Watch Video Of Roosevelt Island Roadways Working Group Meeting Of RIOC Staff And Resident Discussing Z Brick Removal, Main Street Pedestrian/Vehicle Safety, Illuminated And Repositioned Traffic Signage - What Do You Think

The Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) hosted an August 13 community working group meeting to discuss the Main Street Roadways project with RIOC staff, Board Directors and residents in attendance. RIOC Acting Chief Operating Officer Mary Cunneen presented phase 1 of the plan which includes the area from Motorgate Plaza to Blackwell Plaza.

Image From RIOC August 13, 2024 Roadways Working Group Meeting

Accordng to Ms Cunneen:

... The Z-bricks are the main focus of phase one, looking at removing those and installing a more stable surface. 

Another existing condition is the signage on the Island. If you go down Main Street you might see several signs on one pole. There's a lot of repetitive signage there and it causes a lot of sign fatigue so drivers don't always know which sign to obey or which sign is pertinent to them. So having a lot of signage on the Island can be more distraction sometimes than actual assistance....

Image From RIOC August 13, 2024 Working Group Meeting

Image From RIOC August 13, 2024 Working Group Meeting

Here's Ms Cunneen's full presentation to the August 13 Roosevelt Island Roadways Community Working Group

and video of the meeting.

RIOC Communications Director Bryant Daniels ended the meeting adding:

... We will schedule another meeting for two weeks from now. I think the idea is we'd like everybody to sort of digest the ideas, think things through and then come back and if you have any new thoughts any new ideas any new feedback we'd really like to hear it....

These types of engagement meetings are really helpful for us and allow us to make informed decisions that hopefully will be well received...

RIOC Invites Roosevelt Island Residents To Join Main Street Roadway Project Working Group August 13 Meeting Via Zoom - Hear The Latest Plan And Make Recommendations About Vehicle/Pedestrian Safety And Street Signage

Last March, the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) announced:

At the suggestion of the Roosevelt Island community, RIOC is putting together several new working advisory groups made up of island residents and RIOC personnel to discuss emergent issues on the island. These groups will offer recommendations and feedback to RIOC on some of the most pressing issues we face, from safety and transportation to economic development and capital planning....

Previous working advisory group sessions were on the Tram and Island operations.

Today RIOC announced an upcoming community working group meeting to discuss the ongoing Main Street Roadway project.

According to RIOC:

Dear Roosevelt Island Residents:

RIOC is putting together its next community working group, made up of island residents and RIOC personnel, to discuss the ongoing roadways project along Main Street.

As many have noticed, driving down Main Street is hardly a “smooth ride.” The road, which is still made up of z-bricks in large sections, is bumpy, uneven, and difficult for both motorists and pedestrians to safely navigate, especially at the crosswalks. What’s more, signage around the island can be difficult to understand in some places and contradictory in others, further compounding problems for travelers.

This working group will hear plans about ways to address the issues plaguing Main Street and offer recommendations and feedback to RIOC on managing the overall project, currently scheduled for two phases of work.

The first meeting of the roadways working group will be on Tuesday, August 13th and will meet online via Teams (no Microsoft account necessary to participate).

If you are interested in participating, please fill-out the form at this link: 

This group is a wonderful way for Roosevelt Island residents to get involved and have their ideas heard and discussed with fellow island stakeholders and RIOC.

We look forward to your participation and can’t wait to hear your feedback!

-RIOC Executive Team

During the May 22, 2024 RIOC Real Estate Advisory Developement Committee meeting, Acting Chief Operating Officer Mary Cunneen discussed the Roadway and Paved Surfaces Rehab Design Plan 

for Main Street between the Blackwell House Traffic Circle and Foodtown/Motorgate crossing.

Here's the Roadway and Paved Surfaces Rehab Design Plan  

REDAC discussion.

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

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

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

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

Promenade Safety Improvements:

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

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

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

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by @rooseveltislander

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

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

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

Deputy Chief Amoroso replied:

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

 

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

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

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

Update On 78 Year Old (Not 88) Roosevelt Island Woman Hit By Car Last Sunday, Broken Wrist And Shoulder And Still In Hospital - RIOC Needs To Do Something About Drivers Not Stopping On Main Street Says Friend And Praises PSD Officers And Neighbors Who Helped Victim

An update to August 24 story about 2 separate weekend incidents last Saturday and Sunday of cars hitting Roosevelt Island pedestrians as they were walking in the Main Street crosswalk.

A friend of the woman who was hit on Sunday reports that the victim was 78 years of age, not 88, as reported by NYPD and adds more info as to what happened:

According to the friend, the victim's:

... left wrist was broken in the accident. Her shoulder is also broken and her foot was damaged, i.e., bleeding and red and swollen, but not broken thank goodness.

Her accident happened on Sunday around 2:30/3:00ish. She was on the west side of the street and crossed in the crosswalk by the beauty salon going over to the northbound bus to go down to Foodtown. She got more than half way across when a car didn't stop at the stop sign. He was a young man with an out-of-state license. He ran over her foot and hit the side of her body. In addition to the broken bones, one side of her body is very bruised and black/blue/purple. She's in the Hospital now and will be going to a rehab facility from there because at this point she's unable to come directly home without physical therapy.  

She doesn't think the driver was speeding. He just didn't stop. 

She said Public Safety was right there and very solicitous. She was half sitting and half lying on the ground and one of the PSD Officers put his legs behind her and stood there so she could lean on him and not fall down completely. They got the name and address of the driver, but no insurance information. I'm not sure whether the police are supposed to get that information or it's confidential so I'm not faulting them for that. 

She said people were terrific. The rain was really coming down and people stood over her holding umbrellas so she wouldn't get too wet. Makes you feel good about the neighborhood. But RIOC really needs to do something about drivers not stopping. I think putting back the speed bumps and the stop sign stanchions would be a pretty good start. They did give him a summons. 

I'll never understand why RIOC ever got rid of the speed bumps we used to have. And those stop sign stanchions in the middle of the street made it easier for drivers to realize they were supposed to stop. I know they got rid of those because trucks used to keep knocking them over, but I have to believe they could have found a solution to that.

The Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) daily Public Safety report listed the incident as:

08/22/21 – 1453 – 510 Main St – Aided /Vehicle Accident – Aided transported to hospital – Summons issued to motorist.

More info about this incident and the one on Saturday at this earlier post including NYPD report.

88 Year Old Woman Was One Of 2 Roosevelt Island Residents Hit By Car While Walking In Crosswalk on Main Street In Separate Incidents This Weekend And Taken To Hospital

Last Saturday night a Roosevelt Island Tipster sent this picture

reporting:

Happening on Main Street. Lots of NYPD and PSD

Yesterday, I asked Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Public Information Officer Amy Smith and Public Safety Department (PSD) Chief Kevin Brown:

Was there a traffic accident on Main Street with a car hitting a pedestrian Saturday or Sunday night.

Do you have any details? Any injuries or arrests?

No answer from RIOC, but the PSD Daily Incident report shows:

2243- 08/21/21- 576 Main St- Aided/Vehicle Accident- PSD/EMS/NYPD RespondedTransported to Hospital.

Another Tipster reports:

A car, driven by a young male driver, didn’t stop at the Deli’s stop sign or at the Cleaner’s stop sign and hit a woman as she was crossing the street. This happened during the storm on Saturday. 

One person from the car got out and tried to move the woman who was lying on the street while the driver was trying to go around the woman to escape. 

PSD came and held the traffic and the car and driver, all the neighbors that were trying to cross the street and saw it, kindly stayed to give their account of events to PSD.

 I do not know if NYPD showed up or not, but these guys should have been arrested. The noise when the car hit the woman was loud, the car was speeding, and the woman was crossing where she should have: at the zebras.

According to a NYPD spokesperson today:

On Saturday, August 21, 2021 at 2230hrs, police officers responded to the vicinity of 576 Main Street within the confines of the 114th Precinct. Upon arrival, it was reported to police that a 49-year-old male was operating a 2019 Chevrolet when he struck a 33-year-old female pedestrian who was attempting to cross the street. EMS responded and transported the female to Mount Sinai Hospital and the operator of the vehicle was issued a summons for failing to yield to a pedestrian.

 The NYPD spokesperson adds:

On Sunday, August 22, 2021 at 1420hrs, police officers responded to the vicinity of 523 Main Street within the confines of the 114 Precinct. It was reported to police that a 24-year-old male was operating a 2021 toyota when he struck a 88-year-old female pedestrian who was walking in the crosswalk. Roosevelt Island Public Safety issued a summons to the operator and the female was removed to NY Presbyterian Hospital.

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

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

Does It Say NO U TURN or TURN U NO - New Roosevelt Island Main Street Traffic Markings Confusing To Some Local Drivers

The Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) recently announced the long needed re-striping of Main Street. According to RIOC:

Re-striping Main Street Completed

On September 4, 2019, Main Street not only received new traffic striping, but also new STOP signs stenciled on the asphalt. These improvements will not only make our roadways safer for pedestrians, but also for drivers. Everyone, including bicyclists, are expected to follow all traffic signs and commands from Public Safety Department (PSD) personnel.

RIOC also stenciled signage to indicate that No U Turns are allowed.

But as one Roosevelt Island Driver shows us with this picture, is the No U Turn street marking clear?

Turn
U
No

Am I the only one that sees a problem with this?

Here are a couple of other views of NO U Turn or Turn U NO Roosevelt Island Main Street markings?

What do you see - NO U TURN or TURN U NO?

Resident Asks RIOC To Paint Long Neglected Roosevelt Island Main Street Crosswalks To Improve Pedestrian Safety - RIOC Says We Hear You Loud And Clear, Will Begin Crosswalk Repairs Today

A long time Roosevelt Island resident shares this message sent last Thursday to Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Presient Susan Rosenthal:

Cannot believe RIOC or NYS or whomever still hasn't gotten the Crosswalk by the Chapel or the other Crosswalks between 625 & 501 Main Street painted, nor the double-yellow stripe down the middle of Main Street restored either.

Pedestrians crossing at the Chapel / 540 Breezeway continue to be at extremely high risk for getting hit by all types of vehicles -- from regular or motorized bikes to cars to trucks to busses -- even with a slight increase in PSD presence at certain times of the day.

Last Saturday even with pedestrians of all ages & abilities right in the Crosswalk, drivers could hardly come to a full stop to let folks cross, especially between 10 am & 1pm. The PSD was called an asked to send a PSO over, which they did for a while.

Thank you in advance addressing this of as soon as possible.

On Friday, a RIOC spokesperson announced:

Crosswalk Repairs Take Place Monday, August 5th

The community spoke and we heard you loud and clear!

As part of RIOC’s ongoing commitment to the safety of our residents, RIOC contractors will be repainting the Main Street crosswalks from the Blackwell House turn-around to 40 River Road on Monday, August 5th. This work will take place during daylight hours. Traffic control measures will be implemented throughout the day so work can take place.

Please note that lane re-striping is also a priority, but will take place in the near future.

Another resident asks:

Are they going to make sure there are not any conflicting stop/yield signs?

— Scott Holleman (@scott_holleman) August 5, 2019

More reactions from Roosevelt Island residents:

• " why? people just cross wherever they want anyway."
• " We need more speed bumps."
• " Bikes and cars barely stop!"

Roosevelt Island Q102 Main Street Bus Stop Near RI Bridge Moved 175 Feet South During Helix Ramp Repairs Due To Safety Concerns - Helix Ramp In Worse Condition Than Thought, Repairs May Take A Few Additional Weeks Says RIOC

According to the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC):

Due to pedestrian safety concerns in the area of on-going construction work on the Helix ramp - that connects the Roosevelt Island Bridge with Main Street - the northbound Q102 bus stop, near that intersection, will be moved today about 175 feet

RIOC President Susan Rosenthal reported last Friday:

One lane of the Helix ramp project has been completed and work has begun on the second travel lane. As was before, workers will have to demolish the existing concrete topping slab, and in some cases, replace the underlying rebar, (the mesh of steel wires used to strengthen and hold the concrete in compression).

As we’ve mentioned previously, some sections of the Helix’s existing structural concrete slabs (see illustration)

were in worse disrepair than we’d originally diagnosed and will require a more extensive repair that may extend this project’s completion a few additional weeks.

The Helix Ramp repairs began March 12 and were scheduled to take 4 months.



During the May 17 RIOC Board of Directors meeting (full video of Board Meeting here), RIOC VP of Of Capital Projects & Planning Steve Noone reported on Helix Ramp repair construction project status.

Mr Noone informed the Board that the Helix is more damaged than originally thought and tells the Board that it will be asked for an additional $1.2 million to the original expected cost of $3.1 million.

Mr Noone added that a change in the Street Lights sequence at top of Helix suggested by "Gridlock" Sam Schwartz Engineering will result in an approximate 45% traffic reduction coming from Queens in the morning and a similar reduction in evening traffic to Queens and on weekends.



At the May 17 RIOC Board meeting, Mr Noone estimated a completion date for the project at end of July.

Long Line Stretching To Second Avenue For Roosevelt Island Tram Today, Main Street Traffic Jam Too - 10 Thousand People Visited Roosevelt Island Today For Cherry Blossom Festival Says RIOC

Long lines for the Roosevelt Island Tram at Manhattan Station this afternoon.

Crazy long line for Roosevelt Island Tram stretching to 2nd Avenue https://t.co/Th1BanPnGm

— Roosevelt Islander (@Rooseveltisland) April 21, 2018

@Rooseveltisland pic.twitter.com/bVhKRZomsA

— LJ Rader (@LJ_Rader) April 21, 2018

Also, car  traffic was backed up from the Motorgate Ramp Helix to Blackwell House.



The Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) reports 10 Thousand people



came to Roosevelt Island today

for the Cherry Blossom Festival.

Thrilled to have so many visitors at the annual Roosevelt Island Cherry Blossom Festival 🌸! pic.twitter.com/EdThjceSwR

— Four Freedoms Park (@4FreedomsPark) April 21, 2018

The only time when New Yorkers don’t shit on #RooseveltIsland. In order to take their girlfriends to see a bunch of #cherryblossoms. Signs of #Spring. #Sakura pic.twitter.com/xz54zRMy1Z

— Roland Lizares (@rlizares) April 21, 2018

Also, the Riverwalk Commons area was packed with crowds leaving trash on the sidewalk

and overflowing garbage cans.

Roosevelt Island Main Street North Bound Traffic Backed Up All The Way To Blackwell House This Evening

Roosevelt Island's Main Street North Bound traffic was backed up all the way to Blackwell House this evening.



Don't know the reason.

Roosevelt Island Public Safety Department Using Radar Detection Equipment To Slow Down Traffic And Catch Speeders

Earlier this month a Roosevelt Island resident observed:

While waiting for the Red Bus across the street from the FDNY station, I watched a Roosevelt Island Public Safety Department (PSD) car seeming to hide behind the pine trees of the traffic island just north of the fire station. And when a car passed by driving south on Main Street, the officer put on his flashing lights and siren to stop the surprised driver. Then, after a brief conversation, the driver continued south ... and the PSD Speed Detector Trap was then re-set.

I watched this little drama unfold several times without understanding what I was seeing.

When the Red Bus came, a friend with me asked the driver what was happening.

The driver explained that RIOC had just installed stop signs on the road east of the community garden; and the drivers who were "caught" not stopping -- probably Coler employees going home at the end of the day shift -- simply failed to notice the new sign.

Public Safety did something right, I guess? Drivers tend to pick up speed heading south, and they can't see pedestrians crossing the road beyond the turn at the south edge of the garden. Soccer balls are often kicked into this area of Main Street from the Octagon Field as well. It is also the point where trucks will be turning west to go up the access road to the water tunnel project for the next year or so -- a likely place for an accident to develop.

I think this is a good decision. I'm glad because it makes the crossing safer.

Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) President Susan Rosenthal reported on the use of radar detection equipment to slow traffic and catch speeders during the RIOC December 19 Board of Directors meeting (full RIOC President's Report here).



Also, the Roosevelt Island Residents Association (RIRA) Public Safety Committee (PSC) October 30 report noted:

... In discussing traffic issues in the Octagon area, as documented in Scott Piro’s report, Chief McManus reported that speed bumps were being considered and that due to the speeding, in certain areas on the Island, they would be training the PSO in using the radar guns, and are considering stepping up enforcement following the training.

The Chief mentioned that there was a new Security Director at Coler Hospital who he would be meeting with. He was attempting to create a multi- facetted approach to look at traffic control considering ways to deal with motorized bikes, etc....

and the RIRA PSC November 29 report added:

... Following submission of Scott’s report in October’s PSC meeting, Jack brought concerns to Susan’s attention and an internal meeting is scheduled on December 1st to look at some of the concerns, including speeding around these areas.

Training on the utilization of radar equipment needs to be completed by the PSO, which will be done through the NYPD. There have been minor difficulties encountered in getting our PSO’s spots for the NYPD trainings. The training requires field work to practice, and can take 3-5 days in the field. Speed bumps are still being considered in certain areas. Jack explained the difficulties associated with writing speeding tickets, in what can be utilized as proof.

The committee again stated that other Main Street road markings are worn out, do not match the Stop signs at certain intersections, or worn out, like on the Helix, causing safety concerns for motorists and foot traffic. The enforcement of traffic regulations for motorized bike was addressed. The Chief is aware of the problem and will be initiating more enforcement of the laws, for deliveries that come onto the Island....

Mr. Piro's traffic report was published in the Main Street WIRE.

NYPD 114 Crime Prevention Officer Meets With Roosevelt Island Residents Association - RIOC Public Safety Chief Updates RIRA Public Safety Committee Too

On November 1, NYPD 114 precinct Crime Prevention Officer Gabe Tovar spoke to the Roosevelt Island Residents Association (RIRA) Common Council about recent burglaries as well as phone scams involving false claims of being with the IRS, Con Ed and others.

#PhoneScam: Victim received a phone call from someone pretending to be the #IRS, demanding “back taxes” payment or he would be arrested.

Victim purchased $3,200 in gift cards per callers demand & provided card numbers via phone. #IRSPhoneScam #Scam pic.twitter.com/IZT9Ps1thb

— NYPD 19th Precinct (@NYPD19Pct) November 29, 2017

Officer Tovar advised to hang up if you receive these types of phone calls.



About Roosevelt Island, Officer Tovar said:

... this is a very, very safe Island...

The RIRA Public Safety Committee usually meets every month, often with Roosevelt Island Public Safety Department Chief Jack McManus and Deputy Chief Kevin Brown.

Below is the RIRA PSC report of the October 30 meeting.

RIRA – PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE
Committee Meeting Minutes – 10/30/2017

Updates on Statistic:

Vertical Patrols: Statistics indicate that the WIRE building’s are receiving the appropriate number of patrols for a total in September of 937:

• Roosevelt Landings 690, 
• Island House 105, 
• WestView 97, 
• Rivercross 45, 
• Motorgate Patrols for September 385.

Crime Statistic: Chief McManus presented crime Statistics which indicated that for the year from September 2016 - September 2017 the following:

• Total number of misdemeanors decreased, 77 - 66; 
• violations-non- crimes decreased, 452 -390; and
• Index Crimes increased, 22 - 25. 

Chief McManus also reported that crime had decreased on the Island since he had started by 19% between 2014 and 2015.

Recent Incidents:

Chief McManus responded to questions related to the recent burglaries in Westview and on the recent stabbing behind 510.

Burglary was in Westview, no forced entry, perp wearing black mask. Was caught on WV camera when running downstairs, and at door station.

He was identified, and is attached to 2 other burglaries. He was identified and arrested.

The Stabbing victim is uncooperative, and is from off Island. Hasn’t provided much information to work with. There are no working cameras behind 510, (Presently there are also no cameras in Lighthouse Park, which is part of Phase II) which makes identifying where and what he was doing difficult.

Officer Training:

Deputy Kevin Brown is scheduled to conduct quarterly training. 3rd quarter training was focusing on CPR, Curtesy, Professionalism, Respect. 13 Officers were scheduled for tonight where specific reports will be used. Customer service skills are stressed.

Accuracy in reporting:

Update on steps that will be taken to guarantee that PSD Blotter accurately reflect documented complaint/incident was discussed.

Chief McManus stated that they would now provide one more Supervisor review, prior to publishing. In the past there was a 24 hour recap. The additional Supervisory review will probably make the 24 hr. turn around more difficult, but should improve accuracy.

The need for this was brought to light following an incident of Public Lewdness that occurred on 9/7/17 which had been incorrectly documented on the blotter and in the Desk Officer’s initial call for assistance as “Suspicious Activity,” and as a request for an escort.

Traffic Issues:

In discussing traffic issues in the Octagon area, as documented in Scott Piro’s report, Chief McManus reported that speed bumps were being considered and that due to the speeding, in certain areas on the Island, they would be training the PSO in using the radar guns, and are considering stepping up enforcement following the training.

The Chief mentioned that there was a new Security Director at Coler Hospital who he would be meeting with. He was attempting to create a multi- facetted approach to look at traffic control considering ways to deal with motorized bikes, etc.

Chief McManus reported that an accident had occurred down by South Park, where Off-Island youth, driving without appropriate license damaged the fence down at the park when their vehicle ran into the fence. Chief also mentioned that the NYC DOT had come out and assessed our street markings and that they would be refreshing all traffic markings.

Public Marijuana Use:

Openly smoking Marijuana in the area where children congregate appeared to have decreased, according to committee member Joanna, who assisted with the educational initiative and the creation of the signs. She requested the committee consider replacing the signs that had been vandalized, and put them back up.

Respectfully Submitted,

Erin Feely-Nahem, PSC Committee Chair

Chief McManus provided an update on the October 27 stabbing during the November 29 RIRA PSC meeting.



Below is the RIRA PSC report of the November 29 meeting.

Read more »

One Lane Of Roosevelt Island Main Street Traffic Between Island House And Westview 8 AM - 6 PM May 23 To May 27 For Con Ed High Pressure Gas Line Upgrade And Roosevelt Landings Building Facade Work Says RIOC - No Parking In Area Too

Image Of May 16 Con Ed Main Street Traffic Diversions In Front Of Westview

According to this May 22 Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) traffic advisory:

Due to continued Con Edison Gas Main Riser work there will be traffic diversions on Main Street, for the week of Monday, May 23rd, 2016 through Friday, May 27th, 2016. Therefore; there will be “No Parking, No Stopping or No Standing” in front of 591-625 Main Street (Westview Buildings) beginning 12:00AM, Monday, May 23rd, 2016 through 11:00PM, Friday, May 27th, 2016.

Vehicles parked in this area during this time will be summonsed and/or towed.

Further, the sidewalk on the East side of Main Street, in front of Capobianco Field, will be closed to pedestrian traffic. Pedestrians may cross over to the West side of Main Street either at the crosswalk near 591 or 625 Main Street.

Con Edison will continue to provide RIOC with a projected work schedule, which will be made available to residents and merchants in future Everbridge Advisories.

Thank you for your cooperation during this time.

 Location Of Con Ed Roosevelt Island Main Street Gas Riser Work

Also today, RIOC issued this additional Main Street traffic advisory:

Urban American Management has advised that due to building facade work, Main St. will be reduced to one lane of traffic between 575 Main St. (Island House Bldg.) and 599 Main St. (Westview Bldg.), DAILY beginning Monday, May 23rd, 2016 THROUGH Friday, May 27th, 2016, from 8AM to 6PM.

In order to facilitate this work, there will be NO PARKING, NO STOPPING, OR NO STANDING on the West side of Main St. between 575 Main St. (Island House Bldg.) and 599 Main St. (Westview Bldg.), Monday THROUGH Friday from 7AM - 7PM.

Vehicles not moved by 7AM on these days will be summonsed and/or towed.

Flag persons will be on site to redirect traffic during these times.

Further, during this work, from 8AM to 6PM the crosswalk at 580 Main Street will be closed to pedestrian and vehicular traffic; please utilize the crosswalks at 560 or the temporary crosswalk located opposite 595 Main Street.

Thank you for your cooperation during this time.

As reported May 16, Main Street reduced to one traffic lane for the Con Ed and Urban American

Image From Frank Farance

work caused a huge traffic jam during that morning's rush hour from Main Street over the Roosevelt Island Bridge to Vernon B'lvd in Long Island City.

Roosevelt Island One Lane Traffic Jam This Morning From Main Street Over Roosevelt Island Bridge To Long Island City - Resident Asks Con Ed To Stop High Pressure Gas Upgrade Work During Morning And Afternoon Rush Hours

Resident Frank Farance reports on Roosevelt Island traffic jam this morning stretching from Main Street, the Helix Ramp, Roosevelt Island Bridge and into Long Island City. Mr. Farance share this email message and photos below sent today to the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC). According to Mr. Farance:

Con Ed has one lane 24 hours a day, this does not work. You need to have them take two 2-hour breaks: 6:30-8:30 in the mornings, 2:30 to 4:30 in the afternoon. There is so much traffic in the morning, everything was blocked on the Island, including emergency service vehicles, and blocked into LIC back to 34 Ave and out to 11 St. Furthermore, Cornell trucks are delayed (which causes more problems).

Here are the details:

6:30-8:30
- Hospital shift change at 7 AM
- Other school buses on Main Street at 7:20-7:45
- Child school buses around 8 AM
- Inflow of school kids and drop-offs at 8:00 to 8:30

2:30-4:30
- Hospital shift change at 3 PM
- Child School buses around 2:45 to 3:15
- PS/IS 217 pick-ups around 3:00-3:30
- Other school buses around 3:30-4:30

The photos show the massive traffic jam. If Con Ed says they need 24 hour access, tell them they need to take 2-hour coffee breaks and put the plates back during that time.

Really, too much congestion and, already, hazards with emergency vehicles getting through (see photo of ambulance having difficulty).

Full view, showing traffic jammed on top of Helix and down on Main Street (inset: Main Street at construction)

Ambulance with sirens on, having difficultly making way through congestion, which was on both sides of street

Congestion complicated be school drop-off just before construction

Congestion complicated by school bus drop-off at Child School

Looking north on Vernon Blvd and 36 Ave, traffic congested

Congestion on Vernon Blvd continues as far as 34 Ave

Looking west on 36 Ave, traffic congested as far as 11 St

Looking west, traffic not moving on RI Bridge

Looking east, traffic congested from Vernon Blvd to Helix upper level

Looking south, traffic not moving down Helix ramp

Looking south from Motorgate, upper level Helix is congested

Cornell delivery truck delayed

I asked Mr. Farance:

When were these pictures taken?

Was today's traffic problems typical during the Con Ed construction or just a one time problem?

Mr Farance replied:

This morning between 8:00 and 8:30.

There are three phases of work.  The first phase, which is already completed, was laying the pipe in the street.  This was done during daytime, but not during rush hours.  This did not cause too much of a problem.

The second phase, connecting the riser, has always been done at night, typically 8-9 PM or later.  There have not been issues at night.  The third phase is energizing the new gas main and switching over service in the buildings (not yet started).

Today is the first day they were doing construction during the AM/PM rush hours.  I don't expect this to be a one-time problem because we (people like me and others) have already studied the traffic patterns and these rush hours are really bad times.  I think DOT has a study, too, on bridge traffic which is consistent with my reporting on the peak hours.  I expect the same problems tomorrow morning.

Con Ed is currently working on the Roosevelt Island High Pressure Gas Line Upgrades.

RIOC issued the following parking and traffic advisories for this week.

Due to continued Con Edison Gas Main Riser work on Main Street, for the week of Monday, May 16th, 2016 through Friday, May 20th, 2016, there will be “No Parking, No Stopping or No Standing” in front of 591-625 Main Street (Westview Buildings) beginning 12:00AM, Monday, May 16th, 2016 through 11:00PM, Friday, May 20th, 2016.

Vehicles parked in this area during this time will be summonsed and/or towed.

Further, the sidewalk on the East side of Main Street, in front of Capobianco Field, will be closed to pedestrian traffic. Pedestrians may cross over to the West side of Main street either at the crosswalk near 591 or 625 Main Street.

Con Edison will continue to provide RIOC with a projected work schedule, which will be made available to residents and merchants in future Everbridge Advisories.

Thank you for your cooperation during this time.

And:

Urban American Management has advised that due to building facade work, Main St. will be reduced to one lane of traffic between 575 Main St. (Island House Bldg.) and 599 Main St. (Westview Bldg.), DAILY beginning Monday, May 16th, 2016 THROUGH Friday, May 20th, 2016, from 8AM to 6PM.

In order to facilitate this work, there will be NO PARKING, NO STOPPING, OR NO STANDING on the West side of Main St. between 575 Main St. (Island House Bldg.) and 599 Main St. (Westview Bldg.), Monday THROUGH Friday from 7AM - 7PM.

Flag persons will be on site to redirect traffic during these times.

Further, during this work, from 8AM to 6PM the crosswalk at 580 Main Street will be closed to pedestrian and vehicular traffic; please utilize the crosswalks at 560 or the temporary crosswalk located opposite 595 Main Street.

Thank you for your cooperation during this time.

I asked RIOC for comment on the matter earlier today. Have not heard back yet but will update with any response from RIOC. Will also ask Con Ed for comment as well.

Front Seat Go Pro Video View Of Motorcycle Zooming Down Roosevelt Island's Main Street - 5 Minutes From Williamsburg To Roosevelt Island

Take a virtual motorcycle ride from Williamsburg through Greenpoint and Long Island City on way to Roosevelt Island.

You arrive at the Roosevelt Island Bridge about the 4 minute 10 second mark. The ride down the Helix is a doozy.


First GoPro Test in NYC from Alexandre Pauzies on Vimeo.

Roosevelt Island Con Edison High Pressure Gas Upgrade Evening Work Begins Tonight Near Capobianco Field, No Weekday Nighttime Parking In Area - Main Street Traffic Disruptions Warns Public Safety Department Director

The Con Edison Roosevelt Island High Pressure Gas Upgrade project begins nighttime work this evening on Main Street near Capobianco Field. As a result, there is no weekday evening parking in the area for several months.

According to the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC):

There will be No Parking, Stopping or Standing on the West side of Main Street between 591-625 Main Street effective Monday, August 17, 2015, Monday– Friday from 5 PM to 8 AM, until further notice.

Vehicles not moved by 5 PM will be summonsed and/or towed.

This area will be reduced to one lane of traffic Monday- Friday from 7 PM to 7 AM.

The sidewalk on the east side of Main Street, in front of Capobianco Field, will be closed to pedestrian traffic. Pedestrians may cross over to the west side of the street either at the crosswalk near 591 or 625 Main Street.

Parking rules will be strictly enforced in the Commercial Loading Zone in front of 575 Main Street (Island House), as all deliveries will be directed to unload at this location.

We appreciate your cooperation during this project.

Image Of No Parking Area From 591 -625 Main Street

Con Edison adds:

Work Notice Update

Friday, August 14, 2015

Starting on Monday, August 17, Con Edison will begin working at night associated with the gas riser infrastructure upgrades on Main Street in front of the Capobianco Field. Crews will be working at this location from 7PM to 7AM for the remainder of the riser project. We will continue to provide you with updates as this riser work continues through the fall, and once the daytime gas main work commences in the coming weeks. This entire gas upgrade project is expected to be complete in December. Schedule is subject to change.

There will be no service disruptions to customers associated with this work. We apologize for any inconvenience. For more information, contact Manhattan Public Affairs at ManhattanPA@conEd.com.

Below is Roosevelt Island Con Edison High Pressure Gas project RIOC permit including:

• work schedules,
• street closures,
• penalties,
• noise mitigation,
• air monitoring,
• asbestos abatement
• parking,
• mitigation strategies and
• more.

Roosevelt Island Con Ed Gas Upgrade Permit

RIOC Public Safety Department Director Jack McManus discussed Main Street traffic disruptions caused by the current Con Ed Gas Upgrade and ongoing building facade work during August 11 Roosevelt Island Residents Association (RIRA) Public Safety Committee meeting.

Director McManus said that:

... past experiences with Con Ed is that they need alot of attention...

... it's going to be a busy time and an inconvenience...

Also discussed were insuring that ambulances, other emergency vehicles and Access A Ride vans have access to serve Roosevelt Island residents during the construction.

Here's the discussion.



More information on Roosevelt Island Con Edison High Pressure Gas Project at previous post showing video of Town Hall meeting on subject.

Con Edison Begins Roosevelt Island High Pressure Gas Upgrade Monday August 10, Staging Area Work Began Today - No Parking Or Walking On Portions Of Main Street August 10 -14

Get ready for the some more Main Street traffic headaches starting Monday morning as Con Edison begins work on the Roosevelt Island High Pressure Gas upgrade.

Image Of Roosevelt Island Main Street No Parking/Standing Site For Con Ed Gas Project Work

According to the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC):

No Parking- Con Edison Gas Project Work

There will be No Parking, Stopping or Standing on the West side of Main Street between 591-625 Main Street beginning Monday, August 10, 2015 at 12 AM until Friday, August, 14, 2015 at 3 PM. This area will be reduced to one lane traffic Monday - Friday from 9 AM to 2:30 PM.

The sidewalk on the east side of Main Street, in front of Capobianco Field, will be closed to pedestrian traffic. Pedestrians may cross over to the west side of the street either at the crosswalk near 591 or 625 Main Street.

Parking rules will be strictly enforced in the Commercial Loading Zone in front of 575 Main Street. Island House, as all deliveries will be directed to unload at this location.

We appreciate your cooperation during this project.

Con Edison contractors apparently did not wait until Monday to start work

Image of Site Where Will Begin Work On Monday, August 10 From 7/23 Con Ed Town Hall

as they were setting up a staging area today

underneath the Roosevelt Island Bridge Helix ramp.

More information on the Con Edison Roosevelt Island High Pressure Gas upgrade here and full video of Town Hall meeting on matter here.

At the same time there is ongoing building facade work going on at Roosevelt Landings

causing more Main Street traffic interruptions south of the Con Edison work between 505 and 543 Main Street.

Oy.

UPDATE - From Con Edison:

Con Edison Roosevelt Island High Pressure Gas Infrastructure Upgrade Begins Monday August 10 - No Service Disruptions And Project Completion Expected This Fall Says Con Ed

Image of Con Ed Gas Upgrade Work Schedule Updated 8/10

As previously reported:

Con Ed will soon begin removing the aging Roosevelt Island gas lines beneath Main Street and replacing them with High Pressure Gas Lines. At the same time, Roosevelt Landings, Island House and Westview will be doing building facade work. The combination of Con Ed Gas line upgrade, building facade work and Cornell Tech construction deliveries will make for a great deal of disruptions on Main Street....

Con Edison announced today:

Starting on Monday, August 10, Con Edison will begin upgrading gas infrastructure on Main Street in front of the Capobianco Field. Crews will be working from 9AM to 2:30 PM for the first five days, and then from 7PM to 7AM for the remainder of the project. This project is expected to be complete in the fall. Schedule is subject to change. We will continue to provide you with updates.

There will be no service disruptions to customers associated with this work.

Here is the site where Con Edison will begin work on Monday, August 10.

During July 23 Town Hall Meeting, Con Edison Energy Service Manager John Romano followed by Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Director Michael Shinozaki summarized the High Pressure Gas Upgrade project.



More information on the Con Edison Roosevelt Island High Pressure Gas Upgrade, including full video of July 23 Town Hall meeting on subject, at this previous post.

An additional phase of the project is scheduled to start in Spring 2016.

Roosevelt Island Main Street Construction Disruptions About To Start - Con Ed Installing High Pressure Gas Line And 3 WIRE Buildings Doing Extensive Facade Work At Same Time Starting In June Says RIOC

Image From Staples

Con Ed will soon be removing Roosevelt Island's aging gas lines beneath Main Street and replacing them with High Pressure Gas Lines. The work is scheduled to begin June 1. At the same time, Roosevelt Landings, Island House and Westview are scheduled to begin building facade work.

According to Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) President Charlene Indelicato:

Con Edison, along with Urban American, RY Management and Cornell Tech, have already begun working with us to coordinate the upcoming work along Main Street that will involve the installation of high pressure gas lines and extensive facade work for three of the WIRE buildings. A community Town Hall meeting is being planned for early May and will include all stakeholders who will address the timelines of the scheduled work , benefits of the projects to be undertaken and most importantly the safety issues.

Residents will be given the opportunity to ask questions.

Ms Indelicato expects there to be a great deal of disruptions on Main Street during this time.

She spoke about the upcoming High Pressure Gas Line installation and building facade work during the April 16 RIOC Board of Directors meeting.



A spokesperson for Cornell Tech added:

This is vital infrastructure for the campus and the island, and like with all construction impacting our campus we are working closely with RIOC, Con Ed and the community to limit disruption.

Ms Indelicato and RIOC Engineering Director Jim Mortimer briefed the RIOC Operations Advisory Committee in greater detail during an April 15 meeting (audio web cast here). Mr. Mortimer noted that the work on the gas pipeline will be done on the West side of the street only and that parking spaces will be removed in those areas during that period.

Here's the discussion.



More background on the Con Ed Roosevelt Island High Pressure Gas Line issue from this April 2012 post.

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

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

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

Image From JP Townley via Instagram

and upcoming Main Street Construction.

 Image of Recent Main Street Z Brick Replacement

According to RIOC:

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

AGENDA:

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

***

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

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



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

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