Bike Worth More Than $1 Thousand Stolen From Octagon Bike Rack Yesterday- Is It Safe To Leave Your Bicycle At A Roosevelt Island Bike Rack Without It Being Stolen?

According to yesterday's Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Public Safety (PSD) 24 Hour Incident Report:

10/11/20 – 1340 – 888 Main Street – Grand Larceny – PSD/NYPD responded – Referred to NYPD.

In reply to my inquiry for more information, RIOC PSD Chief Kevin Brown adds:

PSD took a Report for a bicycle that was taken from Octagon bike rack. The complainant states the bike was worth over 1,000 dollars. 

On September 30, a Roosevelt Island resident reported:

We had two bikes stolen from different locations on the Island. Both were locked and the lock was cut. One was taken from outside Manhattan Park, the second from near the Octagon tennis court....  It happened last week, and the second one just yesterday evening...

On the first one, we reported to Public Safety, the second, not yet. But I thought it will be a good heads-up for people on the Island to secure their bikes better. We used a relativity thin chain and it was just cut, and with the second we bought a thicker chain, but it didn't help. There was a third attempt before the second theft, but then we found the bike with the cut-off lock near the subway.

My husband found the bike there attached to another bike wheel, with our cut-off lock around both. It seems like they were left there in order to collect other parts and we just caught it before the thief left the Island...

It seems like a serial thing, that's why I think it's worth publishing.

                                        Image Of Manhattan Park And West Promenade Bike Racks

I followed up with Chief Brown asking him:

Im told by a resident that there’s been an increase in bike thefts recently!

Have you noticed that.

He replied:

That’s is not something we have found in our reports.

Is it safe to leave your bicycle at a Roosevelt Island bike rack without it being stolen?

RIOC Removes Over 20 Busted & Broken Bicycles Chained To Public Property - Another 15 Will Be Removed November 1 If Not Claimed By Owner

According to Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Public Information Officer Alonza Robertson:

The new Roosevelt Island abandoned bicycle policy, announced last month, is now being enforced.

RIOC has started removing all unusable bikes chained

to public property (racks, street signs etc.) by 591 Main Street, Firefighter’s Field, the Helix Ramp area and the Roosevelt Island MTA subway station. They are being stored at the RIOC Warehouse, then will be discarded if unclaimed after two weeks.

For a bike to be considered unusable, it must have two or more of the following characteristics:

• The bike appears to be crushed or not otherwise usable.
• Missing essential parts such as handlebars, pedals, rear wheel or bicycle chain.
• The handlebars, pedals, spokes, frames or rimes are damaged or bent.
• 50 percent or more the bike is rusted, which includes parts like the frame, handlebars, pedals, and bike chain.

Once a month, Public Safety Department officers are surveying the Island for any unusable bikes chained and or locked to public property.

Any bike that fits the criteria is pictured, tagged, and then removed (in the owner does not remove the item in 30 days) and brought to the warehouse for temporary storage. After 14 days in RIOC custody, if no one claims the bike, it will get discarded.

The total number of bikes removed so far include:

• 18 from the Helix Ramp area
• 4 from the Roosevelt Island subway station
• 1 from 591 Main Street
• 1 from a street pole
• 1 from Firefighter’s Field

Another 15 abandoned bicycles have been tagged which is informing the owner that it will be removed from public property on November 1, if it not claimed.

RIRA Island Services Committee Reports Roosevelt Island Tram Station Elevators Still A Problem, Happy Southtown Riverwalk Rats, Sportspark Inspection, Boy Scouts Re-Activation & Post Office Bike Rack Installed

 New Bike Rack At Roosevelt Island Post Office

Below is Roosevelt Island Residents Association (RIRA) Island Services Committee (ISC)

 Image From RIRA

report to the RIRA November Common Council:

RIRA – ISLAND SERVICES COMMITTEE (“ISC”)

REPORT TO COMMON COUNCIL – 11/4/15

ISC did not meet in October. Next meeting will be in mid‐November.

Tram Elevators – The old elevator was out‐of‐service a number of times in October (this seems to be never ending!). Fortunately, the back‐up Red Lift was operating, so passengers still had a way to get up and down the platform. ISC is very concerned about when and if the elevator will operate during this winter.

Work on the new elevators is still stalled until the bankruptcy issues are fully settled. It is expected that design work on this project will be able to resume sometime in November. RIOC has not issued an update on when the new elevators will be in operation. ISC’s estimate is winter, 2017.

Sportspark – Several ISC members have re‐inspected Sportspark to assess how RIOC is coming with the work needed to bring this facility up to an acceptable condition. ISC plans to meet with the appropriate RIOC officials in November to review our findings and find out the timing on all remaining upgrade projects.

Control of Rats – Commercial Trash Yard – ISC declared victory prematurely on this issue. It seems that the trash yard has returned to its previously unacceptable condition. On 2 or 3 days each week the yard is not up to Depart. Of Sanitation standards. We will meet with Related one last time before we call in the Depart. Of Sanitation and the Board of Health for help in resolving this bad situation. Meanwhile, the rats in Southtown seem happy with all the food they can get at the trash yard.

Boy Scouts – ISC is meeting with the Youth Center to see if we can develop a joint program to reactivate the Scouts on RI.

Post Office Customer Service – ISC was able to get RIOC to install a bike rack in front of the Post Office. Now bikers can protect their bikes while they conduct their business at the Post Office. Bikes are not permitted inside the facility.

Respectfully Submitted,

Aaron Hamburger, ISC Chair

UPDATE 1:45 PM - RI Long Times adds:

Ha, Ha !

This "Bike rack" is actually one of those stanchions used at parades & at police activity. I was there the day it was placed and painted AND, it is not even in front of the Post Office, but rather next to the bench at Gristedes, where bike owners cannot even see their bikes. I'm glad to see the "improvement", but as usual, RIOC's geography is a bit confused.

Bicycle Stolen at Roosevelt Island Subway Rack, Males Arrested For Fighting in Public, Unfounded Investigation of Marijuana Possession and March Roosevelt Island Public Safety Blotter

Image of Roosevelt Island Subway Bicycle Rack

The 5/8 - 5/9 Roosevelt Island Daily Public Safety Report indicated:

Larceny-PSD filed a report.

I asked Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Public Safety Director Keith Guerra for additional information. Mr. Guerra replied:

The Complainant reported that she parked her bicycle (valued at $120.00) on the Bike Rack at the Subway Station on Saturday, May 7th at approximately 10:00am. Upon her return to the island at approximately 9:00pm, her bike was gone. She reported this to PSD on Sunday, May 8th.

I also inquired of Director Guerra about these other incidents from the 5/3 -5/4 Public Safety Report as well:

Arrests- Subjects arrested by PSD.

and

Investigation-Realtive to known subject.

Director Guerra responded:

In reference to the first incident, two males were arrested for fighting in public and issued summons.

The second incident involved the Investigation of Possession of Marijuana on Roosevelt Landings Property, which was unfounded.

Below is the March 2011 Public Safety Blotter which provides more detailed information on Roosevelt Island Public Safety incidents for that month including:

• 3/31 - 563 Main Street - Female victim advised unknown person emailed her using a friends name asking for money. Victim sent over $7,000 to unknown subject. Victim went to 114 Pct for report.
• 3/10 - S/O 1 Main Street - While on patrol four vehicles pulled up to location wanting to speak with union workers. R/O advised the group to disperse that they were not authorized to enter. Group complied with lawful order.
• 3/5 - 531 Main Street - Dispute between leaseholder (male subject) and tenant (female victim). R/O responded to location where victim stated she feared for her safety. Victim collected her belongings with R/O present. Subject wrote victim a check for the rent and security deposit return and victim returned the key.
• 3/31 - 531 Main Street - Reporter advises of alleged individuals gaining access to her apartment illegally, placing electronic shock devices in her bed and theft of personal property. NYPD refuses to take report. Reporter has made this complaint on several occasions. Forwarded to building management.
• 3/4 - 580 Main Street - Raw sewage coming out of bathtub and toilet causing damage to rugs. Super on scene to correct the condition.
• 3/2 - 465 Main Street - Unknown subjects covered parking sensors with paint. Search of area for subjects yielded negative results. Condition to be corrected.
• 3/11 - 546 Main Street - While on patrol unknown individuals threw a bucket of water on and
  yelled profanities directed at R/O from the stairwell of location. Search of area yielded negative results and
• 3/14 - 560 Main Street - Victims advised while they were sleeping unknown individuals entered their apartment taking several electronic items. Victims also advised they left their apartment door open. NYPD on scene for report.

March 2011 RI Public Safety Blotter

The January - March 2011 Roosevelt Island Public Safety Monthly Statistics are here.

Bicycles Can Now Be Stored Overnight On Roosevelt Island Bike Racks - RIOC Suspends Previous Late Night Bike Rack Ban Upon Further Review

Image Of A Southtown Bike Rack

In May 2009, the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) initiated a policy banning the use of all bike racks during the hours of 2 AM - 5 AM. Any bike found at the racks would be removed by the Public Safety Department.

The idea was to open up more space for bicycles by getting rid of abandoned bikes at the racks, clear up any unsightly mess they caused and to prevent the bike racks from being used as overnight storage. After complaints were made from many bike owners including late night bicycle users, the Public Safety Department set up a system for Pre-Registering the bikes so they would not be removed during those hours.

Roosevelt Island Bicycle owners have been very unhappy with this policy from the beginning. As these two comments to Bike Sharing post explain:

The problem is that it is not allowed to park a bicycle over night anywhere in public on this island. You have to bring it into your home at night. Manhattan Park, for example, does not have a bike room in any of its building. For people like me who take the bicycle serious as commuter vehicle it is incomprehensible why this is. I use my bike every single day, rain or shine, and I am forced to bring it into my apartment at night. Who is going to clean that place? Who has the room to store 2 or 3 bicycles?

I really hope Public Safety is going to revisit this. You cannot take something away (overnight parking outside) and not offer an alternative.

and:

I am very angry about this new policy to ban overnight bike storage, especially after reading a letter in the most recent Wire (local newspaper). The person who wrote the letter owned a bike and stored it at the rack. When he returned from vacation, his bike was gone. He inquired Public Safety and was told that all bikes were removed to enforce no overnight storage ban. Public Safety didn’t have his bike because if bikes are not claimed by owners after a short period of times, Public Safety gives them to the Thrift Store has it. The man went to the Thrift Store to find out that his bike was not there. The Thrift Store has sold it! The owner wasn’t offered any compensation!

Well, Roosevelt Island Bike owners should be happy to learn that RIOC has suspended it's Bike Rack Parking policy until further notice. From RIOC:

Please be advised that the Roosevelt Island Bicycle Rack Parking Policy has been suspended until further notice. We are carefully reviewing our current policy with the NYC Department of Transportation and Transportation Alternatives for short and long term bicycle parking solutions. We are seeking ways to discourage long term storage of unused bicycles so that bicycles actively used for recreation and transportation are given precedence.  As a commitment to sustainable forms of urban transportation, it is in the Roosevelt Island community's  best interest to encourage bicycling as a legitimate means of commuting to and from school or work, and as a recreational activity. We are reviewing bicycle parking in that context.

RIOC VP Of Operations Fernando Martinez adds:

For the present time, we are allowing bikes to be parked overnight.

More on Roosevelt Island Bike Racks here.

RIOC should be commended for revoking the overnight bike rack ban policy and seeking new solutions to the problem of abandoned bicycles.

UPDATE 3 PM - From RIOC Board Director Jonathan Kalkin:

As the new Chair of the Operations Committee, I strongly pushed for this overnight bike parking policy change. As a strong advocate of Green Projects, I believe we should be encouraging the use of bicycles on Roosevelt Island. Therefore, at our last committee meeting we requested a review of these policies and solutions to enhance the use of bicycles on Roosevelt Island. We have approved a bike sharing RFP and a bike path RFP in the coming months. Some cities have opened their parking facilities for bike overnight parking and we are reviewing this as well. There is a large area in the center of Motorgate with the broken escalator that is not being used. We have been using many transportation consultants to review the Island to make sure our policies encourage transportation alternatives.  RIOC's staff has done a great job working on this and I am really excited to see this progress.

Getting To Work From Roosevelt Island During Yesterday Morning's F Train Subway Service Disruption - A Reader's Commute

How was your Roosevelt Island commute yesterday morning? As reported yesterday, there was no F Train service from Roosevelt Island to Manhattan and limited Queens bound service for almost 2 hours due to a Police investigation at the 21 street Queensbridge Station.

Reader Trevre Andrews shares his commuting experience caused by the F train service disruption and wonders about the little green tags on bicycles at the Subway bike rack:

If you wanted to go to manhattan this morning around 845 you would have had to go back to Queen's, although it wasn't clear where you could go from there. It was noted as an ongoing police investigation causing the delay. No signs, just an audio warning when I got to the bottom of the train (Isn't this what the station attendant should do, make a sign?). If I had a pen and paper I would have made one myself.

I also found the Queen's bound trains were taking their sweet time as I waited on one for about 15 minutes before I gave up on the RI public transit all together which leads me to my second story.

Upon exiting the subway I decided to grab my recently locked bike from the rack outside the station, only to notice little green tags on a lot of the bikes. The tags contained four digit numbers but no notifications were to be found.

Image From Trevre Andrews

My imagination ran wild thinking of the psd down there with a plasma torch cutting through hundreds of dollars of perfectly good locks, but it could just be my imagination. Anyone know what's up with the little green tags?

My other options were the red bus service...i didnt want to even start to figure that shirade out, or a taxi, none of which are on the island at that hour. Given my options I hoofed it over to Queen's and grabbed the Vernon blvd 7 train (not wanting to mess with queensboro or leave my bike there).

Image From Trevre Andrews

On my way over to Queen's I also got to see the gridlocked 36th ave bridge, with both lanes stalled maybe due to a broken vehicle.

Image From Trevre Andrews

There is also a water taxi at Hunters Point, which I haven't tried yet. Despite all this I made it to manhattan in under an hour. All in all the frustration is sort of what makes New York so much fun.

RIOC VP Of Operations Fernando Martinez provides some additional information:

At approximately 9:30 AM, RIOC received notice of an F train service disruption on Manhattan-bound trains. To accommodate passenger needs, the following red shuttle bus service was provided:

Manhattan Bound [9:45 AM]: Filled to capacity*
Manhattan Bound [9:50 AM]: Filled to capacity*

Queens Plaza Bound [9:45 AM]: Filled to capacity*
Queens Plaza Bound [10:00 AM]: Filled to capacity*

Manhattan Bound [10:20 AM]: Approximately 40 passengers.
Manhattan Bound [10:25 AM]: Approximately 35 passengers.

Queens Plaza Bound [10:30 AM]: Approximately 50 passengers.

The departure times are from the Riverwalk bus stop.

At approximately 10:30 AM, RIOC received notice that F train service had resumed with residual delays. No additional red shuttle buses were dispatched, and normal Manhattan-bound shuttle service resumed.

*Capacity - 34 seating, 20 standing or a total of 54 passengers

and a reader of yesterday's post adds, though unconfirmed:

What really happened was that is yet unknown wheather or not a man committed suicide.

Also: NYC Transit Forum reported yesterday:

Have no further details at this time but the Medical Examiner is in route and responding to 21st queens bridge. At this time, Due to a police investigation at the 21st Street-Queensbridge Station, F trains are running on the V line in both directions between the 36th Street Station and the 47-50th Street-Rockefeller Center Station.

Roosevelt Island Subway & Tram Bike Racks Can Now Be Used For Late Night Storage - If Preregistered With Public Safety Department

Image of Subway Bike Rack With Enforcement Notice From Roosevelt Island 360

According to the RIOC Advisory Web Page:

Bike Rack Advisory

For All Bike Racks On Roosevelt Island
There Will Be No Bicycle Storage Between the Hours of 2:00AM and 5:00AM.
Bicycles Found In Violation Will Be Removed By The Roosevelt Island Public Safety Department.

Well, that is about to change. RIOC has modified the Roosevelt Island overnight bicycle storage policy recently implemented in which any bicycle found at the Tram or Subway bike racks between the hours of 2-5 AM would be removed, taken to the Public Safety Office and later, if not abandoned, claimed by the owner. Both Streetsblog and Roosevelt Island 360 reported extensively on this policy. From Streetsblog:

According to an e-mail from Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation President Steve Shane, however, enforcement will not begin until next week. At that point, any bike found on a rack between 2 and 5 a.m. will be confiscated, says the RIOC, and owners will have 48 hours to claim them before they are donated to a thrift store.

Subway Bike Rack This Morning

RIOC will now allow overnight storage of bicycles at the Tram and Subway Bike Racks if they are preregistered with the Public Safety Department. In response to my inquiry, RIOC President Steve Shane advises:

We are not regulating bike racks other than at the Tram & Subway. If preregistered with Public Safety, won't be removed. The intent is to clear the derelict & long term storage bicycles so that commuters will have plenty of parking space and thus be encouraged to use their bikes, for all the appropriate health & ecological reasons.

Roosevelt Island Public Safety Director Keith Guerra adds:

There is no overnight storage of bicycles on bike racks owned and managed by RIOC. Bike racks owned by the buildings themselves are managed by them. As Mr. Shane indicated, if someone needs to lock their bike to one of the racks (i.e. the Tram or Subway) during the hours of 2:00AM and 5:00AM, they may advise the Desk Officer at Public Safety and that bike will not be removed.

So, if you work late at night or are just out having fun and use your bicycle to commute to the Tram or Subway, let the Public Safety Department know and your bicycle should be there when you return. It is not clear if one must notify the Public Safety Department on a daily basis if you are going to use the bike racks during late night hours or there will be some sort of weekly or monthly registration.

Happy Late night pedaling.

UPDATE - 4:15 PM- For clarification purposes, Roosevelt Island Public Safety Director Guerra advises that bikes may be locked up at the tram and subway bike racks during the 2-5 AM hours but there has been no change in the policy that prohibits overnight storage of bikes on a regular basis. The intent of this policy is to allow late night commuters to use the bike racks, not to allow residents to use these bike racks as a permanent storage area as some have previously been doing. As of now, contact the Public Safety Department each day you plan on having your bicycle locked up at the Subway or Tram bike racks during the 2-5 AM hours and it will not be removed. If you need your bike locked up during these hours on a regular basis, advise the Public Safety Department of your situation. They will attempt to work out a solution.

Mr. Guerra also reported that a total of 26 bicycles have been confiscated and only three were claimed. The unclaimed bicycles were given to the Thrift shop.

Roosevelt Island Bikes Stored At Subway Rack For 24 Hours Are Legitimate, Others Will Be Tagged And Removed - Did This Start With RIRA Committee?

Image of Tagged Bikes at Subway Station Rack

RIOC President Steve Shane reported to Roosevelt Island 360 that bikes stored at the subway and tram station bike racks during the early morning hours will be removed starting next week:

We decided to put warning tags on this week. ......enforcement next week.

Some bikes have already been tagged and are subject to removal next week.

Image of Tagged Bikes at Subway Station Rack

It appears that this policy may have originated with fellow residents from the Roosevelt Island Residents Association (RIRA) Island Services Committee (ISC). According to a RIRA ICS Committee Report:

Bike Storage Racks At Subway Station
After ISC contacts with RIOC officials, RIOC has begun to remove bikes which have either been at the racks for too long or are abandoned (as evidenced by flat tires and/or rusted chains). If RIOC is aggressive on this issue, we should see more spots available for legitimate short-term (less than a day) storage of bikes.

Of course, abandoned bikes should be removed but I don't know what makes bicycles stored for less than a day more "legitimate" than others.

UPDATE - 2:30 PM - A reader comments:

What is problematic is the no overnight parking of bikes. Commentators on Streetblog have so many good ideas how the RIOC could deal with abandoned bicycles.

Some suggestions from Streetsblog readers include:

The standard protocol, from a quick google-around, is to affix a notice to a bike, wait a few days, then confiscate and hold for a week or more before disposal.

RI could offer bike registration, which would allow them to trace ownership in many cases and then they could send a notice to the owner as well as affix a notice. That would also allow a cyclist to notify the authorities when they plan to be out of town so that their bike is not considered abandoned while they are on vacation.

A modest fee for bike registration would perhaps allow RI to fund some serious bike facilities

More:

The way chicago deals with orphaned bikes is if a neighbor reports an orphaned bike the city will securly tie a sign to the bike that says "move your bike within 3 weeks or we'll take it". Which is fair. Maybe some neighbors complained about seeing a lot of discarded bikes locked to racks and wanted the eye sore cleaned up. But talk about a HUGE overreaction. I agree with the 360 reader, can we also ban cars from parking on the street at night? That would improve my quality of life as a cyclist; I'd never have to worry about being doored on my early morning commute.

And:

As a car-light community I was surprised Roosevelt Island isn't oarticularly bike friendly. The 36th Avenue bridge doesn't allow cycling on the sidewalk and the roadway is a real danger to narrow tires. And the roadways leave much to be desired.

Now the idea that cyclists can't use the bike racks overnight makes absolutely no sense. Why should Roosevelt Island cyclists have fewer rights than other cyclists throughout the city?

This would seem like a prime environment for various forms of bicycle parking, from indoor garages to the various individual bike enclosures we've seen elsewhere, or even Bike Shelters.

Or:

They could even institute a version of alternate-side parking: paint half the racks one color and the other half another color, and say that on Wednesdays the blue racks will be cleared for "cleaning" and on Fridays the red on

Read the full Streetsblog posts here and here.

Roosevelt Island Bike Rack Storage Saga Continues But Bike Sharing Plan Being Explored

Roosevelt Island Subway Bike Rack

In response to RIOC's recently announced decision to remove all bicycles from the bike racks near the Tram and Subway station (they will delay implementing this policy at the other Roosevelt Island bike racks until further notice) because some bikes may be abandoned or are unsightly, a reader forwards the following suggestions. Why not just:

...Clear the racks twice a month to identify abandoned bikes

Ticket bikes that violate the clearing rule and then remove them at the next clearing....

The full comments are below

Typical for RIOC, there has been no vote, quorum, consensus. A few complaints, someone makes a decision, and the safety force spreads the news in an ungrammatical laminated note dangling from a plastic twistee. Have you given it any thought?? How about the people commuting into the island who leave the bike overnight at the subway? Should the safety patrol take possession of bikes during the b(n)ight instead of keeping the island safe? Also, declaring a rule on Saturday for Monday is the most crazy implementation of any rule in an municipality. Nobody has time to move or sell their bike.

Here are 4 smart ways to handle it:

Move the bike racks

Put in more bike racks

Clear the racks twice a month to identify abandoned bikes

Ticket bikes that violate the clearing rule and then remove them at the next clearing.

The RIOC solution to the problem of unsightly (abandoned) bikes is absurd. Less bikes means more cars. These bikes are a solution to another problem – pollution, crowding, fuel usage. Amsterdam has accommodated thousands of bicyclists for hundreds of years without a moronic governmental response. These rules are making people less environmentally conscious, less likely to buy things at your stores on the island, less likely to visit overnight , less likely to move here, and more likely to use their cars. Buildings are all going to have to clean up the mess of bringing bikes into the buildings during the winter. That is also quality of life.

Of course, we will all see the delivery bikes all over the subway area despite this new rule. The bike rule will be as selectively implemented as the parking rule that allows certain people to park their cars right in front of Manhattan Park, RIOC’s office and the hospitals.

As to some bikes being unsightly, another reader responds:

Is it so hard to just remove the bikes that seem to be abandoned? I think not. Also, my bike is a clunker and not a pretty sight but I used it daily. Because the way my bike looks like it needs to be removed? What if I was driving a clunker of a *car*? Would I be allowed to park it on the streets?

In other Roosevelt Island bicycle news, RIOC Director Jonathan Kalkin reported during the May 13 Operations Committee Meeting (web cast here) that he is actively seeking a vendor to establish a bike sharing program for Roosevelt Island.

For those interested in more information on Bicycle Sharing, the NYC Department of Planning released a very comprehensive report on issue this spring.

Here's how Washington DC's Smart Bike sharing program works and the recently established Montreal Bixi Bike Sharing Program - the largest in North America.

You Tube Video of Montreal Bike Sharing

As an aside, Montreal is a beautiful City and one of my favorites to visit. If you are looking for a quick weekend vacation from NYC - it's a great place to go.

Report From RIOC's President - New Director, Southpoint Groundbreaking, FERI Meeting, Tram Birthday, New Bus Schedule & Other Roosevelt Island Issues

Image From RIOC

RIOC President Steve Shane sends the following report to Roosevelt Island residents. Mr. Shane addresses issues on

1. Board of Directors: Meeting of May 14, 2009 with a Town Hall meeting following. Mr. Howard Polivy’s appointment by the Governor and Senate confirmation completed. Mr. Polivy will occupy the seat that was held by Michael Shinozaki. With Charlee Miller’s announced intention to retire from the Board at the end of her appointed term in June, new nominees will be needed. RIRA’s election on May 19 should produce candidates.

2. Southpoint: A press event commemorating the completion of the preservation of the Renwick Ruin and the start of Green Rooms/Wild Gardens is scheduled for May 28, 2009. As to the projects:
(A) Renwick Ruins: Stabilization work is complete and the entrances to the building will be boarded up to secure the interior and prevent trespassing.
(B) Green Rooms/Wild Gardens: The contractor has started rough grading, paths and stone walls. Phase 2 will be the finish grading and capping of the site, utilities, fencing and planting.
(C) FDR Memorial: FERI is working on engineering and permitting with DEC, Army Corp. of Engineers, Coastguard, etc. FERI has delivered its Environmental Analysis to RIOC as lead agency and our consultants are reviewing for completeness as part of the SEQRA process. As soon as it is in final form, it will be published to the community and we would like to schedule a public meeting for May 27, 2009 at 7PM at Good Shepherd for the FERI group to present their project and answer questions. If all the deliverables required under the Conditional Designation Agreement are in hand, the Board could make its final determination at the June 25th meeting. RIOC has been in consultation with the State’s Division of the Budget and Parks Department to work out funding mechanics for the $4 million State appropriation to RIOC, conditioned on a matching $4 million from the City and at least $8 million from FERI as necessary to complete phase 1. After the permitting process, much remains to be resolved, including coordination of funding and supervision among State Parks, NYC Parks, RIOC and FERI during both development and thereafter, before bringing the project back to the Board.

3. Tram: The birthday of the Tram will be celebrated on Monday afternoon, May 18th from 3-6. Cake will be served and a videographer will interview residents for Tram stories. On schedule for a July 6, 2009 shutdown and December reopening, although the Contractor, POMA, may request a shift in the window of closure to accommodate redesign changes in the structural elements. Work is underway on design and fabrication. Spools of cable are soon to be shipped from Europe. Final details of cabin design are being completed. Scheduling of tower reinforcing and top replacement, cable pulling, street and park closures, crane locations, etc. with permitting for everything is ongoing. Met again with Community Board 8 on May 5. CB 8 will be holding its meeting on the Island at Good Shepherd at 6:30. Architectural work for Tram stations is proceeding. A preliminary sketch of the Manhattan station is posted. Studies of present day code requirements (ADA, fire, electrical, lighting, access & egress, communications, security, HVAC and sprinklers for sub-grade rooms, wind, rain and snow barriers, etc.) as applied to both stations is in the works.

4. Subway: MTA has put out notices that due to emergency track work, trains will be slowed down, reducing the rush hour schedule by two trains, increasing the degree of difficulty when the tram will be out of service from July 6 to mid December. Despite our questioning, there is apparently no good answer to the inconvenience and discomfort.

5. Projects: Work is ongoing to replace the exterior of the AVAC building, install replacement chambers for AVAC, lighting at Motorgate, repave portions of Main Street, replace the façade at Sportspark and make improvements to PSD. Public Safety has temporarily relocated to 504 Main Street while the work is being done. The Board agenda will include replacing the HVAC system for Good Shepherd, AVAC exterior, fire alarm system at Sportspark, swimming pool resurfacing, and architects for the new Tram Park.

6. Bank: RIOC has received no response to its letter in answer to the notice from NYNB that it intends to close its branch at 615 Main Street on June 6, 2009. We have met with Amalgamated and supplied a letter of support for application to the State Banking Department to allow Amalgamated to open a branch. All signs seem positive.

There's More!




7. Southtown Buildings 5 and 6 moving toward completion. Landscaping being done and interior finishes and fixtures being installed. The roadway in front of the Tram is scheduled for paving and the fountain in the turnaround will follow.

8. The Mobile Van for Free Mammograms will be making a return visit on May 30th. If interested in scheduling an appointment, call Erica Wilder at our office (212) 832-4540.

9. Blackwell Park Playground: In response to the request of some parents, we have emphasized the purpose of the tot playground by increased Public Safety presence to discourage older people from hanging out at the area. No adults unaccompanied by an age appropriate youngster will be permitted.

10. Bicycles: To clear what is becoming an increasing problem, the bike rack at the subway station will have notices posted that leaving bikes overnight will not be permitted. After 2AM and before 5AM, Public Safety will remove bikes to increase availability for those who utilize the space as intended. If not reclaimed at Public Safety within 24 hours, the bikes will be donated.

11. July 4 Fireworks: With the City’s decision to celebrate the 400th anniversary of Henry Hudson’s sail by moving the fireworks to the Hudson, RIOC’s annual July 4th fireworks watching is not going to happen. We are, however, asked to host the fireworks to accompany the 100th birthday of the Queensboro Bridge to be on the evening of May 31. Stay tuned for further details.

12. Health & Fitness Day this Saturday, May 16. Commendation Ceremony for Public Safety Officers at 11:30 at the 591 plaza. Basketball and ping pong tournaments, games and exhibitions to follow. Everyone come out for the afternoon of fun.

13. Public Safety: Director Keith Guerra, Deputy Director Rene Bryan and Captain Estrella Suarez have all completed the FBI course in Major Incident Management as sponsored by the New York Office Police Training Program. Congrats to them.
During Health & Fitness Day, PSD will be sponsoring a child seat safety inspection at the Gristede’s turnaround. Bring your car and child seat. If you do not have one, they will be available without charge, but a donation would be appreciated.

14. Red Bus: Having been studied by the Columbia and Hunter students, and being the continuing source of complaint from some Island residents, RIOC has agreed with RIRA to try an experiment in scheduling to see whether there is an improvement in service. We met with Frank Farance and “discussed” the issues of Main Street and how to better serve the public. We are going to try, during the week of May 18 to 22 to schedule the three red buses on the route from approximately 10 to 11:30 so as to leave the Octagon at 9:55, 10:10, 10:25, 10:40, 10:55, 11:10 and 11:25. Each bus will wait at the Tram to pick up the passengers and return northbound. A 45 minute loop is built in to account for unpredictable event along the way. Predictability should be enhanced, although waiting times may suffer as the buses will be held out of service to meet the schedule.

15. Octagon Field Rest room facilities: Because of the cut in the sewer line at the water tunnel, the facility is out of service. The recently installed facility at the north end of the Goldwater parking lot may be used and a portasan will be in place until the repair work is completed (requiring coordination between DEP and the Octagon). Sorry for the inconvenience.

This message was also published as the RIOC column in the 5/16/09 Main Street WIRE.

Roosevelt Island Bike Rack Removals To Be Enforced At Tram and Subway Station For Now - Rest Of The Island To Be Determined Later

Roosevelt Island Subway Station Bike Rack Thursday 5/14 5:30 PM

RIOC has decided that the Roosevelt Island Bike Racks are not to be used overnight during the hours of 2 - 5 AM and issued the following advisory.

Bike Rack Advisory

For All Bike Racks On Roosevelt Island
There Will Be No Bicycle Storage Between the Hours of 2:00AM and 5:00AM.
Bicycles Found In Violation Will Be Removed By The Roosevelt Island Public Safety Department.

I inquired of RIOC President Steve Shane:

I have been hearing alot of complaints about the new bike rack policy of removing bicycles found chained to Roosevelt Island bike racks betweeen 2-5 AM.
I understand there is an issue with abandoned bikes chained to the racks but why change such a longstanding practice going back many years, particularly the bike racks on River Road by Manhattan Park.

Does the policy include River Road bike racks as well?

Mr. Shane replied:

The managing agents at all housing groups have no problem. The bikes stored outside are rusty and unsightly. Since we did not want to be discriminatory, intended to make it Island wide. However, we will post signs and advisories by the Tram and Subway and will enforce there only, until further notice.

So, let RIOC and your building management know if you object to this new policy or have any ideas on how to keep the overnight bike storage but remove the unsightly and abandoned bikes.

Roosevelt Island 360 has more.

RIRA Common Council Meeting Wednesday 8 PM Good Shepherd Community Center - Credit Card Theft, Bike Storage, Red Bus & Tennis Club Parking

RIRA Common Council Meeting

The Roosevelt Island Residents Association (RIRA) Common Council will be meeting tomorrow night, Wednesday, May 6, 8PM at the Good Shepherd Community Center (543 Main Street, lower level). Prior to the meeting, time is alloted for any resident to speak before the Council and air their views or issues of concern to Roosevelt Islanders.

The Agenda for the meeting is as follows:

AGENDA

Date: Wednesday, May 6th, 2009
Time: 8:00 P.M. - Finish
Place: Good Shepherd Community Center, 543 Main Street
1. Public Session (8:00)
- No requests for public session

2. Roll Call (8:00)
X 3. Approval of Agenda (8:10)
X 4. Approval of Minutes (8:10)
5. Treasurer’s Report (8:30)
6. President's Report (8:30)
7. Committee Reports (8:40)
Government Relations - M. Smith
Communications - E. Erickson
Public Safety - R. Schuppert
Housing - J. Micheff & L. Strong-Shinozaki
Social, Cultural and Educational Services - N. Leopold
X - request for funds of up to $300 to cover the cost of coffee, bagels and OJ on RI Day, 6/6/09.
Island Services - A. Hamburger
- Committee report.
Planning - M. Katz

8. Old Business (9:45)
Matt Katz to bring sign up sheet for the four Saturdays of the blood drive
9. New Business (9:50)

10. Adjourn

X Agenda items requiring action
Next (and Final 1st term) Meeting: Wednesday, June 3rd, 2009

The Agenda can be printed out here.

There's More!



A report by the Island Services Committee is below and can be printed out here.

RIRA – ISAND SERVICES COMMITTEE (ISC)

REPORT TO COMMON COUNCIL MEETING 5/6/09

Credit Card Thefts
There have been two more reported credit card thefts, this time at 455 Main St. (Riverwalk Place). Both victims have been interviewed by the Secret Service. Active investigation of credit card thefts on Roosevelt Island is on-going.

Tennis Club Parking In Southtown
ISC has investigated this issue and concluded it’s a reasonable deal between RIOC and the Tennis Club, with no adverse impact on the Roosevelt Island community. Council members wanting details should e-mail Aaron Hamburger.

Red Bus Morning Rush Hour Service
We continue to get reports of buses by-passing the Good Shepherd and Island House stops due to overcrowding on the bus.

Bike Storage Racks At Subway Station
After ISC contacts with RIOC officials, RIOC has begun to remove bikes which have either been at the racks for too long or are abandoned (as evidenced by flat tires and/or rusted chains). If RIOC is aggressive on this issue, we should see more spots available for legitimate short-term (less than a day) storage of bikes.

Aaron Hamburger
Chair, ISC

Another Bicycle Theft on Roosevelt Island and Public Safety Reports from January 19 - September 1, 2008

Image of Riverwalk bike rack is not necessarily where bike was stolen

There was another bicycle theft reported to the Roosevelt Island Public Safety Department this past week. The latest occurrence makes at least 3 in recent weeks. This time the bike was taken from one of the street bike racks. According to Public Safety report for August 29:

Petit Larceny - Female walked into PSD reported bike taken from rack by unknown subjects. Search made with negative results.

There was also an August 31 report of:

Criminal Mischief-Bike Room door damaged. Search for the subject yielded negative results. UA Super notified.

Here are the other Roosevelt Island Public Safety reports for August 25 - September 1.

8/25 /08-7:00 AM to 8/26/08-7:00 AM

Found Property- A sebco Laundry card. It was secured in PSD.

Missing Person- From a group home. NYPD and PSD responded and conducted a search with negative results.

Escort- PSD provided an escort.

Graffiti- On 7th Floor. Search for the subject yielded negative results. UA notified.

Smoke Condition- Small fire of donated clothes. PSD extinguished it. No injuries or property damage.

Investigation- Senior Citizen escorted to apt by PSD.

8/26/08-7:00 AM to 8/27/08-7:00 AM

Criminal Mischief- Concert Flower Pot turned over. WV Door man notified. No Damage. Search for subject yielded negative results.

Graffiti- In building. and in stairwell. Search for the subject yielded negative results. UA notified.

Criminal Mischief- /Petit larceny- Window broken to vehicle and property removed. Search for the subject yielded negative results. NYPD responded and prepared a report.

Found Property- Cell phone. It was secured in PSD.

Criminal Mischief/Grand larceny- A window was broken and property taken. search for the subject yielded negative results. NYPD notified.

Aided- An ill person was taken to the Hospital by EMS.

Film shoot/Investigation- Film Crew on Island to do a film shoot and referred to RIOC for a permit.

Lost Property- 2 gold rings lost. NYPD responded and prepare a report.

Escort- PSD provided an escort to a female.

Hazardous Condition- Loose Concert and Cobble stone caused a flat tire. Motorist referred to RIOC.

Trespass- 2 subjects arrested by PSD.

Found Property- Wallet and it was secured at PSD.

Alcohol Open Container- 2 Subject arrested by PSD.

Criminal Possession of Marijuana- Subject arrested by PSD.

8/27/087:00 AM to 8/28/08-7:00AM

Unsecured Vehicle- Unable to contact the owner. PSD checked the vehicle periodically.

Unsecured Premises- Door left open. Search conducted and it was in order. The door was locked and secured.

Alarm- Search conducted for subject with negative results. NYPD responded. The alarm was reset.

Vehicle on Fire- No inuries. FDNY responded. Owner had vehicle towed.

Aided- An ill person was taken to the Hospital by EMS.

Aided- An ill person was taken to the Hospital by EMS.

Found Property- A wallet. It was secured in PSD.

Criminal Mischief- Rear door damaged to building. RIOC notified. Search for the subject conducted with negative results.

Aided- An ill person was taken to the Hospital by EMS.

Aided/EDP- Male threaten to jump off the R.I. Bridge. NYPD and EMS responded. He was taken to the Hospital by EMS.

Criminal Mischief- Water base paint was thrown on the outside and inside of a building. Search conducted for the subject yielded negative results. UA Super notified and corrected the condition.

0700 hrs 08/28/08 - 0700 hrs 08/29/08

Suicide jumper - PSD responded to RI bridge for possible jumper. NYPD and EMS on scene and transported aided to hospital.

Unsecured premises/Criminal Mischief - Unknown subjects entered day care center and sprayed it all over with paint. Maintenance cleaned it up. Conducted search of area with negative results.

Vehicle accident - RIOC bus hit truck causing minor damages. No injuries involved. NYPD refused.

Water leak - PSD responded to apt for water leak. Super checked apt and found no leak. Super secured apt.

Hazardous condition - Super reported that 3 youths entered elevator and threw pills all over elevator and stairwell. Maintenance cleaned up pills.

Aided - RIOC personnel twisted ankle. EMS transported aided to hospital.

Aided - Aided tripped and fell. Aided refused transport. No injuries.

Found property - Anon person dropped off cell phone at PSD. Phone secured phone.

0700 Hrs 8/29/08 - 0700 Hrs 8/30/08

Graffiti - Female tenant walked in to report black marker was used on front door lock. Search made with negative results. Super notify.

Found Property - RIOC worker gave PSD black purse found at Post Office area. Secured in Sgt's Cabinet.

Criminal Mischief - PSD Responded to Eastwood building for broken light bulbs thrown into the stairwell. Search made with negative results.

Petit Larceny - Female walked into PSD reported bike taken from rack by unknown subjects. Search made with negative results.

Aided - PSD Officer responded with FDNY for a 72 yr. old male who fell hitting his head. Transported to Elmhurst Hospital.

Graffiti - PSD Officer responded to stairwell and observed writing on wall. search made with negative results.

Fire - PSD Officer responded to a smoke alarm. Tenant was taken out of apartment. Fire was extinguished. FDNY on scene.

8/30/08-7:00 AM to 8/31/08-7:00 AM

Aided- An ill person was taken to the Hospital by EMS.

Aided-/DOA- Elderly deceased in apt. EMS and NYPD responded.

Graffiti- Rear of River Cross. Search for the subject yielded negative results. RIOC notified.

Criminal Trespass- 2 juvenile escorted to PSD and parents picked up youth

Alcohol/ Open Container- 4 subjects arrested by PSD.

Family Dispute- PSD and NYPD responded. No injuries. NYPD report done.

Aided- An ill person was taken to the Hospital by EMS.

Aggravated Harassment- Via telephone. NYPD report done.

8/31/08-7:00 AM to 9/1/08-7:00 AM

Aided- An ill person was taken to the Hospital by EMS.

Criminal Mischief-Bike Room door damaged. Search for the subject yielded negative results. UA Super notified.

Aided- An ill person was taken to the Hospital by EMS.

Aided- An ill person was taken to the Hospital by EMS.

Assault 3- Husband assaulted wife. PSD responded and arrested the subject.

Here are The Roosevelt Island Public Safety daily reports for January 19- May 1 2008 and May 1 - September 1 2008 as well as Monthly reports for February, April and May 2008. I hope to have more recent monthly reports soon.

New Southtown Bike Rack Joins Subway Bike Rack- Take the NYC Bike Rack Survey

Riverwalk Bike Rack

Subway Bike Rack

In addition to the subway bike rack, there is now a new bike rack placed between Riverwalk buildings 3 and 4.

If you are interested in bike transportation issues here is New York bike rack parking survey designed by:

two Hunter College graduate students working with the NYC Department of City Planning Transportation Division to improve our understanding of the public’s bike parking needs and current bike parking resources. This survey is designed to engage YOU in the decision making process as the city ramps up its efforts to install thousands of new bicycle racks and other bicycle parking facilities throughout the five boroughs within the next few years.

UPDATE 3/14 -NY Times reports the NYC Department of Transportation:

is pushing to modernize the city’s bike racks through an open international design competition, the winners of which will be part of an exhibition at the Cooper-Hewitt National Design Museum in October.