrete sidewalk and west towards the mediation steps. The professional offices of 501 Main Street will not be closed, but will be redirected to allow access to their offices during the construction.

Rivercross Sidewalk That Will Be Replaced

At least one person is not happy with the Rivercross sidewalk replacement and writes:

If we've got the money let's spend whether it makes sense or not --
that's the mentality of the tram and now it's spilling over into other things. I've heard they're going to rip up the concrete slabs east and west of the meditation lawn and replace them with standard sidewalk cement. The reasoning is that some of the existing slabs are cracked.

A quick count shows only about 10%. Why are we replacing the entire number when only 10% require replacement. Also, when the existing slabs leave they'll take with them another unique personality element of the island. Isn't anybody watching out for this stuff?

Here is the Rivercross Concrete Sidewalk Request For Proposal and subsequent addendums.

Sidewalk Installed at Blackwell Turnaround

Work has been completed decreasing the size of the Blackwell Turnaround allowing vehicles more and safer room to maneuver as well adding a paved pedestrian sidewalk with ramp to the area. It is now much easier to cross the street. Good job by Keith Guerra and the Public Safety Department in fixing this potentially dangerous crossing point.