Still No Verizon FIOS Service for You If You Live in Roosevelt Island's Westview Building - Why Is That RY Management? And What About the Elevator Renovations Paid For By Rent Increases 2 Years Ago?

Image of FIOS from Verizon

The other day I struck up a conversation at the Riverwalk Bar & Grill with a new Roosevelt Island resident who recently moved into Westview.

Image of Westview Entrance

The new Roosevelt Islander was not happy that Verizon FIOS service was unavailable at Westview and that Time Warner Cable and Internet service was the only choice for building residents. Being a former Time Warner Internet subscriber who switched to  FIOS internet several years ago, I understood the dissatisfaction.

I asked Roosevelt Island Residents Association (RIRA) President and Westview resident Matt Katz about FIOS service for Westview. Mr. Katz responded:

I have been informed by Jennifer Jones, on-site manager for R-Y Management, that Westview and Island House owners have been in negotiation with Verizon for FiOS service. Unfortunately, I’ve been hearing that for at least the past year. I asked for a follow-up on this ambiguous information as recently as April 18, but have yet to get a response. I’ve also asked for information regarding the renovation of Westview’s four elevators, work that was paid for by the tenants two rent increases ago. Again, I was told there was a contract in negotiation, but no start time for the work has been shared with me. The Westview Task Force, a corporation created in 2003 to represent the 361 leaseholders in Westview at rent hearings and in privatization discussions, has declined to ask these questions, with the elevator questions pending since a June 2010 inspection report by DHCR requiring R-Y Management to present a plan to replace these 35-year-old antiques. The lack of shared information is appalling.

Here is the website for RY Management and the Westview Task Force.

Verizon FIOS Or Time Warner Road Runner - How Is Your Roosevelt Island Cable And Internet Service

 Image Of Time Warner Cable TV Screen Initializing After Losing Signal

I made the switch from Time Warner Roadrunner Internet service almost two years ago and am very happy with the FIOS internet service. I did not switch from Time Warner cable TV service to FIOS TV solely because of NY 1 local news service which is only available on Time Warner. However, over the last several months Time Warner cable TV service has declined significantly for me at Riverwalk. Two to three times a week, the cable signal is suddenly lost shutting off the television as it undergoes a rebooting process. It can take 10-15 minutes, sometimes longer, before TV service is resumed while undergoing the mysterious mystro  initializing process. Despite the loss of NY1, I am very, very close to canceling Time Warner Cable and switching to Verizon FIOS TV.

How is your Roosevelt Island cable and internet service?  Jesse, a resident of Roosevelt Landings/Eastwood is not happy with Verizon FIOS service problems and reports:

Verizon is making a big push to break Time Warner's monopoly on cable TV in Roosevelt Landings.

In October, I found a flyer outside my door offering a double play with Internet download speeds of 20 Mbps, more than twice what I was getting with TWC. Since the price was $20 to $30 less per month, I switched. No complaints the first month, but last month we had a random two-day outage because a wire became dislodged in the basement, requiring a visit from an on-site technician (who was very friendly) to repair.

Now extreme Internet slowness has been plaguing us for almost a month, and Verizon tech support doesn't know what to do about it. I've been hung up on twice now by technicians who don't understand the setup in Roosevelt Landings, and transferred in circles until I hang up myself in frustration. I'm seeing real download speeds of less than 1 Mbps, nowhere near the 20 Mbps I'm paying for. An online support chat this evening ended abruptly with no resolution, just another promise for a callback that I've yet to receive.

All of these headaches in such a short time makes me yearn for the Time Warner Cable service I once hated. In the three years I had their service, I never had a service call. Maybe it's time to switch back? Anyone else experiencing similar issues?

Are you satisfied with your Roosevelt Island Cable and Internet service provider?

RIOC Operations Committee Report On Tram Status, Red Bus Loop, Parking, Motorgate, Bike Sharing, New Technology, Poison Ivy, Dog Poop & More

Image of 9/27 RIOC Board Of Directors Operations Committee Meeting

The Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Board Of Directors Operations Committee met last night discussing a full agenda of issues for over three hours. RIOC Director Jonathan Kalkin summarized the Operations Committee meeting in a Tweet. From Mr. Kalkin:

311@seeclickfix system, Bike sharing and path review/Solar Power & LED lighting RFP's & Smart Parking are moving forward on Roosevelt Island

The meeting began with a report update on the Tram Modernization program including showing this 9/24/10 NY 1 video on the Tram's status.

Image of RIOC Board Opeations Committee and Staff Watching NY 1 Tram Report

RIOC VP of Operations Fernando Martinez advised the Board about the Tram that:

• The North Cabin will be hoisted by crane and attached to the track ropes on Friday morning weather permitting. The North Tram Cabin will then be able to travel back and forth to Manhattan but awaits further review and safety testing. Final certification will come from the Department of Labor (DOL). RIOC President Leslie Torres, attending her first Ops Committee meeting, added that the DOL will conduct their review quicker than they usually do but within full safety parameters.
• Opening date for Tram Service is scheduled for early November.
• Existing Tram Crew were interviewed by POMA and were extended job offers contingent upon them passing certain tests.
• Tram Supervisors will be getting acquainted with the Tram systems this week.
• Tram Crew will be receiving training in mid October.
• NYPD and Office of Emergency Management did a walk through of Tram Cabins yesterday and are reviewing emergency procedures.
• Any discussion of financial penalties imposed upon Poma for delay in the Tram's return of service will wait until after service resumes.

RIOC Director Margie Smith asked who will be in charge in the event that the Tram gets stuck over the East River again. Ms. Smith, and everyone else on Roosevelt Island does not want a repeat of the same mistakes that happened in April 2006 when interdepartmental rivalry between the NYPD and FDNY kept Roosevelt Island residents stranded unnecessarily through the night over the East River. Mr. Martinez indicated that in the event of a similar incident, RIOC personnel with the expertise on Tram System operations will be in charge not NYPD, OEM or FDNY and that this policy will be acknowledged in writing by all concerned parties.

Other issues discussed included:

• Keeping the current temporary Southtown Bus Loop on a permanent basis when the Tram returns to service and make the West Channel Road between the Tram and Blackwell House a one way street. By doing so, RIOC will create 29-30 parking spaces on the West Channel Road.
• Improving Lighting at Motorgate Garage - Discussion as to whether to use Fluorescent Lighting or LED Lighting - Fluorescent is less expensive but suitable for needs - LED Lighting is better but much more expensive - question as to whether fluorescent lights can be installed initially but then switched to LED at later time. The Committee decided to issue a Request For Proposals (RFP) to get some expert advice on Motorgate lighting in the context of a broader, more efficient energy plan that will include solar energy panels as well.
• Roosevelt Island See Click Fix 311 Reporting System Test Extended.
• Roosevelt Island Bike Sharing RFP to be issued.
• Verizon FIOS extended to Southpoint Park - when the parks open up, you can access the internet there.
• Smart wireless Parking System Trial.
• Appears to be a problem with Poison Ivy at Capobianco Park - problem sourced at the Community Garden.
• RIOC's Director of Engineering is retiring - search on for replacement.
• Expect much greater dog policy enforcement and ticketing of people not picking up their dog crap.

The full web cast of the Operations Committee meeting is available online. If you are interested in how Roosevelt Island is governed and decisions made, this is as good as it gets.

UPDATE 4:18 PM - From RIOC:

Due to projected heavy rains and possible Tornado warnings, the 10/1 event has been postponed until 10/5, subject to weather.

Disruption In Verizon Internet FIOS Service For Roosevelt Island's Riverwalk Buildings - Landscaper Accidentally Cuts Fiber Optic Cable

Image From Cisco

There has been no Verizon FIOS Internet service in Roosevelt Island's Riverwalk buildings for the last several hours. I thought it might have something to do with this 6/22 - 23 Public Safety Report:

Telephone Out Of Service - PSD was notified by Verizon that both hospitals had no telephone service. Verizon stated they would have to dig up the ground by Riverwalk. RIOC engineering department was notified.

I inquired of RIOC VP Of Operations Fernando Martinez if he knew what is the cause of the FIOS Internet problem and he replied:

A Hudson/Related landscape contractor, working on the south side of 405 Main Street, accidently cut a Verizon fiber optic cable. Andrew Jackson from the Hudson Companies is on site working with Verizon to the facilitate repair.

Fortunately, internet service is available at the Riverwalk Bar & Grill. They don't use Verizon FIOC.

UPDATE 7:30 PM - Verizon FIOS Phone service was out too but now all back working.

UPDATE 9:30 PM - A reader adds:

I think these are the folk that cut the FIOS lines, this morning at 9
a.m. at the 405 back door! OOOPS

Could Roosevelt Island Be A Site For Google's New Ultra High Speed Internet Broadband Network - Hey Google, Give Us A Try

You Tube Video of Google's Experimental Fiber Network

Since Google decided not to send it's Street View Trike to Roosevelt Island last year, here's a second chance for Google to use Roosevelt Island as a site for one of it's new products. A tech savvy reader sends in this message:

First, the link: http://www.google.com/appserve/fiberrfi

Looks like Google is planning to become a Internet Service Provider. At current, they are going to test out their fiber service in small communities and I think our "microcosmic Manhattan" could be a great candidate for this project. Since Google is planning service up to 1 gb/s (roughly 100x what most Americans experience currently) at a "competitive price", this could be just the right kind of competition to push all other service providers out of their stagnant pricing and bandwidth caps.

Because I don't have enough information on the status of broadband connectivity on the island, I am reluctant to fill out the info form on the website. I am also unsure about the willingness of our community to get more connected. Also, I'm not sure what the availability of fiber optic connection is for the buildings on the island. I believe the Octagon is fiber-ready and that's already a ~500 resident market.

I hope that by posting this on the blog we can get the word out to the residents. Not to forget the community leaders who may have a bit more knowledge and influence to bring such a revolutionary project to our little island. It seems like Roosevelt Island has been welcoming these kinds of projects lately (namely, the electric water turbine project from Verdant Power) and we could add to our image of a progressive and positive leader in these eco/techno-logical times.

While RI is technically part of Manhattan and NYC, I think that we may have a better chance of obtaining a top spot in this experiment because of our "small community in a big city" nature. It would be more difficult to implement a project like this in any other borough since they are so dense.

Of course this is not a totally altruistic cause, I know that I and many other people would love a higher bandwidth at lower prices; what with all the internet TV and gaming and media-heavy applications now in use.

Thanks for reading my long email. I just saw this on a blog today and thought this would be a great opportunity for our community.

I asked RIOC Director Jonathan Kalkin what he thought of the idea for Roosevelt Island. Mr. Kalkin likes the idea and replied:

Yes. I saw this the other day on gizmodo and was going to address it at the operations meeting. It looks interesting. From their page it states that anyone can file and government cooperation would be helpful.

I also like some of the initiatives that Google has incorporated on their campus like solar powered parking areas and options for plug-in electric cars. Perhaps this could be a relationship that would branch into other opportunities.

The response deadline is March 26. Governments and communities can respond to Google's Fiber service here.

More on Google's experimental fiber network plan from the NY Times:

Google said Wednesday that it would offer ultrahigh-speed Internet access in some communities in a test that could showcase the kinds of things that would be possible if the United States had faster broadband networks...

The Washington Post adds:

... In experimenting with broadband access, the company said, Google would create networks in a select number of communities across the country to deliver Internet service directly to homes at 1 gigabit per second. Google plans to request proposals from municipalities to determine what areas would be part of the experiment. It said it would pay for the construction and operation of the networks and charge consumers rates that would be competitive with other service providers.

The trials would involve relatively compact areas, the company said, with the networks reaching at least 50,000 and up to 500,000 people. The District has a population of about 591,000...

UPDATE 2/19 - Good News. RIOC and RIRA both agreed to provide information and apply to be a test community for Google's new high speed broadband ISP service. RIOC Director Jonathan Kalkin and RIRA President Frank Farance are both highly interested in this service and will take lead in effort.

Roosevelt Island Residents Seeking Answers On Bright Horizons Pre-School Tuition and Verizon Internet Service

Image From Actionsignslv

Can you help a couple of Roosevelt Island neighbors with the following questions. A reader of this post asks:

Can anyone tell me what the tuition rates are at Bright Horizons? Thanks.

and another reader inquires:

I am new to 475 main as well, is there any way to get a internet only service? Verizon online still "thinks" they don't offer internet service to 475 main.

According to their web site, Bright Hoizons at the Octagon:

... is a full service early learning program for children ages six weeks through five years old, on a full-time and part-time basis. We are a full day program, open from 7:30 a.m. until 6:30 p.m., serving fifty children....

No information on tuition rates. Can anyone help?

As to availability of Verizon FIOS at 475 Main Street, the Verizon Check Availability web page indicates that FIOS is not available at this location although it is available at both nearby 425 and 455 Main Street. Does anyone have any information on FIOS availability at 475 Main Street?

Roosevelt Island Broadband Internet Access - Who Do You Prefer, Verizon FIOS Versus Time Warner Roadrunner?

You Tube Video Time Warner Cable Brainstorm

I received the following message seeking advice about high speed internet access on Roosevelt Island from a resident at 540 Main Street, also known as Roosevelt Landings, and formerly named Eastwood prior to it's purchase by Urban America. The reader is having problems with Time Warner high speed internet access during the evening and is wondering if anyone else is having similar issues.

Hi,

I'd like to know if my internet issues concern other people too.

Since last fall I use a high speed internet connection (Time Warner) and have been satisfied so far. Last Friday (May 15th) internet was not available around 5 to 7 pm. Since then, every wek-day the same: Full access during the day, no access in the after school/after work hours. This is pretty inconvenient for my children whose school expects them to use the internet for homework.

Does anybody know what's going on here? Before adressing Time Warner (maybe I'm biased, but I don't expect them to have a valuable customer service) I'd like to know more about the general situation on Roosevelt Island.

Thank you and kind regards

I don't know about this particular situation but I changed internet providers over a year ago from Time Warner Roadrunner to Verizon FIOS and could not be happier. To date, absolutely no problems, reliable service and extremely fast loading times for web pages and wireless to my laptop works well also. If FIOS is available in your building, I would run, not walk, and switch internet service providers.

Verizon FIOS is also providing television service in competition with Time Warner Cable Roadrunner system. I am told by Roosevelt Island residents who made the switch to FIOS TV that the picture is much better than Roadrunner's. I currently use Time Warner Cable but would love to make the change to FIOS. The only thing holding me back from doing that is I am a news junkie and think that NY1 does a terrific job with local news. Since NY 1 is not available yet on FIOS, (it is owned by Time Warner) I hesitate to change TV service providers. But I am considering it.

Verizon FIOS Versus Time Warner Road Runner Broadband Internet Service - Which Do You Prefer?

You Tube video of Upgrading to FIOS

An earlier post responded to a reader's inquiry concerning cable and internet providers on Roosevelt Island in which I stated that I was satisfied with my Time Warner digital broadband internet service. In the last few months I have become increasingly dissatisfied with Time Warner's Road Runner internet service noticing significantly slower page loading speeds and am seriously considering switching to Verizon's FIOS service.

Readers of the prior post had different views on whether Road Runner or FIOS were the better service for Roosevelt Islanders. From a Road Runner supporter:

... I got rid of Verizon broadband because it went out every time there was a heavy rain. After insisting on a home visit, the Verizon man mumbled something about water in a tunnel.

I have no problems with my Time Warner Cable connection and Roadrunner.

And a FIOS fan:

I've been using it for a year, and it is hands-down the best internet service I've ever used. ... I highly recommend it.

The Wall Street Journal reports on the battle between phone and cable companies for the business of internet users:

Stung by the success of phone companies in selling packages of TV and high-speed Internet services, the cable industry is getting close to launching a counteroffensive -- an inexpensive new technology that dramatically boosts Internet connection speeds. Called Docsis 3.0, the technology will allow the cable industry to compete on a more even footing with telecom giant Verizon Communications Inc., which is aggressively marketing a high-performance fiber-optic network called FiOS that offers much faster Internet connection speeds than cable modems can currently deliver. Whether the cable industry can roll out the new technology fast enough to minimize the damage from FiOS remains to be seen.

... For many years cable companies had an advantage on Internet speeds because phone companies were limited to DSL offerings, which had a maximum speed of seven megabits per second. Both Verizon's FiOS and a more limited fiber-optic service being rolled out by AT&T Inc. called U-verse are allowing the phone companies to offer more-competitive services. FiOS currently offers download speeds of up to 50 megabits a second -- nearly two and a half times faster than what Comcast or Time Warner offers. AT&T's U-verse can offer up to only 10 megabits a second, a 40% improvement over its fastest DSL offering and more comparable to cable offerings.

The NY Times on all-in-one cable, internet and phone triple play packages.

Consumers can also be the winners, if they are careful and question the sales representatives thoroughly. Let me impart my hard-earned knowledge and suggest that anyone considering a bundled plan ask these questions:

Are taxes included, or is there a flat rate?

Is there a one-time installation fee? Is there a fee to keep your phone number?

Is a contract required? For what duration? Can the fees rise over the contract period? What will they go up to after the contract expires? (For example, Cablevision’s bundled service rises to about $125 a month after the first year.)

If I change or drop one of the bundled services, will I be penalized? (Generally, the answer is yes.)

Is there a termination fee? (Verizon, for example, may charge a $200 fee if you cancel before the end of a two-year contract; Cablevision requires no contract and has no termination fee.)

Are there any promotions? (For example, we were offered $10 off the first six months of the bill in addition to a $200 gift certificate at an electronics store. My friend was given a $50 Target gift certificate for signing on.)

What options come free with the telephone services, and what costs extra? Caller ID? Call waiting? Voice mail?

There are other considerations. With Verizon we would get FiOS — the company’s name for its fiber optic technology. To make it more confusing, cable networks also use fiber optic technology, but it does not go all the way into the house, as FiOS does.

I think the cable companies better hurry up with their Docsis 3.0 technology.

UPDATE - 5/21/09 - I made the switch to Verizon FIOS and could not be happier.