Next Phase Of Roosevelt Island Motorgate Garage Repair Work Begins Wednesday November 20 - No Parking In Sections 6,7 & 8 C After November 19, Speed Bumps Have Been Installed For Safety Reasons

According to the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC):

Motorgate Garage repair work will begin on Wednesday, November 20, 2019 in Sections 6C, 7C & 8C (south building). No Parking will be allowed in these areas after Midnight, November 19, 2019. Violators will be towed at car owner’s expense. After November 20, 2019 customers may park in 6D, 7D & 8D. Please Note: Speed bumps have been installed for safety. Please look for the attached notice to begin appearing in and around Motorgate.

Here's the May 9 RIOC Operations Advisory Committee meeting discussion



of the 

Motorgate Garage Improvements Project.

RIOC President Susan Rosenthal Roosevelt Island Community Report - Southpoint Park East River Waterfront Access Project, Blackwell House Opening Not Yet, Motorgate Repairs, Electric Car Charging Stations, New Tram Elevator Construction Starting, Youth Center Renovations Nearly Complete, Halloween Parade & Town Hall With Nellie Bly Memorial Artist

Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) President Susan Rosenthal reported to the October 17 RIOC Board of Directors meeting on the following subjects:

• Southpoint Park project to open up both East and West Side sides between fence and East River giving access to the waterfront.
  
  
  
  
  More info here.
• Blackwell House - no definite date yet when it will reopen. FDNY Fire inspection scheduled in middle of November and Department of Building inspection as well. Exterior painting currently being done. Hope to open by end of year but can't be sure.
• Motorgate repairs waterproofing phase 1 done. Phase 2 to begin
• Electric Car Charging Stations will be on 4th level by entrance to Motorgate Garage
• New Tram elevator construction will start at end of October
• Youth Center renovation will be completed next month.
• Halloween Parade will march from Capobianco Field to Sportspark on Main Street
• December 3 Town Hall with artist about the Nellie Bly Memorial.

Here's Ms Rosenthal's October 17 Roosevelt Island President's Report

Resident Claims Safety Hazards Caused By Changes To Traffic Patterns And New Speed Bumps For Roosevelt Island Motorgate Garage Improvement Project - RIOC Answers All Work Being Done In Compliance With NYC Building Code Regulations

As reported May 20, the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) announced that they would soon begin repairs to the Motorgate Garage.

 And RIOC added June 4:

... Phase I of the Motorgate Improvement Project will be starting this week. Please click the following link for details from past releases that discuss the scope of work taking place. rioc.ny.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=116

Sections 3D, 4D, 5D, 6D, 7D & 8D in the south building are now closed to parking. Cars found parked in these sections will be towed. Please note that the rooftop will remain open throughout construction.

RIOC staff has scheduled the work to occur in a way that allows the facility to remain open throughout construction. Work will take place Mondays through Fridays only between the hours of 7:00 AM to 3:30 PM. We do not anticipate night or weekend work to be necessary at this time. If that changes, we will let you know.

Please note that the traffic pattern on the fourth floor of the garage has been changed significantly to accommodate this closure. The below graphic demonstrates the new traffic pattern.

For the safety of all patrons and pedestrians, please drive slowly while in the garage. Adhere to all traffic signs posted throughout the garage and watch for new signage. Please follow the directions of the contractor’s flagman, PSD, and Motorgate personnel.

We expect Phase I of this important project to be completed in the fall of 2019. Since this kind of work cannot be performed during the winter months, Phase II will begin in spring 2020. All construction is expected to be completed in late 2020....

Roosevelt Island resident, activist and Motorgate user Frank Farance believes changes to the Motorgate traffic pattern and installation of speed bumps in Motorgate during the renovation creates unsafe conditions. According to this excerpt from June 10 message sent by Mr. Farance to RIOC and posted as a comment to this post:

... imagine how you'll feel when a motorist, during the morning rush, hits a speed bump and pulls down the conduit that impales and kills another motorist, or a child in the passenger seat. And then think about how easily it will be to demonstrate RIOC's culpability, via some expert witness citing (say) some of the sources below. Absolutely dangerous, Motorgate staff have already received complaints, but they say this is RIOC's work.

The speed bumps in Motorgate should be immediately removed because:

(1) Speed bumps are dangerous because there isn't enough clearance.
(2) According to NYC Building Code, RIOC would need to change the height advertised at Motorgate's entrance from 6'10" (82 inches) to 6'2" (74 inches), which would exclude many vehicles, including park-and-ride vans used for car pools.
(3) A vehicle can hit the beam because the speed bumps are installed directly below the beams, which maximizes the hazard
(4) Speed bumps should not be used in a facility with Low Clearance.
(5) Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) recommends distance of 200-300 feet between speed bumps, these speed bumps are installed approx 50 feet apart, i.e., too close.
(6) Conduit from the cameras was originally installed wrong, i.e., in the middle of the roadway which reduces clearance by 2 inches, which further aggravates the Low Clearance problem.
(7) A vehicle making contact with the conduit can bring down the whole line of conduit (approx 500 in the A aisle), which can impale other vehicles driving in the lane causing injury or death
(8) With section 4D closed off, there is no signage for detours, and vehicles are crossing over from 4C (garage entrance) to 4A with traffic in both directions, including over the speed bumps.
(9) The speed bumps reduce the surface area (36.75 sq-in/wheel, Vehicle Dynamics Institute) where the wheel touches the ground and, thus, increases the load from 3000 lbs/sq-ft/axle to 6,000 to 9,000 lbs/sq-ft and, thus, further deteriorates the surface, e.g., a 6000 pound car does as much damage as an 18,000 pound vehicle.
(10) Vertical acceleration at the speed bump is approx 8 m/sec/sec (gravity is 9.8 m/sec/sec), thus a 3000 lbs/sq-ft/axle is compressed into (say) 9,000 lbs/sq-ft and further amplified by vertical acceleration, a factor of (8+9.8)/9.8, i.e., 16,350 lbs/sq-ft-/axle, or as if the vehicle had weight approx 33,000 pounds.
(11) Speed bumps can grab/drag undercarriage of low suspension vehicles, such as sports cars. If this happens, it will completely block the aisle and jam up Motorgate.
(12) A vehicle can impact the beam, possibly with dangerous or catastrophic consequences to the structure.
(13) There is no signage indicating a speed bump.
(14) Residents will suffer damage to their vehicles as these speed bumps are equivalent to driving over 4-inch curbs....

Another Roosevelt Island resident and Motorgate Garage user Cheshire Kitty added:


I asked RIOC President Susan Rosenthal:

Do you have any comment on Frank Farance's June 10 email regarding potential safety hazard of speed bumps recently installed on the 4th floor of Motorgate garage....

... What was the reason for installing the speed bumps?

Does RIOC intend to reconsider the placement of the 4th floor speed bumps? Or will they remain in place?

RIOC Chief Operating Officer Shelton Haynes replied with the following statement late Friday afternoon June 14:

As RIOC enters the final stages of contract negotiation with the contractor who will be doing the necessary repair work on the Motorgate structure, I wanted to update the community on a few items.

We expect work to begin in about a week or so. Please note that all work will be done in strict adherence of New York City Building Code regulations. At least two fire exits will remain accessible near the work area at all times during construction.

Speed bumps have been installed at various locations in the garage to control speed throughout the parking facility once construction begins. Required clearances between the top of the speed bump and the ceiling structure have been maintained. These temporary speed bumps have been installed for the safety of Motorgate customers, parking garage staff, construction crews and RIOC/PSD personnel during construction. Two-way traffic in these areas is necessary to allow Motorgate to remain open while the necessary repair work takes place. This traffic pattern has been thoroughly reviewed and approved by RIOC, its subcontractors and consultants.

All signage that is contrary to the new traffic flow is already in the process of being blocked. New signage is in the process of being installed. Please note that traffic flow through Motorgate will continue to be monitored throughout construction. All safety measures and signage will be adjusted accordingly as conditions and realities dictate. In the meantime, we encourage all customers to go slow and be careful while they drive through the garage.

We appreciate your ongoing cooperation throughout this project.

Here's the May 9 RIOC Operations Advisory Committee meeting discussion



of the Motorgate Garage Improvements Project.

UPDATE 6:45 PM - Just heard from another Roosevelt Island resident:

My car bottomed out on the speed bumps!!

I reported it on line.

UPDATE 6/18 - And another resident:

Every time I go by now, even at 4 miles an hour, everything in my car shakes!!!

It’s not a smooth bump, it’s too ruff of a bump and too high.

RIOC Begins Phased Repairs To The Roosevelt Island Motorgate Garage Starting June 1 - Repair Concrete Surfaces, Install Slip Resistant Topping, Upgrade Drainage System, Waterproofing, Re-Striping, Install Electric Car Charging Stations & More

As reported May 7, the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) will soon start repairs to the Motorgate Garage.

 Today, RIOC announced that work on the Motogate Garage will begin June 1.

According to RIOC:

Motorgate Garage Improvements to Begin Week of June 3rd

As announced on April 30, 2019, a phased renovation for the Motorgate garage will be starting shortly. The improvements will address deficiencies in the space. The work will be phased to allow for the continued use of the garage as construction progresses.

What’s happening:

• Repair concrete surfaces to remove cracked, spalled, and delaminated concrete.
• Install slip resistant topping coating as needed.
• Replace the existing expansion joint material.
• Repair & upgrade the existing drainage system.
• Apply a waterproofing system on the parking deck, ramps, walkways, and curbs.
• Re-stripe the parking spaces and install new wayfinding signage.
• Install electric car charging stations.

What to expect and when:

Effective June 1, 2019 and throughout construction of sections 3D, 4D, 5D, 6D, 7D & 8D, monthly rates for patrons with reserved parking spaces will be adjusted accordingly.

Beginning June 3, 2019, sections 3D, 4D, 5D, 6D, 7D & 8D in the south building will be closed.  No parking is allowed in these sections after midnight on June 2, 2019. Violators will be towed.

As a reminder, we expect phase 1 work to be completed in the fall of 2019. No work will occur during the winter months. Construction activities will resume in spring 2020. We anticipate completion of all construction activities in the fall of 2020.

What residents can do to help:

• Your continued patience and cooperation is appreciated as we require residents to temporarily relocate their vehicles within the garage.
• Please observe and comply with temporary modifications to both vehicular and pedestrian traffic patterns.
• For your safety, please stay out of construction areas and other areas as posted.

Community advisories with detailed updates on the Motorgate garage improvements will be sent out as the project progresses. To receive alerts visit rioc.ny.gov and sign up for Island Community Advisories.

Here's the May 9 RIOC Operations Advisory Committee meeting discussion



of the Motorgate Garage repairs.

NYC Planning Department Presents Western Queens Transportation Study To Roosevelt Island Community Last Night - Recommends New Bus Routes, Ferry Service, Bike Lanes & Motorgate Improvements

Reported October 16 on the NYC Department of City Planning (DCP) Western Queens Transportation study

Image Of Western Queens Transportation Study Area Of Interest from NYC Planning Dept (Page 4)

and its recommendations for Roosevelt Island.

Among the DCP's Western Queens Transportation Study recommendations for Roosevelt Island are:

• Eliminating the Q 102 bus and extending the Q 19 and Q 39 to Roosevelt Island (Pages 20-21),
• Extend East River Ferry Service To Roosevelt Island and Hallet's Cove in Astoria (Page 22),
• Improve Bike Access To Roosevelt Island including a Roosevelt Island Bridge 2 way bike lane (Pages 44-47),
• Improvements to the Motorgate Garage, Atrium and surrounding areas including new dedicated entrances, a welcoming pedestrian plaza, way finding signage, new multi-purpose escalator, bike share station and attractive pedestrian plaza greenway. (Pages 48 -57)

Images From DCP Western Queens Transportation Study (Pages 44, 54, 57)

Last night, the DCP presented its full Western Queens Transportation Study to Community Board 8's Roosevelt Island/ Transportation joint committee and other members of the Roosevelt Island Community. Here's video of the presentation.



followed by comments, question and answers. During the comments period, I asked the DCP representatives to consider extending the Q104 and Q103 bus routes to Roosevelt Island instead of the Q19 and Q39 because the Q104 and Q103 offer better routes to Astoria and Long Island City. Also, Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Transportation Manager Cy Opperman noted how important the current Q102 service is for transporting residents to and from the subway/tram during rush hours.

I was surprised to learn that the ferry service contemplated for Roosevelt Island in the DCP study would use the Manhattan side of the East River. Previous studies recommended the Queens side.

Other comments included Frank Farance on driving patterns in Astoria/LIC, Sharon Pope on bicycle access to Queensboro bridge and Judy Berdy on the transportation needs of poor people in Astoria/LIC not being addressed until now when luxury housing is starting to be developed in the area.

Here's video of the Q and A.



The DCP Western Queens Transportation Study notes:

... The recommendations made in this PDF Document presentation are predicated upon further study and feasibility analyses prior to implementation...

 A summary of the Western Queens Transportation Study recommendations for Roosevelt Island is at this previous post

Changes To Roosevelt Island Transportation Options Proposed By NYC Planning Dep't Western Queens Transportation Study - Learn More At October 22 CB 8 Meeting And Update On Weekend Subway Diversions Too

Image Of Western Queens Transportation Study Area Of Interest from NYC Planning Dept (Page 4)

A joint Roosevelt Island/Transportation Committee meeting of Community Board 8 (CB 8) will host a very important  presentation and discussion concerning future possible transportation plans for Roosevelt Island. According to CB 8:

The City of New York Manhattan Community Board 8 Roosevelt Island Committee

Manhattan Park
Community Room
4 River Road
Roosevelt Island, NY
Wednesday, October 22, 2014
6:30PM

1 - Presentation by Department of City Planning of its recommendations for the Western Queens Transportation Study which includes the Roosevelt Island Bridge -- Joint issue with the Transportation Committee
2- Update on weekend subway diversions
3 - Old Business
4- New business

Jeffrey Escobar and Laurence Parnes, Co-Chairs

Among the recommendations of the Western Queens Transportation Study concerning Roosevelt Island are:

Changes to the bus network to improve access to Roosevelt Island, Hallets Point, and Hunter’s Point, among other areas;...

... Improved access to Roosevelt Island via a protected bike lane and redesigned circulation areas serving the island’s parking garage complex;...

... The recommendations made in this PDF Document presentation are predicated upon further study and feasibility analyses prior to implementation

The Western Queens Transportation Study recommends eliminating the existing Q102 bus that serves Roosevelt Island

and replacing it with an extension (Pages 21-22)

 Image of Proposed Bus Routes From Western Queens Transportation Study Page 21

  of the Q19 from Astoria (current route)

and Q39 from Long Island City (current route)

to Roosevelt Island as well as extending the Q103 bus route that passes Roosevelt Island on Vernon B'lvd but not stopping on Roosevelt Island.

There is no mention of extending the Q104 bus to Roosevelt Island which currently ends it route two blocks from the Roosevelt Island Bridge at Vernon B'lvd and 34th Avenue.

No mention of changes to current F train Roosevelt Island subway service either (Page 23).

The Western Queens Transportation Study (Page 22) recommends:

Extend East River Ferry service to Roosevelt Island and Hallett’s Point

Construct additional ferry landings at Hunter’s Point, Roosevelt Island, and Astoria Cove for new ferry

and (Pages 44-47):

BIKE NETWORK AND ACCESS TO ROOSEVELT ISLAND
GOAL:
Encourage bicycling as a viable mode of transportation in the study area by creating a safe and efficient network

RECOMMENDATIONS:
Construct two-way protected bicycle lane on 36th Avenue

Enhance the descent from the Roosevelt Island Bridge to the street network on Roosevelt Island

Improve connection between Roosevelt Island Bridge bike/pedestrian paths and East River Greenway...

... New east-west bike connection needed between future Cornell Technion campus and Western Queens destinations to meet anticipated demand from new students and employees...

The Western Queens Transportation Study also recommends improvement to the Motorgate Garage, Atrium and surrounding areas Pages (48 -57) including .

new dedicated entrances,

a welcoming pedestrian plaza,

improved way finding, new multi-purpose escalator, bike share station,

and attractive pedestrian plaza greenway.

So, if you want to learn more and add your input on the future of Roosevelt Island Transportation, including finding out what's going on with the weekend subway service disruptions, come to the October 22 CB 8 Roosevelt Island/Transportation committee meeting.

Here is video showing Roosevelt Island November 2013 meeting discussion of a preliminary version of the Western Queens Transportation Study and March 2014 meeting with MTA representatives concerning better bus service for Roosevelt Island.

UPDATE 10/31 - Here is video of the October 22 Western Queens Transportation Study presentation.

Report From RIOC President Charlene Indelicato - Lighthouse Park Footbridge Repaired By July, Motorgate Lighting And Restriping Done, Octagon Tennis Resurfacing Done By Late June, Sportspark Pool Still Closed, Outdoor Movies Starting June 28, Roosevelt Island Day June 21, Bike Activities & More

Image Of Lighthouse Park Footbridge Before Washed Out By Hurricane Sandy via Lonely Planet

Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) President Charlene Indelicato sends the following report to the community.

Last Tuesday, May 13, the Sportspark Pool was closed due to a mechanical problem with its filtration system. Our staff has been working diligently to make repairs and restore the facility as soon as possible. We recognize the inconvenience a pool closure poses to the community and appreciate your patience while we correct the problem.

When an unexpected occurrence like a facility closure takes place, RIOC sends out notifications and updates via its RIOC Advisories email alert system as soon as possible. It is important to us to keep the community informed about what’s happening on Roosevelt Island. I encourage you to sign up for RIOC Advisories for alerts on issues such as traffic disruptions, construction, community meetings, events, and most importantly, in case of an emergency. Remember, if we can’t reach you, we can’t alert you. Sign up at http://rioc.ny.gov/advisorybody.htm.

Bike New York Event

Thank you to everyone who participated in Bike New York’s Spring Kickoff Party last Saturday. Many members of the community came out to take part in the festivities, which included a free bicycle raffle for Roosevelt Island residents, a Learn to Ride – Kids Class, a popular free bike tune-up shop, and a chance for kids to show their creativity in the bike beauty contest. BikeGuard, a free registry provided by MyAssetTag.com, also offered free aluminum tags and assistance for residents who wanted to register their bikes. With perfect weather, wonderful activities and enthusiastic participants, we could not have asked for better conditions. Many thanks go out to Bike New York for providing this fantastic event.

Bike Registration

If you missed the chance to register your bicycle at last Saturday’s event, you can still pick up registration tags and instructions for free at Public Safety’s headquarters (550 Main Street). BikeGuard allows residents to log a detailed description and photo of their bikes into an online database. The company has worked with RIOC to provide a community specific program for Roosevelt Island residents to register their bikes locally. If you report your bike lost or stolen, your local community is notified as well as Public Safety. While this notification does not take the place of an incident report filed with Public Safety, it certainly does increase the chance that your bike will be returned to you if it becomes lost or stolen.

Upcoming Activities

On June 14, Bike New York along with the Roosevelt Island Visual Art Association will gather residents under the Helix Ramp to decorate their bicycle storage container with paintings. If you’re interested in taking part in this event, please contact Caitlin Goodspeed at  cgoodspeed@bikenewyork.org.

Roosevelt Island Day will be taking place next month on June 21. This event is a celebration of Spring and community spirit, with residents coming together to beautify and improve their neighborhood. After a morning spent planting and weeding, participants gather on Main Street to enjoy free games, rides, music and more. This event is sponsored by Urban American in partnership with RIOC and the Roosevelt Island Youth Program.

On June 28, RIOC’s Outdoor Summer Movie Series will kick off with a screening of Disney’s Frozen at Southpoint Park. The fun starts at 7 p.m. – bring a blanket or a chair and brush up on your movie knowledge for our trivia challenge. Food and drinks will be available for purchase. We hope you’ll join us for this fun, family-friendly movie in the park. We encourage you to visit rioc.ny.gov for more information on the event and to view the list of movies and showtimes.

Lighthouse Footbridges

An updated construction schedule for the repair of the Lighthouse Park footbridges has been released; work is scheduled to be completed by July 2014. We know the community has been eager to have full use of Lighthouse Park restored and are pleased to be moving forward on this project. We are committed to repairing the bridges as soon as possible for the enjoyment of all who visit the park. Thank you for your patience during this project.

Motorgate Garage Upgrades Complete

We are pleased to report that last week, the installation of upgraded lighting and re-striping of parking spots in the Motorgate Garage was completed. This project was necessary to ensure the safety of all who park their cars in the Garage. In the coming weeks, our Engineering team will be performing walkthroughs of the Garage to review the work that was performed.

Octagon Tennis Courts

At the Octagon Tennis Courts, the new concrete pole supports are expected to be fully cured by next week. Workers will re-take the construction site and are on schedule to complete resurfacing in late June.

Good Shepherd Community Center Restoration

Restoration work on the Good Shepherd Community Center’s entry doors and narthex at its west entrance area is also moving forward. Cleaning of the brick and limestone in the north entryway has been finished, as well as installation of the south entryway’s ceiling, interior doors and new bluestone steps at both entrances.

Report From RIOC President Charlene Indelicato - Roosevelt Island Tree Lighting Ceremony, 2014 Public Purpose Funds, Goldwater Patients Relocations, Construction Update & More

2012 Roosevelt Island Tree Lighting Ceremony At Blackwell Park

Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) President Charlene Indelicato sends the following report to the community.

The holidays are upon us, and in celebration of the season RIOC will be hosting Roosevelt Island’s annual Tree Lighting Ceremony – more information is below. Despite the cold weather, many construction projects are going forward on the Island – work is taking place at the West Pier, Good Shepherd Community Center, 504 Main Street and the Motorgate Garage. RIOC would like to wish safe travels to those who are going to see family, as well as to those who are coming home to Roosevelt Island to be with their loved ones.

RIOC Advisories

Following the phone outage on Roosevelt Island this past week, we would like to encourage residents to sign up for our email advisory system. The advisories that RIOC sends include important updates on Island events, traffic diversions, Tram service, construction and other news that directly affect Roosevelt Island residents. In the event of an emergency, the advisories are the fastest way to get information directly from us. You can sign up online at http://rioc.ny.gov/advisorybody.htm or send an email to subscribe@rioc.ny.gov .

Tree Lighting

Roosevelt Island’s annual Tree Lighting Ceremony will be taking place at 7 p.m. on Friday, December 6 at Blackwell Plaza. This festive Island tradition celebrates the unique spirit that brings the community together. Performers from The Main Street Theater and Dance Alliance, The Child School, and Roosevelt Island Youth Program will sing holiday songs as we await the lighting of the tree. We invite you to come out with your friends and family to listen to Island performers, watch the lights twinkle, and even have a photo op with Santa. Come join in the fun and festivities!

Holiday Train Show

This year, the New York Botanical Garden has included a replica of the Roosevelt Island Lighthouse in their annual Holiday Train Show! The Show is a cherished tradition that delights people of all ages. Marvel at the charming model trains and New York landmark replicas, stroll the spectacular grounds, break for lunch and hot chocolate in the Holiday Dining Pavilion, and shop for everyone on your list! A 30% discount has been offered to members of our community – if you would like to attend, you can get tickets at nybg.org and use discount code 9036.

Public Purpose Funds

As a reminder, the Public Purpose Funds application is now available online at http://rioc.ny.gov/grants.htm. The deadline for submissions is Friday, January 10, 2014 at 11:59 PM. All non-profit organizations on the Island that are in need of funding are encouraged to visit the webpage for more information or to apply.

Motorgate Garage

Work at the Motorgate Parking Garage is moving forward as renovation to the surface conditions and lighting continues. The project will be entering into sections 5B South, 6B North, 6C South, 6D South, and 6B South beginning in two weeks. Work in sections 4B North, 5B North, 5D, 5C, 6A North and 6A South for this portion of the project is expected to be completed by December 2, 2013, during which time these sections will be reopened to patrons for parking.

·       December 2, 2013 — December 16, 2013: Section 5B South.
·       December 16, 2013 — January 3, 2014: Section 6B North.
·       January 3, 2014 — January 17, 2014: Section 6C South.
·       January 17, 2014 — January 31, 2014: Section 6D South.
·       January 31, 2014 — February 14, 2014: Section 6B South.

We appreciate your cooperation and patience during this project.

Construction Updates

Repairs will soon be commencing at the West Pier – the contractor has been selected and will take the site next Tuesday, November 26, 2013. Work is expected to be completed in three to four months. The construction site will extend along the West side of the Island, from the Subway station to the second staircase leading from the promenade up toward the street. Signs and notices to redirect pedestrian traffic will be posted.

Restoration work will also be taking place at the Good Shepherd Community Center. The entry doors and narthex, or entrance area at the front of the building, will be renovated over the next six months. The existing schedule of the Community Center will be taken into account; the project will also be implemented in phases in order to facilitate its continued use. Work is expected to commence on December 2, 2013.

Painting and repair work on the Tram has been rescheduled. The reason for the change in schedule is that the paint to be applied to the Tram requires the temperature to remain higher than 50° F in order to cure properly. Following a discussion with the contractors, it was determined that April 2014 is a much more feasible point in time for the work to take place. The sidewalk near the Tram and bus turnaround will also be repaired in the Spring.

At 504 Main Street, designs have been approved and authorization to begin work on the windows has been given – expect to see replacements soon.

Goldwater Hospital Move

The NYC Health and Hospitals Corporation has announced that the dates for the Coler-Goldwater patient relocation move – originally scheduled for Sunday, November 17, 2013, and Monday, November 18, 2013 – have been changed. The new dates are Sunday, November 24, 2013, from 4 a.m. until 6 p.m. and Monday, November 25, 2013, from 8:30 a.m. until 9:35 p.m. PSD and the NYPD will be available to direct traffic around the Roosevelt Island Bridge. RIOC Advisories and Notify NYC will be sending out more information in the form of advisories. If you have any questions or concerns, you may contact 311 for the most up-to-date information

Report From RIOC President Charlene Indelicato - Roosevelt Island Fall For Arts, Blackwell Park Playground Grand Opening, Bike New York Workshops, Four Freedoms Park Closed For General Assembly Meeting, PSD Partners With RI Youth Program Soccer & More

Image From RIOC

Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) President Charlene Indelicato sends the following report to the community.

School has started and Fall is moving forward at full tilt. Our Fall slate of activities is coming up quickly! Be sure to keep your eye on our website and Facebook page to keep as up-to-date as possible.

Fall for Arts

The date is set for our annual Fall for the Arts Festival. In partnership with Gallery RIVAA, RIOC will be hosting the Festival on October 5th at Southpoint Park and on the lawn south of Rivercross. There will be music, art, food and fun for all!

I understand that the painting of large outdoor murals is the Festival’s most loved tradition. I look forward to viewing them both in the Park and later at the Motorgate Gallery.

The theme for this year's event is "A Mystical Island." It is free to participate - paint and brushes are provided!

We invite you to submit a sketch of your design or any inquiries to Anna.Rankin@rioc.ny.gov along with a title and short description. The deadline for sketches is September 21, 2013.

UN General Assembly

The United Nations General Assembly will hold its 68th session from September 16 to October 5, 2013. Accordingly, there will be heightened security across the river on the East Side surrounding the UN Building and on the Island as well. Four Freedoms Park will be closed to the public for the duration of the General Assembly. Also, expect to see heightened security around transit stations during this time.

Bike New York Comes To Sportspark Roosevelt Island

Bike New York, the bicycle-focused not-for-profit organization highlighted in my last column, will hold pilots on September 22nd and 28th at the outdoor basketball court on the east side of Sportspark. Classes and workshops will be offered for kids and adults ranging from Bicycling Basics to Learn to Ride. The full Bike New York event calendar can be found at http://www.bikenewyork.org/learn/classes-workshops/overview/

Blackwell Park Tot Lot

We are happy to announce that the new tot lot located at Blackwell Park will open Thursday, September 19, 2013 with a ribbon cutting to take place at 3:30 pm. The tot lot will replace the current lot, which will be removed to begin the construction of Riverwalk Building 7 by Hudson/Related. This 200,000 square foot residential building, featuring 260 rental apartments, will take approximately 2 years to complete, according to the developer.

PSD Partners with the Roosevelt Island Youth Program

Last weekend marked the beginning of a new partnership between the Roosevelt Island Youth Program and RIOC PSD. This fall a PSD officer will serve as an assistant soccer coach with the Youth Program. I would like to thank all involved, especially Interim PSD Director McManus and Officer Martinez for all their help in organizing this event.

Motorgate Parking Structure Project Update

On September 19, work will begin in Section 4B North. The renovations have been moving steadily along throughout the garage and we would like to thank our residents and visitors for their cooperation as we modernize the facility. When the project moves to Section 4B North, new signage will be posted to help navigate the garage. The entire project is expected to be completed in Winter 2014.

New Advertising Policy

RIOC’s newly introduced policy for advertising and posting on the Tram, Red Bus, and Main Street Kiosks is available on our website at http://rioc.ny.gov/pdf/AdvertisingPolicy.pdf

Ms Indelicato gave the following report to the September 12 RIOC Board of Directors meeting thanking RIOC staff for their hard work preparing for the meeting. The thanks were echoed by RIOC Director David Kraut.



Mr. Kraut added that, with certain exceptions due to Hurricane Sandy, Roosevelt Island is in better shape now that at any time in his 35 years of living here.

Report From RIOC President Charlene Indelicato - Bike New York Setting Up Shop On Roosevelt Island, Last Outdoor Movie Of The Summer, Fall For Arts, Motorgate Renovations & OEM Hurricane Evacuation Presentation

 Image of RIOC President Charlene Indelicato From RIOC

Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) President Charlene Indelicato sends the following report to the community.

The unofficial end of summer comes this weekend. After Labor Day our Island and the rest of New York City will return to its hustle and bustle after these quiet days of August.

Our kids will be returning to schools, both public and private. Please use additional caution when driving around the Island prior to and after schools are in session. We want to make sure everyone gets to class safely.

We have had a great summer here on Roosevelt Island, and I hope we can continue that through the fall.

Bike New York setting up shop

Bike New York is a not-for-profit organization, with a mission to facilitate and promote cycling in all five boroughs of New York City through education and public events, as well as to collaborate with both community organizations and municipal agencies. Bike New York comes to our Island through a generous grant to establish a bicycle education center. In looking for the ideal neighborhood, Bike New York identified Roosevelt Island as their preferred location and we are glad they saw what we knew already!

We are in the process of finalizing their location on the Island, but once opened, they will conduct workshops and other events that encourage biking as an exercise, as a form of commuting and just away to spend a lovely Saturday afternoon on our waterfront. We will share more details about Bike New York and its services as plans are finalized.

Closing out the summer with The Breakfast Club

The Breakfast Club is the final installment in RIOC’s Outdoor Summer Movie Series. If you are reading this on Friday, come join us for our last summer film. The movie will start at 8:15 p.m., but the fun starts at South Point Park at 7:00 p.m. with family friendly trivia with fun prizes. The park is ADA-accessible, and the Red Bus will stop at the nearby bus stop every 15 minutes. This summer has seen hundreds of people come to our movies, and for the most part the weather has cooperated. Next summer, we hope to bring another slate of great films to the Island to enjoy under the stars.

Fall for Arts

We are beginning to look forward to the Fall and our events calendar is filling up. One of our more popular events is Fall for Arts. We always enjoy celebrating art throughout our community and I am looking forward to my first Fall for Arts festival scheduled for Saturday, October 5th. I will be discussing this further in the coming weeks, but I just want give everyone something to look forward to as the leaves begin to fall and the temperature begins to cool.

Motorgate renovations continue

As the renovations keep moving on the Motorgate garage, another section is now complete. Section 5A, both North and South, has been completed. Work will now move to Section 5B. As these improvements and renovations continue, we want to remind everyone who uses Motorgate to follow posted signs and move slowly through the garage. Safety is our number one priority, so we urge you to exercise caution.

OEM comes to Roosevelt Island to talk evacuation routes

This past Tuesday, working with other co-sponsors, we brought the New York City Office of Emergency Management (OEM) to the Island to talk about evacuation routes. As storms get worse year by year, our residents need to know what to do if an evacuation is ordered. OEM graciously came to the Island to give a presentation at the Manhattan Park Theater Club about what to do in an evacuation emergency.

On behalf of everyone at RIOC, I want to wish the entire Roosevelt Island community a Happy Labor Day.

More on Bike New York



at their web site.

Follow Signage And Drive Slowly With Extreme Caution At Roosevelt Island Motorgate Garage During Current Renovation Advises RIOC

According to the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC)

As a reminder, several levels of the Motorgate Parking Facility are currently undergoing renovation. Drivers are instructed to follow the directional signage to navigate through the garage. Motorists are also urged to use a slow rate of speed and extreme caution when driving through the facility.

Sincerely,

Roosevelt Island Operating Corp Advisories Group

Report From RIOC President Charlene Indelicato - Roosevelt Island Heat Wave Cooling Center, Recent Burglaries, Outdoor Movies, Motorgate Renovation, Mommy & Me Swim Classes, Tot Lot, Southtown Building Update, Rebuilding After Hurricane Sandy With FEMA Help and Cultural Center Renovation

 Image of RIOC President Charlene Indelicato From RIOC

Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) President Charlene Indelicato sends the following report to the community.

Heat Waves and Roosevelt Island Cooling Center

As beautiful as Roosevelt Island is during the summer, I think we have all been doing our best to deal with some pretty oppressive heat waves. Our Public Safety Department set up a water station right on Main Street. The Blackwell Park Water Fountain has been pumping cold water for people of all ages to cool down.

Also, our cooling center has been open as well from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the Roosevelt Island Senior Center, 546 Main Street. During the two recent heat waves, we received a lot of calls about our cooling center and we can assure our residents that the center will be open when the heat index is predicted to be dangerously high. Individuals who have no ready access to a cool environment, and particularly those at risk for heat related illness, should use it during a heat wave. The status of the cooling center is also posted on our Facebook page.

As I write this, the weather has cooled a bit back to normal summer temperatures and we’re back to enjoying our outdoor spaces and activities.

On the Public Safety Front

It has been a busy few months at the Public Safety Department. Unfortunately, earlier last month, we had a series of burglaries at Manhattan Park. Any personal intrusion, such as a burglary, is treated very seriously by the PSD, who handle the initial response. Follow-up is then made by the NYPD’s 114th Precinct. PSD and the NYPD increased patrols in the area, and Crime Prevention Tips focused on home and personal security, which has proven to be an effective means of addressing crime, were distributed. The Crime Prevention Tips are available on the RIOC website, in the PSD section. The PSD Director dialogues with senior staff from the 114th Precinct regularly through the sharing of information and tactical plans to prevent and/or follow up on a crime.

Gonna Fly Now to the Outdoor Summer Movie Series

With over 600 people attending RIOC’s Outdoor Summer Movie Series each week, we are thrilled to see our community and visitors come together to enjoy our movies. The next film will be on August 10 and it’s a good one: Rocky. The movie will start at 8:45 p.m., but the fun starts at South Point Park at 6:00 p.m. with family friendly trivia with fun prizes. The park is ADA-accessible, and the Red Bus will stop at the nearby bus stop every 15 minutes.

In the event of inclement weather, we will announce postponements via RIOC advisories – email subscribe@rioc.ny.gov to sign up – and on our Facebook and Twitter pages. The rain date for Rocky will be August 17.

Remember, admission is free - so bring a blanket or a chair and enjoy the show!

Motorgate Renovation Project Update

On Thursday, the Motorgate Renovation Project moved from Sections 4A South and 4A North to Sections 4B South and 4D. The completed sections were opened to parking again. The renovation to the Motorgate Parking Facility includes new energy efficient LED lighting and refreshed striping.

Disabled parking currently located in Section 4D will be temporarily relocated to Sections 5D and 6D until this work is completed, as expected, by August 15.

The next sections undergoing renovations will be Sections 5A North and 5A South. Work in these sections will begin on or about August 15.

Mommy and Me adds another class

We are delighted by the demand for our Mommy and Me swim classes at the Sportspark Facility, 250 Main Street. Classes were initially offered at 11:00 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. on Sundays. We added another class at 10:30 a.m. This class is limited to 13 parents. Participants are encouraged to sign-up early for each class.

As a result of the popularity of these classes, RIOC is designing a new registration system to help with the process. This improved registration system will include pre-registration and varied rates for residents and non-residents.

Blackwell Park Tot Lot and Southtown Building Update

We are very happy to announce the new tot lot located at Blackwell Park is expected to be completed by mid-August, end of the month at the latest. After the new tot lot is open, Hudson/Related will begin the construction of Riverwalk Building 7. This 200,000 square foot residential building, featuring 260 rental apartments, will take approximately 2 years to complete, according to Hudson/Related.

The Southtown Dog Run will remain open through construction.

Rebuilding After Hurricane Sandy & FEMA Funds at Work

Working with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), RIOC has engaged in important post-Sandy rehabilitation projects. As work on these projects progresses, FEMA is notified to ensure that RIOC can tap into Federal funds that have been made available for disaster response. Contractors have completed repairs to various sinkholes on the Island’s promenades, preventing potential injuries. A Request for Proposals (RFP) has been issued for qualified contractors to make necessary repairs to the West Pier, which has been closed to the public since the storm. Bids have been received and are being evaluated for the necessary repairs to the footbridges in Lighthouse Park. Lastly, an RFP is currently out for architectural and engineering documents necessary for construction work to begin on the beloved Cultural Center. Work on these three projects is expected to begin in the fall.

A final note about the Cultural Center: I would like to thank all who contributed their time and input to ensure that the multi-use space will provide room for all Roosevelt Island activities and not-for-profit groups at minimal cost.

Roosevelt Island Motorgate Garage Renovation Continues - 4A South and 4A North Sections To Be Closed Today Thru August 1 For Installation Of New LED Light Fixtures

According to the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC):

The renovation project at the Motorgate Parking Garage will be entering the 2nd phase of the installation of new light fixtures TODAY July, 8th through August 1st.

The following sections will be closed for the installation of new light fixtures:

July 8, 2013 - August 1, 2013- Sections 4A South and 4A North.

As a reminder, this work is necessary to upgrade the current lighting to LED light fixtures which are brighter, durable and more energy efficient.

Sincerely,

Roosevelt Island Operating Corp Advisories Group

More on LED lighting for parking garages.

Roosevelt Island Motorgage Garage Renovation Continues - 4th and 5th Floor Sections To Be Closed For Parking Space Striping And Installation Of New Light Fixtures

Image of Confusing Motorgate Garage Parking Stripes

According to the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC):

The renovation project at the Motorgate Parking Garage will be entering into sections 4A South, 4B South, 4D, 5A South, and 5A North in 3 weeks. Current work in sections 3A South, 3A North, 2A, 2B, and 1A for this portion of the project is expected to be completed by July 8, 2013 during which time, these sections will re-open to patrons for parking.

The following sections will be closed for striping and installation of new light fixtures:

July 8, 2013 - August 1, 2013- Sections 4A South and 4A North
August 1, 2013 - August 15, 2013- Sections 4B South and 4D.
August 15, 2013 thru September 19, 2013- Sections 5A South & 5A North

Disabled/ADA Patrons currently parking in section 4D will have temporary reserved disabled parking in sections 5D and 6D until the renovations in 4D is complete.

As a reminder, this work is necessary to upgrade the current lighting to LED light fixtures which are brighter, durable and more energy efficient.

Sincerely,

Roosevelt Island Operating Corp Advisories Group

In November 2011, former RIOC Vice President of Operations Fernando Martinez took me on a tour of the Motorgate garage and explained the Motorgate Waterproofing Project and making the parking spaces uniform with straight lines. Here's what happened.

You Tube Video of Motorgate Parking Garage Improvements

Roosevelt Island Motorgate Renovation Project Starting Wednesday December 26 - Work Includes Waterproofing, Installing New LED Lights and Restriping Parking Spaces

Image of Confusing Motorgate Garage Parking Stripes

According to the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC):

Please be advised an extensive renovation project will commence at the Motorgate Parking Garage beginning on Wednesday, December 26th. The renovation will require some disruption to the current parking arrangements on several levels.

Expected Start Date - 12/26/2012

Scope of Work - In order to prevent water from leaking onto the lower levels, waterproofing the 3rd and part of 4th floor of Motorgate Parking Garage will be necessary. In addition, replacement of deteriorated lighting will be upgraded to LED light fixtures which are brighter and more durable than the current lighting.

Area's of Work- South Portion of the Motorgate Parking Garage
3rd Floor over Gristedes and Bus Garage
3rd Floor - Sections 3B, 3C, 3D and 4A part
4th Floor - 4C only

Striping- Existing parking lines will be removed during the preparation work for waterproofing. New lines will be stripped after the waterproofing is complete.

Lighting- All lighting throughout Motorgate will be replaced with new LED light fixtures.

Expected Completion Dates-

- Waterproofing, striping and lighting upgrade on Level 3 - April 1, 2013
- Lighting upgrade throughout Motorgate - August 31, 2013

We appreciate your cooperation and patience during this project.

Sincerely,

Roosevelt Island Operating Corp Advisories Group

In November 2011, former RIOC Vice President of Operations Fernando Martinez took me on a tour of the Motorgate garage and explained the Motorgate Waterproofing Project and making the parking spaces uniform with straight lines. Here's what happened.

You Tube Video of Motorgate Parking Garage Improvements

More on the Motorgate Waterproofing project and uniform parking spaces here and here.