Sponsored Post - 10 Years Ago This Week Superstorm Sandy Ravaged NYC - Be Prepared, Do You Know Your Roosevelt Island Hurricane Zone? Watch NYC Emergency Management Department Atlantic Hurricane Season Workshop

New Yorkers are resilient.

In October 2012, Superstorm Sandy ravaged our city, and took 44 lives.

Ten years later, we not only remember those we lost but we recommit to rebuilding and equip ourselves with the necessary engineering solutions to fight climate change. pic.twitter.com/T7K01X0wPb

— Mayor Eric Adams (@NYCMayor) October 28, 2022

The NYC Emergency Management Department reports:

What are hurricane evacuation zones?

There are six hurricane evacuation zones, ranked by the risk of storm surge impact, with zone 1 being the most likely to flood. In the event of a hurricane or tropical storm, residents in these zones may be ordered to evacuate.

I noticed that my zone has changed. Why is that?

Zones are updated to incorporate new, higher resolution storm surge model output from the National Weather Service. These data, combined with improved topographic data, and information from actual events, allow the City to more accurately define areas most at risk of flooding due to storm surge from a hurricane....

Roosevelt Island residents live in both Zones 2 and 3 depending upon the location of your building. As shown in the NYC Hurricane Evacuation Zone Finder below, the Roosevelt Island buildings colored in brown are in Zone 2 and those colored in Yellow are in Zone 3. The nearby Evacuation Centers are shown too.

The Octagon, Manhattan Park, Westview, Island House, Roosevelt Landings, Cornell Tech, Coler Hospital and Riverwalk 480, 475 and 460 Main Street buildings are in Zone 2.   

Riverwalk 405, 425, 455, 465 and Rivercross (531) buildings are in Zone 3.  

Click here for more info and to find the Hurricane Evacuation Zone of your Roosevelt Island address. 

The NYC Emergency Management Department hosted a 2022 Atlantic Hurricane Season workshop for community media last June. I asked why some Roosevelt Island buildings are in Zone 2 and those next door are Zone 3. 

Watch the full workshop from the beginning.

Here's some scenes of what Roosevelt Island looked like during Hurricane Sandy in October 2012

 Westview Promenade Image Courtesy of Brian Dorfman

 Roosevelt Island Lighthouse Park Under Water From Hurricane Sandy Via Kate Williams Tweet

and a report on damage caused by Hurricane Sandy.

Click here for more information from the NYC Emergency Management Department.

Sponsored Post - 7th Anniversary Of Hurricane Sandy Making NYC Landfall Today, Do You Remember? NYC Emergency Management Department Wants You To Know Your Hurricane Zone, Be Ready And Be Prepared, Roosevelt Island Is Zone 2 & 3

Today is the seven year anniversary of Hurricane Sandy making landfall in NYC - do you remember scenes like this from Roosevelt Island?

Today marks seven years since Hurricane Sandy made landfall in New York City. To date, it is one of the most devastating storms to affect New Yorkers. Know your zone. Know the hazards. pic.twitter.com/BRhQzgstuV

— NYC Emergency Management (@nycemergencymgt) October 29, 2019

The New York City Emergency Management Department (NYCEM) wants you to be prepared for future hurricanes and Know Your Zone.

New Yorkers have the power to be prepared for hurricanes. Know your zone. Stay informed.

Visit https://t.co/BdwQJVJ3HB or call 311 (212-639-6375 for Video Relay Service, or TTY: 212-504-4115). #knowyourzone pic.twitter.com/OhfxKysLvQ

— NYC Emergency Management (@nycemergencymgt) June 23, 2019

According to NYCEM:

There are six hurricane evacuation zones, ranked by the risk of storm surge impact, with zone 1 being the most likely to flood. In the event of a hurricane or tropical storm, residents in these zones may be ordered to evacuate.

Roosevelt Island is located in two zones - Zone 2

and Zone 3.

All but one of the Roosevelt Island residential building and the Cornell Tech campus are located in Zone 3. The NYCEM KnowYour Hurricane Zone Map below shows Zone 2 in cream color and Zone 3 in yellow.

The Octagon Building, Coler Hospital, Lighthouse Park and FDR Park are located in Zone 2.

Check out the NYCEM web page for more info:



on Hurricane Zones and preparedness.

Here's some scenes of what Roosevelt Island looked like during Hurricane Sandy in October 2012

 Westview Promenade Image Courtesy of Brian Dorfman

 Roosevelt Island Lighthouse Park Under Water From Hurricane Sandy Via Kate Williams Tweet

including video





and Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) report on damage caused by Hurricane Sandy.

• Hurricane Storm surge of 3- 5 feet caused significant flooding at Lighthouse Park and the Observation pier,
• Lighthouse Park Land Pedestrian Bridge washed away and Light Poles damaged,
• Significant damage to seawall at various location particularly Lighthouse Park,
• 21 Trees Lost,
• Steam Tunnel Flooded on North Side of Steam plant resulting in no heating at RIOC Facilities or Coler Hospital,
• Coler Hospital basement completely flooded, RIOC provided fuel for Coler emergency generators,
• Power was out at Octagon and portions of Rivercross and Roosevelt Landings/Eastwood,
• People were walking around during Hurricane putting themselves and others in danger. A Public Safety Officer almost fell in the East River while warning people of the danger,
• No damage at Goldwater Hospital or FDR Memorial,
• No loss of life or injury on Roosevelt Island,
• Lighthouse Park will be closed for an extended period of time - unknown for how long,
• Cost of repairs estimated at a couple of hundred thousand dollars and mitigation of Observation Pier and Lighthouse Seawall of half a million dollars. These costs will be submitted to FEMA for reimbursement,
• suggestion was made to explore adding a 2 foot kneewall to the perimeter of Roosevelt Island promenade to prevent future flooding and
• having RIOC provide shelter for residents who lose power rather than going to a NYC City emergency shelter in Queens

Roosevelt Island's Coler Hospital Getting $181 Million For Hurricane Sandy Repairs And Future Protection From Storms As Part Of $1.6 Billion Commitment From FEMA For NYC Hospitals

 Image Of Hurricane Sandy Coler Flooding From The River In The Basement Video

As reported November 2, 2012:

Roosevelt Island's Coler Hospital was flooded by Hurricane Sandy and without power causing the evacuation

Image of Patients Evacuated From Coler Hospital  By Judy Berdy

of over a hundred fragile patients to Goldwater Hospital....

This excerpt from NYC Health & Hospitals Corp (HHC) video The River In The Basement shows what it was like at Roosevelt Island's Coler Hospital during the 2012 Hurricane Sandy.



Today, NYC Mayor Bill deBlasio and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced:

Today Mayor @BilldeBlasio announced a commitment from @FEMA of at least $1.6 billion to update our city’s hospitals. pic.twitter.com/eMeo5EezOb
— NYC Mayor's Office (@NYCMayorsOffice) November 6, 2014

including $181 million for Roosevelt Island's Coler Hospital repairs and future protection. According to this Press Release from Roosevelt Island's Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney's office:

Congresswoman Carolyn B. Maloney today lauded an announcement that the City has secured a commitment of $181 million in funds from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to repair and protect Coler Specialty Hospital on Roosevelt Island, which was damaged during Hurricane Sandy. The funds will be used for the replacement of a generator that was destroyed, reimbursement for repairs already completed to the electrical system, and a flood wall that will protect critical parts of the campus to the 500-year flood level.

“These federal funds will help ensure that Coler Specialty Hospital can continue operating without interruption when the next big storm hits,” said Maloney. “The entire New York Congressional Delegation came together to fight for these funds, and wisely sought resources not just for repairs, but also for mitigation. Coler Specialty Hospital is an important facility and it sustained substantial damage and had to be evacuated during Hurricane Sandy. We are taking the necessary steps to be sure that doesn’t happen again.”

The funds were included in a $1.6 billion package to fund resiliency and mitigation projects that will protect four New York City Health and Hospitals Corporation facilities: Coney Island Hospital in Brooklyn, Bellevue Hospital Center in Manhattan, Metropolitan Hospital Center in Manhattan, and Coler Specialty Hospital on Roosevelt Island.

Roosevelt Island's NYC Council Member Ben Kallos adds:

Rebuilding and resiliency for HHC hospitals are essential investments for a City prepared to take on the next Sandy. Senator Schumer and Mayor de Blasio merit recognition for their leadership in securing FEMA federal funding and investing it in our public hospitals.

Here's excerpt from Mayor deBlasio's Press Release announcing the FEMA/HHC funding.

Today, Mayor Bill de Blasio and U.S. Senator Charles Schumer announced that the City has secured a commitment of at least $1.6 billion in funds from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to repair and protect the City’s public hospitals damaged during Hurricane Sandy.

The allocation—the second largest FEMA award ever and the largest award under FEMA’s 428 program—will advance the City’s comprehensive, five-borough resiliency plan and fund improvements at four New York City Health and Hospitals Corporation (HHC) facilities: Coney Island Hospital in Brooklyn, Bellevue Hospital Center in Manhattan, Metropolitan Hospital Center in Manhattan, and Coler Specialty Hospital on Roosevelt Island.

The at least $1.6 billion package will include reimbursement for repairs to HHC facilities for damage incurred during Hurricane Sandy, and funds for mitigation projects that will protect the hospitals from the impact of future extreme weather. It is in addition to the $142 million HHC already received from FEMA for emergency stabilization measures, partial repairs, and temporary flood barriers.

“Few services are as critical as our hospitals during extreme weather. This unprecedented investment will make four key public hospitals much more resilient next time they need to be,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio. “Thanks to FEMA’s $1.6 billion commitment, we’re taking a major step forward in advancing our comprehensive resiliency plan and ensuring that doctors, nurses, and health care workers will be able to do what they do best—serve their patients. We’re grateful for Senator Schumer’s continued partnership in securing these—and so many other—funds as we build a stronger and more resilient New York City.”

“This historic, over $1.6 billion federal investment will provide a massive shot of adrenaline for New York City’s public hospitals, and their physical and financial recovery from Superstorm Sandy,” said Senator Charles Schumer. “The largest of its kind, this FEMA Public Assistance award will help ensure that our public hospitals have the necessary safeguards in place to operate continuously during a storm, mitigate damage and power loss, and, if evacuation is necessary, quickly return to normalcy. Smart recovery and resiliency work at New York’s great public hospitals, which serve millions each day, is exactly what we had in mind when crafting the Sandy relief bill, and I’m thrilled to have helped deliver this federal funding.”

“Superstorm Sandy brought tremendous damage down on New York City’s hospitals—but today, we’re building them back better and stronger than ever before,” Governor Andrew Cuomo said. “By getting these four hospitals the resources they need to recover and become more resilient, we’re laying the groundwork for a safer and more prepared health network in the future. This is another step forward in our work to build a stronger New York State, and I want to thank all of our federal, local and community partners for helping to make this progress a reality.”

“New York City’s public hospitals serve a very vulnerable patient population and must not be allowed to remain susceptible to future storms,” said HHC President Dr. Ram Raju. “The local communities look to HHC hospitals for more than just health care, and the cost of shutting them down is human suffering. HHC hospitals returned to service quickly after Sandy thanks to the extraordinary efforts of their dedicated staffs, but they remain at risk. I’d like to thank FEMA for an aid package that recognizes the need for public hospital resiliency. And, of course, Mayor de Blasio and Senator Charles Schumer, for their efforts in helping the City’s public hospital system.”...

Click here for the full Press Release from the Mayor's office and here for more on what it was like at Roosevelt Island's Coler Hospital during Hurricane Sandy.

Lighthouse Park Footbridges Washed Away By Hurricane Sandy Finally Replaced - Finishing Touches Still Need To Be Completed But You Can Now Walk To Peaceful Lighthouse At Northern Tip Of Roosevelt Island

Good News.

The Lighthouse Park footbridges washed away by Hurricane Sandy in October 2012  have been replaced. Roosevelt Island resident C. Grant sent in this picture yesterday

Image From C. Grant

and reports:

I forgot how nice the walk around the point is for peaceful thinking

The yellow tape is blocking only the red wood area where they are still fixing. The bridges are open and one can walk around

There are still some finishing touches that need to be made in the area but you can finally walk to the northern tip of Roosevelt Island's Lighthouse Park.

This is what Lighthouse Park looked like under water during Hurricane Sandy

 Roosevelt Island Lighthouse Park Under Water From Huricane Sandy Via Kate Williams Tweet

and the washed away footbridge space

a few weeks ago.

Happy to have the Lighthouse area open to the public again.

Remarkable Video Of River In The Basement Tells Story Of Hurricane Sandy's Flooding Of NYC Public Hospitals Including Roosevelt Island's Coler Hospital

Image of Patients Evacuated From Coler Hospital By Judy Berdy

The NYC Health & Hospitals Corp (HHC) provides a close up view of Hurricane Sandy's flooding of its facilities in this video titled The River In The Basement.

Despite the unprecedented scope of Superstorm Sandy, HHC staff members stayed on the job before, during, and after the storm to care for New Yorkers in need.

Here's an excerpt from the video showing how Roosevelt Island's Coler Hospital

 Image Of Hurricane Sandy Coler Flooding From The River In The Basement Video

was damaged by Hurricane Sandy's East River flooding.



Watch the entire video here.



More on Hurricane Sandy Coler Hospital conditions and its partial evacuation at previous post.

Roosevelt Island One Year After Hurricane Sandy - And Update On Roosevelt Island Volunteers Relief Efforts For Rockaways Head Start Program

Image of Hurricane Sandy Flooding Roosevelt Island West Promenade From Brian Dorfmann

It's been a year since Hurricane Sandy devastated many sections of New York City. Fortunately, compared to others, Roosevelt Island

Image of Hurricane Sandy Roosevelt Island Flooding From Brian Dorfmann

was not badly damaged from Hurricane Sandy other than the loss of power at the Octagon
 

Image Of Powerless Octagon Building During Hurricane Sandy From Olivia Rios

and Coler Hospital which resulted in the evacuation of some Coler patients.

Image of Patients Evacuated From Coler Hospital By Judy Berdy

As reported last December 2:

Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Vice President of Operations Fernando Martinez (who resigned effective December 21) updated the November 29 meeting of the RIOC Board Operations Committee on damage suffered by Roosevelt Island from Hurricane Sandy.

Mr. Fernandez repeated his earlier report to the Operations Committee that Lighthouse Park was severely damaged with the pedestrian bridges washed away and light poles damaged requiring the park to be closed for an indefinite period of time.

Mr. Martinez added that there was additional damage to the Cultural Center that had some of its windows blown out and significant soil erosion damage to Southpoint Park seawall area.  ...

Roosevelt Island Lighthouse Park Under Water From Hurricane Sandy Via Kate Williams Tweet

One year later, most of Lighthouse Park is open except for the area from the washed away pedestrian bridges north to the Island tip.

RIOC still has not replaced the washed away bridges nor has the Cultural Center reopened.

A few days after Hurricane Sandy, Roosevelt Island residents pitched in to help our fellow New Yorkers living in neighborhoods that were severely damaged by the storm. Among those efforts were providing and delivering supplies to the Community and Family Head Start Program in the Rockaways section of Queens.

 Roosevelt Island Rockaway Donation mage From Olya Turcihin

I guy gave us a coat off of his back to bringtoday.... gotta love @rooseveltisland er's @meeralitatandon #Sandyaid twitter.com/TDaneNYC/statu…
— Trevis Dane Wimer (@TDaneNYC) November 19, 2012

Roosevelt Island Rockaway Donation Image From Cynthia Cummings

Roosevelt Island resident Karine Wong led the efforts to help out the Head Start Program in the Rockaways.

 Image From Karine Wong

Ms. Wong sends us this update one year later:

A year ago, the Roosevelt Island community answered my call to help 110 kids and their families and they should know that their contributions had a really big impact few miles away from here.

Saturday we went to a re-opening celebration at the Community Parents Head Start School out in the east end of the Rockaways.

Like our entire involvement, what we found was not what we thought would be there;

We figured we would find the school repaired, painted, all shiny and new. We did but there was a lot more there to see and we were fortunate to have been given a brief glimpse of what has been accomplished.

We learned that the Bank Street College for Teachers has developed a curriculum called the Teddy Bear method. We learned that the process used is a home based model. We learned that the teachers thought at the beginning that they would be teaching more than learning.

All these things adding up to the fact that the community has taken the opportunity to take advantage of the misfortunes that arrived with the hurricane to bring neighbors together and to build a stronger and better community.

We were provided some insight how the Teddy Bears help the children at the school to communicate the things that they experienced and felt through and after the hurricane. For many it is not until months later that they could explain how terrified they were and how the storm had changed their lives. Through the process the teachers all learned about themselves, their students and the families of the students. The head of curriculum barely holding together through her explanation, many of the audience growing emotional at the telling of the story and how it has changed the lives of the children and their community.

In the end we learned that the months of support the Roosevelt Island community provided to this community out at the eastern end of the Rockaway peninsula had a lasting effect. The road to recovery is certainly slow. The message that they wanted everyone to hear was that they are thankful to the Roosevelt Island community for reaching out and sticking with them through those difficult times. They wanted to say thank you. Also to say so much more than words can express as shown in the words and artwork the children are creating.

Here’s to the ripple effect of hope and support that will continue for years to come and outlast the receding water and memories of that storm a year ago.

More here on Roosevelt Island residents helping out the Rockaways.

New York City Updates Hurricane Evacuation Zones - Roosevelt island Divided In Two Separate Zones For Octagon Building/Coler Hospital And Rest Of Island

As reported following Hurricane Sandy last October:

... perhaps all of Roosevelt Island should not be in the Category B evacuation zone but that portions of Roosevelt island, including the area around the Octagon and Coler Hospital should be Category A....

The new NYC Hurricane Evacuation maps place Roosevelt Island in separate zones.

NEW: We updated our evacuation maps based on post-Sandy data. Know your zone: http://t.co/vCoW3HkwTA
— NYC Mayor's Office (@NYCMayorsOffice) June 18, 2013

All of Roosevelt Island had previously been in the same evacuation zone but the updated NYC hurricane evacuation plan has Roosevelt Island in two separate zones. Coler Hospital and the Octagon Building are in Zone 2 and the rest of Roosevelt Island is in Zone 3.

Click here for the NYC Hurricane Evacuation Map.

According to these excerpts of Press Release from Mayor Bloomberg's office:

Deputy Mayor for Operations Cas Holloway and Office of Emergency Management Commissioner Joseph F. Bruno today announced final updates to the City's hurricane evacuation zones. The new Zones, 1 through 6, which will replace Zones A, B and C, now include an additional 600,000 New Yorkers not included within the boundaries of the former zones. The new zone system - first announced in the City's Hurricane Sandy After-Action report last month - was developed using the latest Sea, Lake, and Overland Surges from Hurricane storm surge inundation maps generated by the National Weather Service and processed by United States Army Corps of Engineers. The zones are based on coastal flood risk resulting from storm surge - the "dome" of ocean water propelled by the winds and low barometric pressure of a hurricane; the geography of the city's low-lying neighborhoods; and the accessibility of these neighborhoods by bridge and roads....

... The new Zones 1 through 6 include an additional 600,000 New Yorkers not included within the boundaries of the former zones. The increased number of zones will provide the City with more flexibility in targeting areas to evacuate in advance of a predicted storm. The chart below provides the cumulative estimated population of each new zone. The new hurricane evacuation zones are not directly correlated to the previous A, B, and C zones, and a numbering system was selected for the 2013 evacuation zones instead of the previously used lettering system to avoid confusion.

2013 Hurricane Evacuation Zone Population

Estimated population (2010 Census)

Zone 1 370,000

Zone 1+2 620,000

Zone 1+2+3 1,020,000

Zone 1+2+3+4 1,470,000

Zone 1+2+3+4+5 2,230,000

Zone 1+2+3+4+5+6 2,990,000...

... In the City's history, a mandatory evacuation has been issued only twice, during Hurricane Irene in 2011 and Hurricane Sandy in October 2012.

New evacuation zones now include:

• The residences of 37 percent of New Yorkers;
• An additional 600,000 New Yorkers;
• An additional 26 New York City Housing Authority developments, now totaling 175;
• Four additional hospitals, bringing the total from 21 to 25; and
• Nine additional nursing homes, bringing the total from 60 to 69.

Roosevelt Island Lighthouse Park Underwater from Hurricane Sandy via Beauty & A Beat Tweet

More on Roosevelt Island Hurricane Sandy damage from previous post.

Report From Acting RIOC President Don Lewis - Roosevelt Island New Tram Bus Stop, Good Shepherd Roof Restoration, Motorgate Renovations And 2012 Review

 Image Of Acting RIOC President Don Lewis From RIOC

Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Acting President Don Lewis sends the following report to Roosevelt Island residents.

I hope everyone had a healthy and happy New Year's, is sticking to their resolutions and enjoying 2013! Roosevelt Island certainly had an eventful 2012, highlighted by the opening of Four Freedoms Park, exciting progress on Cornell’s Tech campus plans, the historic Island House Affordability Plan, and many collaborative and successful community events. We will remember the devastation of Sandy, but also our community’s resilience and generosity in the aftermath. With much to look forward to in 2013, RIOC continues to work diligently to make it yet another prosperous year for Roosevelt Island.

New Bus Stop Location by the Tram

As you likely know, we have moved the Tram West bus stop from its previous location near the Roosevelt Island Historical Society kiosk back to its original location just outside the entrance of the Tram Plaza, by the Tram Ramp. We believe the new stop will be more convenient for passengers since they will no longer need to hurry down the hill from the Tram to catch the bus by the kiosk. I would like to say a special thank you to Cy Opperman, RIOC's Transportation General Manager, for spearheading the efforts to get this done.

Roof Replacement at Good Shepherd Community Center

We are pleased to note that the installation of the beautiful new slate shingles atop the Good Shepherd Community Center is complete. The building was designated as a historical landmark in 1975 and the original slate material is fitting for such an important Island site.

Motorgate Renovations

Our renovation project at the Motorgate parking garage is underway. The extensive renovations are twofold: waterproofing on the third and fourth floors will prevent leaks onto the lower levels; meanwhile the installation of new LED light fixtures on each floor and the stairwells will increase visibility. The LED lights are environmentally friendly, as well as more durable and cost efficient than the outdated incandescent lights. The project will require certain parking disruptions and we will provide advanced notice concerning the same.

RIOC on Twitter and Facebook

For the latest information about news and events on Roosevelt Island, follow RIOC on Twitter @RIOCny and visit our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/RIOCNY.

Roosevelt Island New York State Assembly Member Micah Kellner Reports On Second Avenue Subway And Hurricane Sandy Damage - He Reports Coler Hospital Patients Left Alone and Forgotten Without Power For Days

Roosevelt Island's NY State Assembly Member Micah Kellner was recently interviewed by:

Greg Floyd about the Second Avenue Subway, the new science center on Roosevelt Island and his work in the state legislature to raise the minimum wage. The series host of "Reaching Out," on NYC & Long Island cable TV and WWRL Radio, is Teamsters Local 237 President Gregory Floyd.

Mr. Kellner also reported on how Roosevelt Island was damaged by Hurricane Sandy with major flooding at the northern portions of the Island

Aerial View Of Roosevelt Island Lighthouse Park Underwater from Beauty & A Beat Tweet

as well as week long power loss at Coler Hospital and the Octagon Buildng. According to Mr. Kellner, Coler Hospital patients were left alone and forgotten in the dark without power for a few days.

Mr. Kellner indicated that designating Roosevelt Island as a Hurricane Evacuation Zone A instead of B should be reconsidered.

Here's the full interview with Mr. Kellner.

RIOC Briefing On Roosevelt Island Hurricane Sandy Damage - Storm Surge Of 3 to 5 Feet Caused Significant Damage To Seawall, Lighthouse Park and Observation Pier, But No Injuries Or Loss Of Life

Aerial View Of Roosevelt Island Lighthouse Park Underwater from Beauty & A Beat Tweet

Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Vice President Of Operations Fernando Martinez (who resigned last Monday effective December 21) briefed the November 15 RIOC Operations Committee on Hurricane Sandy damage suffered by Roosevelt Island and response by RIOC. According to Mr. Martinez:

• Hurricane Storm surge of 3- 5 feet caused significant flooding at Lighthouse Park and the Observation pier,
• Lighthouse Park Land Pedestrian Bridge washed away and Light Poles damaged,
• Significant damage to seawall at various location particularly Lighthouse Park,
• 21 Trees Lost,
• Steam Tunnel Flooded on North Side of Steam plant resulting in no heating at RIOC Facilities or Coler Hospital,
• Coler Hospital basement completely flooded, RIOC provided fuel for Coler emergency generators,
• Power was out at Octagon and portions of Rivercross and Roosevelt Landings/Eastwood,
• People were walking around during Hurricane putting themselves and others in danger. A Public Safety Officer almost fell in the East River while warning people of the danger,
• No damage at Goldwater Hospital or FDR Memorial,
• No loss of life or injury on Roosevelt Island,
• Lighthouse Park will be closed for an extended period of time - unknown for how long,
• Cost of repairs estimated at a couple of hundred thousand dollars and mitigation of Observation Pier and Lighthouse Seawall of half a million dollars. These costs will be submitted to FEMA for reimbursement,
• suggestion was made to explore adding a 2 foot kneewall to the perimeter of Roosevelt Island promenade to prevent future flooding and
• having RIOC provide shelter for residents who lose power rather than going to a NYC City emergency shelter in Queens

Here's Roosevelt Island Hurricane Sandy aftermath briefing by Mr. Martinez.



More on Hurricane Sandy from these previous posts.

Is There A Roosevelt Island Emergency Preparedness Response Plan? Answer Is Yes But It Is A Secret, Don't Worry Because There Is A Natural Disaster Plan That May Be Made Public We're Told

Image of Hurricane Sandy Roosevelt Island Flooding From Brian Dorfmann

Roosevelt Island emergency preparedness was the subject of a question asked by Roosevelt Island Residents Association (RIRA) Common Council Member Ethel Fromm during the November 3, RIRA sponsored Meet The RIOC/RIRA Candidate Forum. The answer we learned from Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Board Director Margie Smith is that there is an emergency preparedness plan.

Ms. Smith reported that Roosevelt Island has the resources to evacuate with the Red and NYC Bus to designated areas. If that is not sufficient, Ms. Smith added that there are water transportation evacuation plans using barges, ferries and even the Circle Line.

Former RIRA President Matt Katz noted that he had seen the plan but was bound by a non-disclosure agreement not to reveal the contents of the plan. Ms. Smith explained the reason for the secrecy being that the US Homeland Security Department does not want the Roosevelt Island emergency plan made public due to security concerns but Ms. Smith added that she thinks that the plan dealing with natural disasters, such as Hurricane Sandy, can be released.

Image of Hurricane Sandy Wave Pounding Roosevelt Island Lighthouse Park From Adib Mansour

Image of Hurricane Sandy Flooding Roosevelt Island West Promenade From Brian Dorfmann

New RIRA President Ellen Polivy said that suggestions have been made to Cornell NYC Tech (and Cornell is considering) that the design of their new campus include plans to "Shelter In Place" for the Roosevelt Island community in the event it becomes necessary in a future emergency.

Here's the Candidate's Forum discussion of Roosevelt Island Emergency Preparedness.



More on Roosevelt Island Emergency Preparedness from previous post.

Hurricane Sandy Aftermath - Roosevelt Island's Octagon Building Still Without Power, When Will It Be Back On Residents Ask?

Image Of Powerless Octagon Building During Hurricane Sandy From Olivia Rios

Roosevelt Island resident Mark Lyon captures the moment power and lights went out during Hurricane Sandy last Monday October 31 at the Octagon Building which is equipped with a state-of-the-art hydrogen/oxygen/natural gas fuel cell.

You Tube Video of Roosevelt Island Hurricane Sandy Time Lapse

In an email dated at approximately 1 AM this morning, Octagon Building management reported to residents:

UPDATE - I SPOKE THIS EVENING, TO THE SUPERVISOR WORKING ON RESTORING THE POWER HE ADVISED THAT WE ARE STILL IN LINE TO HAVE POWER RESTORED IN 24 AT THE WORST 36 HOURS- HE REQESTED WE CONFIRM THAT OUR MECHANICAL SYSTEMS HAD NO FLOODING THE ELECTRICIAN WHO WORKED ON REROUTING POWER TO THE HOT WATER VERIFIED THAT OUR EQUIPMENT DID NOT HAVE ANY WATER. THIS WAS NEEDED SO THAT WHEN THE POWER IS TURNED BACK ON THERE WILL BE NO PROBLEM. I WILL GIVE THE SUPERVISOR A CALL AGAIN AT 9:00 A.M. IF THE POWER IS NOT BACK ON TONIGHT. I 'M SURE IT WAS DISCOURAGING TO SEE LIGHTS ON THE TENNIS COURT, THESE LIGHTS ARE NOT CONNECTED TO THE FEED WE WERE CONNECTED TO. ALSO, THE ARMY CORP OF ENGINEERS HAS BROUGHT GENERATORS TO THE HOSPITAL AND FOR A BRIEF MOMENT TONIGHT THEY HAD POWER. WHEN I LEFT IT WAS DARK AGAIN. I WILL UPDATE YOU WHEN I SPEAK TO THE SUPERVISOR IN THE MORNING. THANK YOU!

On October 31, I received this and many other similar comments from Octagon residents:

...things are not good at the Octagon, I finally had to leave the building. I couldn't take it any longer. It got cold last night and my floor is starting to smell. People are camping out in the lobby where the manager Barbara is also manning her command center. Everyone is on edge, the doormen have been working nonstop as well as Barbara. I have not heard that about the fuel cell. That is news to me....

... When I left this afternoon they finally got a charging strip for people to power cell phones and computers. I think the water also is back working but no hot water...

Also, Octagon resident Jeffrey Escobar added on October 31:

The water surge devastated our building's lower floors, flooding our 1st floor with four feet of water. We lost power at the height of the surge at 8 or so and have had no power since. A major tree was uprooted and knocked over, ripped at the roots. Because of the flooding, the daycare center is closed indefinitely, putting some 40 or 50 families or so with no childcare. We also have no hot water due to the failure of the pump that rises the hot water to the upper floors.

The backup generator is running, with moderate lights. People are keeping their doors open to use the hallway emergency lights to provide some lighting into the apartments.

Unsure what happened with fuel cell, but I doubt it is bc it was not connected prior to the hurricane. Work had been completed a year ago.

It is a bit abysmal, but we are plugging along.

Another Octagon resident adds on November 1:

The Octagon power blew out after the Coler hospital basement flooded. There was a burning smell coming from the hospital after an explosion. Coler's emergency generator went on for about an hour before it too was flooded and blew out.

Octagon's power was attached to the hospital. The Army Corp of Engineers was at Coler pumping water out of the basement Tuesday. They have relocated over 90 patients to Goldwater and other places and contained a ward with emergency power. Damage at Coler will take many days to repair.

ConEd has now disconnected the Octagon's power from Coler and we will likely have power by Thursday. In the meantime, we have warm water as of Wed. evening, gas stoves and mgmt is supplying ice, ironing boards & iron stations and charging stations for phones and computers. Mgmt set up temporary WIFI in the lobby on Wednesday.

 Image From Judy Berdy

Boilers are run by computer and two of the ten boilers have been manually turned on. Without the computers, there are no readings on the interior pressure so this had to be done slowly. Despite sandbags 4' high around doors, diligent mopping and water removal by staff, water overwhelmed all and the basement storage units, nursery school and other spaces on the basement level flooded about 6 inches. It was removed by the next day.

One large tree went down on the west side of the Octagon, near the barbq area and one large tree on the NE tennis court fence. One large tree was also uprooted in the water treatment fenced area.

Image Of Uprooted Octagon Tree From Oliva Rios

Octagon held a Halloween party for our kids prior to trick or treat and many residents socialized at the party and around the charging stations. Many residents have decorated with candles and leave the door open to let in the emergency hall lighting. It feels somewhat romantic here.

And just received this message from another Octagon resident minutes ago:

Does anyone know ANYTHING about restoring power to the Octagon??? The so called "24HOURS" they estimated yesterday have come and gone..... How long does it take to create the 'separate feed'????? [my angst is NOT against Barbara I TRULY believe she is doing the best she can given the spot she isn. But I can't help but believe that this is YET another example of INSUFFICIENT AND LACK OF Service Maintenance Agreements as well as Emergency Response Coverage not ASSURED by PRC for the advanced electrical equipment powering our residences. In short and simply put its negligence on part of the management company!!!!

I have asked Octagon building management for comment but have yet to receive a reply.

UPDATE 5:05 PM - Assembly Member Micah Kellner informs me that he just spoke with Con Ed and Octagon representatives. A special Con Ed team is on its way to the Octagon to assess the power situation at the building.

UPDATE 7:30 PM - Octagon Building managent sent out the following message to residents at approximately 6 PM this evening.

I APOLOGIZE FOR NOT BEING ABLE TO UPDATE YOU BEFORE NOW BUT I HAD NO INFORMATION TO PROVIDE UNTIL NOW. CON EDISON STATES THAT THEY PUT THE POWER ON, BUT WE DO NOT HAVE POWER TO THE BUILDING,THEY REQUESTED THAT OUR ELECTRICIANS CONFIRM THAT THERE IS NO POWER TO THE TRANSFORMER, OUR ELECTRICAN JUST LEFT AND HAS CONFIRMED WITH THEM THAT THERE IS NO POWER. CON ED IS DISPATCHING A CREW TODAY TO CHECK THEIR EQUIPMENT, THEY COULD NOT GIVE ME A TIME. IF THEY ADVISE ME OF A TIME I WILL LET YOU KNOW. THANK YOU.

Report From Acting RIOC President Don Lewis - Roosevelt Island Hurricane Sandy Status, Meeting With Governor Cuomo's Secretary Larry Schwartz, Cornell NYC Tech, FDR Memorial, Halloween Parade And Thanks RIOC Employees For Work During Storm

 Image Of Acting RIOC President Don Lewis From RIOC

Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Acting President Don Lewis sends the following report to Roosevelt Island residents.

First and foremost, I hope that everyone in the Roosevelt Island community and their loved ones remained safe through Hurricane Sandy. I would like to extend a special thank you to the Corporation’s Public Safety, Grounds, Transportation and Engineering teams who all went above and beyond the call of duty, and in certain instances worked tirelessly through the night to keep our wonderful Island safe during this tumultuous time. A list of RIOC employees who were part of this tremendous effort and spent the majority of the storm away from their families, and on the Island, is included at the end of this column. Thank you all.

Hurricane Sandy

In order to effectively respond to the storm, RIOC employed the emergency management procedures we learned during Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) training attended by certain staff last year. We established an Emergency Command Center at the Public Safety Department’s (PSD) headquarters, and coordinated with the City’s Office of Emergency Management, NYPD and FDNY before, during and after the storm. We also effectively applied lessons learned during Hurricane Irene, such as establishing alternate emergency phone numbers in the event of an outage with the main PSD line. By effectively implementing FEMA’s procedures, we are eligible for federal reimbursement funds to help cover the costs incurred as a result of the storm.

We spent much of Tuesday and Wednesday assessing damage to the Island. Lighthouse Park experienced substantial flooding, there was damage to multiple Island trees, and certain locations on the Island lost power. We’ve also had to close the Island parks, but hope that both Southpoint and Four Freedoms Park will reopen by the time this column is distributed in The Wire on Friday.

We are pleased to note we have not received any reports of injuries incurred on the Island as a result of the storm. We are also pleased to report that both the Red Bus and Tram were back in service as of 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday and complimentary rides offered on both services on Tuesday evening and all day Wednesday.

RIOC Board Meets with Secretary to Gov. Cuomo, Larry Schwartz

Larry Schwartz, Secretary to Governor Andrew Cuomo, attended the October 25 meeting of the RIOC Board of Directors. The meeting was highly productive and Secretary Schwartz discussed Island issues with the Board and addressed Island residents in attendance. We are pleased to note that Mr. Schwartz made clear that he and the Administration intend to work closely and collaboratively with the RIOC Board and Island residents going forward. Mr. Schwartz’s remarks are important affirmations of the Administration’s commitment to the Roosevelt Island community.

Cornell Update

On October 22, representatives from Cornell provided an update on campus plans at a meeting of Community Board 8. The representatives listened to concerns and answered questions from Roosevelt Island residents. I can assure the Island community that RIOC is deeply engaged with Cornell and the City on the planning of the campus and its potential effects on Island infrastructure. We are fully aware of the magnitude of this project and of the legitimate concerns Island residents have concerning the same. As noted, we have been working closely with Cornell and the City on infrastructure (as well as other) issues in order to ensure that the community’s concerns, as well as RIOC’s, are properly heard and properly addressed. We will continue to listen carefully to feedback from the Island community as we move forward on this exciting project.

Four Freedoms Park Draws Big Crowds

As expected, Four Freedoms Park is proving to be quite a draw, with over 3,500 visitors from Wednesday, October 24 (public opening date) through Sunday October 28. Guests have included visitors from all over the world, including Brazil, Argentina, Japan, Norway, Italy and France, as well as visitors from various states, and of course, a slew of New Yorkers. Other visitors of note include, Jim Roosevelt, grandson of Franklin and Eleanor, accompanied by his wife and daughter, Gordon Davis – NYC Parks Commissioner in the 80’s – with Diane Coffey, Chief of Staff to Mayor Ed Koch, and The President of Salk Institute – the famous Louis Kahn building in La Jolla, California – attended with his family.

The park will be recruiting volunteers and training tour guides who can educate visitors about the legacy of Franklin D. Roosevelt, the architecture of Louis Kahn and the rich history of Roosevelt Island. For more information, you can sign up for updates at www.fdrfourfreedomspark.org/page/s/get-involved-with-the-park.

Halloween Parade a Success

I had an absolute blast celebrating Halloween with RIOC staff and the rest of the community last Saturday at the Roosevelt Island Halloween Parade & Extravaganza – in case you didn’t recognize me and other RIOC employees, we were dressed as Big Bad (Friendly) Pirates!!! The weather was perfect so we were able to hold the event outdoors for the first time in years. We enjoyed an exceptional performance from the Brooklyn-based Approaching Storm Marching Band comprised of middle-school and high-school children.

We were very pleased to see RIOC Council Member Jessica Lappin and Senator Jose M. Serrano in attendance with their families, joining hundreds of costumed Roosevelt Islanders for the parade and festivities at Capobianco Field. We also would like to thank Urban American and the Roosevelt Island Youth Center for co-sponsoring this free-for-the-public event and for helping to make it the Biggest and Best Parade & Extravaganza of All-Time!!!

(Thank you to the following RIOC employees who worked through Hurricane Sandy: Public Safety: Keith Guerra, Rene Bryan, Estrella Suarez, Wanda Coleman, Gary Yee, Rodell Lindsey, Raul Hernandez, Patricia Gamble, Lilia Paguada, Christian Gilmore, Jeffrey Laszczych, Ralph Torrens, Lisa Williams, Kionna Wray, Steven Cohen, Deborah Viel, Luis Candelario; Engineering: Alex Snedkov, Robert Greene, Santo Verta, Juan Rivera, Rajcoomar Megnath, Alex Banashko; Grounds: Fernando Vargas, Toni Tinoco, Fidel Cintron, Juan Cruz, Chris Gonzalez, Jamal Perry; Transportation Cyril “Cy” Opperaman, Shamsodeen Satar, Joe Marino, Joe Franchi. I would also like to thank Community Relations Specialist Erica Spencer-El who did a tremendous job of keeping the Island community informed of Sandy related issues.)

Any Roosevelt Island Interest In Donating Extra Hurricane Sandy Supplies And Volunteering To Help Clean Up Community Ask Residents - How About It

You Tube Video of Hurricane Sandy Red Cross Volunteers

A reader with a very good idea asks:

I'm wondering if there will be any sort of Roosevelt Island collection? Like many people, we stocked up on water, candles, and dry goods. We could use these I guess, but I feel like there are probably a lot of people who NEED them way more that we do.

It'd be great to hear if anyone is organizing a collection - we'd love to donate our extras.

Another resident asks:

Is there any kind of volunteer headed cleanup effort going on? like raking leaves etc? If there is....I would love to volunteer......

Any one else interested. Let's get started.

If President Obama and NJ Governor Chris Christie can work together



well so can we.

And Now For Something Completely Different, Hurricane Sandy Roosevelt Island Gangnam Style - Also RIOC Offices Closed Thursday November 11 And All Parks And Sportspark Closed Until Further Notice

Roosevelt Island Hurricane Sandy Gangnam Style.

You Tube Video of Oppa Hurricane Sandy Style

Also, according to the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC)

Please be advised RIOC offices will be closed Thursday, November 1, 2012.

Sportspark and all parks will remain closed until further notice.

For additional information, please call Public Safety at 212-832-4545. In the event that the phone line is busy, please use the following alternate numbers:

917-541-9156 or 917-541-9167

Sincerely,

Roosevelt Island Operating Corp Advisories Group

Incredible Rainbow Over Roosevelt Island And East River Day After Hurricane Sandy - Offers Glimpse Of Hope

Image From Inga Sarda-Sorensen Tweet

Incredible image of Rainbow over East River and Roosevelt Island taken day after Hurricane Sandy hit New York City by Inga Sarda-Sorensen who tweets

Rainbow over today's #NYC sky offers glimpse of hope after Hurricane #Sandy. twitpic.com/b8tths
— Inga Sarda-Sorensen (@isardasorensen) October 30, 2012

and:

To rainbow skeptics: Fact is, the shot is real. The rainbow appeared after a brief drizzle. I feel blessed to have seen, shot & shared it.
— Inga Sarda-Sorensen (@isardasorensen) October 30, 2012

New York City Hurricane Sandy Flooding Causes Evacuation Of Fragile Patients At Roosevelt Island Coler Hospital - An Eyewitness Report

Image Of Ambulances Arriving To Evacuate Roosevelt Island Coler Hospital Patients From Judy Berdy

Reported last night on the evacuation of some patients at Roosevelt Island's Coler Hospital

  Image of Coler Goldwater Hospital From NY Hospital Flowers

to Goldwater Hospital due to lack of electricity at Coler caused by Hurricane Sandy flooding. Assembly Member Micah Kellner confirmed last night that some patients were being evacuated from Coler stating:

the most vulnerable being moved to Goldwater.  Others are resting in place. 

Roosevelt Island Historical Society President Judy Berdy was assisting during the evacuation. Ms Berdy shares this report and photos of what happened.

I was on my way to watch the first tram leave the Island on Tuesday at 4 p.m. A call came, would I like to help out the moving of patients from Coler to Goldwater Hospitals? I have been a Community Board member at Coler for years and I said sure. Any additional pair of hands would help.

I was at Goldwater Hospital from 5 p.m. to 1 a.m. There are about 100 patients from Coler that had to be transferred to Goldwater. Coler has been without electricity since the storm and the critical patients were moved tonight and through the night to the Goldwater campus.

It was a long process of getting the residents ready to be moved, getting them to ambulances a and having space in Goldwater ready to receive them. They had to be moved down the darkened staircases some in wheelchairs, many on stretchers. Luckily Coler is only 5 stories, but even a few flights of steps can be harrowing.

Image From Judy Berdy

As with the NYU evacuation it sounds simple, but moving medically fragile patients whether infants or elderly is a treacherous operations.

 Image From Judy Berdy

When the ambulances arrived at Goldwater

Image From Judy Berdy

we saw that they were manned with mutual aid teams from all over the country some were from Indiana, Illinois and South Carolina.

Image From Judy Berdy

They had left their states and were sent to Fort Dix to be deployed. Our ten ambulances had wonderful and dedicated EMT's and Paramedics.

 Image From Judy Berdy

The executive and departmental staffs were on had to check in each patient and get them to a warm bed upstairs.

We handed out blankets and swiftly they moved the patients to the units. Some were stunned to suddenly be moved and arrive at a strange place in the middle of the night.

The operation will go on till dawn with dedicated staff on hand to help everyone arriving.

The northern end of the island where Coler and Octagon are located were hit much worse and the entire basement of Coler had 6 feet of water in it.The staff at both campuses are amazing. They had been there for days. Some came in the ambulances to take care of their patients.

The seawalls had been beached, One car in the Coler east side parking lot ended up against the hospital wall, driven there by the wave surge.

Without new seawalls and reinforced embankments no new construction should be permitted. It may be a once in a century event, but this is the time to demand a safer island. Walk around the campuses and you can see the high water marks along with the damage it caused.

It is so sad to see the future of Goldwater. She suffered minimal damage and flooding during the hurricane. It is a tough old building but can withstand anything, but the bulldozer. Where will our fragile people go when her doors close Some have had plans made and many still await to learn their future.

Ms. Berdy reference to new construction and the bulldozer is to the Cornell NYC Tech project that will be built on the site of Goldwater Hospital after it is demolished although the closing of Goldwater Hospital had been planned before Cornell NYC Tech was contemplated.