Roosevelt Island Community Update From RIOC - Severe Winter Weather, Manhattan Tram Station Elevators, Community Cultural Center, Motorgate Lighting & Contact Info

Below is the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Community Update,

 Image From RIOC

formerly known as the Report from the RIOC President.

During the past few winter storms, RIOC’s Operations team has worked into the night to remove snow and ice, lay down salt, and plow the roadways on Roosevelt Island. In addition to thanking them for their tireless efforts, I would like to thank those residents who moved their cars promptly off Main Street and the East and West Roads to allow preparations for snow removal to take place. Your cooperation helps us make travel safer on Roosevelt Island and is much appreciated.

If you would like to receive notifications in case of severe weather or emergencies, please visit rioc.ny.gov and click the “RIOC Advisories” link. RIOC Advisories is a community and emergency alert system that allows subscribers to receive notifications and important information via email, text message, and even phone calls if they so choose. While you may sign up for additional categories, we encourage all residents to sign up to receive at least Emergency and Severe Weather alerts. Remember, if we can’t reach you, we can’t alert you.

Manhattan Tram Station Elevators

Last year, it became clear to many that the elevators at the Manhattan Tram Station were becoming unreliable. As the elevators themselves are due for an overhaul, the most efficient way to deal with the issues is through a replacement of the current system. After rating and ranking responses to a Request for Proposals (RFP) to design two new, larger ADA-accessible elevators, RIOC has selected a contractor. The new elevators will replace the current smaller elevator as well as the red accessible lift, improving the station’s accessibility. A kickoff meeting will soon be held, where the elevator’s designers will present their proposals. The design is scheduled to be completed within 90 days. Once the design is complete, RIOC will seek a qualified contractor to build the elevators to specifications. We will continue to make any repairs necessary to the current system while the new system’s design and build period continues. The work will be conducted on a schedule that causes the least amount of disruption possible to travelers and commuters.

Community Cultural Center

Now that only a few items are left on the punch list, spaces in the newly renovated Community Cultural Center will soon be available by permit. As our community grows, many entities on this island have grown alongside it and are in need of meeting and activity space. Offering a fair and reasonable booking fee to all local organizations is a matter of ethics and impartiality, and it’s important to us to make the space available to as many local groups as possible on an equitable basis.

Lighting at the Motorgate Garage

Last year, lighting inside the Motorgate Garage was upgraded to brighter, more energy-efficient LED lighting. RIOC is currently getting proposals together for LED lighting to be installed near the Motorgate Garage Atrium and underneath the Helix Ramp. In addition, Con Edison is currently working to repair a power issue affecting the lights underneath the arcade near the Roosevelt Island post office. Once they replace the transformers supplying the area and the power issue is resolved, improvements to that area’s lighting can also be taken into consideration.

Contacting RIOC

Do you have questions or concerns about Roosevelt Island? If you’re looking to contact RIOC, there are a variety of ways to get in touch. RIOC’s Facebook page offers a contact form for you to submit questions, comments, or concerns. You can also visit our page for event photos, announcements, news, and more at www.facebook.com/RIOCNY, or send an email to information@rioc.ny.gov, or call the office at 212-832-4540. To access publicly available meeting records and other documents, please visit our official website at rioc.ny.gov.

Roosevelt Island Public Safety Department Vertical Patrols, Security Cameras, Youth Relationship, Culture, Dog Policy, CERT & More Discussed By Director And Deputy Director With RIRA PSC Committee

The Roosevelt Island Residents Association (RIRA) Public Safety Committee (PSC) hosted a meet and greet session with Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Public Safety Department (PSD) Director Jack McManus and Deputy Director Lynda Marmara last Monday evening (December 15) at the Westview Community Room.

 Image of Director McManus & Deputy Director Marmara at 12/15 RIRA PSC Meeting

Here what happened.

Part 1.

RIRA PSC Chair Erin Feely-Nahem introduced Director McManus and Deputy Director Marmara. Mr. McManus began by introducing Ms. Marmara who was the first Roosevelt Island Community NYPD officer from the 114th precinct. Ms. Marmara spoke about her recent work with the Roosevelt Island Community Emergency Response Team (CERT).



Part 2.

Director McManus reported on Roosevelt Island PSD Vertical Building Patrols. He noted that from January 2014 to date there were a total of 8738 about 15,000 Roosevelt Island PSD Vertical Patrols.

He also reported on issues involving a group of 13-15 year olds congregating inside buildings and causing damage.  Director McManus discussed trying to reach Roosevelt Island youth through family intervention, Roosevelt Island Youth Program/PSD sports participation and mentoring assistance from the Hope Church volunteers rather than making arrests.



Part 3.

Discussion of Roosevelt Island Youth Program athletic activities with PSD Department for young residents. Also, introducing new PSD officers to the community through the media.



Part 4.

Director McManus discusses the security cameras at Motorgate Garage and other Roosevelt Island locations. Resident Frank Farance questioned Mr. McManus regarding the usage and placement of the cameras.



Part 5.

More question on Island House Vertical Patrols. Also, marijuana smoking in hallways and adjoining apartments. Marijuana possession is not a crime but will receive summons, same policy as NYC.



Part 6.

More on Building Vertical Patrols, access to community rooms for kids to congregate instead of roaming hallways or using vacant apartments and Roosevelt Island Youth Program services.

Also negative perception by some of PSD officer who always wears dark shaded eyeglasses and a Roosevelt Island school crossing guard position available.



Part 7.

Discussion of PSD training, disciplinary proceedings, report writing and union representation.



Part 8.

Street lighting and pedestrian and traffic safety near Motorgate garage.



Part 9. Missed a little bit of time between Parts 8 and 9.

PSC Committee member Ike Nahem acknowledged great improvements at Public Safety department over 1 and 1/2 years.

Also discussed were dog off leash and poop collection policy, status of emergency evacuation plan, procedures for making complaints about Public Safety and the culture of Public Safety Department.



Good job by PSD Director McManus, Deputy Director Marmara and the RIRA PSC engaging in a dialogue on important Roosevelt Island Public Safety issues.

Following the question and answer period, the RIRA PSC approved by a 13 to 0 vote a proposed resolution condemning the decision by the Staten Island Grand Jury not to issue an indictment of the NYPD Officer in the choking death of Eric Garner. The resolution will be sent to the full RIRA Common Council for discussion at the January 2015 monthly meeting.

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.

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.