Ben Fhala Resigned Today From The Roosevelt Island Operating Corp Board Of Directors - Appointed In June 2023, He Brought Much Needed Accountability, Transparency & Community Engagement To RIOC But Angered Some With Perceived Aggressive And Confrontational Style

Roosevelt Island resident Ben Fhala has been a breath of fresh air on the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Board of Directors. He was a needed change agent calling for accountability, transparency and community engagement from the RIOC staff and other RIOC Board Directors which had been sorely lacking for a very long time before his appointment in June 2023. 

But, Mr Fhala's style and behavior could sometimes be perceived as overly aggressive and confrontational which angered some and others thought his tactics were counter productive at times.

Image Of Ben Fhala At September 29, 2024 RIOC Board Of Directors Meeting

Rumors were swirling yesterday that Ben Fhala would soon be removed from the RIOC Board of Directors after Mr Fhala was spotted by several residents outside the Good Shepherd Church during last Thursday evening's RIOC Board of Directors Executive Session. The speculation was that he was outside during the meeting because he was one of the subjects being discussed in the Executive Session.

Today Mr Fhala's removal was confirmed when he shared the following email he sent to NY Governor Kathy Hochul this morning:

Dear Governor Hochul, 

I am writing to formally submit my resignation as a member of the Board of Directors of the Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation (RIOC), effective immediately. It is my sincere hope that this decision might also help to motivate board members whose terms have long expired to consider stepping down to pave the way for others to step up and lead with the commitment, energy and vision required to address the many challenges ahead.

For the past year, working alongside dedicated individuals, together we advocated for and advised implementation of policies that benefit the Roosevelt Island community. 

Among these achievements:

Revised Updated Bylaws: 

Governance Committee updated the bylaws aimed at engagement, transparency and setting the stage for a more localized governance and decision-making process. The revised Bylaws received the approval of the ABO and the COOG and are ready for the consideration of the full board.

Addressing Negligence/Deferred Maintenance in Repair of Pavement and Zebra Block Maintenance: 

Initiating the repairs has already led to a dramatic reduction in slip-and-fall incidents, directly improving public safety and accessibility of our Island. Safer streets reduce accidents and lawsuits.

Empowering Island Leadership to Engage with Stakeholders: 

Facilitating deeper engagement between Island leadership and stakeholders, including local media, to enhance transparency and community engagement in decision-making processes.

Increased Public Funding for Local Non-Profits: 

Successfully aligned public purpose funding with the needs of local non-profits, ensuring that resources are distributed more effectively to directly support community-driven initiatives.

Reducing Motorgate Waitlist: 

From a waitlist of well over a year to immediate availability for all residents, significantly improving access and increasing revenue for the corporation.

Despite these accomplishments, many critical issues still require urgent attention to ensure the continued growth and well-being of the Roosevelt Island community. These include:

Corruption and Misconduct in Contract Selection: Numerous allegations of corruption, favoritism, and misconduct in the selection of RIOC contracts, contractors and consultants seems to be substantiated. This issue requires urgent investigation and reform to restore trust and integrity.

Unjustified Salary Increases for Senior Staff while lacking Critical Skills required for performance tasks : Salaries within RIOC’s senior staff have ballooned over the years without clear guidelines regarding the professional responsibilities, success parameters, or alignment with current market rates for comparable government positions. Multiple whistleblowers have reported unmerited salary increases, but no action has been taken by the board or its handlers. At the same time, critical skilled roles such as a structural engineer remain unfilled. The lack of a professional staff with appropriate qualifications results in the hiring of outside consultants at significant additional expense.

Enabling Strong, Experienced Local Leadership: With de facto vacancies in our CEO, COO and General Counsel roles, it’s critical to appoint qualified and capable leadership that serves the public interests of Roosevelt Island. Meanwhile, the continued payment for the current at-home administration adds a strain on resources

Self-Funded Investigations: The ongoing practice of self-funded, open-ended investigations has cost Island residents millions of dollars over the years. Often they are without clear guardrails, control mechanisms, or transparency. These investigations need to be scrutinized and brought under board oversight.

Neglect and Disrepair of Island Infrastructure: Years of deferred maintenance and negligence have left many structures on the island in disrepair, from a sinking Main Street to structurally compromised railings to unresolved issues with steam tunnels that could pose catastrophic risks. Immediate action is needed to prevent further deterioration and ensure public safety. The current bus crisis is evidence that advanced organization and budget planning is critical but is rarely, if ever, done. Preventive maintenance of all systems and operations should be done on a routine basis.

Capitalization of Tram Tourism Ridership: The current focus on subsidizing tram ridership for tourists is negatively impacting the quality of service and strains public resources. The increase in tourism should provide an injection of revenue to increase the quality of life of all stakeholders on the Island but no strategic vision has been discussed let alone implemented.

Finding New Funding Avenues: It is crucial to explore new ways to fund RIOC initiatives, such as building out a grants department or hiring an advocacy group to secure long-term operational funding and consider tourism as a source for economic growth.

However, it has become increasingly clear that I have become a focal point of discussions and controversies that detract from the essential work that needs to be done. The focus and efforts should always be on the real and critical issues the Island faces. The work of RIOC and its board, as a public benefit corporation, should be exclusively to improve the quality of life for the stakeholders of this Island—the residents, businesses, and communities we serve. In light of this, I believe that my continued presence on the board is counterproductive to achieving the progress the stakeholders of this Island deserve.

Thank you for the opportunity to serve the people of Roosevelt Island. I remain deeply committed to the community and will continue to support it in any way I can.

Cordially,

Ben Fhala*

Junior (Resident) Board Member

*Disclaimer: All statements made by Ben Fhala are made in his capacity as a RIOC Resident Board member. He does not represent the entirety of RIOC or the full board but serves as a Resident Board member, offering information to the community and its stakeholders.

You can see some of the tension between Mr Fhala and RIOC Board Chair designee Megan Anderson representing NY State Department Homes & Community Renewal (DHCR) Commissioner RuthAnne Visnauskas, and fellow RIOC Board members Howard Polivy, Faye Christian and David Kraut during last Thursday's RIOC Board Meeting. Mr Fhala appeared to be trying to make some information public which was objected to by some of the other Board members.

Reliable sources say that a majority of the RIOC Board had the votes to pass a resolution recommending Mr Fhala's removal from the Board.

Mr Fhala's resignation leaves vacant one of the 9 RIOC Board seats vacant. The Board seat will not be filled to at least January 2025 when the NY State Senate is in session and more likely many months later.

Mr Fhala will be thanked by many residents who appreciate the good work he accomplished. 

Stay tune for more on Mr Fhala's resignation from the RIOC Board.

RIOC Director's New Year's Resolution To Engage With Local Roosevelt Island Media - First Question On Roosevelt Island Transportation And Resident/Worker Tram Priority Boarding Preference

Ben Fhala was among the three local residents, including Lydia Tang and Dr Michal Melamed, appointed to the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Board of Directors last June. During the last 7 months, these three new directors have attempted, with varying degrees of success, to bring some transparency and oversight to RIOC.

Mr Fhala sent the following message yesterday to local Roosevelt Island media.

Dear Roosevelt Island Media,

I trust you had a wonderful New Year. As part of my New Year's resolution, I am committed to fostering more extensive discussions on operational and governance topics, particularly with you. My intention is to engage in ongoing dialogues until I am satisfied with the performance of the communications team, executive leadership, and board oversight concerning our fiduciary duties to RIOC and responsibilities to the community.

These communications do not represent official RIOC or full board responses; rather, they reflect my role as an appointed resident board member. My communications often receive approval from multiple board members and, over time, hopefully from the administration. It is imperative that these communications are published in their entirety to avoid any misinterpretation due to the sensitive nature of the topics discussed.

Feel free to respond or challenge any of these communications as you deem appropriate. If you agree, I am willing to address a list of your questions in a structured interview. Should these terms be acceptable to you, I am open to sharing my perspectives on oversight, myself, and general topics of interest.

I look forward to your response. Please understand that, given the significance of these matters, it may take a few days for me to reply. If you decide to publish my communications, kindly ensure they are presented in full to maintain context and prevent any misconceptions.

Thanks,

Ben Fhala* Resident Board Member

*Disclaimer: All statements made by Ben Fhala are made in his capacity as a RIOC Resident Board member. He does not represent the entirety of RIOC nor the full board but serves as a Resident Board member, offering information to the community and its stakeholders. 

A few hours later I responded to Mr Fhala:

Ben & RIOC Board Members

Ben, thank you for your efforts to communicate with the Roosevelt Island community on important issues of concern.

As you may know, there will be no Roosevelt Island F train shuttle service this weekend. As a result, the Roosevelt Island Tram is expected to be even more overcrowded than usual with very long waiting time for residents and workers trying to get back and forth between the Roosevelt Island and Manhattan 2nd Avenue Tram stations.

What preparations has RIOC made to reduce the transportation problems this weekend caused by the lack of F Train Shuttle service?

Will RIOC give Roosevelt Island residents and workers preference on the line waiting for the Tram this weekend? It could be as easy as allowing anyone with a Metro Card preference on the line since most tourists will use the OMNY payment system?

Will Seniors, Disabled and Parents with strollers be allowed to use the Tram elevator without waiting on the line?

Will there be a Red Bus shuttle to Manhattan?

Also, the RIOC General Counsel issued an opinion several months ago wrongly claiming that it would be illegal to create a separate Tram line for residents/workers who use the Tram for essential transportation and others who use the Tram as a Sightseeing attraction.

Is the RIOC Board aware that on December 7, Governor Hochul announced preferential treatment for residents of Queens and the Bronx who use the Henry Hudson Bridge and Cross Bay Bridge with a Toll rebate program which is not available for those who do not live in Queens or the Bronx. See Governor Hochul's announcement here.

If Queens and Bronx residents can receive preferential treatment for use of these bridges not available to others, will the RIOC Board provide a preference for Roosevelt Island residents using the Roosevelt Island Tram? If not, why?

Please let me know if the RIOC Board or staff have any comment on this matter?

Thank you. 

 Mr Fhala replied:

Thank you for your prompt response.

I am inclined to focus on more enduring questions, steering clear of any interference with the current administration. My hope is that lessons were learned from the past shutdown, and improvements will be evident. I hope that with the track switch the executive team has coordinated with the MTA to confirm the station will remain accessible.

As I understand it, PSD will be on-site managing traffic. I wish to express my confidence in Chief Kevin Brown's ability to assist commuters, especially those of age, disabled, and with young children. To my knowledge, there hasn't been any change in this directive. Despite the known conflicts between certain resident board members and the executive team, I am optimistic that a focus on the best interests of both RIOC and the community will prevail. @Brown, Kevin (RIOC) can you confirm and/or add any additional notes?

In the coming week, I plan to brainstorm with fellow resident board members articulate more comprehensive answers and thoughts in regards to your non-weekend specific questions.

A final note to our fellow residents: ther is no doubt that this weekend will be challenging one; If possible, consider avoiding the tram this weekend to alleviate stress on the RIOC operated systems. Instead, explore the alternative options of utilizing the ferry and the Q102.

@Daniels, Bryant (RIOC), is there anything additional you would like to contribute beyond the advisory sent out?

Thanks,

Ben Fhala*

Resident Board Member

*Disclaimer: All statements made by Ben Fhala are made in his capacity as a RIOC Resident Board member. He does not represent the entirety of RIOC nor the full board but serves as a Resident Board member, offering information to the community and its stakeholders.

 RIOC Director Fay Christian replied today:

As stated in the RIOC announcement, this weekend, the MTA will provide bus transportation to subway lines in queens. The bridge situation in queens and Bronx was overseen by Governor Hochul.

I replied to Ms Christian:

Thank you for the response.

Could you clarify what you mean by: "The bridge situation in queens and Bronx was overseen by Governor Hochul."

RIOC"S reasoning is that it would be illegal for a preferential resident/worker line at the Roosevelt Island Tram.

Why does RIOC deem it illegal for resident/worker preferences on the Roosevelt Island Tram when it is legal for preferential resident rebates to be given to Bronx and Queens residents using the Bridges?

Is it within the power of the RIOC Board to set a policy of resident/worker preference on the Tram?

If not, why?

Thanks again.

Ms Christian answered:

Below is the quote taken from your email. I merely restated your comments. 

"Is the RIOC Board aware that on December 7, Governor Hochul announced preferential treatment for residents of Queens and the Bronx who use the Henry Hudson Bridge and Cross Bay Bridge with a Toll rebate program which is not available for those who do not live in Queens or the Bronx. See Governor Hochul's announcement here."

The answer to your questions can all be solved in your quote.

Mr Fhala, together with RIOC, the Executive Chamber of Governor Hochul's Office as well as other NY State Officials

Image From November 14, 2023 RIOC Board Of Directors Meeting

are currently being sued by RIOC President Shelton Haynes and General Counsel Gretchen Robinson. 

According to the lawsuit:

This is a case about how the Executive Chamber for the Office of the Governor of New York (the “Chamber”) and the Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation (“RIOC”) have unfairly subjected Shelton J. Haynes and Gretchen K. Robinson (“Robinson,” and together with Haynes, the “Plaintiffs”), two African American executives, to continuous and pervasive discrimination by, including but not limited to, subjecting Haynes and Robinson to frequent unwarranted investigations by the New York State Inspector General (“NYSIG”) as well as ordering an independent investigation by an outside counsel—something not done for other, more serious allegations—based entirely on specious allegations of wrongdoing. The Chamber did so while simultaneously thwarting Haynes’s and Robinson’s efforts to fight back against the discrimination and defend themselves and RIOC against a multitude of defamatory statements made by a local blogger and a group of disgruntled former employees. After a seven-month investigation by an outside counsel—an investigation that was wholly out of step with prior practice of the RIOC Board of Directors (the “RIOC Board”) and referred to by one RIOC Board Member as a “f****** racist witch hunt”—State officials close to the Governor, led by Defendants Alejandro Valella (“Valella,” who provided updates to the Chamber on the investigation) and Diana Lopez (“Lopez”) intentionally delayed outside counsel’s publication of a report that exonerated Plaintiffs of wrongdoing, and instructed outside counsel to sanitize the first draft of the report to remove and cover up the findings that confirmed and supported Plaintiffs’ ongoing complaints of experiencing racial discrimination while working at RIOC. Other Chamber officials, including Defendants Roger Maldonado (“Maldonado”), Tania Dissanayake (“Dissanayake”), RuthAnne Visnauskas (“Visnauskas”), and Lopez, who were aware of the discrimination findings in the report, have discriminated and retaliated against Plaintiffs by, among other means: (1) installing RIOC Board Members (Ben Fhala (“Fhala”) and Lydia Tang (“Tang”)) —who, from the beginning of their board tenures, have been antagonistic to Plaintiffs—without consulting Plaintiffs (a departure from prior practice); and (2) preventing existing RIOC Board Members—who are supportive of Haynes and Robinson—from filling committee vacancies. Moreover, since Plaintiffs filed this lawsuit, Defendants have continued—and even escalated— their unwarranted targeting of Plaintiffs by initiating yet another frivolous investigation into them, interfering with their ability to do their jobs, and criticizing them to the media. Through their actions, Defendants have also subjected Plaintiffs to a hostile work environment. In doing so, they have made their message to Plaintiffs clear: GET OUT....

Mr Fhala's New Year's resolution is a good start.

RIOC Staff Attempts To Push Through Acting Chief Operating Officer To Permanent Position At Board Meeting Today After Failing To Get Directors Approval At Meeting Last Month - How Does RIOC Hire Executive Staff?

Last November 2, I asked Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) President Shelton Haynes and RIOC Board Directors:

 I am preparing a story on the process by which RIOC Executive staff are hired.

Among the items on the cancelled October 26 RIOC Board of Directors meeting agenda was:

Dhruvika Amin - VP CFO Appointment and

Mary Cunneen VP COO Appointment

Did RIOC conduct an Executive Search for either of these senior positions at a Public Benefit Corp with an approximately $30 million budget and more than 100 employees? Were either of these positions publicly advertised?

If yes, what did the search consist of? If not, why was there no executive search for these positions?... 

There was no response so I sent a follow up message on November 6. RIOC Board Director Ben Fhala replied later that day writing:  

These questions are of utmost importance. If you happen to receive a response before the meeting, please keep us informed. Otherwise, we intend to bring these questions up during our Q&A with the candidates for these roles, as they hold significant importance.

I was informed through informal channels that the CFO was hired approximately two months ago, but the recently appointed board members have not been involved in the process. To the best of my knowledge, the selection process has included some board members while excluded others.

Thanks, Ben Fhala*

Resident Board Member

*Disclaimer: All statements made by Ben Fhala are made in his capacity as a RIOC Resident Board member. He does not represent the entirety of RIOC or the full board but serves as a Resident Board member, offering information to the community and its stakeholders. 

The November 14 RIOC Board meeting agenda items included the appointment of Dhruvika Amin as RIOC Chief Financial Officer and Mary Cuneen as Chief Operating Officer. Ms Cunneen has been the Acting Chief Operating Officer of RIOC since September 2022. 

Prior to the November 14 Board meeting, a Roosevelt Island Tipster emailed the following on Ms Cunneen's proposed appointment:

Check Mary's bio on the website vs what her resume says. Her resume just posted with the Board materials, leaves out a job she held at RIOC when she first started. We fired Erica Spencer-el for much less.

During the November 14 RIOC Board meeting, Directors asked questions regarding the executive search process conducted for the CFO position, Ms Amin's qualifications and her willingness to work with Board members as they perform their oversight function of RIOC. 

Ms Amin's appointment as RIOC CFO was approved by the RIOC Board. Here's what happened.

 

Following Ms Amin's approval, the RIOC Board considered Ms Cunneen's appointment as Chief Operating Officer. The RIOC Board asked similar questions but they also asked why she has refused to speak with Board members and answer their questions about RIOC operations. 

Ms Cuneen response that she is open to working with Board members was received with skepticism by Board members based upon their previous experience interacting with her. Ms Cunneen also responded to other questions by Board members by "deferring to the Chair" of the Board meeting or saying "I don't recall."

Discussion of Ms Cunneen's appointment was then moved to a closed Executive Session without the public being present.

Ms Cunneen's appointment as RIOC Chief Operating Officer was not approved at the November 14 RIOC Board meeting.

Here's what happened.

 

RIOC staff are trying again to get approval from the RIOC Board for Ms Cunneen's appointment as Chief Operating Officer at the RIOC Board of Directors meeting later today.

Yesterday, I asked RIOC President Shelton Haynes and RIOC Board Directors:

I am following up on my prior inquiries regarding the hiring process for  Roosevelt Island executive staff.

I understand that Mary Cuneen's appointment as RIOC Chief Operating Officer is on the December 13 RIOC Board of Directors meeting Agenda after failing to be approved during the November 14 RIOC Board meeting.

During the November 14 RIOC Board Meeting, RIOC Assistant Vice President Administration Tajuana Sharpe told the RIOC Board that an Executive Search was conducted for the position, that 7 or 8 candidates were interviewed and that advertisements for the Chief Operating Officer position were posted on websites. According to Ms Sharpe, Ms Cuneen was the best candidate for the job.

Please confirm the accuracy of Ms Sharpe's statement. 

I did not see any advertisement on the RIOC website or any other public notice of the RIOC Chief Operating Officer position. I did see notices for the RIOC Chief Financial Officer Position. Please forward any links to public advertising for the RIOC Chief Operating Officer Position.

I spoke with former RIOC President Susan Rosenthal about the qualifications of Ms Cuneen to be the RIOC Chief Operating Officer. According to Ms Rosenthal, Mary Cuneen was removed from her position as Director Of Parks and Recreation because of her poor management skills and placed in a new position where she did not have to manage staff. Ms Rosenthal added that both she and then Chief Operating Officer Shelton Haynes believed Ms Cuneen's skill set was better used in a position where she was not managing more than a small group of staff. Ms Cuneen was moved to a new position with less managerial responsibilities.

Ms Rosenthal added that she thought Ms Cuneen was a lovely person, that she personally liked her but  she was not competent as a manager of staff.

Also, during the November RIOC Board meeting, RIOC Directors asked Ms Cuneen about her previous refusal to speak with and answer questions by RIOC Board members exercising their oversight function and apparent discrepancies in her resume. Will Ms Cuneen continue her refusal to speak with and answer questions from RIOC Board members performing their oversight function of RIOC?

For comparison purposes, RIOC's sister agency, the Battery Park City Authority, recently completed an Executive Search Process for President CEO. According to the Broadsheet news site:

... a professional search firm had reviewed “dozens and dozens of resumes that would be appropriate, many of which would have been very good candidates. They presented us with six or seven very highly talented candidates that were diverse, extremely competent, and had great credentials. It was a tough decision. We got down to a couple finalists and we interviewed the finalists and quite frankly the process worked very smoothly, and I think we got an incredibly good candidate that was ultimately vetted by the Governor’s office.”...

Was a similar executive search used for the RIOC Chief Operating Officer position?

I am preparing an article on this subject. Please let me know if anyone from RIOC will respond.

There has been no reply.

 

We'll see what happens at today's meeting. Stay tuned. 

UPDATE 9 PM - Following an Executive Session, the RIOC Board voted to table the agenda item appointing Ms Cunneen as Chief Operating Officer meaning that no vote was taken.

New RIOC Board Director Ben Fhala Hopes To Bring Change And Fresh Perspective To Roosevelt Island - Goals Include Safeguarding Quality Of Life For All Residents, Managing Impact Of Tourism And Revitalizing Northern Side Of RI Among Others

Until yesterday, 3 seats on the 9 member Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Board of Directors were vacant. 

As reported yesterday, Roosevelt Island residents Ben Fhala, Michal Melamed and Lydia Tang were appointed to the RIOC Board of Directors filling the 3 vacant seats.

Yesterday, I asked Mr Fhala:

... Please let me know if you would like to make a written statement to the Roosevelt Island community on your nomination/appointment to the RIOC Board to include in Roosevelt islander story.

Why do you wish to be on the RIOC Board and how do you see your role as a RIOC Director? Are there particular issues you would like to see addressed?

What was the process by which you were asked to become a RIOC Director? Who initially approached you about the appointment?...

Mr Fhala replied today:

When I moved to Roosevelt Island several years ago, I knew it was a unique and special place and wanted to be involved in preserving and enhancing this beautiful island that was now my home. Quite soon, I had the privilege of joining the Board of the Roosevelt Island Disabled Association as its Executive Vice President. 

I have served since 2022 under the guidance and support of President Wendy Hersh and Mary Colman. Working closely with Vice President Nancy Brown, we have coordinated various activities for the disabled community throughout the island. Collaborating with Lisa Fernandez, the Program Director of the Roosevelt Island Senior Center, we have jointly created activities to benefit our disabled and senior communities, including off island cultural and recreational bus trips including two scheduled for later this summer and October. Additionally, I was closely involved with the Food Pantry that serves almost two hundred local families with food insecurities. Here, too, I worked under the guidance of Ms. Hersh and Ms. Colman.

Initially, I had no intentions or aspirations to join the RIOC board, primarily due to concerns over the negative feedback the board has received over the years. Nonetheless, I believe that our island is an extraordinary place, and despite the "scandals" that have plagued RIOC, it remains the best place to live in New York City. I would like to contribute to maintaining this status for years to come.

Leaders within the community made me realize that the people were prepared and eager to revitalize the current board. Although individuals had reached out to me, the pivotal moment came when Lisa Fernandez strongly recommended passing my information to State Senator Liz Krueger's office. I agreed, and as a result, I engaged in numerous conversations with other island leaders who guided and encouraged me to pursue the opportunity.

A few weeks after my agreement, Audrey Tannen of Senator Krueger's office reached out to me. She had an awareness of the work I had done at RIDA. Senator Krueger's office endorsed my name to the Governor's office, with the aim of injecting new perspectives and revitalizing the board. There were many further discussions with other island leaders who shared the same sentiment, emphasizing the need for change and offering their support as I embarked on this path.

As for my envisioned role as a RIOC Director, I am inspired by the conversations I had with each person. It became evident that the board has required a fresh perspective for quite some time. Governor Hochul's and State Senator Liz Krueger's vision of our island as a thriving place for both older and younger generations resonates with me. I would work to ensure our island remains an enviable place, while also striking a balance between the quality of life we enjoy and the affordability necessary to include our existing communities.

I hope to find a way to fulfill these two needs: preparing our island for the next generation so that my husband and I can build our future family here, while simultaneously safeguarding the quality of life for our seniors, disabled individuals, and lower-income families who call this island home.

Are there specific issues that I would like to see addressed? Absolutely. Among the many pressing matters, the two areas that currently hold the most interest for me include:

1. Revitalizing the northern side of the island: At present, the heartbeat of our island resides predominantly in the south-central area. I would be delighted to collaborate with RIOC in expanding and transforming the northern side (the parking lot area) into a central hub for our residents. With the RIOC office relocating to the new building currently under construction in the center/south side, this presents a significant opportunity to reinvent the existing area and create a new community focal point.

2. Managing tourism impact: While we attract a substantial number of tourists to the island, the current situation has inadvertently diminished our quality of life due to subway/tram disruptions and street congestion. It is important that we find ways to benefit from these visitors, both by increasing island revenue and improving our quality of life. I aspire to lead a team in exploring viable options, such as introducing food carts on the south side where many visitors congregate or implementing different payment schemes for public transportation for residents versus visitors. I have several ideas, but I would like to gain a better understanding of viable options before sharing them.

These two points, among many others, are areas where I would work to initiate conversations and find effective solutions.

More on the new RIOC Board Directors here.

Are You Interested In Serving On The Roosevelt Island Operating Corp Board Of Directors To Help Set Budget, Land Use Priorities And Oversee RIOC? NY Assembly Member Rebecca Seawright Seeking Roosevelt Island Residents To Recommend For RIOC Board To Governor Kathy Hochul

Are you interested in serving on the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Board of Directors? 

NY State Assembly Member Rebecca Seawright has been talking with NY State Governor Kathy Hochul 

(Ms Seawright seen below talking with Governor Hochul at the November 9 Women In Service Veterans Day Tribute in Central Park)

about selecting new RIOC Board members and is seeking Roosevelt Island residents to recommend to Governor Hochul for nomination.

During the December 10 ribbon cutting and grand opening of the Girl Puzzle Nelly Bly monument at Lighthouse Park, Ms Seawright asked if there were any Roosevelt Island residents interested in serving on the RIOC Board Of Directors.

RIOC Directors are volunteers, receive no pay and must go through a NY State vetting process. 

In 2017, former RIOC Director Margie Smith (who was an excellent RIOC Director) explains what a RIOC Director does and why it's important that RIOC Directors are Roosevelt Island residents, namely in terms of setting budget and land use priorities. In theory, RIOC Directors are supposed to provide oversight and set policy for the RIOC staff.

There are currently 2 vacant RIOC Board seats and 1 board seat held by a former resident who moved away yet refuses to resign from the RIOC Board.

As far as I know, there are no plans to hold a Roosevelt Island community election for nominee recommendations for the RIOC Board.

Roosevelt Island's NY State Senator Jose Serrano spoke recently about the importance of future appointments to the RIOC Board at a September 30 Four Freedoms Democratic Club meeting.

If you're interested in serving on the RIOC Board, or not sure and want more info,  please contact Rebecca Seawright.

Proposed RIOC Fiscal Year 2020-21 Budget, Appointment Of New Legal Affairs VP And Executive Session Personnel Matters Among Items On Agenda For Roosevelt Island Operating Corp September 5 Board Of Directors Meeting - Public Comment Session Prior To Start Of Meeting Too

The Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Board of Directors will meet 5:30 PM Thursday September 5, at the Cultural Center (548 Main Street).
 

 Image From June 2019 RIOC Board Meeting

You're invited to  attend, ask questions and share concerns about Roosevelt Island during the opening Public Session before the start of the meeting. Sign up to speak here.

Among the items on meeting Agenda are:

• Presentation of the Proposed Budget FY 2020-21
• Appointment of Gretchen K. Robinson to the Position of Secretary and Vice President for Legal Affairs of the Corporation

and an Executive Session (closed to the public):

• Discussion of personnel matters

According to RIOC:

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that a Board of Directors meeting will be held on Thursday, September 5, 2019 at 5:30 p.m. at the Cultural Center Theater, 548 Main Street, Roosevelt Island, New York 10044

AGENDA

SEPTEMBER 5, 2019 MEETING OF

THE ROOSEVELT ISLAND OPERATING CORPORATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS

THE CULTURAL CENTER THEATER, 548 MAIN STREET,

ROOSEVELT ISLAND, NEW YORK

5:30 P.M.1

I. Call to Order

II. Roll Call

III. Approval of Minutes

1. June 25, 2019 Board Meeting (Board Action Required)

IV. Old Business

V. New Business

1. Appointment of Gretchen K. Robinson to the Position of Secretary and Vice President for Legal Affairs of the Corporation (Board Action Required)

2 . Presentation of the Proposed Budget FY 2020-21

3. President’s Report

4. Committee Reports

a. Audit Committee

b. Governance Committee

c. Operations Advisory Committee

d. Real Estate Development Advisory Committee

Public Safety Report

VI. Executive Session

1. Discussion of personnel matters

VII. Adjournment

__________________________

1 The RIOC Board Meeting will commence following a public comment period. The public comment period is not part of the meeting.

Don't know what the Executive Session regarding "personnel matters" is about but RIOC recently dismissed 2 long time staffers. A RIOC spokesperson explained:

Over the past year, RIOC's executive team has taken on the challenge of strategically planning the future of our organization. Unfortunately, this means we must say goodbye to colleagues who have been part of our RIOC family for quite some time. These decisions are difficult but necessary as RIOC constantly strives to become as efficient and productive as possible for our residents and stakeholders.

Here's the full Proposed RIOC Budget for fiscal year 2020-21.

An excerpt:

The Island is currently experiencing an economic boom in real estate with the construction‐in‐progress for Southtown Building 8 and 9, the completion of phase 1 of the multi‐billion‐dollar Cornell Tech campus site, and the evolution of the original residential complexes. These developments are the main drivers for the increased revenues and expenses mentioned below. This would support the need to increase funding to the Public Safety Department, Community Relations activity, professional support, training, etc. RIOC is contractually and statutorily required to maintain infrastructure and provide adequate service to the Island to accommodate this growth. Accordingly, RIOC is in the midst of significant infrastructure and facilities repairs and improvements as outlined on pages 8 through 10 of the budget. Changes year over year are discussed below:

The Proposed Budget FY 2020‐21 projects capital improvements in the amount of $40,881,000, an increase of $6,217,000 over the Approved Budget FY 2019‐20 amount of $34,664,000. The Proposed amount primarily consists of capital projects in the projected amount of $38,811,000, but also includes the capitalized purchase of equipment and vehicles in the amount of $470,000 as well as capital reserve and contingency in the amount of $1,600,000. Categories of projects include sports fields and parks, historic and landmark structures, infrastructure improvements, facilities and offices, special projects and the Tramway.

For sports fields and parks, the Proposed Budget FY 2020‐21 projects expenditures in the amount of $17,235,000, an increase of $8,609,000 over the Approved Budget FY 2019‐20 amount of $8,609,000. The increase is mainly due to the projected Lighthouse Park Expansion and Partial Reconstruction.

For historic and landmark structures improvement, the Proposed Budget FY 2020‐21 projects expenditures in the amount of $1,327,000, a decrease of $386,000 from the Approved Budget FY 2019‐ 20 amount of $1,703,000. The decrease is mainly due to the completion of the Hope Memorial (Construction/Granite procurement) in FY 2019‐20.
For infrastructure improvements, the Proposed Budget FY 2020‐21 projects expenditures in the amount of $16,831,000, a decrease of $3,357,000 from the Approved Budget FY 2019‐20 amount of $20,188,000. The decrease is mainly due to the projected completion of the Seawall‐Railings Replacement (Construction) in FY 2019‐20 and the phasing of the Southpoint Open Space Park – Seawall (Construction) over three years.

For facilities and office improvements, the Proposed Budget FY 2020‐21 projects expenditures in the amount of $1,043,000, an increase of $1,043,000 over the Approved Budget FY 2019‐20 amount of $0. The increase is mainly due to the projected improvement of the Motorgate Plaza and Atrium, the Youth Center Refurbishment and the Dayspring Church.

For equipment and vehicles, the Proposed Budget FY 2020‐21 project expenditures in the amount of $470,000, a decrease of $30,000 over the Approved Budget FY 2019‐20 amount of $500,000. The decrease is mainly due to the projected purchase of equipment in FY 2019‐20.

For lighting and signage, the Proposed Budget FY 2020‐21 projects expenditures in the amount of $0, a decrease of $280,000 over the Approved Budget FY 2019‐20 amount of $280,000. The decrease is due to the completion of the Signage and Traffic Analysis project in 2019‐20.

For the Tramway, the Proposed Budget FY 2020‐21 projects expenditures in the amount of $2,385,000, an increase of $664,000 over the Approved Budget FY 2019‐20 amount of $1,721,000. The increase is mainly due to the projected overhaul of the Tram Rope, the improvement to the Tram Plaza – Roosevelt Island, and the construction of the Tram Elevator – Manhattan.

For the miscellaneous, the Proposed Budget FY 2020‐21 projects expenditures in the amount of $1,600,000, a decrease of $63,000 from the Approved Budget FY 2019‐20 amount of $1,663,000. The decrease is mainly due to the engagement of an Owner’s Representative to facilitate the many projects offset by a reduction in the contingency....

BREAKING NEWS - 3 New Members Named To Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Board Of Directors - Confirmed Yesterday By NY State Senate Finance Committee

Yesterday, June 17, the NY State Senate Finance Committee confirmed 3 new members of the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC). According to the NY State Senate Finance Committee web page, they are:

Jeffrey R. Escobar, Member, Board of Directors Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation
Conway S. Ekpo, Member, Board of Directors Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation
David E. Kapell, Member, Board of Directors Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation

Here's video of the confimation. RIOC Board members confirmation is at beginning of video.



Jeffrey Escobar is an attorney, Roosevelt Island resident and former President of Roosevelt Island Residents Association (RIRA) ending his 5 years as RIRA President in November 2018..



Conway S Ekpo is in-house counsel for Morgan Stanley. Do not know if he is a resident or not.

David E Kappel is a Director of State of New York Mortgage Agency Board (SONYMA). According to his SONYMA bio:

... Mr. Kapell is also president of Kapell Real Estate, Inc., a boutique family-run brokerage in Greenport that he founded in 1981.

He has three grown children and lives in Greenport and on Roosevelt Island with his wife, Eileen Kapell....

This is a developing story. Stay tuned for more.

UPDATE 7:20 PM - A reader noticed that Mr. Ekpo is a Roosevelt Island resident.

RIOC Board Rejects Motion By Director To Suspend Distribution Of Funds To Roosevelt Island Seniors Association - No Current Evidence Of Pending Investigation Concludes Majority Of Board

As the August 9 Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Board Of Directors meeting was nearing it's end, RIOC Board Director Michael Shinozaki raised an item that was not on the original Agenda (Video web cast of meeting here).

Mr. Shinozaki made a motion to suspend any distribution of previously allocated $12,000 in Public Purpose Funds by RIOC to the Roosevelt Island Seniors Association (RISA) until any investigation of RISA is finalized.

RIOC's General Counsel Jaci Flug advised the Board that she spoke with the Manhattan District Attorney's office and was told that the former Director of the Roosevelt Island Senior Center recently plead guilty to 1 count of Grand Larceny and 1 Misdemeanor arising out of activities at the Senior Center. Ms Flug added that the Manhattan District Attorney said the investigation is closed and no charges or investigations are pending against RISA or any of it's Board members.

Ms Flug asked Mr Shinozaki if he had any information that an investigation is currently pending. Mr. Shinozaki replied:

I can't disclose that at this time.

The RIOC Board did not approve the motion to suspend payment of allocated funds to RISA.

Yesterday, I asked Mr. Shinozaki:

... As you recall, Rioc's General Counsel reported that her conversation with the DA's office indicated that the investigation regarding RISA was completed.

You disagreed implying investigation into RISA was continuing.

Is that a correct description of your understanding.

Do you have any further comment?...

I have not yet received any response from Mr. Shinozaki.

Here's video of the RIOC Board discussion.



More information on the Manhattan District Attorney's Roosevelt Island Senior Center investigation and plea agreement of former Director at this August 7 post. Roosevelt Island Daily has more here too.

RIOC Board Director Nominee Election April 17 &18 - Meet Your Roosevelt Island Neighbors Seeking To Serve Our Community And Cast Your Ballot Monday or Tuesday

The Roosevelt Island Residents Association (RIRA) is conducting an election on April 17 & 18 to provide NY State Governor Andrew Cuomo with nominees for selection as Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Board of Directors.

RIRA Governance Committee Chairperson Joyce Short reports on the times and locations for voting in the RIOC Board nominee candidate election:

Monday- April 17th

546 Main St- 11:30-1:30

Southown- 455 Main St- for all Southtown Residents 4:30-9 PM

Rivercross- 4:30 to 9 PM

Westview- 6:30 to 9 PM (Building volunteer needed for 4:30-6:30)

Island House- 7-9 PM (Building volunteer needed for 4:30-7 PM)

Roosevelt Landings- 510 (for 510 and all back buildings) 4:30-9 PM

Roosevelt Landings- 540 (for 540, 546, and all back buildings) 4:30-9 PM

Manhattan Park- 20 River Road (For all Manhattan Park Residents) 4:30-9 PM

Octagon- 4:30-9 PM


Tuesday, April 18th

546 Main St- 11:30-1:30

Southown- 415 Main St- (for all Southtown Residents 4:30-9 PM

Rivercross- 4:30 to 9 PM

Westview- 4:30 to 5:30, and 6:30 to 9 PM (Building volunteer needed for 5:30-6:30)

Island House- 7-9 PM (Building volunteer needed for 4:30-7 PM)

Roosevelt Landings- 560 (for 560 and all back buildings) 4:30-9 PM

Roosevelt Landings- 580 (for 580, 546, and all back buildings) 4:30-9 PM

Manhattan Park- 20 River Road (for all Manhattan Park Residents) 4:30-9 PM

Octagon- 4:30-9 PM

and adds that volunteers are still needed to cover the election sites.  Please email Ms. Short if you are interested in volunteering to help with the election.

During April 12 RIRA Meet The RIOC Board Nominee Candidates Forum, Ms. Short provided:

• background on the election, 
• noted that 5 RIOC Board members are required by law to be Roosevelt Island residents and 
• urged residents to vote and ask their neighbors to vote as well.

According to Ms. Short,  RIOC President Susan Rosenthal does not see need for the election because the RIOC President works for the Governor and the Governor selects the RIOC Board. Ms Short believes that the RIOC President and Directors should work for the Roosevelt Island community first and foremost.



At the RIOC Board Nominee Forum, current RIOC Director Margie Smith discussed the importance of Roosevelt Island residents serving on the RIOC Board including role the RIOC Board has in setting budget and land use priorities



Below are statements and biographies of the RIOC Board nominee candidates. Note that the candidates are not running against each other but to fill vacant or currently expired Board Director seats. You can vote for one candidate or all of them in order of preference.

Eduardo Jany, Col USMC (Ret) 
Statement

I am so proud to take part in this important opportunity to represent my fellow residents on the Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation Board. My wife and I fell in love with the Island community and have made our home here. We live here, shop here, park our car here, educate our son here (RIDN), and make ample use of the Island’s resources. We certainly enjoy the convenience, the diversity and the charm that is Roosevelt Island but firmly believe that we need a stronger voice in Albany. I am fervently passionate about education and public safety as well as ensuring that our community retains its appeal to tourists, visitors and now our Cornell Tech neighbors while addressing commercial growth and quality of life in a proactive way.

It is no secret that New York taxes are among the highest in the nation and the Island affords us great services but there are many improvements needed particularly with the anticipated population increase. The use of impact funding and allocation of resources should involve voices from those who are most affected; our Island residents. Serving commercial or political interests should not mean neglecting our at-risk populations and we should not stand idly by while increased demands on parking, sanitation and maintenance, public safety and security, recreation programs and spaces go unaddressed. 



As a Marine and a Special Operations Officer I understand the intrinsic value that such a position holds. The responsibility to represent the community without regard to labels, party affiliation or special interests is paramount to our success. I believe in proactive and collaborative leadership and in expressing the voice of our community with honesty and integrity no matter how unpopular the message may be.

I am at your service and hope that you will see fit to consider me for the RIOC Board.

And BIO
:

Eduardo Jany is a first generation immigrant and native of São Paulo, Brazil who moved with his family to the United States in 1968, was naturalized a U.S. Citizen and speaks fluent Portuguese and Spanish. He has lived in four different countries and settled in New York City after being promoted to his current position. Eduardo spent the bulk of his working life in public service and is a retired police officer and career Marine who now directs Security Operations for Bloomberg in the Americas with an area of responsibility which includes the global headquarters and more than 45 facilities with over 10,000 people in ten different countries. He is also Bloomberg’s Director for Global Health and Safety. Prior to joining Bloomberg, Eduardo provided consulting and advisory services for international security and law enforcement projects with special emphasis on Brazil for the 2014 World Cup and 2016 Olympic Games. 



He retired as a Colonel from the Marine Corps having served 33 years of combined active and reserve duty in Special Operations, Anti-Terrorism, Reconnaissance and Infantry assignments and had prior enlisted and commissioned service in the U.S. Army Special Forces. He had over seven years of overseas deployments and Commanded the Anti-Terrorism Battalion, at the time the largest Battalion in the Marine Corps. He also retired from law enforcement as a Captain - Assistant Chief of Police after more than 20 years of active police service in Florida, Minnesota and Washington State. Eduardo was wounded in the line of duty during a high-risk SWAT operation in 2003 but made a full recovery and returned to active service and several deployments overseas.

He received a Master’s in Criminal Justice from the University of Wisconsin, Platteville and attended the University of Minnesota for undergraduate studies. He was a 2013 Senior Executive Fellow at the Harvard University - Kennedy School of Government, and completed the Kennedy School National and International Security Senior Executive Program, the National Defense University Reserve Components National Security Program, and is a graduate of the United States Marine Corps Command and Staff College. 



He was the recipient of the Bronze Star Medal, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Meritorious Service Medal, several US and foreign awards as well as the Police Medal of Valor and Officer of the Year-Excellence in Service Award. He is a volunteer mentor with ACP assisting with Veteran’s outreach, is on the Executive Board of the Overseas Security Advisory Council – Latin America Committee, the Domestic Security Alliance Council, and is an active member of the Citizen’s Crime Commission of New York City.

He is married to Luciana Pinheiro, a former US Embassy Staff member in Brazil and has a baby boy who attends RIDN and two daughters.

Brian Bower Statement:

Hello, my name is Brian Bower, and I'm a native New Yorker and a resident of Roosevelt Island since 2010. I have worked in data analysis and risk evaluation at Thomson Reuters for the last 2 years. I got married in 2016 and am an enthusiastic cook for my wife; you will see me every Saturday frequenting our Farmer's Market to pick up fresh produce for the upcoming week.

Having lived on the Island for the last 7 years, I have become increasingly concerned with the maintenance of the Island's public spaces, facilities, and the allocation of our resources. I believe that the Island's resources should be maintained for our community at a higher standard, and that our Public Safety department needs to be sufficiently funded and staffed, especially given the upcoming opening of Cornell's facilities. It is also essential that we fill the empty storefronts which litter Main Street.

If appointed to the board, I will work to ensure the Island Residents' interests are represented in the financial decisions of RIOC.

Thank You, and I hope to be able to represent our community.

Brian Bower

Lydia Tang Statement:

Being part of the solution and not part of the problem – that’s why I’m running for the RIOC Board of Directors.

My training and education is in Operations Research, with undergraduate and graduate degrees from Columbia University’s School of Engineering and Applied Science. The goal of Operations Research is to apply mathematical efficiency to organizations and processes. Early in my career, I worked in multinational financial organizations: Citibank, HSBC/Marine Midland Bank and Swiss Bank Corporation. I had increasing project management responsibilities interfacing with all levels of multinational business, trading floor, IT and operations management.

The last 19 years I’ve been a college math professor, working at the Vaughn College of Aeronautics and am currently developing a pilot program for developmental math students at CUNY.

I’ve been an active member of the Roosevelt Island community: Treasurer of the Island House Tenant’s Association, President and Treasurer of the PS/IS217 PTA, and Treasurer of the Main Street Theatre and Dance Alliance (MSTDA). My activities at Hope Church are an important part of my life. I’m deeply committed to the objectives of the church. I’ve raised 3 children who have all attended PS/IS 217, two of them are now in college and my youngest attends Eleanor Roosevelt High School.

I urge all of you to vote in this important election. Participate by using your voice to select your community leaders. Then consider how else you can be part of the solution and not part of the problem.

Marc Jonas Block Statement

Marc Block has lived on Roosevelt Island since 2005, with his wife, Fang Block, and two daughters, Hannah and Jacqueline. Marc is an active member of the Roosevelt Island Community, regularly coaching both soccer and baseball, and has served on the board of directors of several non-profits.

Marc is a litigation partner at the law firm of Littleton Joyce Ughetta Park & Kelly LLP, where he represents clients in complex commercial, intellectual property, securities and real estate litigation domestically and abroad. He also serves as a Neutral with the United Nation’s World Intellectual Property Organization.

Marc is a former professor at the Fashion Institute of Technology's Foundation Center for Continuing Education, guest lecturer on legal and business issues facing fashion designers at Parsons New School of Design, and recent past President of the International Intellectual Property Society. He authored the following articles: (1) The Benefits of Alternate Dispute Resolution for International Commercial and Intellectual Property Matters, 44 Rutgers L. Rec. 1 (2016) (Publication Pending), (also to be available at http://www.lawrecord.com (all rights reserved)); (2) Nissan Motor Co. v. Nissan Computer Corp.: Ninth Circuit Construes the Federal Trademark Dilution Act, 13 N.Y. St. B.A. Bright Ideas 3 (Winter, 2004); and (3) When are Ideas Protectible?, 18 N.Y. St. B.A. Bright Ideas I (Spring, 2009).

Michael Shinozaki (Statement provided by Main Street Wire)

Michael Shinozaki was appointed to serve on the Board of Directors of the Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation from 2004 to 2009 by Mayor Michael Bloomberg and Governor George Pataki. He was re-appointed to the Board by Governor Patterson in January of 2010.

He holds dual Bachelor's Degrees in history and international relations, an honors BA/MA in economics/applied mathematics and a Master's degree in financial economics from the City University of New York. He is a Senior Architect in the financial services and government sectors for the Microsoft Corporation.

His primary areas of specialization are data network communications, security, and data center design and operations. Prior to joining Microsoft he worked for Price Waterhouse, Citigroup, and JPMorgan.

He has lived in New York City since 1986 and on Roosevelt Island since 1991. He is married to Lynne Strong-Shinozaki and has 3 children.

He is an Eagle Scout, a Civil Air Patrol Spaatz Award recipient, and was cited by the American Legion and National Sojourners Society for leadership and military excellence. During the summer of 2010 he had the honor of serving with the US military as a civilian supporting operations in Kabul, Afghanistan.

Here is video of the April 12 RIOC Board Director Nominee Candidate's Forum. I went to the Forum skeptical of the election but came away very impressed with the candidates.

Take a look and decide for yourself.



(Michael Shinozaki was not able to attend due to business travel.)

Following presentations by the candidates, the Roosevelt Island residents in attendance asked questions.

Subjects included the following.

Recent RIOC vote by Director Michael Shinozaki regarding Roosevelt Island Seniors Association,



With a magic wand, what one Roosevelt Island change would the candidates like to see?



Budget priorities, pets, traffic, public safety.



Infrastructure maintenance, RIOC Accountability, independence from Governor's Office.



Is RIOC Board a Rubber Stamp for the Governor or independent? Better use of open space, ball fields and recreational space for residents.



Cornell Tech, Transportation, Youth Community Center.



Balance being an independent RIOC Director with the interests of NY State.



Former Mayor Mike Bloomberg's interest in Roosevelt Island and end of the Forum.



The candidates should be thanked for their willingness to serve the Roosevelt Island community. Take a few moments on Monday and Tuesday to cast a ballot.

More on the RIOC Board Director nominee election at this previous post.

Long Time Roosevelt Island Resident Carl Weisbrod Nominated To MTA Board By Mayor de Blasio Today - There's A RIOC Board Seat Open Too, Are You Interested Mr. Weisbrod?

Long time Roosevelt Island resident and former Chairman of the NYC Planning Commission Carl Weisbrod was nominated to the MTA Board of Directors today by Mayor Bill de Blasio.

According to the Twitterverse:

News! Mayor de Blasio nominates @CarlWeisbrod to sit on MTA board https://t.co/kqIBZ1cvz3 pic.twitter.com/mpHnziMpeH

— HR&A Advisors, Inc. (@hraadvisors) March 20, 2017

Statement from de Blasio on his new MTA board pick, Carl Weisbrod, fmr chair of NYC Planning Commission & Dir. of the Dept. of City Planning pic.twitter.com/hxbq0Bu2bH

— Vincent Barone (@vinbarone) March 20, 2017

More on the nomination of Mr. Weisbrod to the MTA Board, which requires appointment by Governor Cuomo and approval by the NY State Senate, from AM New York and New York Daily News.

You know, there's an empty Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Board of Directors seat available. Are you interested Mr. Weisbrod?

Mr Weisbrod has not previously been involved in Roosevelt Island issues to my knowledge other than asking about opening of wine shop.

Do You Want To Serve On RIOC Board Of Directors? Roosevelt Island Election For Nominees To RIOC Board April 17-18 - RIRA Government Relations Chair Joyce Short Explains Importance Of Election And Asks For Your Help

The Roosevelt Island Residents Association (RIRA) will be conducting an election to provide nominees for selection of Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Board of Directors.

Image From RIRA

RIRA's Government Relations Committee Chairperson Joyce Short reports:

The RIOC Vote- Why It’s Vital for Our Community

On the surface, Roosevelt Island seems like an idyllic, peaceful community. But a closer look reveals an undemocratic, and probably unconstitutional, under belly that harms our quality of life.

As we look around, we see vacant storefronts and recreational fields where our resident kids can’t play because the fields are rented out to the highest corporate bidder. And while our Public Safety Staff guards the Cornell/Tech Development, on our dime, a mother is attacked by a pot smoker behind our public school.

As if that’s not bad enough, our RIOC President, Susan Rosenthal, says we don’t need more Public Safety Officers, even when confronted by the fact that our Public Safety Chief, Jack McManus, says they lack the manpower to check exterior building doors during his staff’s vertical patrols. Rosenthal also wants to charge off each Island non-profit’s “in-kind use of RIOC space” against our Public Purpose Funds. And she expressed her desire to put out RFPs on all Island services like the Garden Club and the PTA’s market.

What’s wrong with this picture!

Roosevelt Island exemplifies the difference between business and government. Business exists to profit, while government’s role is to govern….. make rules and regulations for a population, and provide for the greater good of the community. The constitution of the United States insures that no resident should ever be governed without representation. That’s what the word “Republic” is about.

Instead, here’s what we have…..

Nowhere in the US Constitution does it make a provision for government by “Public Benefit Corporation.” That mentality died with the Dutch India Company who initially settled New York. In New York such enterprises control and administer the State’s assets. But Roosevelt Island is more than assets, it’s “home” to 14,000 people. And the decisions made by RIOC are more than the management of assets, they are “governance” here. Therefore, every resident should be able to vote for the people who sit on the RIOC board ── but we can’t. Those seats are filled through appointments by the Governor.

Are we holding an election?

Several years ago, the community fought to insure that 5 out of 7 of those RIOC seats go to people who live here in this community. Since then, RIRA has held four votes to create a list for the Governor indicating who the community supports.

(Video of Ms. Short Explaining RIOC Board Election At March 1 RIRA Meeting)

It’s not a perfect system, but it’s our system. Governor Cuomo ignored our last vote. All of the seats have expired and he could fill any one or all of those seats at any time. We need to present him with a new list; one that is open to new people who have arrived, and one that strives to represent the diverse mix of our population.

But will those people be appointed?

If you ask RIOC President Susan Rosenthal, she’ll tell you (in fact she told me,) “This election is ridiculous! I’m not in favor of it. The Governor can select anyone he chooses. He doesn’t need the community’s input. And I work for the Governor!”


(Ms. Short Reporting On Conversation With RIOC President Rosenthal At March 1 RIRA Meeting)

She’s also allegedly told RIOC Board Members that their job is to “rubber stamp” what comes down from Albany. She even convinced the board to look the other way when it came to passing a budget for 2018 which should have, but didn’t, include $23MM the state had promised Roosevelt Island. The board failed to include those funds in spite of both RIRA and the Roosevelt Island Community Coalition (RICC) asking them not to do so through their resolutions.

We need strong forces on that board. We need to set the record straight about government for the people, of the people and by the people. And we must let Albany know we will not be silenced by hand-picked demagogues. The days of Dutch India are over. Roosevelt Island is not just assets, it’s a community, and we, the people, are entitled to a say in our governance.

How can you help?

You can cast your vote! It’s tremendously important to let Albany know that how we are governed, and our right to a voice, is important to us. Your attendance at Candidate’s night, where each candidate will answer questions and speak about their views, is invaluable.

Please volunteer to help with poling. We need lots of people! Poling will take place on April 17th and 18th. You can reach me to volunteer at jm.short@aol.com.

And if you have the time and ability, you can throw your hat in the ring to fight the good fight and serve on the RIOC Board.

Here are the important dates to carve on your calendar:

• Wednesday, March 15- Candidate information session (Q&A) for potential candidates 6:30 PM, 546 Main St, 12th Floor Community Room
• Tuesday March 21- Nominations Close at 6 PM (Public Safety Office)
• Friday, March 31- Candidate Bios and photos due for media publication
• Tuesday April 11- Candidates Night 6:30 PM, 546 Main St, Sr. Center
• April 17 & 18- Elections held in building lobbies (watch for signs in your building)

RuthAnne Visnauskas Replaces Jamie Rubin As Commissioner Of Homes & Community Renewal And Roosevelt Island Operating Corp Board Of Directors Chairperson

Reported last Friday that NY State Commissioner of Homes & Community Renewal & Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Chair Jamie Rubin was appointed Director of NY State Operations by Governor Andrew Cuomo.

At last evening's RIOC Board of Directors meeting, Acting RIOC Board Chair Alex Valella announced that Mr. Rubin's resignation was effective today and he would be replaced by RuthAnne Visnauskas as DHCR Commissioner and RIOC Board Chair.

 Image of Mr Rubin And Ms Visnauskas From The Real Deal

Here's Mr. Valella's reporting to the RIOC Board on new Chair.



According to Ms.Visnauskas DHCR biography:

RuthAnne Visnauskas, Executive Deputy Commissioner for Housing Development, is responsible for strategic leadership and oversight of all housing and finance programs for NY State Homes and Community Renewal (HCR).

Prior to joining HCR, RuthAnne was Managing Director of the Housing Advisory Board for the Robin Hood Foundation. Robin Hood is New York's largest poverty-fighting organization. The Housing Advisory Board was established to fund initiatives to advance the quantity and quality of affordable housing for low-income New Yorkers.

Previously RuthAnne held several key positions at the New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD), including the role of Commissioner from September 2014 to February 2015. HPD is the nation’s largest municipal housing agency, in charge of the development and preservation of affordable housing and the enforcement of the City’s Housing Maintenance Code....

Governor Cuomo Appoints RIOC Board Chair/Commissioner Of Homes & Community Renewal Jamie Rubin New Director Of NY State Operations - Will Roosevelt Island Benefit?

The Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Board of Directors is in need of a new Chairperson. As Commissioner of the NY State Division of Homes and Community Renewal (HCR), Jamie Rubin was also the Chair of the RIOC Board Of Directors.

 Image Of RIOC Board Of Directors, Jamie Rubin Seen 3rd From Left

Today, NY State Governor Andrew Cuomo announced Mr. Rubin's appointment as Director Of NY State Operations. According to Governor Cuomo's press release:

... Jamie Rubin has been appointed as the Director of State Operations, where he will oversee state agencies. Previously, Jamie was Commissioner of Homes and Community Renewal. Jamie also served as Executive Director of the Governor’s Office of Storm Recovery, which was created by Governor Cuomo in August 2013 to oversee New York State’s recovery from storms Sandy, Irene and Lee. He previously served as Senior Advisor to HUD Secretary Shaun Donovan and New York State Director of the President’s Hurricane Sandy Recovery and Rebuilding Task Force. He was also a Non Resident Senior Fellow with the Brookings Institution Metropolitan Policy Program, working with cities including Buffalo and Detroit to identify and implement innovative economic development strategies. Jamie spent 14 years as an investment banker and private equity investor. He is a 1993 graduate of Yale Law School and lives with his family in New York City....

Mr. Rubin was appointed HCR Commissioner and RIOC Board Chair in May 2015.

Will Mr. Rubin's familiarity with Roosevelt Island and closeness to Governor Cuomo benefit Roosevelt Island?

Stay tuned.

RIOC Announces Meet And Greet Event For Roosevelt Island Veterans Thursday January 12 At Carter Burden Senior Center - Over 300 Veterans Currently Live On Roosevelt Island Says RIOC President Susan Rosenthal

Last October, Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Board Director David Kraut began a process of organizing a Roosevelt Island Veterans Association. According to this October 18 report:

...During the October 13 RIOC Real Estate Advisory Committee meeting (full audio web cast here), Mr. Kraut (attending the meeting by phone) reported that he would like to establish the Roosevelt Island Veterans Association of America and requested RIOC's support in securing a storefront space for veterans to gather together, share information, tell war stories and receive information from the Veterans Administration.

Acting RIOC President Susan Rosenthal said she thought it was:

... a great idea...

and

... let's work together on this...

Roosevelt Island is one step closer to forming a Veterans Association. According to RIOC:

SAVE THE DATE:

In partnership with the Carter Burden Senior Center, Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation will kick off its first social affair for island veterans on Thursday, January 12th at 3 PM at the Senior Center, located at 546 Main Street. Stop by for fun and refreshments, and socialize with fellow islanders who have or are currently serving in the military. We hope to see you there!

Image From RIOC

RIOC President Susan Rosenthal thanked Mr. Kraut for his efforts in helping Roosevelt Island veterans during her President's Report to the December 8, 2016 RIOC Board of Directors meeting. Ms. Rosenthal added that there are over 300 veterans



currently living on Roosevelt Island and that the aim of this initial meeting will be to determine what are the needs and services requested by Roosevelt Island veterans.

I asked Ms. Rosenthal:

Will there be a Meet & Greet event for Veterans held after working hours so those veterans with daytime jobs who may wish to attend are able to do so?

Ms. Rosenthal replied:

... This is just a first meeting…..nothing is carved in stone. We want to test the waters for the extent of interest and if there is an interest in an evening program, we can make that happen. We may need to survey the vets---but let’s take it one step at a time....

Web cast of full December 16 RIOC Board meeting here.

Good job by RIOC.