Take A Springtime Virtual Walk On Roosevelt Island East River Waterfront Promenade To The Lighthouse - Gorgeous NYC Waterfront View Of Manhattan

Let's go for a Roosevelt Island walk.

Spectacular Day And Evening Views Of Manhattan & Queens Waterfront From New Roosevelt Island Southpoint Park East River Shoreline Pathways Opened Today - But Safety Issues Still Need To Be Addressed

As reported November 24:

The $11 million Roosevelt Island Shoreline renovation project to fix the crumbling Southpoint Park seawall and provide public access to previously fenced in areas adjacent to the East River will open this weekend....

Here's what the new Southpoint Park shoreline pathways 

looked like today.

Roosevelt Island Southpoint Park shoreline has new open pathway close to East River. Spectacular views but safety issues remain. @RIOCny @RiocCeo pic.twitter.com/MxwAPUqjAm

— Roosevelt Islander (@Rooseveltisland) November 27, 2021

pic.twitter.com/hPWS1mZN7e

— Roosevelt Islander (@Rooseveltisland) November 27, 2021

According to these comments from Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Instagram Page 

• Too many safety hazards, like too low barriers by the water, cheap plantings, sloppy work, dangerous "fences". Just a mess since all of RIOC was AWOL and didn't give a darn on the project
• The wooden benches have not been sealed and the salt air will deteriorate them. 
• It is a shame that the users will see a cheap version of the successful park like Brooklyn Bridge Park, 
• There should be a fence in this area! 
• That’s exactly what I was just telling my brother. Kids can climb on the rocks or anyone else and then fall right into the water which isn’t cool. Not sure why @rooseveltislandrioc decided this was “good”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by RI Operating Corp. (RIOC) (@rooseveltislandrioc)

Take a walk and see for yourself. It is very nice.

More video coming.

UPDATE 11/28: RIOC Public Safety Department posted signage all over Southpoint Park today advising:

No Bike Riding Allowed On Walking Path, Sidewalk and Rest Areas. Do Not Climb On Rocks.

Violators Will Be Summonsed

But bike riders rode on Southpoint Park sidewalk past Officer in a Public Safety vehicle without any warning or summons.

RIOC Public Safety Deputy Chief Discusses Roosevelt Island Traffic Safety Plans For Main Street And Waterfront Promenades With RIRA PSC Members - Says No Motorized Vehicles Allowed On Promenade Unless Emergency Or Escorted By PSD

Following the the October 15 traffic accident involving a young girl crossing Main Street to Capobianco Park during PS 217 Halloween bash in which she was not seriously injured, Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) President Shelton Haynes announced the following day:

... Our immediate plans for Main Street and island promenades are as follows:
Main Street Safety Improvements:  

• Two crossing guards will be posted on Main Street near PS/IS 217 intersections during school hours. 
• Speed bumps will be strategically placed on Main Street. 
• Portable radar signs will be placed in strategic locations on Main Street. 

Promenade Safety Improvements:

• Restriction of vehicles, motorized scooters, and e-bikes on promenades. However, emergency vehicles or permitted vehicles will be escorted by PSD. 
• Public Safety officers will be posted on the west promenade to ensure compliance.
• New signage will be ordered....

The new signage and gated barrier on West Promenade is in place

and this weekend a Public Safety Officer was spotted patrolling the West Promenade on foot.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by @rooseveltislander

During the October 19 Roosevelt Island Residents Association (RIRA) Public Safety Committee (PSC) meeting, RIOC Public Safety Department Deputy Chief Anthony Amoroso reported:

Nobody can drive on the promenade unless it's an emergency vehicle or some kind of delivery that is being escorted with  PSD ...or some sort of situation where they need to do some repairs...

RIRA PSC member Frank Farance disagreed that RIOC can ban all vehicles from the Promenades saying that their ground leases permit the building managements to use the Promenade in order to access their property.

Deputy Chief Amoroso replied:

... I looked into it with their leases and and we have the final say as far as driving on the promenades...

 

Here's more on RIOC Traffic Safety Plans for Main Street and the waterfront promenades discussed during the beginning of the PSC meeting including Mr Farance's suggestion of better traffic lighting instead of speed bumps on Main Street for greater vehicle and pedestrian safety.

UPDATE 10:50 PM - A Roosevelt Island residents reports on this Instagram post:

Yesterday a delivery man on a scooter sped onto the pedestrian walkway almost hitting me and my baby who was in a stroller. Public safety was there on foot and stopped him but when asked for his drivers license the motorist simply said “I don’t have one” and public safety ultimately just let him go. What’s the point of having public safety officers there to stop motorists if they just let violators go with no penalty? They will surely repeat if there are no real consequences @shelton_haynes_rioc_ceo @rooseveltislandrioc

Roosevelt Island Couple Walking Dog Tuesday Evening On Waterfront Pedestrian Promenade Next To Rivercross Watch In Horror As Beloved Dog Hit And Killed By Car - Next Time It Could Be A Child Or Senior Citizen Says Resident

On Tuesday evening, October 5, Roosevelt Island residents Laura & Giovanni Battistini went for a walk with their dog Luigi.

along the west waterfront promenade. (picture below taken today)

Ms Battistini reports what happened next:

I am writing to you to bring up an issue that is worrying many RI resident: the continuous and growing motorized vehicle use of the “pedestrian” promenade.

Last night, around 11:00 my husband and I were walking along the promenade, beneath River Cross condo with our 4 pound, 14 yrs old, little Luigi Yorkie mix. Because of his age and the quiet atmosphere of the evening, we decided to let him go off leash for a five minute walk. He had stopped to smell the grass for a moment when I saw from behind that the light was changing and becoming brighter. I only had a second to turn and see the vehicle that was approaching. Luigi, at that same time, ran toward us. He was hit, and died of his injuries a couple of hours later in our arms at the Animal Hospital across the river. He was the love of our lives. The driver never even stepped out of his car. He pulled down the window and told us he had a permit to drive on the promenade. Then continued and parked under the River Cross building.

Whether or not our Luigi deserved a five-minute freedom walk on a quiet night on a so called pedestrian promenade (Public Safety promptly reminded me that he should have been on the leash), is beyond the point.

The point is that it could have easily been a toddler and the outcome would have been the same.

In fact, the RI promenade has become much less of a promenade in recent years, and much more of a motorized vehicle way. There are too many cars that have permits like the one that killed our little Luigi, and for no good reason. If a building doorman cannot walk a few block to his job, couldn’t he get a permit to park on Main Street, for example, instead of having permission to drive his car along the promenade?

There are also too many food delivery scooters who want to avoid the stop and crossing signs on Main Street, and instead choose to speed along the promenade as if it was a highway. Then, there are plenty of residents who use motorized bikes and scooters and zig zag along the way trying to avoid walkers.

This is a recipe for disaster and it need not be.

The promenade should be for pedestrian use only, or non-motorized bikes and scooters. The mix does not work. People who choose to walk along a promenade will drop their guards in regards to motor vehicles. Like we did, they will assume that their kids and pets are safe from injury and death from cars on a pedestrian walkway.

I hope that there will soon be regulations that will protect the residents of RI on this matter before what happened to our pet happens to a child....

Vehicle traffic safety problems on the Roosevelt Island waterfront promenade and Main Street have been a long time concern for residents. As reported last August 27, there were:

... 2 separate weekend incidents last Saturday and Sunday of cars hitting Roosevelt Island pedestrians as they were walking in the Main Street crosswalk...

... UPDATE 8/25 - Roosevelt Island residents react to the hit by car incidents last weekend:

• Cars don’t stop. They roll through STOP signs, I have seen the Red bus, PSD, delivery trucks do it, daily! I think it’s time for speed bumps! We now have motorized bikes, scooters Vespas driving on the promenades! Any thing motorized belongs on the street. Unless your 12 and under!
• Yes!! I am getting afraid Every time I cross the street..I have been almost hit more than once!
• We need more patrolling of bikes and cars- a lot more near misses than ever. And more visible stop signs
• They need to slow down! People don’t abide by the crosswalk driving there.
• I’m concerned that now that we are becoming a NYC hotspot with the Panorama Room we will have people driving onto the island and drinking. Public Safety needs to be diligent about traffic after dark.

During September 21 Roosevelt Island Residents Association (RIRA) Public Safety Committee (PSC) meeting, Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Public Safety Chief Kevin Brown reported that speed bumps will be installed on Main Street to:

... Slow people down all around the Island. On Main Street from AVAC all the way to Blackwell and down and around Cornell and also around the roadway coming from Coler Hospital.... 

Chief Brown also said during the September 21 PSC meeting that the waterfront promenades are only to be used by emergency vehicles but that some residents are using the breezeways for Roosevelt Landings to park their vehicles. In some instances, parking is allowed in the breezeways but when not allowed, the cars are being ticketed and could be towed.

More enforcement is definitely needed to stop motorized vehicles, including scooters, from using the pedestrian promenades before a child, senior citizen, any Roosevelt Island resident or another dog gets killed.

UPDATE 4:50 PM - Roosevelt Island residents react:

• So sorry for their loss 💔 Heartbreaking. And I agree that cars driving there is an issue! Both sides of the island have too much traffic in relation to playgrounds and people walking… even PSD/RIOC traffic should decrease their use of these areas if not necessary— often times they come when children are using the sprinklers/playgrounds or school dropoff/pickup when there are 600+ students with their families in the area - it’s truly a safety hazard
  
• The parking and driving behind Manhattan Park is out of control too… kids run on those sidewalks (and the circle stairs have completely turned into a parking lot)
• Not true what PSD says. They do not see the cars using breezeways and then speeding all the way to Motorgate. I see them from my window.
• I called PSD over a year ago explaining that Uber and Lyft was directing their vehicles via GPS onto those roads and how dangerous it was. Almost running over kids and animals. Doubt anyone looked into it though
• What are cars doing there? And why is the PSD not instructing cars not to be there.
• That’s so sad and horrible. Our condolences to the family

Garbage And Empty Beer Bottles Left Overnight At Roosevelt Island Subway Promenade Pier, Can We Do Better - Big Belly Solar Trash Cans Could Help

A resident shares photo taken about 11 this morning of garbage and empty beer cans left overnight at the Subway Pier.

Residents react on Roosevelt Islander Instagram:

It seems to be happening all over at night and on weekends. I hope RIOC will act and order the "big belly solar trash cans" like in LIC.

Southpoint Park will need many of the big belly trash cans when that promenade and walking paths open up in the coming year & 1/2. A few more more thousand people a day will be coming over to the park.

And:

Terrible. Always baffles the mind. Take your trash with you and discard it when you come upon a garbage can.

And:

We can and must. Some proactive enforcement on the part of Public Safety would be helpful. Parking violations are important but should not be the mainstay of a police or security operation. Open air dope congregations and dope smoking under buildings and at east side riverfront, transients urinating in plain view in front of Starbucks and near subway station and garbage strewn about are all quality of life issues that need to be addressed before they worsen.

And:

Do we need more garbage cans? Signs threatening fines? And yes more patrolling but also more money to clean up

By 2:30 pm, the area was cleaned up.

UPDATE 8:30 PM - Comments from Roosevelt Islander Facebook Page:

• This has been happening everyday, they leave their garbage behind after they dine. They have no respect! ... There are garbage cans all around the area but there are to many people! ... The ones that drive over and park around the Cornell campus have their tête-à-tête then drop their garbage out the door and pull away!
• We used to have trash cans near there. Yes, big belly trash cans could help. Also,always cleaning up and throwing out your Garbage helps.
• How about posting that there are fines for leaving trash. Sometimes just the idea that someone is watching will help prevent bad behavior.
• Quite often people come, park their cars drink their beer and then leave, leaving their garbage behind. Close to Cornell you can see the beer boxes next to where they parked their cars.
• With that many bottles and that size mess security must have passed them multiple times and done nothing.
• Was Rioc on Vacation? This isn’t the 80’s Where you needed an ID to enter the Island... “We” are doing great! There’s no way to enforce tourists to live as we do.
• As a common rule, people suck and are selfish. Make it easier on those people not to have to work "too hard" for the general good. Disney world has stated many times that there is a trash can within 30 feet of anywhere a person is standing in their parks. In the month I have lived here, I have found myself searching for the closest trash can several times... and then... the can is already overflowing because there are. Too. Few!!!! Because I love my earth and my home... I'll hold on to my refuse until I find an available trash bin. But as we see by these photos, others will not.

RIOC Announces Cars Will Soon Be Banned From Roosevelt Island East Side Waterfront Promenade For Safety Of Pedestrians, Children And Bicyclists

The Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) announced today that cars

will soon be banned from driving along the East Side Waterfront Promenade.

According to a RIOC Spokesperson:

New Traffic Bollards Placed on Eastern Promenade Soon

In response to complaints about people driving along the eastern promenade, RIOC will soon be installing barriers and placing signage at key locations to prevent cars from accessing this area. RIOC and emergency vehicles will still be able to reach the promenade if necessary. Pedestrians and bicyclists will not be impeded by these barriers in any way. Placement of the barriers will begin over the next several weeks.

RIOC is taking these measures as part of its on-going commitment to keep Roosevelt Island safe for pedestrians, children and bicyclists. If you see unauthorized vehicles in these areas, please contact PSD immediately at 212-832-4545.

Asked whether the East Side Waterfront Promenade ban includes Child School buses:

the Spokesperson added:

No. We’ve already coordinated this with the principle and school buses serving the school will not be banned.

You're Invited To Join RIOC For Walk And Talk About $14 Million Roosevelt Island Bike Ramp And Lane Project Saturday Morning November 10

According to the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC):

Join Us For Saturday’s Walk and Talk about the RI Bike Ramp and Lane Project

You're Invited to Join Us for a Walk and Talk about the RI Bike Ramp and Lane Project this Saturday at 10 a.m. at the Motorgate Atrium, 688 Main Street, on Roosevelt Island.

In June 2018, the Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation (RIOC) procured Dewberry Engineers and their team including Matthews Nielson Landscape Architects to design the Roosevelt Island Bike Ramp and East Side Bike Lane project.

The goal is to construct a bike ramp that conveniently connects bicyclists from the top of the Roosevelt Island Bridge down to the East Promenade and then provides a safe path for bicyclists along the eastern waterfront of Roosevelt Island away from Main Street vehicular traffic.

The total budget for this project is approximately $14 million with a project schedule of four years.

Throughout the design phase of the project, several public meetings will be held with the first one this Saturday. We look forward to you joining us!

As reported in October 2015, the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC), with the assistance of Cornell Tech representatives were exploring the possibility of increasing safety on the Roosevelt Island Bridge Helix:

... the Cornell Tech/AKRF study concluded that fixing the Motorgate Escalator for use by bicycle riders was not an option but there is a possibility of installing a bike/pedestrian only ramp from the Motorgate Helix to the street level at the East Promenade....

Image Of Roosevelt Island Motorgate Helix From Above Via Google Maps

In April 2017, NY State Governor Andrew Cuomo announced funding of $2.9 for the construction of Roosevelt Island Bridge Bike Ramp and Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney added:

The Roosevelt Island community has long been waiting for a bike-only ramp to allow cyclists an easy and safe connection to the Roosevelt Island Bridge. Thanks to Governor Cuomo, nearly $3 million in federal dollars are being allocated to this ramp so the connection can become a reality. Cyclists will no longer have to carry their bikes up flights of stairs, or risk their safety by sharing the helix ramp with cars. It’s great that the state, federal government and community are working together to make Roosevelt Island a safer, more accessible place.

Roosevelt Island Frank Farance show us bikers riding down the current Roosevelt Island Bridge Helix Ramp.



Below is a 2017 RIOC rendering of proposed Bridge Ramp

and East Promenade.

No word yet on how the balance of $14 million project will be funded.

UPDATE 11/28 -Here's what happened at the Walk & Talk.

Could Roosevelt Island Vacant Indoor Pool At Island House Become Gorgeous NYC East River Waterfront Restaurant? Space Is On Market Now With Huge Sign On Windows

Here's a Roosevelt Island dream. A beautiful waterfront restaurant on the Roosevelt Island waterfront promenade with spectacular views of the NYC skyline, East River and Queensboro Bridge.



It might happen if the right Restauranteur can be found for the long empty Island House indoor pool which has just gone on the leasing market

with the Eastern Consolidated real estate brokerage company.

The space is approximately 25,000 sq ft with high ceilings and huge windows facing the East River.

View Inside Island House Pool Space Taken From Outside Yesterday

Other potential uses include offices, gym, art galleries among others but I'm hoping for a restaurant.

But, at least one person does not like the huge billboard window signage.

@RIOCny @Rooseveltisland Are there no regulations on #rooseveltisland governing signage? Is a billboard like this really appropriate? pic.twitter.com/XJRYXD5yhu

— Robert Ostergaard (@JROstergaard) October 4, 2017

I think the space has been empty for at least 20 years.

Any experienced restaurant owners out there?

Lovely Saturday Evening On The Roosevelt Island East River Waterfront Promenade Pier - But What Was The Staten Island Ferry Doing On East River Passing Roosevelt Island This Afternoon?

Lovely Saturday evening hanging out at Roosevelt Island East River waterfront promenade pier this evening.

Earlier today, the Staten Island Ferry was spotted passing Roosevelt Island making its annual East River trip for a children's charity.

The Twitterverse was asking today what the Staten Island Ferry was doing on the East River?

What's a Staten Island ferry doing halfway up the East River? Wrong way! pic.twitter.com/W6G0W9KN0A

— Jon Benjamin (@JonBenjamin19) July 8, 2017

The Staten Island ferry is drunk. It's going north on the east river. Explain. @MTA #ferry #mta #statenisland #nyc pic.twitter.com/xk2wynBIjF

— zwiebel, kelly (@zwiebel_kelly) July 8, 2017

Today was one of those rare days when the Staten Island Ferry made a break for it up the East River. Godspeed. pic.twitter.com/1wWE1l0GwR

— Peter Szekely (@peszeke) July 8, 2017

Staten Island Ferry annual children's charity East River trip passing Roosevelt Island today https://t.co/C8AEpL1h9a? pic.twitter.com/SFcWWHkrna

— Roosevelt Islander (@Rooseveltisland) July 8, 2017

Mystery solved🔎😀 https://t.co/wqagjkTnlh

— Green Shores NYC (@GreenShoresNYC) July 8, 2017

Roosevelt Island Resident Seeks Peaceful Contemplation On East River Waterfront Promenade - Receives Village People Invitation To YMCA Instead From Passing Party Boat

Sometimes, you just want a relaxing few moments at night looking at the NYC East River waterfront and skyline from Roosevelt Island promenade when this happens:

Sometimes at night I pad down to the majestic tidal strait known as the East River to contemplate...oh dear, what is happening? pic.twitter.com/NEP571OQhf

— Nick Turner (@SFNick) June 21, 2017

Fixing Roosevelt Island Seawall Railings, Upcoming Main Street Construction And Current Projects Review Among Items On RIOC Operations Committee Meeting Agenda For April 15

The Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Operations Advisory Committee is meeting tomorrow. Among the items on the meeting agenda are a discussion of the seawall railings

One way to fix a railing I suppose. #thereifixedit @ Southpoint Park, Roosevelt Island http://t.co/uW03OiY2hj
— jonathon townley (@jptownley) October 29, 2014

Image From JP Townley via Instagram

and upcoming Main Street Construction.

 Image of Recent Main Street Z Brick Replacement

According to RIOC:

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that a meeting of the Operations Advisory Committee of the RIOC Board of Directors will be held on Wednesday, April 15, 2015 at 5:30 p.m. at the RIOC administrative office, 591 Main Street, Roosevelt Island, New York.

AGENDA:

Review of Current Projects
Discussion of Seawall Railings
Discussion of Operational Issues Related to Upcoming Main Street Construction
Any Other Committee Business That May be Brought Before the Committee

***

The Open Meetings Law of the State of New York requires that all public bodies conduct meetings, convened for the purpose of officially conducting public business, in a manner open to attendance by the general public to observe and listen.

Here's a discussion of necessary Roosevelt Island seawall improvements by RIOC President Charlene Indelicato and RIOC Director David Kraut during October 22, 2014 RIOC Audit Committee meeting on RIOC's Proposed 2015-16 Fiscal Year budget.



An audio web cast of the meeting will be available soon after the meeting.

UPDATE 4/16 - Audio web cast of meeting is here.

Red Tail Hawk Lunches On Rat At Roosevelt Island Pier Today - Great Place To Eat For Humans And Hawks

Image From Rossana Ceruzzi

Received a tip on Wednesday of a Red Tail Hawk seen in tree at southern tip of Rivercross lawn.

Image Of Hawk In Rivercross Tree Branch From Denise Shull

This afternoon, NY State Wildlife Rehabilitator Rossane Ceruzzi spotted the Red Tail Hawk

Image From Rossana Ceruzzi

lunching on a rat

Image From Rossana Ceruzzi

at the Roosevelt Island Pier (summer home of Eleanor's Pier Outdoor Eating Area)



(Video from Ms. Ceruzzi).

The Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) issued this November 7 Waterfront Concession Request For Proposals for the Pier due December 22. The Pier is a great place to enjoy the East River waterfront view and have a bite to eat.

Just ask the Hawk.

UPDATE 11/17 - Ms. Ceruzzi sends an up close and personal view of the Hawk lunching on rat at the Roosevelt Island East River Pier before flying away.

Gated Closing Of Roosevelt Island Pedestrian Waterfront Promenade Across From Cornell Construction Site After 10 PM Angers And Frustrates Resident - RIOC President Says Putting Together A Plan Allowing 24 Hour Access To Promenade Area

The Twittervese asked:

@Rooseveltisland RIOC has closed off the pedestrian access to the river walk in front of the construction site. Any news on this?
— Melissa A. Wade (@Honeybee22274) August 26, 2014

 Daytime View Of Promenade Area Blocked By Gate After 10 PM

Yesterday, Ms. Wade elaborated:

Good morning,

I am writing about a concern regarding the construction of Cornell.

Every evening, unless it’s an absolute monsoon, I, along with dozens of islanders and visitors, unwind by taking a walk/sitting on the pedestrian river walk, overlooking Manhattan, south of the 59th Street Bridge. I used to sit on the Queens side (it’s even quieter) until it was necessarily obstructed by the demolition barges.

I was concerned last week when I saw that someone (RIOC?) had installed a gate across the pedestrian walkway at the guard shack, but thought it might be for times like the 4th of July, where crowd control becomes more necessary.

Last night I found out differently. At 10:20 the gate was closed (I usually cannot make it out until after 9 or 10PM) and there were, at any time, between four and six personnel of various types (I do not believe they were all security, but could have been) stationed at the pedestrian walkway and the blocked-off-to-cars, road. When asked what was going on, I was told a few different versions of this: Either RIOC or PSD had erected the gate, and had instructed that it be closed every night from 10PM to 5 or 6 AM in the morning. They were told that they had no warning and were just given those instructions upon arriving at work.

In frustration, I sat on the bench closest to the guard shack, trying to avoid the myriad people who also run, walk, take pictures, exercise their dogs, etc. each and every night, who were also congregating, wondering why they could not pass. As I sat there I heard the various personnel discussing heatedly, “missing locks on several gates”.

To say the least, I am angry. In this ever more populated island of ours the pedestrian walkway provides a safe place to have some semblance of peace and solitude after the hectic workday. Also, we have been told many times- in e-mails, and in person during presentations about the Cornell construction that the Manhattan side would remain open and unobstructed for the duration of this project. These actions were taken without consultation of, or warning to, the public.

My concern is that this is just another in an increasing long list of ways that the current RIOC administration is out of touch with and inconsiderate of the needs and wants of the people it is here to serve, and taking actions that diminish our quality of life.

What can be done about this?

Roosevelt Island Residents Association (RIRA) President Jeff Escobar also received Ms. Wade's inquiry and added:

Pursuant to the Cornell ULURP Land Use proceedings before Community Board 8, and the Amendment to the Zoning Resolution which was part of the approval of the Project, the pedestrian pathway and those areas to the West/East of the Roadway which abut the water were made not part of the Cornell Project nor part of the land leased to the City. This is an area duly controlled by RIOC which I believe RIOC provides an easement/leaseback for use in exchange for certain community concessions.

Aside from raising the issue within both ourselves and the Roosevelt Island Community Coalition (RICC), the issue should be raised at the next Cornell Construction Committee meeting for the Project. If the practice continues for an extended amount of time and pressure on both the Construction Committee and RIOC results in no action, we will levy the issue before the Committee at Community Board 8. As part of the deal with the City, Cornell agreed to ensure that there would be no obstructions on their part to the pedestrian ring. Even if they are not the responsible party, they do have an obligation as part of the deal in having a hand in eliminating such obstructions.

I forwarded Ms. Wade's email to Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) President Charlene Indelicato and the RIOC Directors asking:

I received email below from resident inquiring about the status of pedestrian river side promenade walkway on Manhattan side of a Cornell construction site. She says that it has recently closed in the evening after 10 PM preventing people from using the pedestrian promenade pathway.

Has that pathway been closed?

Any statement from RIOC?

Ms. Indelicato replied:

Mr. Escobar is absolutely right as to the promenade and grassed area of the West Roadway. RIOC has been working with Cornell to ensure a safe and viable pedestrian walkway.

As you know, the west road is closed to vehicular traffic including bicycles. We are trying to accommodate the bicyclists by allowing bikers individually to ride carefully on the promenade. We have also discussed the possibility of calling ahead for groups of bicyclists to gain entrance on the roadway. Clearly, this is a work in progress and we will try to have a set of regulations and signage ASAP which will address daily and weekend usage of the roadway by bicyclists.

The issue of opening the promenade 24/7 is a bit more challenging. As you know, Southpoint Park closes at 10. Unfortunately, there have been a number of incidents reported to PSD of individuals climbing fences or trying to obtain entrance into South Point, FFP and the Cornell site. Again, addressing this issue is work in progress. I now understand the importance of keeping the promenade open and working in conjunction with Cornell I am sure we will put together a plan that makes sense and will also allow 24 hour access. In closing and in fairness to Cornell, the idea to close the promenade at 10pm - the same time as the park - was mine alone.

Mr. Escobar responded to Ms. Indelicato:

I thank you for both your attention and responsiveness to the matter, and willingness to recognize the importance of keeping the access viable to residents as a quality of life issue. We will continue to review and monitor the situation, but we have confidence that the issue will be clearly ameliorated so that access will continue unfettered. If I may, encourage RIOC to work closely with Aaron Hamburger and the Island Services Committee that he chairs under RIRA to find a solution and as a direct interface to the community concerns surrounding this issue.

I look forward to the solution.

UPDATE 8/28: Ms. Wade updated us on the gate situation Wednesday night:

I arrived tonight at the promenade at 10 to 9PM to find the gate closed already.

The security guard, Andrew Leelam who answers to a Mr. Terry, his supervisor, told me that his instructions are now to close the gate at 9:45. As I am standing here a Public Safety car approaches and I am told that they don't even know about this. Mr. Terry has just now told their chief.

Not only are we not remedying this situation, but now we are moving backward.

RIOC Public Safety Director Jack McManus replied to Ms. Wade today:

As soon as my staff alerted me to the "promenade closure" by Cornell Security Personnel last night, they were directed to advise Cornell Security that NO such directive existed.

Earlier today, I spoke with Cornell and their private security vendor to reiterate this fact.

I am confident that my inquiry last evening and today has rectified this matter.

Additionally, I have prepared a memo advising my staff that the West Drive Pedestrian Promenade is to remain OPEN and ACCESSIBLE at all times.

I hope this email serves to clarify the "misinformation" you received from Cornell and the measures we are taking to ensure that this doesn't happen again.

Sorry for any inconvenience this may have caused you and/or any other RI residents.

Ms Wade responded to Director McManus:

Thank you so much for your help and your response! You're a gift to this community.

I want to reiterate that PSD were great last night and made it clear that this was not their decision and they could not weigh in on it, other than to contact (you).

The security guard on duty was also extremely professional and respectful. Remarking that he understood my frustration but that he was following orders he had received from "some woman with shoulder length hair he sees at the park, often" who works in some official capacity with the project. He asked me questions, trying to gain understanding of the situation, and again- was very empathetic.

Thanks again for all of your help,

UPDATE 8/29 - According to RIOC:

Please be advised that the waterfront promenade located on the west side of the Cornell Tech construction site will be accessible to the public 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Sincerely,

Roosevelt Island Operating Corp Advisories Group

Roosevelt Island Waterfront Promenade Entrance Spoiled By Southtown Restaurants Garbage Dumpster - At Least Feeding Pigeons and Rats Have A Nice View For Their Litter Soup

Image of Garbage Waste Shed At Entrance to Roosevelt Island Waterfront Promenade

One of the absolute best things about Roosevelt Island is walking along our waterfront promenade enjoying beautiful views of the New York City Skyline and the passing boats on the East River. It is an incredibly relaxing and pleasant experience. That is unless you are at the top of the ramp leading to the promenade across from the Subway Station and are hit by the sight and smell of the garbage waste dumpster shed containing the garbage from Southtown restaurants.

Now, I am very happy to have these restaurants in Southtown, would not want it otherwise, but is there a more suitable location to place their garbage dumpster?

A Roosevelt Island resident wrote yesterday:

Island residents have been complaining regarding the amount of litter and vermin that is visible and present on the promenade near Starbucks. Strollers, joggers and walkers must pass through this litter'soup' to get to the promenade. It will probably be addressed at the next RIRA meeting and has already been brought to the attention of Related management and the Boards. We are hoping for a solution that will move the bin off the entrance of the Roosevelt Island promenade-which is one of the greatest assets of our island. It would be like having a gross dumpster like this on the highline.
People who care don't want this kind of thing.

and shares these pictures.

Mmmmm - bet the pigeons and rats loved that chicken bone and other goodies from our restaurants.

UPDATE 6 PM - Andrew Jackson is the owner representative for Southtown's Hudson/Related, the landlord for the Riverwalk restaurants and new Main Street Retail Master Leaseholder. Mr. Jackson addresses the dumpster issue:

thanks for posting this. I wasn’t aware the garbage area was a mess but we will get it cleaned asap. In the future, you can always bring Riverwalk stuff to my attention.

I replied:

Thanks for the prompt action.

I think the issue is also the location of the dumpster. Can it be removed somewhere else in a less conspicuous location?

Mr Jackson asked?

I am not aware of a less conspicuous location that is within a comparable distance to the retail stores but is not under someone’s residential window. Do you have any suggestions?

Roosevelt Island Residents Association Resolution Supporting East River Greenway Alliance Initiative To Bridge The 37 - 60th Street Waterfront Gap

East Coast Greenway Alliance Director Dennis Markatos-Soriano Addressing RIRA Meeting

During the Public Session of the Roosevelt Island Residents Association (RIRA) April Common Council Meeting, representatives from the East River Greenway Alliance addressed the RIRA Council seeking support of the Roosevelt Island community to:

... create a well maintained, full length, world class waterfront esplanade and greenway similar to the Hudson River Greenway on the West Side of Manhattan. This includes a significant widening of the current Greenway in many places and connecting the gaps that still exist, especially the major gap that extends from East 37th Street to East 60th Street which creates an extremely dangerous situation for cyclists and other Greenway users

We are building a coalition of community stakeholders that supports closing the gap and improving the East River Greenway....

View East River Greenway Initiative in a larger map

RIRA passed the resolution below in support of the East River Greenway Alliance initiative.
RIRAresolution.E.river

More on the East River Greenway Initiative.
East River Green Way Signon FINAL Withlist

Elizabeth Brody, a Trustee of the East Coast Greenway Alliance was appreciative of RIRA's support and commented:

The ERGI is very grateful for the hospitable treatment RIRA accorded Dennis Markatos-Soriano, Executive Director of the East Coast Greenway Alliance, as he made his presentation in support of the resolution. He and I would be happy to answer any further questions or supply information.

Bike Riding on Roosevelt Island

A thread was started on Live Journal regarding Bike riding to Roosevelt Island. An inquiry was made asking for assistance on a bike route to Roosevelt Island from Queens.

does anyone know if there is a bike route (or what is the best bike route) to get to roosevelt island from queens? also, does the tram station have an address? there is a lot of information on how to take the tram from manhattan to the island, but not much about how to take the tram from the island to manhattan. i just want to ride it because i never have, and it seems like a big hassle to take the subway all the way into manhattan when i live close enough to ride to the roosevelt island side.

i've never ridden a bike over the queensboro bridge, is there a path? does the path let you off on roosevelt island?

An excellent answer from another Live Journal reader:

There's no bike trail, there's the 36th Ave bridge that gets you here (I love on RI). What do you need to know about the Tram? Works the same way into Manhattan as from it. :)

If you want to bike from Manhattan to RI, you use the lower level (entrance on south side of 60th St east of 2nd Ave) and bike to Queens. Then you get off in queens and go west (all the way to Vernon Blvd is best as there are a lot less lights) and go to 36th Ave (right past Con Ed plant) and make a left onto the bridge and bike to RI. There's not much room to bike here tho, better for running. I usually ride my bike into Manhattan and bike on the Greenway there. :)

More Roosevelt Island bike information from Astoria Bike:

the good news is bikes are now officially allowed on the ramp by the parking garage on Roosevelt Island. Before you were supposed to take the stinky elevator. But the ramp was always more fun and not dangerous. Just another random “bikes are bad” thing. And what’s with pissing on elevators? I mean, if you have to go, and I often do, why do it in the elevator?

I think a great bike route would be on the Promenade facing Manhattan from the northern tip of the Island by the Lighthouse all the way to Southpoint Park.

Images of the Roosevelt Island promenade and Lighthouse Park are from blogger Bento Box.

Italy Strolls Roosevelt Island Waterfront Promenade

A reader from Italy who found a home here on Roosevelt Island takes us for a stroll on the Roosevelt Island waterfront promenade.