Former Roosevelt Island Operating Corp President Susan Rosenthal Wins Discovery Motion In Wrongful Termination Lawsuit Ordering RIOC To Hand Over Info About Her Firing And Safety Hazards Of RI Steam Tunnels, Files 2nd Lawsuit Too - RIOC Board Meeting In Executive Session Today To Discuss Pending Litigation

The Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) announced yesterday:

Please take notice that an emergency meeting of the RIOC Board of Directors will be held on Tuesday, May 18th, 2021 at 5:30 P.M., via videoconference.

According to the May 18 RIOC Emergency Board Meeting Agenda, the sole item to be discussed is pending litigation. This discussion will be conducted in Executive Session, closed to the public.

Although not confirmed, it is likely that the pending litigation to be discussed at today's emergency RIOC Board meeting is the wrongful termination lawsuit brought by former RIOC President Susan  Rosenthal

against RIOC, members of NY State Governor Andrew Cuomo's executive staff and individual members of the RIOC Board of Directors.

As reported October 23, 2020:

‎According to this June 20 statement from Rich Azzopardi, Senior advisor to NY Governor Andrew Cuomo:

A complaint was made to the Governor’s office and others on June 12th by an employee of the Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation that alleged that the President of the organization had u‎sed inappropriate language and engaged in inappropriate conduct in the workplace.

This complaint was immediately referred to the New York State Governor’s Office of Employee Relations for investigation. This investigation substantiated that the President had used racially and sexually offensive language, in clear violation of State policy and the strict standards set by this Administration. The President was Immediately terminated.

The specific allegations made by the employee are contained in an email shown at this prior post)

Ms Rosenthal has remained silent until now.  On October 19 Ms.Rosenthal filed a lawsuit in NY State Supreme Court alleging wrongful termination. According to the lawsuit (Page 1-2):

... Rosenthal, until her abrupt and improper termination on June 19, 2020, was the President of the Roosevelt  Island Operating Corporation ("RIOC", or "Respondent"). A long time, fierce advocate for civil rights and, more recently, a supporter of the Black Lives Matter movement Rosenthal, a white female, brought an increased level of racial diversity to RIOC over her more than five year tenure as President. It is thus both ironic and tragic that Respondents blindly accepted the malicious, false and baseless allegations of racism and using sexist language from a known malcontent employee (the "Employee"). 

Rushing to announce their decision to terminate Petitioner on Juneteenth, Respondents conducted a brief, sham investigation which ignored irrefutable evidence that the allegations were nonsense. Had the Respondents conducted a good faith investigation, they would have quickly come to that conclusion. Instead, not only did Respondents terminate Rosenthal in violation of their own internal policies, but they did so with a public announcement which had the anticipated effect of besmirching a more than 45 year long exemplary career. 

In short, in order to obtain some cheap publicity on Juneteenth, they arbitrarily, maliciously and in violation of law threw Rosenthal under the proverbial bus. By this special proceeding, Rosenthal seeks reinstatement, back pay, attorneys' fees and damages. 

Also (Page 9):

... When she was hired in 2015, Rosenthal was warned by RIOC management of a 'cabal,' which included Employee, which targeted management and sought to oust them from RIOC. Roosenthal was told to be careful because of their propensity. Again further proving the axiom that no good deed goes unpunished, Rosenthal even supported the promotion and increased pay Employee enjoyed....

On May 14, 2021 Ms Rosenthal won a significant victory when her discovery motion seeking information which RIOC objected to providing was granted by the NY State Supreme Court. According to the Court decision, RIOC is ordered to produce to Ms Rosenthal (the Petitioner):

... 1. Copies of all recordings of Petitioner; 

2. Notes of any interviews with persons complaining about Petitioner; 

3. Drafts of the June 19, 2020 press release, and any communications relating to such press release; 

4. Communications concerning the decision to terminate Petitioner; 

5. Communications, including but not limited to emails, memos and status reports, from Petitioner or other RIOC employees, to government officials, concerning or referring to the steam tunnel on Roosevelt Island, and any documents reflecting the government’s reaction to those communications; and 

6. Communications, including but not limited to emails, memos and status reports, from Petitioner or other RIOC employees, to government officials, concerning or referring to the public health and safety hazards regarding the steam tunnel on Roosevelt Island, including but not limited to the reports from the United States Army Corps of Engineers and Langan Engineering and Environmental Services, Inc., and any documents reflecting the government’s reaction to those communications....

Below is copy of the May 14 decision.

Will RIOC, the Governor's staff and RIOC Directors decide to settle with Ms Rosenthal rather than produce what could be damaging information about the reasons for her firing last June 19?

Also, on April 27, 2021 Ms Rosenthal filed another lawsuit in NY State Supreme Court against RIOC, members of the Governor's Staff and members of the RIOC Board of Directors.

According to excerpts for the lawsuit:

... 2. Rosenthal, until her abrupt and improper termination on June 19, 2020, was the President and Chief Executive Officer of RIOC. Despite her exemplary record as a promoter of a diverse and equitable workplace over her more than five year tenure as President and Chief Executive Officer, Rosenthal was the subject of a malicious, false and baseless complaint of racism and use of sexist language on June 12, 2020 from a known malcontent employee (the “Employee”). The Albany Defendants immediately commenced an investigation which quickly showed that the allegations against Rosenthal were unfounded. 

3. That did not deter the Albany Defendants. The Governor’s Office was already motivated to “get” Rosenthal because she had repeatedly complained about a potentially catastrophic safety situation on Roosevelt Island. Rosenthal refused to accept the Governor’s Office’s determination to just sweep the problem under the rug and wrote and had delivered a detailed memo highlighting the issue. As a result of Rosenthal’s repeated demands upon the Governor’s Office to take action on this issue, it was only then that the Albany Defendants decided to make the complaints against Rosenthal a basis for her termination. During the investigation of the unfounded complaint, the Albany Defendants purported to learn of audio tapes which supposedly contained the voice of Plaintiff making racist and sexually harassing statements. The Albany Defendants told Rosenthal of the supposed existence of the tapes but refused to allow her the opportunity to listen to them, a refusal which continues to this day. 

4. It now appears that none of the Defendants ever actually had possession of the tapes. They refuse to disclose who created the tapes, how and when they were prepared, on what type of device, all of the voices which were on the tapes, or any other identifying information. None of the Defendants made any effort to authenticate the tapes. Moreover, given the restrictions in place during the Covid-19 pandemic, it is likely that whatever it was that certain of Defendants claimed to have listened to was heard over a telephone or internet connection. 

5. Rosenthal denied that she had ever used the language as attributed to her. Instead of taking the time to conduct a fair and thorough investigation, or to even allow Rosenthal to listen to the audio tapes, the Albany Defendants rushed to announce their decision to terminate Rosenthal on “Juneteenth,” a date celebrating the end of slavery in America. Not only did Defendants terminate Rosenthal in violation of their own internal policies, but they did so with a public announcement which had the anticipated and intended effect of besmirching a more than 45 yearlong exemplary career.

6. Rosenthal’s termination violated federal, city and state law, including: 

a. Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, New York State Human Rights Law and New York City Human Rights Law in that Rosenthal was treated differently because she is a Caucasian female; and

b. New York State Labor Law §740 in that Rosenthal’s termination was retaliation for complaining about a safety hazard on Roosevelt Island that an engineering report stated could have a “catastrophic” consequence. 

Below is copy of Ms Rosenthal's April 27, 2021 complaint filed in the NY Supreme Court.

RIOC has declined offers to comment on this matter.

Here's Ms Rosenthal speaking during the the February 8 2020 Roosevelt Island Black History Month Celebration at Gallery RIVAA.

Stay tuned.

Former Roosevelt Island Operating Corp President Susan Rosenthal Files Lawsuit Against RIOC For Wrongful Termination - Says Allegations Of Racism And Sexist Language Are Malicious, False And Baseless Made By Member Of Long Time Cabal Of RIOC Employees

Reported last June 20 of former Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) President Susan Rosenthal's 

firing at the direction of NY State Governor Andrew Cuomo carried out by the RIOC Board of Directors based upon certain allegations against Ms Rosenthal made by an employee.

‎According to this June 20 statement from Rich Azzopardi, Senior advisor to NY Governor Andrew Cuomo:

A complaint was made to the Governor’s office and others on June 12th by an employee of the Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation that alleged that the President of the organization had u‎sed inappropriate language and engaged in inappropriate conduct in the workplace.

This complaint was immediately referred to the New York State Governor’s Office of Employee Relations for investigation. This investigation substantiated that the President had used racially and sexually offensive language, in clear violation of State policy and the strict standards set by this Administration. The President was Immediately terminated.

The specific allegations made by the employee are contained in an email shown at this prior post)

Ms Rosenthal has remained silent until now. On October 19 Mr Rosenthal filed a lawsuit in NY State Supreme Court alleging wrongful termination. According to the lawsuit (Page 1-2):

... Rosenthal, until her abrupt and improper termination on June 19, 2020, was the President of the Roosevelt  Island Operating Corporation ("RIOC", or "Respondent"). A long time, fierce advocate for civil rights and, more recently, a supporter of the Black Lives Matter movement Rosenthal, a white female, brought an increased level of racial diversity to RIOC over her more than five year tenure as President. It is thus both ironic and tragic that Respondents blindly accepted the malicious, false and baseless allegations of racism and using sexist language from a known malcontent employee (the "Employee"). 

Rushing to announce their decision to terminate Petitioner on Juneteenth, Respondents conducted a brief, sham investigation which ignored irrefutable evidence that the allegations were nonsense. Had the Respondents conducted a good faith investigation, they would have quickly come to that conclusion. Instead, not only did Respondents terminate Rosenthal in violation of their own internal policies, but they did so with a public announcement which had the anticipated effect of besmirching a more than 45 year long exemplary career. 

In short, in order to obtain some cheap publicity on Juneteenth, they arbitrarily, maliciously and in violation of law threw Rosenthal under the proverbial bus. By this special proceeding, Rosenthal seeks reinstatement, back pay, attorneys' fees and damages. 

Also (Page 9):

... When she was hired in 2015, Rosenthal was warned by RIOC management of a 'cabal,' which included Employee, which targeted management and sought to oust them from RIOC. Roosenthal was told to be careful because of their propensity. Again further proving the axiom that no good deed goes unpunished, Rosenthal even supported the promotion and increased pay Employee enjoyed....

Here's a copy of the lawsuit.

and Ms Rosenthal speaking during the 2020 Roosevelt Island Black History Month Celebration at Gallery RIVAA.

Stay tuned. This is a developing story.   

Assorted Ideas, Large And Small from David Stone published a report on the Rosenthal lawsuit earlier today.

UPDATE On RIOC President Firing By NY Governor Cuomo After Complaint By Employee For Use Of Racial And Sexually Inappropriate Language In Workplace - Read What Was Said And Take A Look At Painting

Reported last Friday, that former Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) President Susan Rosenthal

 Screenshot From You Tube Video of Ms Rosenthal At June 4 RIOC Board Meeting

was fired by NY Governor Andrew Cuomo. According to this statement received June 20 from Rich Azzopardi, Senior advisor to NY Governor Andrew Cuomo:

A complaint was made to the Governor’s office and others on June 12th by an employee of the Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation that alleged that the President of the organization had u‎sed inappropriate language and engaged in inappropriate conduct in the workplace.

This complaint was immediately referred to the New York State Governor’s Office of Employee Relations for investigation. This investigation substantiated that the President had used racially and sexually offensive language, in clear violation of State policy and the strict standards set by this Administration. The President was Immediately terminated.

The firing of Ms Rosenthal was leaked to the NY Post which published the story late Friday night, June 19.

I've been looking into what happened. Yesterday, I asked newly appointed Acting RIOC President/CEO Shelton Haynes and the RIOC Board of Directors:

Was the RIOC Board involved in the 1 week investigation and decision to fire Ms Rosenthal? Did the RIOC Board agree with decision by Governor Cuomo to fire Ms Rosenthal?

Who will be in charge of RIOC until a new President is appointed? Will RIOC Board conduct the search process for new RIOC President or will that be done by the Governor?

Will any current or planned RIOC project or policy be changed due to the firing?

What was the language used that caused the firing? I understand a painting in Ms Rosenthal's office was part of the allegation - is that true? Has the RIOC employee who made complaint made similar complaint against former RIOC President or any other RIOC staffer?

Any other comment from RIOC or the RIOC Board to the Roosevelt Island community?

To date, no answer to these questions other than announcement yesterday that Shelton Haynes has been appointed by the RIOC Board as Acting President/CEO. The RIOC Board met last Friday in Executive Session without prior public notice to approve Mr Haynes, currently Chief Operating Officer, as Acting RIOC President/CEO. At the time of the Friday RIOC Board meeting, Ms Rosenthal was already fired by Governor Cuomo. The RIOC Board had no involvement in firing Ms Rosenthal.

But, I have learned more about the allegations that led to Ms Rosenthal's dismissal as RIOC President.

Below is a June 12 email sent from a RIOC employee to a long list of elected officials, RIOC Board Members, RIOC Staff, Community Board 8 members, Governor's Staff and others describing the alleged speech and conduct by Ms Rosenthal that got her fired by Governor Cuomo.

Here's the email from RIOC employee:

Read more »

NY Post Reports Roosevelt Island Operating Corp President Fired For Racially And Sexually Offensive Language After Complaint Made By RIOC Employee To Governor's Office

This evening, I asked Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Public Information Officer Terrence McCauley:

Has there been any change in Susan Rosenthal’s status as RIOC President?

Have not received any response from Mr McCauley but received this statement from Ms Rosenthal:

Please be advised that all communications regarding RIOC matters should be directed to Shelton Haynes, shelton.haynes@rioc.ny.gov.

The NY Post reported a few hours later:

Roosevelt Island Operating Corp. head fired over 'racially and sexually offensive' remarks https://t.co/pliNM82cc9 pic.twitter.com/NVZmjnu0Qu

— New York Post (@nypost) June 20, 2020

Stay tuned for more.

UPDATE 6/20 - Statement from Rich Azzopardi, Senior advisor to NY Governor Andrew Cuomo:

A complaint was made to the Governor’s office and others on June 12th by an employee of the Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation that alleged that the President of the organization had u‎sed inappropriate language and engaged in inappropriate conduct in the workplace.

This complaint was immediately referred to the New York State Governor’s Office of Employee Relations for investigation. This investigation substantiated that the President had used racially and sexually offensive language, in clear violation of State policy and the strict standards set by this Administration. The President was Immediately terminated.

UPDATE 6/21 - Roosevelt Island NY State Assembly Member Rebecca Seawright comments on firing of Ms.Rosenthal:

The top priority must be to ensure the continuity of operations and services for the residents of Roosevelt Island during these most challenging times. We will look to the new leadership of the Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation for such assurances plus regular and transparent communication going forward.

UPDATE 2:15 PM - Roosevelt Island real estate developer (Southtown Riverwalk Buildings and Shops On Main Street) David Kramer of Hudson Related adds:

Read more »

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

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

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

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

Roosevelt Island Sports Fields Closed Since March 22 Coronavirus Lockdown Will Open As Soon As Authorized By Governor Cuomo Says RIOC President - RIOC Says Capobianco And Pony Fields Were Open For Walking And Exercise During The Lockdown, Did You Know That?

When will the Roosevelt Island ball fields, closed since March 22 due to the Coronavirus Lockdown,

be open is a question being asked by many residents.

Do you have plans to open the fields back up? Having this space available would make it easier to social distance while outside on @Rooseveltisland.

— さよな🦁 (@HenryWolfAI) June 10, 2020

As previously reported, the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) issued this March 22 advisory announcing the closing of the ball fields:

As of now, all permitted spaces, including McManus Field and Firefighters Field, will be closed until further notice. This precautionary measure is being taken as part of the Governor’s order for all New Yorkers to avoid risking exposure to the coronavirus (COVID-19). Residents are encouraged to frequent the other public areas, such as the eastern and western promenades that circle the island as well as Lighthouse Park, Southpoint Park and Four Freedoms State Park. We encourage our residents to remain at least six feet apart from each other at all times.

Prior to the start of June 4 RIOC Board of Directors meeting, RIOC President Susan Rosenthal addressed this question from a resident about the opening of Roosevelt Island ball fields:

When will the Sports fields and tennis courts open up? We have children desperate for space to play on the Island. Asphalt Green in Manhattan has been open during the day for weeks.

Ms Rosenthal answered:

As soon as the Governor authorizes the State Parks to open sports fields, we will be opening them as well....

There are fields that are open, its just the permitted fields that are closed. Pony Field is open, Capobianco is open, it's the two permitted fields that are closed....

We are acting in accordance with instructions from NY State Parks....

 I asked RIOC today:

During June 4 RIOC Board meeting discussion of opening Roosevelt Island ball fields, Susan Rosenthal said that Pony Field and Capobianco Field were open during the Pandemic. See 3.55 minute mark of video.

I do not think they were open. There was yellow tape surrounding both fields during this time.

Was Capobianco and Pony Fields supposed to be open during this time or was Susan incorrect when she stated they were open?

RIOC Public Information Officer Terrence McCauley replied:

Read more »

Show Support For Return Of Roosevelt Island Food Scrap Composting - Local Advocates Urge Residents To Take Action And Tell NYC Council Member Ben Kallos You Support Purchase Of Compost Machine For Roosevelt Island

As reported last week:

Roosevelt Islanders were very happy with the return of our Saturday Farmers Market to Good Shepherd Plaza last week. But, many were disappointed that the Roosevelt Island Grow NYC Food Scrap Drop Off Collection Bin

did not return as well due to NYC Coronavirus Budget cuts. According to the NYC Department of Sanitation:

In the face of economic hardship, and to ensure the City can continue to devote resources to essential safety, health, and shelter, and food security needs, the New York City Department of Sanitation announced the suspension of the curbside composting program, beginning May 4, 2020. During the suspension, any food scraps and yard waste set out for composting will be collected as trash. The suspension is currently planned through June 30, 2021...

and:

Efforts are being made to bring food scrap composting back to Roosevelt Island and you can help...

According to Roosevelt Island's NYC Council Member Ben Kallos:

At a time when composting has been put on the back burner by the City due to budget constraints resulting from Covid-19. I think Roosevelt Island has an opportunity to become a bastion for composting and an example of a community that's always doing the right things for the environment. Since this year's Participatory Budgeting cycle was canceled I would like to see even more support from Roosevelt Islanders for this initiative. There has to be a groundswell of support for such a project. Anyone who is interested in supporting of the composting machine should email my office at BKallos@benkallos.com

Roosevelt Island resident and iDig2Learn Founder Christina Delfico reports:

Just before the virus hit, Roosevelt Island was primed and ready to get a composting system to supplement ongoing efforts. The Island actually won a single island ballot item - Composting for Roosevelt Island - on the 2020 Participatory Budget ballot just before that program was cancelled. However, the City Budget will be decided June 1st and Roosevelt Islanders can still get a composting machine here to supplement ongoing efforts.

Roosevelt Islanders have already diverted over 133,000 pounds of food scraps from landfill. This machine helps expedite processing food scraps into compost and will supplement our local composting efforts, now more than ever, we need this. 

Roosevelt Island Can Still Have Food Scrap Composting - Act Now!

Call to Action for Tuesday, May 26th to Friday, May 29th - Roosevelt Islanders please take a moment to write to City Council Member Ben Kallos to thank him for supporting composting on Roosevelt Island and ask him to fund a Composter for Roosevelt Island.

Write to: BKallos@benkallos.com

In addition to writing to City Council Member Kallos, Islanders can fill out this RI Compost interest form created to build up a compost collective on Roosevelt Island.

Read more »

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

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

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

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



and more on Roosevelt Island Coronavirus efforts.

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

— Roosevelt Islander (@Rooseveltisland) March 7, 2020

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

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

Images from RIOC

Read more »

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

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

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



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

According to RIOC Public Information Officer Terrence McCauley:

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

And Ms Rosenthal adds:

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

Ghosts, Ghouls And All Costumed Creatures Invited to Annual Roosevelt Island Halloween Parade & Extravaganza Saturday October 26 - And Yes Parade Will March Down Main Street Says RIOC

Are all of you Roosevelt Island Ghosts, Ghouls and costumed creatures ready for one of the Best Roosevelt Island events of the year?



This Saturday, October 26,  is the annual Roosevelt Island Family Halloween Parade & Extravaganza. According to the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC)

Halloween Parade and Extravaganza

The Halloween Parade and Extravaganza will be held this Saturday, October 26th! Parade participants will gather at 11:00 AM at Capobianco Field (across from 595 Main St) and proceed down Main Street to Sportspark for the Extravaganza.

No Parking on Sections of Main Street

• In front of or opposite 501 to 645 Main St from Friday, 10/25/19 at 11:00 PM through Saturday, 10/26/19 at 1:00 PM
• At the rear of 405 to 475 Main St from Friday, 10/25/19 at 11:00 PM through Saturday, 10/26/19 at 1:00 PM
• In front of or opposite 250 to 281 Main St from Friday, 10/25/19 at 11:00 PM through Saturday, 10/26/19 at 6:00 PM

Traffic Changes on Main Street

Traffic will be stopped from 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM, between Capobianco Field on Main Street and West Road, for the parade.

Parade Information

11:00 AM - Parade organizes at Capobianco Field. (Wristbands will be given out to all participants in the park).

11:30 AM - Parade kick-off, led by PSD. The Parade will head south on Main Street, passing the business district, proceeding to the Blackwell turnaround. Once at Blackwell, the parade will continue south on West Road, passing the subway, ending at Sportspark.

12:00 PM - Enter Sportspark. Attendees wishing to park strollers will be directed to a designated area outside the building.

12:00 PM to 3:00 PM- If you can’t make the Halloween parade, feel free to join us at Sportspark for the Extravaganza!

Thank you to Westview, Island House, Manhattan Park, Verizon, Cornell Café, Island Kids, Main Street Theatre & Dance Alliance, R.I. Branch NY Public Library, and the R.I. Seniors Association for their generous contributions to the event!

For more information on the Halloween Extravaganza, see the poster below.

The preparations for this year's Roosevelt Island Halloween Parade got off to a rocky start after rumors were circulated that the Parade was being cancelled. Fortunately that turned out not to be true.

But, RIOC moved the Extravaganza portion of the celebration inside to the Sportspark Facility and initially changed the parade route which would have bypassed Main Street's WIRE buildings corridor.

After a community outcry and with the urging of RIOC Director David Kraut, the Halloween Parade was restored to it's traditional Main Street Route though marching south from Capobianco Field to Sportspark instead of past years going north from Blackwell House to Capobianco Field.

During the October 17 RIOC Board of Directors meeting, RIOC President Susan Rosenthal acknowledged making a mistake in changing the traditional Roosevelt Island Family Halloween Parade route away from the Main Street WIRE Buildings corridor.  According to Ms Rosenthal;

I screwed up. We're human and we heard the interest of the community in wanting to continue the tradition of the parade marching down the business section of Main Street so we are going to do that.

Good job by RIOC listening to the Roosevelt Island community and making the correction.

Have a great time at the Roosevelt Island Halloween Parade & Extravaganza!!!

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

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

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

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

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

As reported August 30:

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

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

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



Ms Rosenthal's President Report also included:

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

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



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

Roosevelt Island Citibike Update, RIOC Meets Last Week With Bike Sharing Company To Discuss Possibilities - Citibike Will Do Analysis To Determine Best Docking Station Locations, But For Whom?

An update on Citibike

coming to Roosevelt Island. As reported last July 17, Mayor Bill deBlasio announced a major expansion of Citibike into more NYC neighborhoods, including all of Manhattan, but there was no mention of Roosevelt Island docking stations. On July 19, I asked NYC Department of Transportation (DOT):

The Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) told me that Citi Bike is requiring RIOC to pay for any Roosevelt Island Citi Bike Docking stations. Is that accurate?

If it is true, why is Citi Bike not paying for Roosevelt Island docking stations as it does for all other neighborhoods? How much money is RIOC being asked to pay for installation of docks?

Are there any other neighborhoods that are required to pay for the docks? if yes, which ones?

When do you anticipate Citi Bike coming to Roosevelt Island?

The DOT replied:

To clarify, Roosevelt Island is included in the expansion and due to the deal with Lyft to expand Citi Bike, Roosevelt Island Operating Corp is not obligated to pay for docking stations.

and RIOC President Susan Rosenthal added:

I’m very happy to hear about this change in the Citi Bike program. My staff and I look forward to discussing the idea of bringing Citi Bike to Roosevelt Island with NYC DOT in the near future.

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

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

I asked RIOC and Council Member Kallos:

... what factors are going into the analysis.

For instance, if emphasis is to place the docks where residents are more likely to use them will lead to a different outcome than placing them where tourists are more likely to use them.

If placed for tourist use, what will that do to crowding on Main Street and waterfront promenades?

Also, if placed for tourists, how will that impact Tram overcrowding.

There's alot of issues involved in where the Citibike docks are located.

Council Member Kallos replied:

I've been working with the Roosevelt Island Residents Association since 2012, before I was elected to bring CitiBike to Roosevelt Island and this is a promise that along with all others, I intend to keep.

We called attention to the fact that initial and additional rollout in Community Board 8 Manhattan somehow omitted a huge portion on Roosevelt Island. We've met with CitiBike, DOT, and RIOC multiple times over the years.

After initial requests for more than a million in subsidies we have found a way to move forward without cost to tax payers. Under the leadership of RIOC President Susan Rosenthal we continue to move forward on bringing on CitiBike to Roosevelt Island.

Here are closest current Citibike docking stations to Roosevelt Island in Long Island City and Astoria.

Image From Citi Bike

More info on the long journey to bring Citibike to Roosevelt Island at this prior post.

Stay tuned for more updates.

Mayor deBlasio Announces Lyft Investing $100 Million For Citi Bike Sharing System 5 Year Expansion Plan To More NYC Neighborhoods - But Roosevelt Island Not Included Without Docking Station Funding From RIOC

.@NYCMayor de Blasio Administration Announces Details of Major @CitiBikeNYC Expansion

City releases boundaries of Citi Bike’s next expansion, which will double the current service area by 35 square miles and triple the number of bikes to 40,000https://t.co/xiHTLNw1xW pic.twitter.com/bqWuJcLhgn

— City of New York (@nycgov) July 16, 2019

According to this excerpt from July 16 Press Release from NYC Mayor Bill deBlasio's office:

The de Blasio Administration joined Lyft to today announce the boundaries of the planned expansion of Citi Bike over the next five years, which will bring the nation's largest bike share system to a larger and more economically diverse range of communities. Last November, the City and Lyft announced an agreement in which Lyft would invest $100 million to grow and strengthen the system, doubling the size of its service area and tripling the number of bikes over the next five years. The third phase of Citi Bike's expansion will bring Citi Bike to all of Manhattan, as well as into the Bronx, and deeper into Brooklyn and Queens....

Except the Citi Bike expansion does not include all of Manhattan - Roosevelt Island is left out of the Citi Bike sharing system.

Yesterday, I asked Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) President Susan Rosenthal:

Mayor deBlasio today announced a major expansion of Citibike but no mention of Roosevelt Island.

What is status of Citibike service to Roosevelt Island?

Ms Rosenthal replied:

We met with them and unlike the earlier business model, they now charge for the stations. I reached out to Hudson Related and Cornell to kick in some $$$ ... we need to follow-up.

When asked who is expected to pay for Roosevelt Island being part of the Citi Bike system, Ms Rosenthal said:

We do.

Meaning, unlike every other NYC neighborhood, Roosevelt Island alone is expected to pay for Citi Bike docking stations located on Roosevelt Island.

Why is that? Again, I asked Ms Rosenthal:

... Does this have anything to do with Roosevelt Island being State land? If yes, doesn't Battery Park City have docking stations? Who pays for that?

Ms Rosenthal replied:

Yes but I don’t know when the economic model changed nor do I know about Battery Park’s agreement.

According to Streetsblog:

... Citi Bike is that rarest of forms of mass transit: It gets no public subsidy. In fact, the Lyft-owned Citi Bike pays the city for the parking spaces its docks occupy...

Except that RIOC is expected to pay for Roosevelt Island docking stations.

Roosevelt Island's NYC Council Member Ben Kallos has been a long time supporter of bringing Citi Bike to Roosevelt Island.

Yesterday, I asked Mr. Kallos:

Any idea what status is of Citibike service to Roosevelt Island?

Even if no Citibike on Roosevelt Island, would it be possible to get Citibike Dock on Roosevelt Island Bridge next to Motorgate and include it in the Long Island City allocation.

Mr. Kallos replied:

Citi bike will be an excellent addition to Roosevelt Island's transportation options, allowing Islanders to easily move about the Island, to connect to the ferry, and to bike over the Red Bridge into Queens.

My office has been working with RIOC, DOT, and Citi bike's parent company Lyft to bring Citi bike to Roosevelt Island despite challenges posed by geography which makes it difficult to keep docks supplied with bikes on the island.

We will continue to push for the necessary players to come together and do their part to make this happen so Roosevelt Islanders can tap into the Citi bike network.

Roosevelt Island has been asking for bike sharing stations as far back as this 2010  demo and in 2014 was the neighborhood with most requests for bike sharing.

In 2017, Citi Bike sharing came to Astoria/Long Island City

Image From Citi Bike

which are the nearest locations to Roosevelt Island.

UPDATE 7/19, 1:45 PM - On July 18, I asked the NYC Department of Transportation (DOT):

... The Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) told me that Citi Bike is requiring RIOC to pay for any Roosevelt Island Citi Bike Docking stations. Is that accurate?

If it is true, why is Citi Bike not paying for Roosevelt Island docking stations as it does for all other neighborhoods? How much money is RIOC being asked to pay for installation of docks?

Are there any other neighborhoods that are required to pay for the docks? if yes, which ones?

When do you anticipate Citi Bike coming to Roosevelt Island?

A DOT spokesperson replied today:

To clarify, Roosevelt Island is included in the expansion and due to the deal with Lyft to expand Citi Bike, Roosevelt Island Operating Corp is not obligated to pay for docking stations.

No mention of when Roosevelt Island will be included in the expansion. I followed up asking when that would happen. Will update when more info received.

UPDATE 7/19, 2:30 PM - RIOC President Susan Rosenthal adds:

I’m very happy to hear about this change in the Citi Bike program. My staff and I look forward to discussing the idea of bringing Citi Bike to Roosevelt Island with NYC DOT in the near future.

Hey Susan, RIOC President Rosenthal Answers Roosevelt Island Residents Questions On Power Plant Noise, Bus Shelters, Benches And Public WiFi At Tram Stations

Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) President Susan Rosenthal answers your questions in the July 17 installment of Hey Susan feature.

Hey, Susan! Do you have any information on the curious “zack zack zack” noise which appears to come from the power station, even in the middle of the night. There have been other inquiries on the Roosevelt Island blog so it’s possible you have already looked into this. Is there something you can do about this alarming and heart-pounding noise which sometimes even sounds like gunfire? Your help would be much appreciated.

Susan: Several people have investigated the noise complaint and the power station believes the noise is coming from a faulty compressor that is scheduled to be repaired by the end of this week. Good news!


Hey, Susan! What about more bus shelters around the Island, especially at the F Train and at the Youth Center?

Susan: We have built as many bus shelters as we can around the Island. Unfortunately, some locations simply can’t facilitate a bus shelter, or structure of any kind, due to clearance issues in confined spaces. One of those places is outside the Youth Center. There simply isn’t enough space in that location to build a structure that would provide any kind of shelter for our residents while they wait for the bus. We have looked at a variety of options of shelters, but none work for that particular area.

The bus stop at the F train is just as problematic. It’s already a cramped area for pedestrians and cars, so building a shelter at that location may cause a dangerous situation. For now, people use the overhang at the subway station and the lobby of the subway station itself as shelter during inclement weather.


Hey, Susan! What about more benches and Wi-Fi at both Tram Stations?

Susan: Both tram terminals are confined spaces that don’t really allow for additional seating. The loading area between the two cars gets very crowded while people wait for the tram. Placing benches in that area would make crowding even worse and create hazards for riders. Anyone looking for a seat before the tram arrives on the Roosevelt Island side can sit on the benches around the terminal area.

The congestion problem is even worse on the Manhattan side. Placing additional benches near the loading and unloading areas would also make for a dangerous situation. More seating will be available when the park reopens after the tram elevator construction is completed.

Our staff is reaching out to the MTA and LinkNYC to see if it might be possible for us to have Wi-Fi at both tram stations. It may be easier for us to utilize an existing network than to install one of our own.

More on the power plant noise from this previous post.

Roosevelt Island Community Report From RIOC President Susan Rosenthal - Chief McManus Retiring, Aftermath Of Cherry Blossom Festival Transportation Mess, Figment NYC June 1-2 Event Is Test Of Ability To Handle Large Crowd Events, No July 4 Fireworks Celebration, Bike Lane/Ramp, FDR Hope Memorial Status, RIOC Director David Kraut 25 Year Anniversary & More

Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) President Susan Rosenthal reported to the May 9 RIOC Board of Directors meeting on the following subjects.

• Cherry Blossom Festival Transportation Mess - plans for handling crowds expected for the June 1-2 Figment NYC event.  Developing safety procedures with NYC Emergency Management, NYPD, FDNY, & MTA. Figment NYC will be a test case to determine if Roosevelt Island can manage large crowd events. May 23 Roosevelt Island Town Hall Meeting on large crowd events.
• Macy's July 4 Fireworks Celebration barges will be south of Brooklyn Bridge. No view from Roosevelt Island so no event planned here.
• Proceeding with $ 5 million Bike Lane for East Side of Roosevelt Island. Bike Ramp proposal submitted to NYC Department of Transportation.
• Roosevelt Island Youth Center Renovation begins next week.
• Motorgate Repairs beginning in June, 15-16 month project
• Electric car charging stations being installed at Motorgate Garage
• Tram elevator redesign approved by MTA and Buildings Dep't,  waiting for contractor to obtain necessary permits. Been assured permits would be received before end of summer and construction will take 18 months.
• FDR Hope Memorial bogged down in NYC bureaucracy.
• PSD Chief Jack McManus is retiring for health reason but will remain consulting for RIOC on Roosevelt Island Public Safety issues. There will be a party for Chief McManus on June 26 at Good Shepherd Chapel. Everybody is invited (See More Here). 
• RIOC Director David Kraut thanked for his 25 years of service to Roosevelt Island community.

Here's the full Roosevelt Island community report from RIOC President Susan Rosenthal.

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

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

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

Here's Ms Rosenthal's complete community report.

Hey Susan - RIOC President Susan Rosenthal Answers Roosevelt Island Residents Questions On Dog Run Site Selection Safety, Tram Station Elevator, Motorgate Electric Car Charging Stations, Seawall Replacement, Sportspark Locker Rooms & More

Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) President Susan Rosenthal answers your questions in this fifth installment of Hey Susan feature.

HEY SUSAN!

An occasional column of questions and answers to and from RIOC President and CEO Susan Rosenthal

HEY SUSAN!

I have a few concerns. There was considerable talk that the dog park would be moved to the area just south of 480 Main Street and adjacent to the sprinklers and playground. This area is already congested in the summer with considerable foot, bike, and RIOC vehicle traffic. Has there been a decision where the permanent home will be for the dog park and if 480 is that location, can you please reconsider?

Also, what is the hold up on the new tram station elevator? There has not been any progress for months on that site and the old elevator is breaking down more than ever. Is there a reason why they have not been working on it?

Lastly, the construction on the new Southtown building blocking the side walk is a traffic accident waiting to happen. The residents of 480 are forced to cross the street without a crosswalk and the view from both directions is limited for drivers and pedestrians. This paired with area driveways results in a lot of cars turning and people walking with no crosswalk. Can RIOC address this?


SUSAN: We chose the dog park location based upon the locations of other dog parks throughout NYC’s parks. The issues you raise can be handled with fencing, gate locations, and landscaping. Also, by locating the run there, we will have more open common space for all residents when Riverwalk buildings 8 and 9 are completed. Hudson-Related has shared some of their recreational ideas for that open space and it will be a great addition to the island. We have reviewed the issues you raised about the dog run with PSD (our Chief and Deputy have extraordinary experience in security and safety from their NYPD days) and they are confident that this location will not cause any unmanageable concerns.

Regarding the Manhattan Tram elevator, the construction drawings had to be revised because soil borings demonstrated a need to change the pile foundation design to support the structure. RIOC hired additional engineers to assist in the necessary modifications, which have been completed. We are now awaiting NYC Department of Buildings’ and NY Transit Authority approval, as well as the NYC Parks permit in order to proceed.

PSD was made aware of sidewalk safety issues around the new Southtown building construction and added signage for the protection of our pedestrians.


HEY SUSAN!

Any thoughts to providing charging stations for electric/hybrid cars in Motorgate? Electric cars are the future. Can you help by providing a means to help clean the air on Roosevelt Island?

SUSAN: Yes, we are doing more than thinking about charging stations! After the completion of the waterproofing project at Motorgate Garage, (we expect the project to be approved by the Board in April), we have plans for charging stations, new striping, and new signage. The current plan is for four charging stations, with the possibility of expanding to six.

HEY SUSAN!

Hopefully this $8.7 Million sea wall initiative has taken into consideration the rapidly rising sea level that came very close to taking RI out during storm Sandy?

SUSAN: The project you are referring to is for new seawall railings around the entire island. The seawall railing contractor has been repairing concrete damage on the face and topside of the seawall as they work northward. We also have a FEMA grant which is being used to repair an existing part of the seawall made of stone that was damaged in hurricane Irene.

We are in the midst of a seawall replacement project which will completely transform and beautify the east and west shorelines of Southpoint Park. The existing concrete retaining wall will be replaced by a “rip rap” revetment – basically, a sloping berm of armor stones that serve a similar purpose as a retaining wall, but is more cost effective to install and maintain, while allowing better access to the water. Along with the revetment, the project will remove the scrub brush along the existing seawall and replace it with professionally landscaped paths and seating for island residents and visitors. Once the scrub is removed in these areas, the views will be excellent and this area will become much more attractive as a destination for residents, especially in the warmer months.

We are continuing to evaluate the rest of the existing seawall to determine where replacement with a durable revetment is needed.

HEY SUSAN!

The men's locker room at the Sportspark pool has fallen into a state of disrepair. Issues include: handicap-access showerhead malfunctioning, one of the urinals malfunctioning, and the swimsuit-drying machine not working. This is on top of the chronic issues of: warped, dusty and rusting lockers, soap dispensers frequently empty, and a lack of anti-slip matting that make the wet floors a daily hazard for little wet feet. Thank you so much for your team's attention to this. I understand that a complete overhaul of the facility (while long overdue) would be a large investment. But routine plumbing repairs, some anti-slip mats, and closer attention to things like soap & paper towels would cost little and go a long way.

SUSAN: Thank you for reaching out regarding the locker rooms at Sportspark. We have a significant project addressing the bathrooms, locker rooms, HVAC system, and much more, which we intend to bring to the Board on March 7th in order to move forward with construction/design drawings.

We will address the other points you have raised with our maintenance staff. Thank you for bringing them to our attention.

Do you have a question you’d like to have answered by RIOC President & CEO Susan Rosenthal? Send it to the subject HEY SUSAN! at information@rioc.ny.gov. Want to report a problem? Send us feedback at rioc.ny.gov/Requesttracker.aspx.

Hey Susan, RIOC President Susan Rosenthal Answers Questions From Roosevelt Island Residents On Octagon BBQ Area Fencing, Unsafe Seawall Netting, Basketball Clinic, Sprinkler Fountains, Youth Center Building Renovation, Google Maps, Lighthouse Foot Bridges & Pedestrian Access To 59th Street Bridge

The Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) has a recent new communication feature for residents, - Hey Susan - in which RIOC President Susan Rosenthal will answer questions you ask her.

Here's the fourth installment of Hey Susan.

HEY SUSAN! Please consider, fix and do something about (fill in the blank)

An occasional column of questions and answers to and from RIOC President and CEO Susan Rosenthal

HEY SUSAN! – I was wondering if the fences that were installed by the Octagon in April (and originally expected to be down by June) are now a permanent fixture?  One of the “curmudgeon bloggers” on the Island spoke with a worker at the end of October who said it would be gone in two weeks, yet here we are almost in December and the eyesore is still there. Additionally, is the fence preventing working from removing the large limbs that cracked during the early snowstorm and are now precariously hanging over picnic tables? Given how seriously RIOC has taken tree removal lately, this seems like it would be a priority.

SUSAN: You may have noticed, since last month, that the green tarps along the fence line of the project have been removed. As you may know the City’s Department of Environmental Protection built an access road along the path from Main Street to the Promenade. RIOC had no control of the timing and or pace toward completion of the construction. When we inquired and met with the DEP staff in December, we were informed the fencing will be removed once the sod has an opportunity to knit i.e. become firmly rooted along the road. The tarps’ removal was a compromise to provide better street lighting and visibility in the area. And rest assured, we’ll have any hanging or downed tree limbs removed before the fencing is removed and the area is open again to the public.

HEY SUSAN! When will the orange netting finally be replaced by the new metal railings along the river, between the subway and Island House? That stretch of the railings surely has more foot traffic, especially of children, than the stretch that has already been completed by Cornell, for example.

I cannot be the only parent who finds the planning and pace of the replacement of the railings unacceptably dangerous. In several places the orange netting is torn, leaving large gaps through which any young child could fall or hurt themselves. A more minor consideration is the toys, scooters etc. that could roll through those gaps and pollute the environment. 

With winter weather ahead, I am concerned that progress on finishing the replacement of the railings along that stretch appears to have stalled completely. I would be grateful for an update, not to mention some explanation behind the poor planning of removing existing railings many months before the replacement railings could be installed. 

Clearly the old railings would have been safer and more cost-effective and environmentally- friendly than plastic netting that rips. Many thanks in advance for your attention to these matters. 

SUSAN: I had my staff do a walk through and we found only one section of orange netting, near the Meditation Steps, that was ripped. We’ve asked the contractor to get that fixed today.

As you know, the long deteriorating Roosevelt Island seawall railings that run along the majority of the Island’s shoreline, about 3.5 miles in length, are being replaced with new anti-corrosive steel railings. The $8.7 million project is being completed by Elit Green Builders Corporation which so far has completed about half of the project. The work is on-going – removals and installations on the eastside and westside of the Island – depending on the weather (the concrete pours can only occur in dry weather at 40 degrees or higher) and when railings arrive from the foundry where they are being custom made. The work is expected to continue through the spring.

HEY SUSAN! Will there be a basketball clinic on Saturdays for kids over the winter?

SUSAN: Yes, we are finalizing the program schedule now. An announcement will be made shortly, and information can be found on our website at https://rioc.ny.gov/382/Youth-Center.

HEY SUSAN! I’ve asked this question before and you haven’t responded. What about better sprinkler systems for the children in summer heat? In such a nice neighborhood, there should be better sprinkler system for the kids to use in the summer time. Will improvements be made to the one by the baby park? Or, will one be added to the park across from the school? 

SUSAN: The spray fountain at Blackwell Park was turned off temporarily for a couple weeks during the summer for water testing and turned back on in August. It will be turned back on in the Spring once we begin using the irrigation system again. We haven’t received any complaints about its quality. What would you like to see improved? Also, there is no plan to add a spray fountain at Capobianco Field across from PS/IS 217.

We have installed new padded ground surfaces at both Blackwell and Al Lewis parks this summer. There will be additional improvements at Blackwell – more play equipment, improved seating at the courts etc. coming this year as well as new swings installed at Octagon Park.  As you can see, we are continuing to upgrade our parks for the greater enjoyment of all our families and children. Please continue to share your ideas as we move forward.

HEY SUSAN! Is there a new ETA on when the Youth Center will be moved back to 506 Main Street?

The last date I was told was November 6. I was then told it was pushed to the first week of December.

Is there a new time frame now? Moving the program back to Main Street doesn’t seem to be a priority the way it once seemed to be.

SUSAN: First, our existing program, temporarily located on the second floor of Sportspark, is doing great. Our original plan for 506 Main was just to complete a facelift. Once we got into and fully examined the building we realized more was needed to properly renovate the venue: cosmetically, structurally, ADA and code compliance. While there is no rush, the job should be completed by the end of 2019.

HEY SUSAN! Google Maps doesn’t provide efficient transit directions for Roosevelt Island when F train service is disrupted. It seems like Google doesn’t recognize the Tram or any trains that run on the F line (for example, the R train stopped in both directions on the F line this weekend when the F did not). 

There are over 11,000 residents of Roosevelt Island, we should be able to know how to get home from Manhattan or Queens during the weekend. Are you working with Google and MTA to fix this issue?

SUSAN: The MTA posts notices about the transportation alternatives for weekend travel to and from Roosevelt Island at the subway station and via their website at http://alert.mta.info/. We have no jurisdiction as to what they choose to do with Google. RIOC is now working with Google Transit to add Roosevelt Island Tram information of which we do have jurisdiction. Stay tuned for our announcement of its debut. Also have you tried using other transportation apps like Moovit? They seem to have accurate and useful up-to-date updates on all public transit outlets.

HEY SUSAN! Any projected completion date for the renovation of the two wooden footbridges near the lighthouse at the northern tip of the island? I haven't seen much progress. We love walking in Lighthouse Park. We sorely miss walking around the Lighthouse itself, which is inaccessible now and has been so for several months. What's up?

SUSAN: RIOC is working with Cameron Engineering for the renovation design drawing package of the two-foot bridges. These bridges have been fixed several times previously only to be washed out again by flooding. We hope to incorporate some long term structural and landscape solutions this time to prevent this from happening in the future. Currently, the project is in the design and permitting phase. The construction of the project is expected to finish by late spring of 2019.

HEY SUSAN! Has RIOC ever investigated the possibility of reinstating access for Roosevelt Island residents to the Queensboro bridge?  I recently came across some old news articles and found that RIRA made a presentation to Community Board 8 back in 2007 to try and convince them that – for multiple reasons, including safety, the growing Island population and strain on public transit and general connectivity – it was important to reinstate pedestrian access to the Queensboro bridge from Roosevelt Island. 

See http://uppergreenside.org/blog/2007/04/11/roosevelt-island-queensboro-bridge-access/.  CB8 unanimously approved RIRA’s proposal for conducting a feasibility study to physically connect Roosevelt Island to the Queensboro Bridge pedestrian and bike path, but the trail seems to end there.  A few online articles reflect that DOT did not seem to take the request seriously.

I understand that the bridge is under the City’s control.  That said: Would RIOC support residents in a push to raise this issue again at Community Board 8 and/or with the Department of Transport? 

The importance and utility of creating this link has only grown since 2007.  The Island population continues to grow.  Two new Riverwalk buildings are planned right next to the bridge.  We now have Cornell Tech.  A hotel is being constructed, and an Executive Education Center.  Amazon will be building its new HQ2 directly south of the bridge in Long Island City.  The ferry and Tram are great, but a walking link to Manhattan and LIC would be transformative for the Island (and frankly, they seem like a good idea from a safety/evacuation plan point of view). 

There are so many people and entities on the Island (including RIOC) that would benefit from this increased connectivity.  What can we as Roosevelt Island residents do to push this issue?  If RIRA were to raise this again, could it count on RIOC’s support?  Would RIOC be willing to play a role in bringing together representatives from Hudson Related and Cornell Tech to urge them to support this proposal? 

SUSAN: Yes, having such an elevator or stair connection to the 59^th Street Bridge does seem to be a good idea in theory, but several feasibility studies have shown we don’t have the land area on the Island to build it. We would suggest that you contact City Council Member Ben Kallos’ office directly to inquire more about other current plans being discussed.

SUSAN: Thanks to you all for submitting your questions to HEY SUSAN! We look forward to more in the coming months. Wishing everyone a happy and healthy 2019!

Have a question for HEY SUSAN!? Submit it to Ms. Rosenthal at information@rioc.ny.gov.