Wonderful Jazz Jam Session Performed Today At The Roosevelt Island Library Outdoor Plaza Celebrating International Jazz Day - Watch And Enjoy Video Of The Jam

International Jazz Day was celebrated this afternoon at the Roosevelt Island Public Library Outdoor Plaza with a wonderful Jazz Jam session performed by local musicians together with some of their musician and vocalist friends. 

Roosevelt Island residents of all ages enjoyed today's Jazz Jam.

Here's a little bit of what happened - Watermelon Man Cantaloupe Island by Herbie Hancock.

Jazz guitarist Susheel explained the impromptu nature of the jam session by remarking:

This is the beautiful thing about a jam session. We don't know what we're going to play. Hopefully these guys don't call something we have no idea about. Fortunately, protocol is to suggest a tune that most of us, some of us, know.

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It was a great time this afternoon and the outdoor Library Plaza is a fantastic spot to hold a concert. Hopefully more outdoor concerts will take place at the Library Plaza this year.

Good job by the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC), the Roosevelt Island NYPL branch and especially the performing musicians putting the event on. Thanks to all of you!

Roosevelt Island NY Public Library Branch Hosting Jazz Concert Series With Local Musicians Island Krewe At Outdoor Plaza Area Saturday Afternoon June 3

The Roosevelt Island NY Public Library branch is hosting a Jazz Concert Series

at their outdoor plaza beginning Saturday June 3 with local musicians from the Island Krewe.

New Roosevelt Island Library Outdoor Plaza Seating Area Highly Recommended And Beautiful Place To Have A Picnic And Read Says Resident, Has Good WiFi Too - Check Out The Upcoming RI Library Events

The recently opened outdoor plaza shaded seating area next to the NYPL Roosevelt Island branch is a wonderful new spot to relax, read and meet with neighbors. And there's more.

Roosevelt Island Library Branch Manager Carlos Chavez tells us that the outdoor plaza area is now covered by free Wi-FI so you can access the internet outdoors on a speedy connection. Resident and library user Stamos Metzidakis says the Library Plaza outdoor seating area is great and highly recommends it, adding it's a beautiful place to have a picnic and read.

 

Check out the upcoming events 

at the NYPL Roosevelt Island Branch.

Roosevelt Island Good Shepherd Plaza Landscaping And Picnic Table Benches Get A Spruce Up And Improvements From RIOC Following Urging By Local Residents

Beginning earlier this summer, several concerned Roosevelt Island residents reported the deteriorating condition of the landscaping and picnic table benches in the Plaza Area behind the Good Shepherd Church to the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC).

Last week, RIOC responded and received thanks from residents.

A Roosevelt Island resident Tipster reported last Friday:

Great news for the Good Shepherd Church Plaza.  The picnic benches look beautiful.

 

 Thanks to all the hard working RIOC team who worked on the picnic benches!!

Another resident reported:

In the church plaza they have refinished the benches and painted the base in silver without spilling any paint. Also putting back the picnic tables which have been sanded stained and varnished. I guess they are discouraging the kind of artwork that was on the tables before.

 Last Friday, I asked RIOC President Shelton Haynes:

Residents have sent photos and Positive RIOC Compliments about the return of picnic tables to Good Shepherd Plaza.

Do you wish to comment on the subject for a story I’m preparing?

Also, will the picnic tables be painted again by local community groups as was done previously?

Mr Haynes replied:

Thank you for the note.

Vicki Feinmel and I had a conversation during National Night Out, where she informed me about an area in Good Shepherd Plaza that needed a landscaping spruce up and then she mentioned the conditions of the tables. I passed the information to Altheria Jackson (AVP of Operations) whose teams Horticulture/Grounds and Facilities addressed the issues. 

We would love to have the community groups paint the tables again in the future.

In the summer of 2021, here's what the Good Shepherd Plaza picnic tables newly painted by Roosevelt Island community groups looked like. 

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Summer Saturday Afternoon Concert At Roosevelt Island Library Outdoor Plaza With The Island Krewe Jazz Band - Watch And Enjoy

Thanks to Ellen Polivy for sharing the video.

Island Krewe will be performing again at the Library outdoor plaza, and at Granny Annie's and The Sanctuary. Check back later for the dates.

Here's more on our the local Island Krewe Roosevelt Island jazz musicians..

New Summer Outdoor Seating Area With Shade Umbrellas For Residents And Visitors To Enjoy At The NY Public Library Roosevelt Island Branch Plaza - Relax, Read, Eat And Use The Wifi Too

New York Public Library Roosevelt Island branch manager Carlos Chavez shares these photos and reports: 

I'm reaching out to inform you that our outdoor furniture is now installed in the library plaza.

I spoke with Mr Chavez last week at the new Roosevelt Island Library Plaza about the new outdoor furniture..

According to Mr Chavez:

I'm here today to talk a little bit about the summer outdoor furniture that we have installed in the Library Plaza right behind me.

We have a total of four umbrella tables and umbrella shades as well as six folding tables and folding chairs that you'll see distributed throughout the the plaza. Our goal is to turn this library plaza into a destination for the islanders and for people visiting the island.

They'll have a place where they can sit and read, use their mobile devices, 

and have their meal. We will also be using the library plaza for programs and outreach like our summer learning kickoff....

Furniture will be available during the hours of operation that the library is open to the public. By 6 pm we'll be putting furniture away. On certain days like Monday and Wednesday that we close at eight we won't have it out too late, only until six pm every day.

You can pick up the Wi-fi from the library. We will increase our Wi-fi capability in the near future and people will be able to use free Wi-fi here in the Library Plaza.

I look forward to seeing all the Roosevelt Islanders using this space, this furniture. We got this for you and it's ready to get used.

The Library Plaza is a great new public place and amenity for Roosevelt Islanders to enjoy.

See you there.

Roosevelt Island Inspired Painted Picnic Tables Return To Good Shepherd Plaza With New Artful Look And They Look Terrific - More Roosevelt Island Outdoor Seating Picnic Tables Would Be Great Too

Roosevelt Island residents were concerned last week when they discovered the very popular picnic tables disappeared 

from their spot behind the church in Good Shepherd Plaza only to be relieved to learn the picnic tables were moved temporarily near the Meditation Steps so they could be painted by local organizations during last Saturday's Roosevelt Island Day Celebration.

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The newly painted Roosevelt Island inspired themed picnic tables were returned to Good Shepherd Plaza yesterday and they look terrific.

According to Shops On Main Street:

Last spring, Shops On Main gifted RI’s Good Shepherd Plaza six picnic tables. It's been such a pleasure to see so many islanders use them and we’re delighted to offer SoM’s restaurants and cafes more outdoor seating options. 

This year we're taking it a step further by making the tables fun, creative, and captivating by inviting six island-based organizations to turn them into artful masterpieces with a theme of ISLAND INSPIRED. Among the participating groups are the Main Street Theater & Dance Alliance, The Girl Scouts, Cornell Tech, RI Youth Center, WFF, and Island Kids. 

Each group will be provided art materials to bring these tables to life on Saturday, June 12 on Meditation Lawn. The public is invited to come out and watch. The final creations will be returned to Good Shepherd Plaza and bring ongoing connection and joy to islanders long after Roosevelt Island Day 2021.

Enjoy outdoor eating at the Roosevelt Island Good Shepherd Plaza Picnic Tables with your family, friends and neighbors.

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I'd love to see more picnic tables for outdoor seating, particularly by Blackwell House.

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Very Popular Roosevelt Island Good Shepherd Plaza Picnic Tables Missing, Where Did They Go Ask Worried Residents?

Last August, the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) in collaboration with Shops On Main Street Master Leaseholder Hudson Related placed picnic tables in Good Shepherd Plaza behind the Church

which proved to be very popular with residents. At the time, Paul Krikler of Island House wrote to RIOC President Shelton Haynes:

I don’t know who to thank for these. If it’s you all, then Thank You. I already saw a neighbor eating dinner with her daughters there this evening.

I think it’s a wonderful use of the space. I’d love to take my dinner outside once in a while. With my family.

I hope this is permanent...

The Good Shepherd Plaza tables are the perfect spot to crash your neighbor's picnic for some spontaneous entertainment too.

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But residents became concerned this week when the Good Shepherd Plaza picnic tables disappeared asking:

Any idea when the picnic tables located at 543 Main will returned?

pic.twitter.com/HuLHjCPKNQ

— Bhangeri (@bhangeri) June 9, 2021

Yay!

— Bhangeri (@bhangeri) June 9, 2021

It turns out the picnic tables are currently covered on the Rivercross Lawn next to the Mediation Steps 

waiting to be painted by local groups for Roosevelt Island Day. 

According to Shops On Main Street:

Last spring, Shops On Main gifted RI’s Good Shepherd Plaza six picnic tables. It's been such a pleasure to see so many islanders use them and we’re delighted to offer SoM’s restaurants and cafes more outdoor seating options. 

This year we're taking it a step further by making the tables fun, creative, and captivating by inviting six island-based organizations to turn them into artful masterpieces with a theme of ISLAND INSPIRED. Among the participating groups are the Main Street Theater & Dance Alliance, The Girl Scouts, Cornell Tech, RI Youth Center, WFF, and Island Kids. 

Each group will be provided art materials to bring these tables to life on Saturday, June 12 on Meditation Lawn. The public is invited to come out and watch. The final creations will be returned to Good Shepherd Plaza and bring ongoing connection and joy to islanders long after Roosevelt Island Day 2021.

We can all breath a sigh of relief - the Roosevelt Island Good Shepherd Plaza Picnic Tables will return. 

I'd love to see more picnic tables for outdoor seating, particularly by Blackwell House.

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Sunday Sun & Smoothie At Roosevelt Island Cornell Tech Cafe Outdoor Patio Today - Hope To See You There This Week

Beautiful warm and sunny spring weather today brought Roosevelt Island residents and visitors to the Cornell Tech Cafe to enjoy a drink and bite to eat or just hang out and watch the scene.

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The ice cream is pretty good too.

Check out this week's menu at the Cornell Tech Cafe and see you at at the outdoor patio.

Governor Cuomo Says NYC Restaurants Allowed To Resume Indoor Dining September 30 At 25% Capacity, What Will This Mean For Roosevelt Island? Granny Annie's Irish Bar Expects To Open In A Week Or Two

NY State Governor Andrew Cuomo announced yesterday:

The State will allow indoor dining to resume in New York City at 25% capacity with strict restrictions on September 30....

UPDATE: On September 30, indoor dining in NYC can resume at 25% capacity.

Strict restrictions will be in place. pic.twitter.com/ORzwGM67PQ

— Andrew Cuomo (@NYGovCuomo) September 9, 2020

What will this mean for Roosevelt Island?

According to Granny Annie's,

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New Outdoor Seating For Roosevelt Island Take Out Food Says RIOC, 6 Picnic Benches Placed At West Side Of Good Shepherd Plaza Yesterday - But They're Gone Today

A reader asked yesterday about picnic benches

spotted behind the Chapel in Good Shepherd Plaza:

I think the picnic tables behind Chapel at Good Shepherd Plaza are additional outdoor seating for Roosevelt Island restaurant/deli take out. @RIOCny https://t.co/HcI2GUuB4A pic.twitter.com/UrERpTFd61

— Roosevelt Islander (@Rooseveltisland) August 20, 2020

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Good News, Phase 2 Of NYC Coronavirus Restart Begins Tomorrow - Roosevelt Island Nisi Kitchen Hopes To Open With Social Distance Outdoor Seating Barriers On Good Shepherd Plaza Monday June 22

We’re on track to hit Phase 2 of our restart on Monday. That means reopening:

-Offices
-In-store retail
-Outdoor dining
-Hair salons and barbershops

All with limited capacity and face coverings.

— Mayor Bill de Blasio (@NYCMayor) June 18, 2020

Roosevelt Island Nisi Kitchen restaurant owner Kai Razahgi told me today that he hopes to open tomorrow with social distance outdoor seating barriers

at the Good Shepherd Plaza.

Welcome back Nisi.

Can Outdoor Cafe Culture Thrive On Roosevelt Island? RIOC And Hudson Related Shops On Main Street Looking To Help Local Restaurants With More Outdoor Seating While Maintaining Coronavirus Social Distancing

Great question - @Rooseveltisland is the perfect place for a really great cafe culture all the time - not just during a pandemic. Great cafes is one of the things I miss most about my hometown. If there can be thriving cafes in Astoria we should be able to perfect them here. https://t.co/CWkQz3Z1WA

— Minnehanonck (@minnehanonck) May 15, 2020

Image of Roosevelt Island Pier NYC, Summer of 2012

During the June 2 Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Operations Advisory Committee video conference meeting, I asked what will RIOC do to help Roosevelt Island restaurants and residents with social distance outdoor seating once the restaurants are allowed to open for more than take out and delivery:

Will RIOC allow restaurants to have outdoor seating in public spaces such as Good Shepherd Plaza, Blackwell Plaza, temporary outdoor seating around the perimeter of McManus and Firefighters Field for example. What is Roosevelt Island's version of NY Open Streets Plan. 

RIOC President Susan Rosenthal and Chief Finance Officer John O'Reilly replied that so far none of the restaurants have asked for anything but that RIOC will soon be meeting with Hudson Related Shops On Main Street to discuss possible plans.

Here's the full RIOC Operations Committee discussion on possible plans for Roosevelt Island restaurants once they fully reopen.



RIOC Director David Kappel noted:

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Do You Have Questions About Roosevelt Island Coronavirus Reopening, Submit Your Written Questions To RIOC Board Operations Committee Prior To June 2 Meeting - They May Or May Not Be Addressed Adds RIOC

Reported last Friday:

The Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Board Of Directors Operations Advisory Committee will meet next Tuesday, June 2, to discuss the Roosevelt Island Coronavirus reopening plan as well as active construction projects. The meeting will be conducted via videoconference and open to the public.

I asked RIOC President Susan Rosenthal and the RIOC Directors:

Will the public be able to participate during the upcoming RIOC Board Committee meeting videoconferences as they do during in person meetingns?

RIOC Public Information Officer Terrence McCauley replied:

Public comments are not part of the agenda for either committee meeting. The public can always submit their comments for full board meetings on our website. http://rioc.ny.gov/FormCenter/Meetings-4/Speakup-43

RIOC changed it's tune today about public participation in the committee meeting, announcing:

• The Real Estate Development Advisory Committee will hold a virtual meeting on Tuesday, June 2, 2020 at 4:30 PM.
• The Operations Advisory Committee will hold a virtual meeting on Tuesday, June 2, 2020 at 5:30 PM.
• The RIOC Board of Directors will hold a virtual meeting on Thursday, June 4, 2020 at 5:30 PM.

To watch the meetings from your computer or mobile device, please visit https://live.divacommunications.com/rioc-live/

To submit remarks to be read into the record of the RIOC Board Meeting, please visit: http://rioc.ny.gov/FormCenter/Meetings-4/Speakup-43

NOTE: Although there is no public comment period on the agendas of the June 2 committee meetings, the public is invited to submit questions if they wish. The questions may or may not be addressed by the committee chairs. Questions may be submitted by clicking here: http://rioc.ny.gov/FormCenter/Meetings-4/Speakup-43

I'd like to know about opening the ball fields for socially distant recreation,

Great question for @RIOCny Astoria Park Field is open so people can walk around, get fresh air while maintaining social distance. Why not on Roosevelt Island? https://t.co/M2W5Q9LZQU

— Roosevelt Islander (@Rooseveltisland) May 3, 2020

Cornell Tech has done a community service keeping the campus oval open for Socially Distant recreation by Roosevelt Island residents. ⁦@RIOCny⁩ could learn a lesson and open Roosevelt Island ball fields for same. pic.twitter.com/fmUIPHgAEz

— Roosevelt Islander (@Rooseveltisland) May 30, 2020

plans for Roosevelt Island Tram usage,

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Roosevelt Island Restaurants Begin To Open With Take Out And Delivery Only - Is Social Distance Outdoor Seating Possible For Roosevelt Island Restaurants During Coronavirus Pandemic?

What would open streets mean for Roosevelt Island's few restaurants @TheHudsonCos @RIOCny https://t.co/FaYDzZR2fd

— Roosevelt Islander (@Rooseveltisland) May 19, 2020

Several of the Roosevelt Island shops that temporarily closed due to the Coronavirus Pandemic have recently re-opened or are planning to soon resume limited service. Today the Jupioca Juice Bar opened

and the Liukoushui Hot Pot Noodle Shop opened earlier this week. Fuji East Japanese Restaurant and China 1 have signs in their window that they will open June 1.

Piccolo Trattoria Pizza restaurant

Starbucks

and Subway Sandwich shop have reopened recently.

Nisi Restaurant



and Cafe@Cornell Tech did not close.

But all the restaurants are take out or delivery only for now. No indoor seating.

Today, I asked Main Street Retail Master Leaseholder Hudson Related's David Kramer and Shops On Main Street representatives:

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