There is a sign up sheet for dog people to sign up for Pooper Scooper duties on Roosevelt Island Day - June 11th. Dog owners here are trying to taken responsibility and not ignore the mess our dogs create. While there are always irresponsible owners, most of dog owners on RI want the community to be nice and Poopie free.
Scoop-a-poop day on RI!
We will go around the Island picking up any dog poop that we find on the streets and grass.
Everyone will be divided in groups so we can clean more effectively! (i.e. 1 group will clean the Cornell area, another group will clean the Southtown area, etc...)
Areas to be cleaned
• 11am-12pm: West Esplanade (from promenade to Main Street)
• 12pm-1pm: East Esplanade (from promenade to Main Street)
• 1pm-2pm: Lighthouse Park, South-point Park, Cornell
We will have poop bags and garbage bags available at our RIDPA table on the meditation lawn, but I also encourage everyone to bring water bottles to throw on poop that cannot be picked up because it’s not solid.
When you sign up please indicate what time frame you will be available. We ask that you volunteer 1 hour, but it can be more if you want.
Here's more activities going on for June 11 Roosevelt Island Day.
Roosevelt Island Day! Come out and join us for a day of celebration of Roosevelt Island on Saturday, June 11th, from 11 AM – 2 PM. #rooseveltislandpic.twitter.com/Z2j8iSFnGy
At at or about 6:10 PM on April 27, 2022 there were 15 children between ages
4 to 11 years old playing baseball in the company of five adults at Pony
Field when four residents of the Octagon building arrived at the same Pony
Field with four medium to large dogs and unleashed those dogs.
The adults accompanying the young children trying to play baseball
complained to the owners of the unleashed dogs with no luck. The dogs
started running towards the baseball balls.... this is the second
Wednesday in a row dog owners unleashed their dogs in the middle of kids
playing baseball.
Photo by Suzy del Campo Perea
Ms Perea adds that by the time PSD officers arrived, the dog owners with their
unleashed dogs were gone.
The subject of unleashed Roosevelt Island dogs was discussed during the April 19
Roosevelt Island Residents Association (RIRA) Public Safety Committee
(PSC) meeting with RIOC PSD Deputy Chief Anthony Amoroso. According to Deputy Chief
Amoroso
We have such a 50/50 back and forth when it comes to dogs on the
Island. We get many complaints about the dogs. We get many complaints that we're not
showing the animals compassion, that we're not doing the right thing about
the dogs on the island.
For every one we get negative we get a positive one so it goes back and
forth. Obviously the rules and the regulations we have currently ... goes
without saying. Keeping your dog on a leash is just safe for the dog but
I've gotten numerous numerous calls about why the dogs are not allowed to
run on the fields
How cruel is that to dogs, how cruel can we be to the animals to not let
them be on the fields whereas I get calls that there's ten dogs on the field
what are we doing why aren't we enforcing it... we're enforcing the rules
and the rules right now are the dogs are not allowed on the fields, they're
not allowed to run, they need to be on leashes. Until that changes I know
some people are upset over that but those are the rules...
Watch the full RIRA PSC meeting discussion about Roosevelt Island dogs.
On April 27, RIRA Island Services Committee Co- Chair Raul Cavazos-Binder sent
the following message to RIOC President Shelton Haynes:
I am following up on the below correspondence that RIRA president, Rossana
Ceruzzi, addressed with you last year; the status of dog runs. As the
co-chair of RIRA's Island Services Committee, I have received countless and
increasing concerns when it comes to the state of the dog runs, and dogs
running freely off leash in our public green spaces because there is no
better alternative.
Many parents are highly concerned that children actively playing around off
leash dogs poses a serious safety hazard. Dogs owners are out of control and
have taken the sledding hill at South town as well as a portion of Blackwell
Park, the Pony field, Southpoint park, Cornell hills and open land. Many
children and adults have dog phobias and fear for their physical safety. In
the last two months two residents have been bitten and were seeking info
about the dogs’ owners and vaccinations on a local dog network since the
owners fled the scene in both cases.
It is completely out of control. Dogs off leash should not use any parts of
RI public land. The two dog run areas need to be upgraded/recreated as soon
as possible. As HR is bringing most of the dogs to the island, RI residents
feel they should at the very least “sacrifice” the land for it and maintain
it properly. A few years ago, an agreement was reached between RIOC and HR
about a new Dog Park to service the community. In that agreement HR promised
to build the dog run area near buildings 8-9. Is there any updates on that
agreement?
Please let me and Rossana Ceruzzi, cc'd here, know the status of the dog
runs as I believe previous discussions indicated that the newly
updated/refurbished dog runs would be completed by Q2 of 2022. If you could
give me an update by the end of the week, I would greatly appreciate it.
The "HR" referred to by Mr. Cavazos-Binder is Southtown building developer
Hudson Related.
On April 28, I asked Hudson Related developer David Kramer:
There is an increasing problem with Roosevelt Island dogs running unleashed in
Southtown at Firefighters Field and elsewhere. Dog owners claim current dog
run is inadequate. Other residents, including many dog owners are very upset
with those dog owners who keep their dogs unleashed. What is the status of the
long planned new dog run in Southtown? Is a new Southtown dog run
responsibility of Hudson Related or Rioc?
Mr Kramer replied:
We’re awaiting RIOC’s determination about where they want to place the new dog
run. If it’s going to be in Southtown, it’ll be in the Commons East area
between buildings 8 & 9, which we’re planning to build when we build
Riverwalk 9 (hope to start later this year). Alternatively, RIOC may have a
different location in mind.
This afternoon, RIOC advisory message quoted President Shelton Haynes:
Over the past few weeks, the Roosevelt Island Resident Association (RIRA)
President Rosanna Ceruzzi and I have been discussing a variety of items that
impact the lives of Roosevelt Island residents. Ms. Ceruzzi has made me aware
of growing concerns surrounding dogs that we plan to address immediately. Some
of the noted concerns were finding temporary solutions and discussing long
term plans for upgraded dog runs, developing a communication plan that would
place signs in specific areas known to be problematic, enforcement of policies
and stipulating the consequences for dog owners not adhering to clearly
defined rules and regulations. We will be working with RIRA’s subcommittees,
the Island Services and Public Safety committee and will convey next steps to
the Roosevelt Island community soon.
A group called the Roosevelt Island Dog Parents Association has started a:
Petition for New Roosevelt Island South Dog Run + Off-Leash Hours for
Firefighters Field
According to the Petition:
This petition has two aims: 1. To advocate for a new Roosevelt Island (RI)
South Dog Run and 2. To advocate for off-leash hours for Firefighter’s Field
to ameliorate the current lack of appropriate facilities.
The RI South Dog Run has been poorly maintained for years and has now become
a safety hazard for our pets; multiple dogs having sustained injuries due to
rocks, holes, or broken glass (for example, a puppy injured his dewclaw on a
rock and required surgical intervention, another cut his paw on glass,
another sprained an ankle due to a hole). Additionally, the run is now
completely composed of dirt and is essentially unusable in the setting of
rain, is too small and restrictive to even accommodate all dogs living in
this area or to allow for sufficient exercise for larger dogs, and has
inadequate shade for our animals during sunnier months. This situation has
been long-neglected and overdue for a solution, especially given the recent
crackdown by the Public Safety Department on dogs being present in
Firefighter’s Field (even leashed), despite this being contrary to official
park policy (https://rioc.ny.gov/397/Field-Rules).
Given the inadequate state of our dog facilities, we are also seeking
off-leash hours for Firefighter’s Field, before 9am and after 9pm. This is a
common policy throughout NYC parks, including Central Park (https://www.nycgovparks.org/facilities/dogareas) and can be subject to change if there are special events/games scheduled.
We realize that one of the major complaints of our pets in grassy areas is
that some owners do not follow the law and curb their dogs. We agree that
this is completely inappropriate; however, we believe it should be addressed
via improved surveillance and stricter enforcement of fines as opposed to
punishment of and restrictions placed on all dog owners.
We hope to work with you to continue to make Roosevelt Island a wonderful
place to live for dog-owners and non-dog-owners alike. Dog ownership is a
reality of our community and our animals need to be accommodated. Both of
the above requests come in the face of strikingly inadequate and dangerous
facilities for our animals. Please let us know when we can expect a new dog
park, and what immediate solution you plan to implement in the meantime.
The petition organizer, Jennifer Heinen adds:
As I have come to appreciate over the last seven years as a Roosevelt Island
citizen, some of the most magical things about living here are the amount of
plant life and natural beauty as well as the friendly, open, and vibrant
community. Based on NYC dog licensing data, there are approximately 782 dogs
living on Roosevelt Island as of July 2021 (this number has likely increased).
Having only two small dog parks in the face of these numbers seems drastically
inadequate; the unmaintained and dangerous state of the South Town Dog Run is
unacceptable. The island has a surfeit of green space compared to the rest of
NYC that can accommodate us all. We want a safe, adequately-sized area for our
beloved pets to play and exercise, just as parents do for their children. I
truly believe we are all capable of coming to a shared and reasonable
compromise that can allow us to live in harmony.
Roosevelt Island parent Rachel Dowling has a different view from Ms Heinen.
According to Ms Dowling:
So a Southtown dog owner has apparently started a petition to get RIOC to let
dog owners let their dogs off leash on Firefighter Field. She is claiming that
because the dog park is “not safe” the dogs should get use of the field until
the new dog park is eventually built.
Let’s be clear. Firefighter field is now destroyed and unsafe for kids and
adults to play sports BECAUSE Y’ALL KEEP RUNNING YOUR DOGS on a PERMITTED
PLAYING FIELD. I’ve also seen dogs taking a dump on said field after their
work out. If this petition was fairly and reasonably addressing the new dog
park I would support that. I think we all would. But off leash dogs are
destroying our playing fields from the Octagon to Firefighters, creating
unsafe confrontations with other dogs and players, not to mention joggers or
strollers or anyone else trying to enjoy the island.
We can’t be compared to Central Park where there is a much larger amount of
open space to work with. This is not the way folks.
Put your dog on a leash and take them for a run on the promenade. Or
petition RIOC to allow off leash hours down at South Point Park or up at the
Lighthouse park, where you’re not conflicting with playing fields and a
residential/commercial neighborhood.
Roosevelt Island resident Merchu Curutchet-Ziv explains the
longstanding problems at the Southtown Dog Run.
When I moved here about 8 years ago, we were a pretty nice group of people
that would gather in the dog run to share our love for dogs and watch them
play while we talked. It was actually very nice.
However, little by little, people started not taking their dogs into the run
because so many dogs got injured. The most horrific injury was one poor dog
that while playing with other dogs, got pushed, shoved into a broken fence
that pinched a big portion of her skin and as she tried to free herself, it
ripped a big chunk of her skin and fur clean from her body. Can you imagine
the pain? That dog took a long time to heal and was traumatized. And I have
no idea if that fence was ever fixed. This, I witnessed and it was the last
time I took my dog in there.
I also remember a few dogs breaking their nails catching it on the
splintered not maintained benches. The door into the run was broken so many
times - We would report it and were totally ignored. We were always trying
to fix it ourselves, with ropes or things that didn’t last too long but you
don’t want your dog to get out and run into the street. Once, there was rat
poison and a couple of dogs got very sick - not sure if it was accidental or
someone that hates dogs.
The ground was at times very wet and muddy, when dogs drink muddy water the
bacteria in it makes them very sick - my dog needed antibiotics for two
weeks. Humans without dogs would sometimes hang out at night and leave their
cigarettes butts and empty beer bottles and gross garbage. Which we would
then have to clean up, when we arrived to the run with our dog.
Yeah, some humans behave worse than any dog. Plus, anyone that knows the
real needs of a dog realizes that the size of that run is a joke. It is not
big enough for dogs to run and exercise. Unless you have a verrrrry mellow
toy breed. Overcrowded dog runs are a big problem. If dogs don’t have enough
space to run, it could cause them to feel invaded, intimidated, and as a
result aggression among them. That isn’t safe for anyone.
I would like someone to please take inventory of all the signs that say “no
dogs allowed on grass” in this island. They are all over!!! I would really
like to see some signs that say “dogs allowed” they are non existent. Maybe
I’m blind.
By the way, I’m a mom too so I can clearly see how my boys in this last 8
years have enjoyed plenty, plenty of space in the island to play freely,
skateboard and play many sports, in different parts of the island and in the
playgrounds too, without any injuries and I can’t say the same for my dog.
And actually, I lived in many neighborhoods in New York city and this one is
the one with more space, more trees, air, grass… etc. How come it is so hard
to share it and get proper space for our dogs?!
You know the way I deal with it? I take my dog to many, many, other dog runs
in different neighborhoods because I’m lucky to have a car. I go to LIC,
Brooklyn, Manhattan, and I’m amazed how big and decent those dog runs are in
comparison to ours. I don’t see why we can’t have a good dog run. I also
take my dog to Central Park during off leash hours. There should be a space
in this island to be able to do that too. Just a short off leash hours, not
in a sport’s field. If the options that were given to us were at least
better, but they are really, really bad.
By the way, it would be great to also get more tolerant non-dog owner
neighbors. Also, responsible dog owners that monitor their dogs well and
pick up their poop! There are poop bag dispensers everywhere - How hard
could that be? And please stop trying to make this about dog people vs kids’
people. I am proud to be both. It is not that hard to share, tolerate, put
yourselves in other people’s shoes in a civilized and kind way. And hey, If
you are blessed enough to have kids and dogs, ❤️ you are just awesome! We
are privileged to live in a neighborhood that has so much space.
The world has real problems. Trust me, this isn’t one that can’t be
resolved.
RIRA PSC member Frank Farance add:
At last week's Public Safety Committee meeting, there was a
discussion of dogs off their leash. Here are a couple insights,
suggestions, and conclusions:
Octagon residents are using the Octagon Pony Field as an
illegal "dog run" as a dozen dogs are unleashed and roaming
the whole field (presumably, pooping and peeing on it).
See the two photos, taken 60 seconds apart (time to turn the car
around for a better photo), where the dogs are in the Right
Field and 60 seconds later they're in the Infield - they're
roaming the whole field.
RIOC should remind Octagon that their residents need to
follow the law, and RIOC should remind Octagon that it can
enforce this as a violation of its ground lease (e.g., Article
23 Use and Management of the Premises, Article 34 Quiet
Enjoyment) and, I believe, the Master Lease (e.g., Article 18
Quiet Enjoyment).
Leashes are required AND required to be six feet
or SHORTER - long leashes are NOT permitted.
The fines are pretty high: ranging from $200 to $400
per violation of City law, $250 per violation of State law.
RIOC/PSD might not have the authority to enforce all the
dog-related rules. While RIOC can enforce the State law
(picking up poop), I believe RIOC/PSD needs approval to write
tickets for violation of City law - RIOC's legal department
should advise,
Each person who owns or controls a dog must remove any feces left
by that dog on any sidewalk, gutter, street, or other public area
and dispose of it in a legal manner. The person may remove the
feces and carry them away with him/her for disposal in a toilet or
their own trash container or trash bag. The feces may also be
placed in a non-leaking sealed bag or container and deposited in a
DSNY litter basket. The provisions of this law do not apply to a
guide dog accompanying any blind person. Related Law: New York
State Public Health Law §1310 (Search for Public Health Law
(PBH), Article 13, Title 1: General Provisions; Control and
Abatement). Fine: $250
Control of Dogs & Other Animals to Prevent Nuisance
Each person who owns or controls a pet shall not allow the animal
to commit a nuisance on any public or private premises used in
common by the public, or any area of a building abutting a public
place. Related Law: New York City Health Code §161.03. Fine:
$200–$400
Unleashed Dogs
A person who owns or controls a dog may not allow it to be in any
public place or in any open or unfenced field abutting a public
place, unless the dog is effectively restrained by a leash or
chain no more than six feet long. Related Law: New York City
Health Code §161.05. Fine: $200–$400
UPDATE 9:05 PM - Watch the interesting and productive ISC meeting held earlier this evening moderated by Committee Co-Chair Raul Cavazos-Binder. The issues were discussed in a very intelligent and civil manner by Roosevelt Island residents holding a variety of viewpoints on the subject of dog runs and off leash running.
Like many Roosevelt Island residents, Bojana Zezelj is sick and tired of seeing dog excrement not being picked up all over Roosevelt Island. Ms Zezelj writes:
Does anyone have any ideas what to do about the horrendous amount of dog excrement all over the island? I am asking as a responsible dog owner who always picks up after her dog. But exactly because I do, I notice how many dog owners don’t bother. They leave it even in the middle of the sidewalk. I asked Public Safety more than once what they were doing about it, but they looked at me like I spoke Esperanto. They couldn’t care less. Not a single ticket has ever been issued on Roosevelt Island for the failure to clean up after a dog. The situation is getting out of control, we need to do something.
According to Lana, another responsible Roosevelt Island Dog Owner:
As a dog owner here, the amount of dog poop left on the sidewalks is
mind boggling. It is a very simple thing to do and the community even
provides bags and receptacles for everyone to use. This is such a lovely
community and as dog owners, it is our responsibility to clean up after
our dogs.
I’m super heated about this :) there is more poop here
than there was on the Upper East Side after snow. And that’s saying a
lot.
Another resident reported dog poop on Firefighters Field where kids play soccer and says:
We're going to do a better job in policing ... dog poop ...
it's illegal to to have these dogs uncurbed, ... if people don't pick up after their pets ... they're going to get summonses and that's the way it has to be because ... it's not a sanitary habit to just let your dog poop all over Roosevelt Island ... The word has been given from the top that anyone who is caught, it has to be something that's witnessed by an officer, they're going to get summonses
... it's something that that we are going to enforce...
Ms Zezelj adds:
I actually do have an idea. I would like to go around the island with a big bucket, take a photo of every pile of dog shit I see lying around, then put that dog shit in the bucket and once the bucket it full, deliver it to the RIOC office. If anyone is interested in filming me in action, let me know.
RIOC PSD has made previous promises to enforce dog owners cleaning up their dog's poop but the problem persists.
In 2013, Roosevelt Islander Online published an article about building management companies requiring dog owners to provide DNA samples for their dogs. That way a dog owner not cleaning up the poop could be identified and sanctioned in some manner. I suggested this to RIOC and of course they did nothing. Perhaps now is the time to try again and either RIOC PSD or individual building management could require Dog DNA samples in order to identify and issue summons or some other penalty for offending dog owners.
Here's how a St Louis apartment complex currently uses dog poop DNA to enforce owners cleaning up after their pets.
Can Dog Poop DNA work to clean up Roosevelt Island?
Chief Brown reports to the PSC about recent PSD activities and learns about
Roosevelt Island Public Safety concerns and issues from PSC members during
these meetings. The dialogue is valuable in keeping lines of communications
open between PSD and the Roosevelt Island community as well as an opportunity
for the community to hear the perspective of PSD on a variety of issues.
During last evening's March 15 PSC Committee meeting, Chief Brown reported:
PSD staffing is back to full staffing after suffering shortages due to
sickness from Covid 19,
4 PSD Officers were accepted into NYPD,
Recent assault at Manhattan Park between 2 friends,
Attempted Robbery At Subway Station
Homeless Situation,
Installation Of Speed Cushions, not Speed Bumps or Humps,
PSD Officers to issue summons for persons seen not picking up their dog's
poop,
Main Street Pedestrian/Bike/Vehicle Traffic Safety
Forty-some years ago when I moved here the Island was a pretty place. I was proud to call it home. But it hasn't been for a while. Leaves cluttered our grounds for months...... except around Blackwell House where leaf blowers were used. Potholes and cracked sidewalks are now the norm, while litter is all over. I drive past housing projects in Queens whose grounds are better kept than ours.
This bench
is the worst example of management that does not care nor take pride in our environment. It makes me sad and robs me of my long-standing pride in living here.
The bench with the disgusting pigeon poop is located on the Roosevelt Island Waterfront East Promenade behind Roosevelt Landing. The bench next to the one in picture is free of pigeon poop.
An occasional column of questions and answers to and from RIOC President and CEO Susan Rosenthal
HEY SUSAN!
What is the latest update on the playground updates and repairs? Weren’t there plans to enlarge the playground and redo the sandbox last fall? With summer coming and the kids outside all day, it would be a shame to close them for renovations now. Is there any plans to revise the kids’ sprinklers which could use a major overhaul as well given the rocky sharp surfaces and the poor drainage?
SUSAN: The landscape architecture consultant hired to prepare drawings for improvements needed in the park is currently doing their analysis and inventory of needs. One part of the plan is to replace the sandbox with new “climbing” equipment. Once the analysis is complete, the consultant will make recommendations for work to be included in the contract. We have scheduled design work to finish late summer so the construction work can take place in the fall, when the kids are back in school.
HEY SUSAN!
Is it true that RIOC is going to permanently fence in the Octagon Soccer Field and remove about 10 trees?
SUSAN: The design for Octagon Soccer field include a low 3’-6” fence along the south and west sides of the field to keep the ball on the field of play. The fence along the west side will have a 76’ opening at the center of the field for access. There are seven trees in poor condition that will be removed. These trees will be impacted by the excavation work needed to make the paths ADA accessible. We are also planting ten trees as part of the work for this contract.
HEY SUSAN!
RI's residents allow their dogs to poop in the small park located in front of Piccolo Trattoria pizzeria. Residents ignore the 3-4 signs that are very well located around this area. On this regard, what can you do? Can RIOC place bigger signs? Can you introduce fines to dog's owner?
SUSAN: We will speak with our public safety officers about strictly enforcing the rules about dog waste and request they issue summons as appropriate. We can also analyze which sites have the most offenders and install additional signage and/or dog waste bag dispensers, as needed.
Do you have a question you’d like to have answered by RIOC President & CEO Susan Rosenthal? Send it to the subject HEY SUSAN! at information@rioc.ny.gov. Want to report a problem? Send us feedback at rioc.ny.gov/Requesttracker.aspx.
Here's just one example of a dog owner ignoring signage right in front of him prohibiting dogs on grass
Keep Roosevelt Island Clean and Beautiful. Don't Be a "Pooper-trator. Pick up after Your Dog. It's The Law
Including a $250 Fine for violators.
According to Ms Ceruzzi:
Commonly called the “Pooper-Scooper Law” the regulation cites that all pet owners must remove or clean up all fecal waste deposited by their dogs on the public and private property. The “Pooper Scooper Law” does not apply to guide dogs or service dogs walking with people who have disabilities.
The Roosevelt Island Public Safety Department enforces the Pooper Scooper Law and accepts reports of places where dog walkers regularly fail to pick up after their dogs. These locations include streets, sidewalks, and other areas
Failure of dog owners/walkers to pick up their dog poop has been a long term problem on Roosevelt Island.
Received the following message from a Roosevelt Island resident:
A while ago Hudson-Related replaced the lights again in the arcade. I’m not talking about the hanging lights but the lights attached to the walls in the middle of the arcade. The lights that are there now have a flat surface that pigeons sit on and now we are back to the same problem.
There is pigeon poop in the middle of the arcade every morning, and most of the day, that the Urban American guys have to clean up every day. Not only is the clean-up a problem but people can no longer just walk freely in the arcade but one has to move to the sides so that they don’t get hit with pigeon poop. There has to be a better way.
I asked Hudson Related to comment. Will update when answer received.
UPDATE 1:30 PM - A Hudson Related spokesperson replied:
A woman was punched in the face yesterday on Roosevelt Island for asking an individual walking a dog to clean up the dog waste. Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Public Safety Department Deputy Director Lynda Marmara reported the incident during last evening's Roosevelt Island Residents Association (RIRA) Public Safety Committee (PSC) meeting.
not allowing dogs on fields with No Dogs Allowed Signs
No Dogs On Firefighters Field Sign
Deputy Director Marmara reported that Public Safety Officers must witness a person not picking up the dog waste in order to issue a summons. A picture of the occurrence is not sufficient. Only one summons has been issued in the past year for not picking up dog waste added Deputy Director Marmara. An education campaign to inform Roosevelt Island dog owners of their responsibilities was suggested by Deputy Director Marmara as a first step.
Here's the discussion from last night's PSC meeting.
A Roosevelt Island resident reported earlier this week:
I found some dog owners carelessly behave too often in this Island, especially behind of Roosevelt Landings.
... Whatever it takes, this problem has to be corrected.
I pick up some unpleasant dog's waste by myself when it's dropped middle of path, because I am afraid to step on it after dark.
UPDATE 4:15 PM - Another Roosevelt Island resident reports:
As an owner of TWO dogs, I agree 100% it is out of control. I am originally from Canada and cannot believe how many people do not cleanup after their pets here. We previously lived in Manhattan (disgusting level of dog waste) the island is starting to rival the city! And bags & bins are provided! How much more do you need. Sheer laziness! They should give HUGE fines, HUGE!!!
and another:
From RWalk bar today I saw a lady walk 2 dogs onto the grass area. She completely ignored the sign that clearly shows no dogs allowed. She cleaned up after them. Fair enough but how do you clean up urine? This green is used everyday by little kids. No respect. It's always been a problem.
The Social Cultural and Education Committee of the Roosevelt Island Residents Association is working with local groups to promote good citizenship. The multi-media campaign is designed to raise awareness of the impact residents have on each others' lives, whether by design or through inadvertent actions.
Most residents are loyal members of our community and praise life in our small town. The campaign will highlight actions individuals can take to make the island a warmer place for everyone.
The campaign began with posters drawn by members of Brownie Girl Scout Troop 3001, a group of second and third grade girls. Together, the girls brainstormed a list of ways to complete the sentence "On Roosevelt Island we" with a verb that suggested a positive action and a picture that illustrates the thought.
The girls identified many ways that we can be good citizens to make our community a warmer and better place.
Troop Leader Aiesha Eleusizov said that one action that really resonated with the girls was cleaning up after their pets. One girl immediately piped up, "I once stepped in it in my bare feet!" Which of course, elicited a loud chorus of "EEEEW" from the rest of the troop.
This is an issue which personally impacts everyone's ability to enjoy the wonderful outdoor activities available on Roosevelt Island, especially the children who spend a lot of time playing in the grass.
Several of the Scouts drew pictures of children playing with and cleaning up after their dogs with the sentence, "On Roosevelt Island we pick up the poop!" to help remind everyone on the island to be a responsible pet owner.
The "On Roosevelt Island we" posters will emphasize positive actions, like saying hello to neighbors
and helping elderly residents. They will be printed in a larger format for placement on the kiosks and the red bus. Some will be scanned and displayed on the monitors in the tram cabin. RIOC is supporting the reproduction of the posters.
The campaign is scheduled to run for the year ahead, with posters from Girl Scout Troops 3244 & 3245 with Troop leader Janine Schaefer in the next series.
Other child-oriented groups to be invited to participate are students of PS/IS 217, Roosevelt Island Day Nursery, Island Kids, Roosevelt Island Parents Network, Church of Good Shepherd, Roosevelt Island Jewish Congregation, Hope Church, Roosevelt Island Marlins and the Child/Legacy High Schools.
UPDATE 6:15 PM - Ms. Shinozaki adds:
We were unable to list every group we intend to reach out to but we look forward to having the opportunity to present first the work of all Island Children and then we hope to reach out to everyone who would like to participate.
Roosevelt Island resident Raye Schwartz shares message below she sent to the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) earlier today about pigeon poop at the Motorgate Garage.
I'm totally fed up with this situation. Today I stopped by the RIOC office and got as far as the receptionist who said "they're working on it" and to contact you. This has been going on for years and nothing is being done except we have to play hopscotch to get from the elevators to our parked cars. RIOC claims it's Motorgate's responsibility and they claim it's RIOC's job. The biggest issue is the proliferation of pigeon nests in the rafters, and those must be removed immediately.
Notice that the atrium was power washed and screening was installed to deter pigeons so RIOC could hang art. Yet they won't do anything to keep this crap from getting on our cars, our shoes and the wheels of baby strollers. Obviously, then, their priority is appearance rather than protecting the health and safety of people who are paying parking fees and taxes.
There are laws about this hazard in New York City. Does RIOC really want the unfavorable publicity if enough of us call the news media to report this or the aggravation of legal involvement if there are sanctions because of broken laws?
Can we please have a solution which should involve the following steps:
1. Get an exterminator to go through Motorgate and remove all pigeon nests from the rafters.
2. Install screening so the nests do not come back.
3. Power wash the droppings on a periodic and reasonable schedule.
4. Empower PSD to issue summons to people who ignore signage and feed pigeons and squirrels.
5. RIOC president to implement an immediate and continuing campaign which will include articles in the WIRE, signage on the kiosks, and flyers in stores, at the visitors center and on apartment building bulletin boards warning people about the health hazards.
6. While the NY City law about feeding pigeons is vague and confusing, there are workarounds such as declaring that it is against the law of a particular community or entity (such as the Central Park Conservancy). Since RIOC is the name of this town they are able to declare certain activities illegal and punishable by law.
7. Reminding people that feeding pigeons also attracts rats, which has resulted in poison being put down and has already killed squirrels and could be a serious hazard to young kids playing outside.
These photos were taken today.
These photos were taken Sept 9, 2015:
These photos were taken in 2013:
Please please please get this resolved.
Thanks,
UPDATE 10/19 -A RIOC Spokesperson responds:
We are taking the necessary steps to solve the pigeon issue at Motorgate and believe that with a consistent cleaning schedule, additional signage deterring people from feeding pigeons (including the health hazards associated with pigeon droppings) and eliminating nesting areas will help address the issue. Porters at Motorgate have increased the number of scheduled cleanings specifically for pigeon droppings on each floor. In addition, the Director of Island Operations, Cy Opperman, is currently looking into other humane solutions to control and deter the pigeons at the facility.
The Roosevelt Island Residents Association (RIRA) Island Services Committee (ISC) reported February 4:
Dogs are urinating on the outside walls of Roosevelt Landings under the Main St. canopy. The situation is particularly acute at the north end of the canopy. Walls are being damaged and there are unsightly messes in this area. We discussed a number of ways to attack this problem including getting Public Safety to issue summons, getting RL management to routinely hose down the sidewalk under the canopy, posting signs in the affected areas and experimenting with an anti‐urination spray for dogs.
and updated:
Dog Urination Problem – Roosevelt Landings Management has committed to washing the sidewalks at least once a week except in cold, freezing weather. Cynthia reports the dog repellent spray only lasted for one day. The spray needed to be renewed every day. So spraying is probably not a practical way to solve the problem. We will try to get Management to put signs up in strategic places which state” Curb Your Dog, Violators Subject to a Summons”.
Image Of Dog Urine On Roosevelt Landings Wall and Sidewalk
Hamburg Germany came up with a solution to humans peeing on walls
which may help solve the Roosevelt Island wall peeing Dog problem
On a similar issue, the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) discussed the problems of Roosevelt Island dog poop and pigeon droppings during its March 9 Operations Advisory Committee meeting (full audio web cast of meeting here).
RIOC Director Margie Smith urged Public Safety Director Jack McManus to give out alot ofexpensive tickets for people not cleaning up after their dogs and for those feeding the pigeons.
RIOC Deputy Public Safety Director Linda Marmara reported that a summons can only be given out if an officer witnesses the incident. RIOC Public Safety Director Jack McManus said "I think we have to work a little harder on that".
Below is the Roosevelt Island Residents Association (RIRA) Island Services Committee (ISC) report to the February 2015 Common Council Meeting submitted by Chair Aaron Hamburger
RIRA – ISLAND SERVICES COMMITTEE (ISC) REPORT TO COMMON COUNCIL ‐ 2/4/15
The ISC met on 1/13/15 with 8 members present from the total membership of 12.
Active Issues – The ISC reviewed all active issues from the last term and decided to continue the 7 issues in the new term. ISC members were assigned “Lead Person” responsibilities for each issue.
The issues are:
New Elevator at Manhattan Tram Station
Condition of Sportspark Facilities
Easy Access to Tram for Strollers, Bicycles and the Disabled at the Roosevelt Island (RI) Station
Re‐establish Boy Scouts on Roosevelt Island (RI)
Management of Roosevelt Island Garden Club
New Public Library
Control of Rats and Pigeons on RI
New Issue – Dogs are urinating on the outside walls of Roosevelt Landings under the Main St. canopy. The situation is particularly acute at the north end of the canopy. Walls are being damaged and there are unsightly messes in this area. We discussed a number of ways to attack this problem including getting Public Safety to issue summons, getting RL management to routinely hose down the sidewalk under the canopy, posting signs in the affected areas and experimenting with an anti‐urination spray for dogs.
The ISC expects to next meet in mid‐February
Let the RIRA ISC know if you have an issue or concern about Roosevelt Island services and they may be able to help.
Reported previously
that Roosevelt Island is a great place to test
new
and
exciting
technology for the betterment of those who live, work and visit here. Projects
that succeed on Roosevelt Island can then be expanded to other locations.
Here's another opportunity to test a technology solution to a common problem on
Roosevelt Island and everywhere else. Could DNA Testing technology
The only thing worse than stepping in dog poop is knowing there's pretty much
no way to track down the guilty pet owner.
That's where PooPrints comes in. The service, created by BioPet Vet Lab in
Tennessee, can be purchased by entire housing complexes or housing
developments that are willing to make pet DNA swabbing a requirement for
residents. That way, if anyone ever comes across a pile of abandoned feces on
the street, PooPrints can take a sample, send it to a lab and instantly know
which dog, and consequently which owner, is the culprit....
Responding in 2010 to residents complaints about some dog owners not picking up
their dog's poop, former Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Public Safety Department (PSD) Director Keith Guerra
stated:
... The Public Safety Department has received calls regarding dog owners not
picking up after their dogs. Unfortunately, by the time we respond to the
location, the person is usually gone. However, if someone is seen by a Public
Safety Officer not picking up after their dog, they can be ticketed.
Dogs are also not permitted to run loose in non-designated areas. "Curb your
Dog" signs refer to just that. Dogs must be kept on a leash.
"No Dogs Allowed" signs are authorized to be placed on private property. If a
person disobeys any of the posted signs, they fall subject to being ticketed
as well.
Please note that Public Safety Officers can use discretion and choose to issue
a verbal warning in lieu of a ticket.
Residents need to use good judgement in these areas, as they do affect the
Quality of Life here on the island. Encourage your readers to be good
neighbors by keeping their dogs on a leash and picking up after them as
well....
So, what do you think? Should Roosevelt Island dogs be required to have their
DNA on file with PSD or their building management so that poop not picked up can
be tested to identify and ticket the dog owner?
Image of Ch 7 Eyewitness News Visiting Roosevelt Island
Following yesterday's NY Times story about the MTA's use of an audio predator system attempting to rid the Roosevelt Island Subway Station of pigeons, Channel 7 Eyewitness visited to take a look at get reactions. Here's their report.
More on the Roosevelt Island pigeon pooping subway problem from previous posts.
... Have you noticed the Roosevelt Island F Train Subway station entrance is much cleaner recently? There are less pigeons, less pigeon poop and the netting on the ceiling has been removed....
I think they use some kind of audio based repellent. I assume the bird sounds I heard this morning in the station are similar to whatever predators pigeons have? There is also a white loudspeaker kind of thing mounted high up close to the ceiling windows. But, yes, except for the one or two stray pigeons it seems to be quite effective.
Today's NY Times reports on the Roosevelt Island Subway Pooping Pigeon solution devised by the MTA:
... The authority has had a problem with pigeons entering the station, and leaving their feathers, and more unsightly evidence, on and under the walls. The agency had used netting, similar to chicken wire, beneath the ceiling to try to keep the pigeons at bay.
But in early December, the authority tried a different tack: a $375 bird call system that releases distress and predator calls every 2 to 10 minutes. Since then, authority officials have focused on cleaning up the station and the negative memories many riders still hold of the unsightly entrance....
At the Roosevelt Island station, riders seemed relatively unimpressed with the authority’s new gadget.
As Darsheen Davis waited in the station on a recent afternoon and a pigeon fearlessly strutted by, she pointed to the white droppings that still streaked the station’s ceiling. She suffers from bronchial asthma and said the pigeon smell remains so strong it makes her dizzy every time she waits there.
“I don’t have anything against animals because I have nine pits,” Ms. Davis said, referring to her pit bulls. “You see all the feces up there. It’s not sanitary.”
Other riders are more concerned about the pigeons’ welfare.
Tashi Chodron, a Tibetan Buddhist who lives on the island, recalls the first time she heard the “very disturbing” sounds in the station. For the past few months, she has been delivering bread and bagels for the pigeons because she fears that they are having trouble finding food during winter.;...
... Ms. Chodron’s friend John McCormick, who feeds the birds with her, using leftovers from his catering business, said he preferred the old method and pointed out that New Yorkers would always complain...
Click here for the entire New York Times Roosevelt Island Pooping Pigeons solution article. Image below from the NY Times of a Roosevelt Island F Train Subway Station entrance clean of pigeon poop.
Image of Cleaner Roosevelt Island Subway Entrance Ceiling Today
Have you noticed the Roosevelt Island F Train Subway station entrance is much cleaner recently? There are less pigeons, less pigeon poop and the netting on the ceiling has been removed.
Do you remember what the Roosevelt Island F Train Subway used to look like - this:
The Bronx Times reports that at the Pelham Bay Subway Station the MTA:
... is installing systems to deter pigeons, such as spikes, repellent gel and a sonic repellent system. It also pledges to clean all pigeon droppings at the station and will install a “Do Not Feed the Pigeons”... sign.
Despite the cleaner Roosevelt Island subway station, the pigeons are not gone. I saw one up in the rafters this morning - just hanging out waiting for.....
Roosevelt Island is a mixed income, racially diverse waterfront community situated in the East River of New York City between Manhattan and Queens and is jurisdictionally part of Manhattan. The Roosevelt Island Tramway, which connects Roosevelt Island to the rest of Manhattan, has become the iconic symbol of Roosevelt Island to its residents.
The Purpose of this Blog is to provide accurate and timely information about Roosevelt Island as well as a forum for residents to express opinions and engage in a dialogue to improve our community.
