Here's A Shocker, New Study By National Center For Health Statistics Says Roosevelt Island Residents Life Expectancy Is 59 Years Of Age, But Only For Northern Half Of Roosevelt Island - Or Something Wrong With The Data

A new study by Marketplace says that living on Roosevelt Island shortens your life expectancy to 59 years old. WHAT?!? https://t.co/RNGZ7W1Gbe #RIOC #RooseveltIsland #GoodLiving https://t.co/RNGZ7W1Gbe

— RIOC NYS (@RIOCny) November 8, 2018

Marketplace reports:

The life expectancy for people living in Chinatown, New York: 93.6 years.

Roosevelt Island, New York, which lies about 10 miles away: 59 years.

Two people living in different parts of the same city could have very different life expectancy rates, according to data from the U.S. Small-area Life Expectancy Estimates Project. USLEEP released a comprehensive data set, the first-of-its-kind, tracking these rates at the neighborhood level....

According to the National Center For Heath Statistics (NCHS):

The U.S. Small-area Life Expectancy Estimates Project (USALEEP) is a partnership of NCHS, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF), and the National Association for Public Health Statistics and Information Systems (NAPHSIS) to produce a new measure of health for where you live. The USALEEP project produced estimates of life expectancy at birth—the average number of years a person can expect to live—for most of the census tracts in the United States for the period 2010-2015...

A review of the census track information reveals a huge divide between the Roosevelt Island Life expectancy of residents who live in northern section of Roosevelt Island (Manhattan Park, Octagon) and residents who live in the southern and middle portions of Roosevelt Island (Riverwalk and WIRE Building.

Census Track 36061023802 for Manhattan Park and Octagon Buildings reports a Roosevelt Island life expectancy average of 59 years

But Census Track 36061023801 for Riverwalk Building and WIRE Buildings reports a life expectancy average of 81 years.

Coler Hospital at 900 Main Street on the north side of Roosevelt Island should be in the same Census Track as Manhattan Park and Octagon but is listed in this report with Riverwalk and WIRE Buildings (36061023801) with average Life Expectancy of 81 years.

So, either Riverwalk, WIRE Buildings and Coler Hospital patients are much healthier with a longer life expectancy than neighbors a few blocks away in Manhattan Park and the Octagon, or there is something wrong with the data.

CB 8's Roosevelt Island Committee Hosting Suicide Prevention Forum Thursday September 20 At Main Street Theatre

September is Suicide Prevention Month.

In light of September being Suicide Prevention Month, the city health department is highlighting a free 8-hour mental health first aid course available to all New Yorkers. #MorningsOn1 pic.twitter.com/5UxkFq2faP

— Spectrum News NY1 (@NY1) September 19, 2018

Community Board 8's (CB 8) Roosevelt Island Committee is hosting a Suicide Prevention Forum tomorrow evening.

Please note that the Forum will be held Thursday September 20 at the Main Street Theatre & Dance Alliance (548 Main Street), not at the location referenced in flyer above.

According to CB 8's Roosevelt Island Committee

Roosevelt Island Committee
Thursday, September 20, 2018 - 6:30PM
Main Street Theater & Dance
548 Main Street,
Roosevelt Island, NY

Joint Meeting with Health, Seniors, & Social Services and Veteran’s Committees

Suicide Prevention Forum

Featured Speakers:

• Brett A. Scudder, President/Chairman/Founder SISFI
• Representative from NAMI
• Representative from Columbia Presbyterian
• Representative from American Foundation For Suicide Prevention

Lynne Strong-Shinozaki, Chair Roosevelt Island Committee
Alexandra Harrington Barker, David Liston, and Barbara Rudder, Co-Chairs Health, Seniors, & Social Services Committee
Christopher Deluzio and David Menegon, Co-Chairs Veterans Committee

After her own suicide attempt, this photographer has interviewed nearly 200 suicide attempt survivors across the U.S. to amplify their voices. pic.twitter.com/yPWKtZcvdf

— VICE News (@vicenews) September 18, 2018

NYC Health has more info on suicide prevention.

Today Is World Mental Health Day - Roosevelt Island Residents Association Wants To Make Mental Health Issues & Treatment Information Available To The Community, NYC Well Offers Help

Today is World Mental Health Day.

Today is #WorldMentalHealthDay. NYC Well is there for New Yorkers and their families 24/7 with mental health support. pic.twitter.com/mKouNwjUWN

— NYCEM (@nycoem) October 10, 2017

During the Roosevelt Island Residents Association (RIRA) October 4 Common Council meeting, RIRA Vice President Lynn Strong-Shinozaki discussed an initiative to make mental health issues information available for the Roosevelt Island community and what to do if you are concerned about someone with a potential mental health issue.

Ms Strong-Shinozaki told the RIRA Common Council:

... Seniors have different risk factors than adult working people. Children have different risk factors, teens have different risk factors. Making sure we make that type of information available....

and:

... within a two month period, we have had two women commit suicide by jumping off balconies...

A potential resource for those seeking mental health assistance are services provided by NYC Well.

According to NYC Well:

At any hour of any day, in almost any language, from phone, tablet or computer, NYC Well is your connection to get the help you need. We can provide:

• Suicide prevention and crisis counseling
• Peer support and short-term counseling via telephone, text and web
• Assistance scheduling appointments or accessing other mental health services
• Follow-up to check that you have connected to care and it is working for you

One in five NYers deals with a mental health disorder in any given year. Learn what #NYC is doing to help here:https://t.co/LB6ZLBcQ7V #C2C pic.twitter.com/tDmXo3ZE8P

— NYC Mayor's Fund (@NYCMayorsFund) September 27, 2017

More information available at the Make It OK take the pledge to stop stigma of mental illness.

Roosevelt Island Seniors Association Forgetfulness Seminar Tuesday November 29 - Signs Of Normal Aging Or Cause For Concern

Roosevelt Island Seniors Association (RISA) President Barbara Parker reports:

Forgetfulness Seminar

Normal Aging or Cause for Concern?

Forgetfulness happens to everyone.

When is it actually a symptom of dementia or Alzheimer's disease?

Learn the signs and symptoms of dementia, as well as next steps…

When: Tuesday, Nov. 29 Time: 1 - 2:30pm

Where: 546 Main St. – 12th Floor Conference Room

With: Samantha Muzzulin, LMSW, a licensed social worker

Ms. Muzzulin leads “Team Senior Planet”, a healthy aging & group fitness course; facilitates caregiver support groups, a Helpline, & counseling services through the Alzheimer's Foundation of America

For reservations and more information contact:

Lorraine Altman at 917-232-0369

Presented by the Roosevelt Island Senior Association

You're Invited To Join The Melanoma Research Foundation Miles For Melanoma NYC 5k Run/Walk At Roosevelt Island's Firefighters Field Saturday August 27 - Help Raise Funds For Research, Education & Advocacy

The Melanoma Research Foundation (MRF)  returns to Roosevelt Island

Image of 2015 Run/Walk Participants From MRF

 this year for it's 2016 Miles for Melanoma

Image of 2015 Run/Walk Participants From MRF

NYC 5K Run/Walk.

Image of 2015 Run/Walk Participants From MRF

According to the MRF:

The Melanoma Research Foundation (MRF) invites you to join us for the Miles for Melanoma NYC presented by Bristol-Myers Squibb on Saturday, August 27, 2016 at Roosevelt Island- Firefighter Field!

Last year, the Miles for Melanoma national walks raised nearly $2,000,000 for research, advocacy, and education! Join us this year and help make a difference!

WHO: You! Join us individually or create a team when you register.

WHAT: A 5K run/walk that will allow participants to help raise funds to support research, education and advocacy for melanoma.

WHERE: Roosevelt Island-Firefighter Field, 405-425 Main St, New York, NY 10044

WHEN: Saturday, August 27, 2016

REGISTER: http://join.melanoma.org/site/TR?fr_id=1220&pg=entry

Check-in and Registration begins at 7:30 a.m.

Run/Walk begins at 8:30 a.m.

Competitive (Timed) Runners- $30

Non-Competitive (Untimed) Runners and Walkers- FREE

Register early to save! Early-bird registration ends on August 25th at 5:00 pm. Race day registration increases by $25 per person. Competitive runners will be $55 per person and non-competitive will be $25 per person. Credit cards and checks only - no cash will be taken due to security issues.

Can't attend? Participate virtually! If you would like to support Miles for Melanoma NYC from the comfort of your home, choose virtual participation! Virtual registrants have a discounted registration rate. They do not participate on race day but are still eligible for all fundraising prizes (event day Champions shirt excluded).

Here's more information on the MRF,  to sign up for the Roosevelt Island 5K Run/Walk and a video



from the 2016 MRF Washington DC 5k Run walk.

More on Melanoma.

Project Renewal Scan Van Free Roosevelt Island Mammogram Screenings Hosted By Assembly Member Rebecca Seawright Friday June 3, Appointment Necessary

Image Of Project Renewal Scan Van

Roosevelt Island's NY State Assembly Member Rebecca Seawright reports:

Free Screening Mammograms

Friday, June 3rd

Hosted on Roosevelt Island by:

Assembly Member Rebecca A. Seawright

In Partnership with:

Project Renewal Scan Van funded by Cancer Services Program of Manhattan and Judges & Lawyers Breast Cancer Alert

The Scan Van Will be parked in the RIOC plaza, 591 Main Street

Appointments start at 9 a.m.

Please call 1-800-564-6868

ALL insurance plans Accepted. Co-payments and deductibles are waived.

FREE for uninsured women 40 and older who have not had a mammogram in the past year.

For more information about this or any state or local issue, contact Assembly Member Seawright’s District Office at 212-288-4607

Here's more on the Project Renewal Scan Van Mammograms.

Project Main Street Tim Sheehy Softball Classic To Benefit People With ALS Disease Saturday July 25 At Roosevelt Island's Capobianco Field

The First Annual Project Main Street Tim Sheehy Softball Classic to benefit people with ALS (Lou Gehrig's Disease) will be held at Roosevelt Island's Capobianco Field Saturday July 25 from 9 AM - 9 PM.

Image From Project Main Street

Project Main Street:

... strives to improve the quality of life for individuals afflicted with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) and their families by lessening the financial burden associated with this dreadful disease.

Project Main St. at a glance:

• Issues grants directly to ALS patients in need
• Organizes unique Fundraising events that bring friends, families and neighbors together
• Eliminates red tape whenever possible
• Works with healthcare professionals to identify those in need

Project Main St, named after Roosevelt Island's Main Street, and its mission were conceived entirely by Tim Sheehy during his own courageous battle with ALS. Tim, who grew up on Roosevelt Island, never stopped working on Project Main St. and his desire to help others grew stronger, even as his illness progressed. On April 23, 2007 Tim Sheehy, 38, succumbed to ALS, but not before seeing his vision of a support system for families struggling with this debilitating neurological disease become a reality.
Tim will forever be loved and missed – it is in his honor that Project Main St. continues.

Please click here for more information on Project Main Street, to make a donation and if you or someone you know has ALS and needs help.

Here's more on the ALS disease and research progress.

Very Informative Healthy Good Night Sleep Seminar Presented By Roosevelt Island Women's Health Organization, Cornell Tech And Weill Cornell Center For Sleep Medicine

The Roosevelt Island Women’s Health Organization (RIWHO) has joined with Cornell Tech, Weill Cornell Medical College and New York Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center to offer a series of health related seminars to the Roosevelt Island community (Men are welcome too).

The fourth seminar in the series took place June 24 and was on the topic of Sleep Health - Learn How To Get A Good Night Sleep. The seminar featured a presentation by Dr Dianne Augelli

Image Of Dr Augelli RIWHO/Cornell Tech Sleep Seminar

a Neurologist at the New York-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center for Sleep Medicine.

Getting a good night sleep is necessary for optimal health. Learn from a sleep expert the basics about your sleep health and the latest in sleep research. Discover how your mind and body are affected by sleep deprivation, including the most common sleep ailments of sleep apnea, insomnia and restless leg syndrome. 

Doctor Augelli was introduced by Cornell Tech's Jane Swanson.



Doctor Augelli stressed the importance of a good night's sleep for overall health, discussed the most common types of Sleep Disorders.

and offered these twelve simple tips to improve your health.

Here's the RIWHO/ Cornell Tech Healthy Sleep presentation by Dr. Augelli



followed by questions from the audience.



More information, including contact information for Dr. Augelli available at the Weill Cornell Center For Sleep Medicine.

Previous RIWHO/Cornell Tech health seminars were on topics of Back Pain, Nutrition and Stroke Awareness.

Roosevelt Island Women's Health Organization And Cornell Tech Offer Stroke Awareness And Healthy Brain Aging Seminar May 27 - With Dr. Matthew E. Fink Chairman of Neurology and Neurologist in Chief New York-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center

The Roosevelt Island Women’s Health Organization (RIWHO) has joined with Cornell Tech, Weill Cornell Medical College and New York Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center to offer a series of health related seminars to the Roosevelt Island community (Men welcome too).

The third seminar in the series will be on the topic of Stroke Awareness and Healthy Brain Aging.

RIWHO sends the following invitation for its May 27 Monthly Seminar:

The Roosevelt Island Women’s Health Organization
Presents:

Stroke Awareness and Healthy Brain Aging

Dr. Matthew E. Fink

Chairman of Neurology and Neurologist in Chief
New York-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center

Wednesday, May, 27th

546 Main Street, 12th floor, 6:30 pm

Refreshments Served - Men Welcome

Cosponsored by:

Cornell Tech

New York-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center

Weill Cornell Medical College

Dr. Fink will present general education about Stroke and Cerebrovascular Disease, the fifth leading cause of death and leading cause of permanent disability in the US.  Dr. Fink will focus on Stroke prevention and the various modifiable behavior patterns, such as diet, nutrition, lifestyle, etc., that can help prevent this disease and promote healthy brain aging.  He will also speak to the recognition of Stroke warning signs and symptoms, as well as the treatments available for Stroke and the capabilities New York-Presbyterian Hospital offers to treat this devastating preventable disease. Time is brain – don’t miss this lifesaver!

Here's more on Stroke Prevention



from Doctor Fink.

Previous RIWHO/Cornell Tech health seminars were on topics of Back Pain and Nutrition.

Sleep: From Newborn To Preschool Age Workshop Presented By Roosevelt Island Parents' Network March 1 - Please RSVP By February 27

Are you a Roosevelt Island parent with questions about your child's sleep? If yes, Roosevelt Island Parents' Network (RIPN) Coordinator Eva Bosbach invites you to a March 1 workshop on the subject.

According to the RIPN:

Join other Roosevelt Island parents in a safe, judgement-free environment to share your experience and learn what has worked for others. The workshop will be facilitated by Dr. Resnick, a 2nd year Pediatrics residents of the Children's Hospital of Montefiore.

Dr Resnick, born and raised on Roosevelt Island, looks forward to connecting with parents from the community. We welcome participants to submit questions ahead of time with RSVP.

Please RSVP by email no later than February 27.

Here's more on sleep issues for children from Montefiore Medical Center.

Roosevelt Island Seniors Association Sponsors Health And Wellness The Natural Way With Doctor Jordan Wolf On Nutrition, Exercise, Posture & More - February 16, You're Invited

The Roosevelt Island Seniors Association is sponsoring:

Health and Wellness the Natural Way!
With Dr. Jordan Wolff
Monday, Monday February 16, 2015
546 Main St. (Senior Center)
at 4:00pm

Image From Roosevelt Island Seniors Association

You're invited.

The seminar was originally scheduled for January 26 but was cancelled due to bad weather.

Very Informative Seminar On Causes, Treatments & Prevention Of Back Pain Presented By Roosevelt Island Women's Health Organization In Partnership With Cornell Tech, Cornell Weill Medical College And NY Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center

Image From New York Presbyterian

As reported last January 27, the Roosevelt Island Women’s Health Organization (RIWHO) joined with Cornell Tech, Weill Cornell Medical College and New York Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center to offer a series of health related seminars to the Roosevelt Island community. (Men included).

The first seminar in this series was on Back Pain and held January 28 featuring a presentation by:

... Carolyn E Thompson, DO, Interventional Spine and Sports Medicine Fellow in the Department of Rehabilitation and Regenerative Medicine at Columbia University Medical Center. Dr. Thompson also holds a Post-Doctoral Clinical Fellow and Assistant appointment in the Department of Rehabilitation at NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center. Dr. Thompson specializes in non-surgical sports medicine with a particular interest in ultrasound diagnostics and guided injections, fluoroscopic guided interventional injections, and sideline injuries management....

The seminar began with RIWHO's Laila Amatullah introducing Cornell Tech's Assistant Director of Government and Community Relations Jane Swanson



and then Dr. Carolyn Thomspson.



Dr. Thompson discussed causes and treatment for back pain beginning with an introduction to back pain, the anatomy of the lower back, common diagnoses as well as treatments and prevention for back pain.



Prolonged sitting is the worst possible thing to do to your back emphasized Dr. Thompson and recommends proper seating posture.



Dr. Thompson takes questions from the audience on use of Inversion Tables, Medicine Balls, Pilates training, Standing Desks, anti inflammatory medications, heat and ice treatment, pain recurrence, acupuncture, chiropractors, exercise and more.



More information, including contact information for Dr. Thompson (212 746 1500 - 525 East 68th Street)



available at the Weill Cornell Rehabilitation Center and at the Weill Cornell Brain and Spine Center.

Roosevelt Island Women's Health Organization And Cornell Tech Offering Health Related Seminars Starting January 28 With Neck And Back Pain Help Is On The Way

The Roosevelt Island Women’s Health Organization (RIWHO) has joined with Cornell Tech, Weill Cornell Medical College and New York Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center to offer a series of health related seminars to the Roosevelt Island community (Men included). The first seminar will be on the topic of:

Neck and Back Pain – its causes and treatments*

Wednesday, January 28that 6:30 pm

546 Main Street, the 12th floor conference room

Refreshments will be served. And men are welcome!

This seminar will be a presentation by Carolyn E Thompson, DO, Interventional Spine and Sports Medicine Fellow in the Department of Rehabilitation and Regenerative Medicine at Columbia University Medical Center. Dr. Thompson also holds a Post-Doctoral Clinical Fellow and Assistant appointment in the Department of Rehabilitation at NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center. Dr. Thompson specializes in non-surgical sports medicine with a particular interest in ultrasound diagnostics and guided injections, fluoroscopic guided interventional injections, and sideline injuries management.

Roosevelt Island Seniors Association Sponsors Health And Wellness The Natural Way With Doctor Jordan Wolf On Nutrition, Exercise, Posture & More

The Roosevelt Island Seniors Association is sponsoring:

Health and Wellness the Natural Way!
With Dr. Jordan Wolff
Monday, January 26, 2015
546 Main St. (Senior Center)
at 4:00pm

Image From Roosevelt Island Seniors Association

You're invited.

UPDATE 1/26 - The Health & Wellness Seminar has been cancelled due to the blizzard.

Resident Gives Tour Of Disgusting Mold In His Roosevelt Island Mitchell Lama Westview Apartment - Asks For Help

Roosevelt Island Westview resident Vadim Malinsky has mold in his apartment

Image of Westview Ceiling Mold via Vimeo

and tells us what's on his mind:

Please view my video and hear out my story... for third year now I have had a mold problem in my apartment in Westview... this time mold came with full force. Ceiling in my bedroom, living room, bathroom is covered with black fungus. Dr. Resnick connected my continuos cough and clogged throat to mold allergy. During last visit he advised me to move to another apartment. But as we all know, due to privatization or some kind of other interests Westview management has been reluctant to let anyone in number of available apartments in the building. I exercise and taking care of my condition daily. I swim, walk miles every day. I used to play hockey, volleyball. Never had any allergies. Now it is permanent condition. What next? Asthma, cancer.... I love living on the island but some things are very upsetting here.. Some things just do not make sense.. We are one community, one island, why we get so much negligence from people of authority here all the time... Please pardon my emotional writing, it just I feel really bad about it. Please share, comment, advise.

Mr. Malinsky takes us on a tour showing the mold in his apartment.

Mold-in-625-Main-144-nyc-ny-10044 from autarky on Vimeo.

NYC Department of Health has information on what to do if you have mold in your apartment.

Westview ownership gave notice in May 2012 of its intent to remove Westview from the Mitchell Lama program. Have not heard much of any privatization progress since the May 2012 notice.

Everybody Matters - If You Could See Inside Other People's Hearts What Would You See

A change of pace from the usual Roosevelt Island stuff.

According to Everybody Matters:

... The camera wanders and shows the inner lives of people around us as they do their daily tasks. Most of it is set in a hospital, where there is so much worry, sadness, some joy, bad news, good news, no news, anxiety, fear -- as in real life, but perhaps magnified.

We've all BEEN there - experienced at least one of these people's lives. Hence, the tears! It's so TRUE.

This short video is at once quiet, profound, powerful, true, simple -- and so supremely human. It was produced by the Cleveland Clinic, as an example of their regard for empathy.

It's a profound reminder: we ALL have our story. Others have theirs. We NEVER know. And to treat others with the benefit of the doubt, with courtesy, with compassion, with respect.

Everyone Matters...

Hat tip to Presurfer.

NYC Alzheimer's Association Blondes Vs Brunettes Charity Football Game Played Saturday At Roosevelt Island's Octagon Field - Over $122,500 Raised For A Great Cause

The New York City Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association played its third annual “Blondes vs. Brunettes” Powder Puff Charity football game last Saturday at Roosevelt Island's Octagon Field to

 raise funds and support for the New York City Alzheimer’s community. The mission of the NYC Alzheimer's Association Chapter is to:

... create and promote comprehensive and humane care for persons with Alzheimer’s disease and related disorders, to provide support for their families and professional caregivers, and to eliminate Alzheimer’s disease through the advancement of research. The Chapter meets this mission in the community through increasing public awareness, providing education, creating and encouraging replication of model programs, collaborating with research centers, and undertaking advocacy.

The New York Chapter provides information, assistance and support to patients, caregivers and professionals, throughout the five boroughs of New York City....

The Blondes vs Brunettes Roosevelt Island football game raised $122,500 for the NYC Alzheimer's Association.

Final count from GameDay is in. Congratulations ladies, we are officially over $122,500! You're all athletes to end Alzheimer's!
— BvBNYC (@BvBNYC) May 18, 2013

The action on the field was well played and intense as shown here by the Brunette Team Quarterback running in a touchdown



and the Blonde Team Quarterback throwing for a touchdown.



The final score was:

Final score 52-13, brunettes!But everyone's a winner today, since you raised an amazing amount of money and awareness for the cause.
— Junior Committee NYC (@alznycjc) May 18, 2013

Here's some more highlight's from Saturday's NYC Alzheimer's Association Blondes vs Brunettes Charity Football game at Roosevelt Island's Octagon field (Click video to enlarge)



and info from WPIX

NYC Alzheimer's Association programs are listed here.

New York City Flu Epidemic - Roosevelt Island Doctor Says Worse Flu Season He Can Remember, How Are You Feeling?

The New York Post reported today:

A ferocious flu “epidemic” has New Yorkers rushing to doctors, hospitals and drug stores — with emergency-room visits up 150 percent over last year, city health officials said yesterday.

“It’s a bad year. We’ve got lots of flu,” said city Health Commissioner Dr. Thomas Farley, who noted influenza-related cases spiked from 2 percent of all emergency-room visits for the peak of last year’s flu season to 5 percent this year....

I asked Roosevelt Island's Doctor Jack Resnick:

How is the Flu impacting Roosevelt Island this year?

Dr. Resnick replied:

These last three weeks have been the worst flu season I can remember.

Flu shots are available at the Roosevelt Island Duane Reade.

Hope you avoid the Flu but if not, take care of yourself.

Masonry, Window and Roof Repairs At Roosevelt Island's PS/IS 217 Causing Health Hazard To Adjacent Building Residents - Breathing and Coughing Problems Develop From Construction Dust

Image of PS/IS 217 Under Renovation

 Jim Bates, Roosevelt Island Residents Association (RIRA) representative for 2-4 River Road and President of the Disabled Association reports:

... air pollution at 2-4 River Rd due to PS/IS 217 on going construction. Due to the dust and dirty screens, tenants are forced to keep windows shut and use our AC units causing high electrical bills.

Will the construction company pay for our electrical charges

Mr. Bates shares this message he sent to the offices of Assembly Member Micah Kellner and State Senator Jose Seranno, Manhattan Park representatives, RIOC and RIRA. From Mr. Bates:

For the past several weeks construction on the school adjacent to 2-4 River Rd has caused breathing and coughing problems for the tenants of 2-4 River Rd,

Our screens are grey from the dust and I am personally having breathing and coughing problems daily

I am asking for your help in seeing how this health hazard can be taken care of,

We need clean air for breathing, and closing our windows is not the answer, nor putting on our AC which draws outside air into our apartments and also cauises families higher electric rates

Last night I was up all night coughing and choking and spitting up phlegm

I thought I was having a asthma attach and gave my self a breathing treatment

This is serious

Please let me know if there is anything else I can do to remedy this health hazard

Responding to an earlier inquiry regarding the destruction of some Trees behind PS/IS 217, the school's Principal explained the reason for  the construction currently being undertaken:

The school was informed by the Department of Education that our school building would require extensive masonry work, along with window and roof repairs, and that this work would begin during the 2010-2011 school year. It was estimated that the project would last a minimum of two years, and would require that scaffolding be erected around the school’s perimeter.  This work has been mandated by the NYC Department of Buildings, and is completely out of the school’s control.  However, during both a formal meeting in November and an informal one in September, we received a complete overview of the project and relayed such information to all parties concerned, including custodial staff and the Living Library. We were given assurances at that time from the School Construction Authority that damage done as a result of the construction would be repaired by them, to our specifications. We are committed to ensuring that such restoration takes place, in partnership with the School Construction Authority and PS/IS 217 custodial staff.

Mandana Beckman
Principal
PS/IS 217