NYPD 114 Crime Prevention Officer Meets With Roosevelt Island Residents Association - RIOC Public Safety Chief Updates RIRA Public Safety Committee Too

On November 1, NYPD 114 precinct Crime Prevention Officer Gabe Tovar spoke to the Roosevelt Island Residents Association (RIRA) Common Council about recent burglaries as well as phone scams involving false claims of being with the IRS, Con Ed and others.

#PhoneScam: Victim received a phone call from someone pretending to be the #IRS, demanding “back taxes” payment or he would be arrested.

Victim purchased $3,200 in gift cards per callers demand & provided card numbers via phone. #IRSPhoneScam #Scam pic.twitter.com/IZT9Ps1thb

— NYPD 19th Precinct (@NYPD19Pct) November 29, 2017

Officer Tovar advised to hang up if you receive these types of phone calls.



About Roosevelt Island, Officer Tovar said:

... this is a very, very safe Island...

The RIRA Public Safety Committee usually meets every month, often with Roosevelt Island Public Safety Department Chief Jack McManus and Deputy Chief Kevin Brown.

Below is the RIRA PSC report of the October 30 meeting.

RIRA – PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE
Committee Meeting Minutes – 10/30/2017

Updates on Statistic:

Vertical Patrols: Statistics indicate that the WIRE building’s are receiving the appropriate number of patrols for a total in September of 937:

• Roosevelt Landings 690, 
• Island House 105, 
• WestView 97, 
• Rivercross 45, 
• Motorgate Patrols for September 385.

Crime Statistic: Chief McManus presented crime Statistics which indicated that for the year from September 2016 - September 2017 the following:

• Total number of misdemeanors decreased, 77 - 66; 
• violations-non- crimes decreased, 452 -390; and
• Index Crimes increased, 22 - 25. 

Chief McManus also reported that crime had decreased on the Island since he had started by 19% between 2014 and 2015.

Recent Incidents:

Chief McManus responded to questions related to the recent burglaries in Westview and on the recent stabbing behind 510.

Burglary was in Westview, no forced entry, perp wearing black mask. Was caught on WV camera when running downstairs, and at door station.

He was identified, and is attached to 2 other burglaries. He was identified and arrested.

The Stabbing victim is uncooperative, and is from off Island. Hasn’t provided much information to work with. There are no working cameras behind 510, (Presently there are also no cameras in Lighthouse Park, which is part of Phase II) which makes identifying where and what he was doing difficult.

Officer Training:

Deputy Kevin Brown is scheduled to conduct quarterly training. 3rd quarter training was focusing on CPR, Curtesy, Professionalism, Respect. 13 Officers were scheduled for tonight where specific reports will be used. Customer service skills are stressed.

Accuracy in reporting:

Update on steps that will be taken to guarantee that PSD Blotter accurately reflect documented complaint/incident was discussed.

Chief McManus stated that they would now provide one more Supervisor review, prior to publishing. In the past there was a 24 hour recap. The additional Supervisory review will probably make the 24 hr. turn around more difficult, but should improve accuracy.

The need for this was brought to light following an incident of Public Lewdness that occurred on 9/7/17 which had been incorrectly documented on the blotter and in the Desk Officer’s initial call for assistance as “Suspicious Activity,” and as a request for an escort.

Traffic Issues:

In discussing traffic issues in the Octagon area, as documented in Scott Piro’s report, Chief McManus reported that speed bumps were being considered and that due to the speeding, in certain areas on the Island, they would be training the PSO in using the radar guns, and are considering stepping up enforcement following the training.

The Chief mentioned that there was a new Security Director at Coler Hospital who he would be meeting with. He was attempting to create a multi- facetted approach to look at traffic control considering ways to deal with motorized bikes, etc.

Chief McManus reported that an accident had occurred down by South Park, where Off-Island youth, driving without appropriate license damaged the fence down at the park when their vehicle ran into the fence. Chief also mentioned that the NYC DOT had come out and assessed our street markings and that they would be refreshing all traffic markings.

Public Marijuana Use:

Openly smoking Marijuana in the area where children congregate appeared to have decreased, according to committee member Joanna, who assisted with the educational initiative and the creation of the signs. She requested the committee consider replacing the signs that had been vandalized, and put them back up.

Respectfully Submitted,

Erin Feely-Nahem, PSC Committee Chair

Chief McManus provided an update on the October 27 stabbing during the November 29 RIRA PSC meeting.



Below is the RIRA PSC report of the November 29 meeting.

Read more »

RIRA Island Services Committee Reports On Roosevelt Island Transportation Advisories, Road Striping, Motorgate Upgrades, New Tram Elevators, Tram Platform Renovation, Seawall Railings, Blackwell House, Holiday Decorations, Signage & More

Roosevelt Island Residents Association (RIRA) Island Services Committee (ISC) Chair Aaron Hamburger reported to the December 6 Common Council meeting complimenting the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) on improvements to their transportation advisory messages. Mr Hamburger also gave his time estimation of Roosevelt Island Tram elevator construction being completed in 2019, later than RIOC's estimate of late 2018.



Below is the written ISC Committee

  Image From RIRA

report to the RIRA December 6 Common Council meeting: 

Sportspark – Susan Rosenthal requested that we postpone our desired meeting with Sportspark’s officials and staff until she and her staff can get up to speed on conditions at the facility. We were surprised to learn that Susan was totally unaware of the problems at Sportspark, which Susy’s reports have identified in 3 issues since 2015. We will try for a meeting in January.

Sportfields & Dog Runs – RIOC has begun renovating the Sports fields.We don’t know how long this important project will take. Meanwhile. Scott Piro is working with Mary Cunneen on the problems with the 2 dog runs.

Tram elevators & New Public Library – We are making both of these issues inactive until construction begins some time in 2018.

Holiday Decorations & RI Sign – ISC is against putting the RI sign in front of the Visitors Center at the Tram. Moreover, we thought that this sign was not needed. The proposed directional signs at the Tram and subway are what’s needed. As far as the holiday decorations, we stand by RIRA’s motion at the October CC meeting.

RIOC – Issues to address
- Metal railings on promenade need replacement. (see below on info. from RIOC’s Operations on 11/29/17 meeting).
- Debris , garbage and discarded playground equipment behind HAVC area needs to cleaned up or removed. Area attracts rats and is unsightly.

RIOC Operations meeting:

Tram platforms project is on schedule. Expect to be completed by year end.

Blackwell House - expect RI Historical Society can move into the house 10 months from now.

New Tram Elevators – Contract with contractor will be signed early next week. Construction will start in about 6 weeks. Before starting on installation, Contractor needs some time to complete design, purchase materials, etc. Project will be completed one year from now.

New Public Library – Construction will start summer, 2018. It is expected to be completed sometime in 2020.

Cabrini – Will complete renovation at 2nd floor, 504 Main by Xmas.

Promenade fencing – Will begin work at Southpoint Park and then move north for the replacements. Railing will comply with NY State building code. Opening at bottom will be 4 inches or less making it safe for children.

Preliminary design for a bike ramp to bridge is being worked on.

Roads - Painting new striping on road dividing lanes, crosswalks and the like have been completed for all roads. Lines are up to DOT standards. Old stripping will not be removed as they are expected to fade in time due to use of non-standard paint.

Motorgate – Discussions are underway on upgrades including removing pigeons from under roadway. Charging stations may be installed by Teslar for free.

Southtown dog run – Temporary run will be put north of building #7 near Blackwell playground. It will remain for about 3 year while buildings # 8 & 9 are built. Permanent location will be between these buildings probable at the east end of the Commons.

​Aaron Hamburger,  Chair – Island Services Committee

RIRA Island Services Committee Reports On Roosevelt Island Tram Station Elevators, Sportspark, Southtown Commercial Trash, New Public Library & Enhanced Seniors Center Services

Below is Roosevelt Island Residents Association (RIRA) Island Services Committee (ISC)

  Image From RIRA

report to the RIRA June 1  Common Council:  

RIRA – ISLAND SERVICES COMMITTEE REPORT TO COMMON COUNCIL MEETING – 6/1/16

ISC met 5/17/16 with 9 members present from a membership of 12.

Tram Elevator – RIOC is now estimating that the new elevators will be in operation in the fall, 2017 (previous estimate was winter, 2017). RIOC has not yet begun negotiating with the NYC Dept. of Parks for the extra land needed for the elevators’ installation. Meanwhile, John Bost, Director of Engineering and ISC’s principal contact with RIOC on the elevators and other projects, has left RIOC. This may further delay the elevators’ installation.

Sportspark – ISC is dividing this issue into two parts – the major capital projects that have a total cost of over $20 million in the next 3 years, and, the “small” needed improvements in the facilities and programs. If RIOC completes all the planned major projects (roof, HVAC, pool, etc,) in a reasonable time, we should be satisfied with the substantial improvement in the facility. Meanwhile, ISC will work to achieve the ”small” improvements. We plan to meet with RIOC’s new VP for Operations.

Commercial Trash in Southtown – The condition of the yard has improved so that in every week on 4‐5 days the yard is in an acceptable condition, but on 2‐3 days (chiefly on weekends) the yard doesn’t meet regulations. Related promises to redouble their efforts with the restaurants to achieve required standards on every day.

New Public Library – The project remains on schedule with construction expected to start fall, 2016 and be completed at the end of 2017 or 1st quarter, 2018.

Enhanced Programs and Services at Senior Center – ISC has decided to not make this an active issue at present. Instead, we will monitor activities to learn what changes and improvement might be made by the new leadership, which takes over in July.

Control of Rats in Northtown – ISC agreed to make this an active issue. Community Use of Good Shepherd & Cultural Center – We are still fact finding.

Respectfully Submitted Aaron Hamburger, Chair ‐ ISC

Here is the June 1 RIRA Common Council discussion of the RIRA ISC Committee Report presented by ISC member Mickey Rindler.

Report From RIRA Planning Committee - Long Term Impact Of Cornell Tech On Roosevelt Island Facilities, Air Quality Monitoring, Bike/Pedestrian Signage, Southpoint Park Initiative, Water Quality And Meeting With RIOC President

Below is Roosevelt Island Residents Association (RIRA) Planning  Committee report
 

Image From RIRA

to the June 1 Common Council meeting submitted by Committee Chair Dennis Lawson:

RIRA – PLANNING COMMITTEE Summary Meeting Minutes Notes, May 25, 2016

... The Committee had six items on its agenda: 1) Update on long term impact of Cornell Tech on RI facilities; 2) Update on follow‐up to Air quality monitoring initiative; 3) Update on RIOC immediate/future plans for bike/pedestrians signage; 4) Follow‐up to Southpoint Park planning meeting of 28 April; 5) Water quality on the Island; 6) Any other business.

1) Update on long term impact of Cornell Tech on RI facilities

The RIRA Planning committee Chair met with Andrew Winters, Senior Director of Capital Projects, Cornell Tech, and Jane Swanson, Assistant Director of Government & Community Relations, Cornell Tech on 19 May 2016 at Cornell Tech offices. He outlined that the RIRA Planning committee is trying to assess how Cornell Tech might affect existing RI facilities, including vehicle traffic and parking, sport facilities, biking routes, children playground.

Andrew Winters confirmed that Cornell had conceived their project on the island with a view to become an integral part of the RI community, rather than establishing a separate self‐contained campus. Accordingly, he stated that there should be 1600 students and staff at Cornell Tech by 2018. 50% of these are expected to reside on RI. Most Cornell Tech students however will be one‐year students in their 20s, including 40% foreigners sponsored by their tech companies to complete a masters’ degree. There will be 500 studio type residences for students and 16 apartments for faculty members on campus. Therefore, there will be only few families and children on campus and no pressure on RI existing playgrounds.

They will have a fitness room on campus and outside gym equipment for Cornell Tech affiliates also available to the RI community. They expect to have access to Sportspark and would be ready to contribute to the renovation of the structure, while avoiding to put too much pressure on the current residents use of facility. Their discussions on this matter are on‐going with RIOC.

They will have 40 parking spots underground for Cornell staff and students. There will be another 86 RIOC‐managed paying public parking spots along the road around the campus. They limited their own parking facilities on purpose to dissuade their affiliates to drive to RI. On the contrary, they will favor and encourage public transportation, including biking. They are a primary sponsor of the upcoming ferry service and committed $500,000 a year for 5 years from 2017 for that purpose. Lastly, given their schedule, students will commute at different times of the day not necessarily at rush hours.

2) Update on follow‐up to Air quality monitoring initiative

The RIRA Planning committee Chair updated the committee on his discussions with Cornell on this matter. He outlined the status of the RIRA‐led AQM initiative to Andrew Winters and Jane Swanson and difficulty to find funding to implement it. He congratulated Cornell for the manner in which they handle air quality at the construction site. He informed Cornell representatives of RIRA interest in possibly retaining Cornell existing AQM system once the construction is concluded to monitor air quality on the southern end of the island where pollution is more likely as a result of the Queensborough bridge traffic and FDR. Without committing, Andrew Winters stated that Cornell would certainly be amicable to considering the request by RI community to retain their AQM system post‐2018. He also indicated that the system requires daily expert management. The RIRA Planning committee Chair expressed appreciation for the Cornell’s consideration and suggested some arrangements might be found between RIRA and RIOC for third party support to manage the AQM system, as RIOC is interest in environment protection.

3) Update on RIOC immediate/future plans for bike/pedestrian signage

The RIRA Planning committee Chair informed the committee that he met Susan Rosenthal, RIOC Acting CEO & President on 2 May 2016 and presented her a series of issues on the planning committee agenda (see annex 1). The RIOC President approved the suggestion that marking and signs on the promenades for bike/pedestrian traffic safety would improve safety and could be implemented immediately. The RIRA Planning committee Chair, RIOC President and RIOC Transportation General Manager Cyril Opperman had a subsequent field visit on the West promenade. The RIOC President promised that bike/pedestrian lanes, yield markings, and slow down signs would be put in place as soon as possible. The Planning committee Chair informed the committee that he would attend a meeting with RIOC on 27 May 2016 to discuss bike lane markings on the promenades.

With regard to longer term bike paths development on the island, the RIOC President confirmed that an overall island bike plan had already been designed with Bike New York and would be implemented once construction on the island would be completed by 2018.

Taking note of the lack of information available to bikers on the island, the committee agreed that Frank Farance would draft a Tips for Bikers on RI for review by the committee.

4) Follow‐up to Southpoint Park planning Community Advisory meeting of 28 April 2016;

The Planning committee Chair updated the committee on the outcome of RIOC‐led 28 April 2016 on Southpoint Park planning initiative meeting. The Fitzgerald & Haliday Inc (FHI) a well‐established landscaping design company has been hired by RIOC to redesign Southpoint Park and hospital ruins, as per RI residents’ views. An iterative process of design is led by FHI through interactive and outreach meetings/events with RI residents on 14 and 26 May and 11 June, on‐line survey and public Community Advisory meetings. The Advisory Community committee composed of RI associations serves as liaison with the community. The process should be completed and a project designed by January 2017. During the 28 April meeting a very wide range of ideas were raised. The RIRA Planning committee discussed the consultation process and decided to dedicate specific time during its next meeting to narrow down the number of proposals that could be proposed by RIRA to the Community Advisory committee.

5) Water quality on the Island

Some concerns have been raised by RI residents about the quality of tap water and threat of lead in the plumbing. Concerns were also expressed about potential terrorist threats on water sources. The committee recommended agreed that residents concerned by the quality of their tap water should use rapid individual water quality tests easily available. The Planning committee Chair will reach out to DEP to request a broader assessment of the RI water.

6) Any other business

The committee agreed to discuss parking‐related issues (metered parking duration and location, reserved parking spots, resident vs non‐residents use of public parking spots, etc...), as well as the new ramp for bikes to be connected to the helix by RIOC and rearrangement of the existing helix RI exit circulation rearrangements.

And annex to RIRA Planning Committee Report:

David Lawson, RIRA Planning Committee Chair meeting with Susan Rosenthal, Acting RIOC President & CEO Summary notes – 2 May 2016

The RIRA Chair of the Planning committee, David Lawson, met with Susan Rosenthal, Acting RIOC President &CEO, on 2 May 2016 and discussed the following:

1) Governance/communication
The RIRA Planning committee Chair and the RIOC President agreed that RIOC and RIRA had only to benefit from each other and should entertain a constructive dialogue. The RIOC President’s agenda is solely designed to make the island a better place for its residents.

They agreed that the RIOC website could be more interactive to allow residents to provide feedback and ideas.

The RIOC President proposed to the RIRA Planning Committee Chair to meet monthly to discuss RIOC plans and for RIRA to provide advice, share concerns and constructive recommendations/ideas.

They agreed that such on‐going dialogue should only be constructive and problem solving.

2) RIOC’s agenda

The RIOC President informed the RIRA Planning committee Chair of the immediate priorities on her agenda for the island:

• Patchwork on the helix
• Tram fixing
• Motorgate repair
• Sportspark, roof, pool and boiler fixing
• Ferry MoU
• Bike helix ramp/signs
• Seawall benchmarks
• Island small parks management
• Repairs at the cultural center
• Kiosks at tram and subway stations

 3) RIRA Planning committee agenda

The RIRA Planning committee Chair presented the issues for consideration by RIOC

• The RIOC President approved the suggestion that markings and signs on the promenades for bike/pedestrian traffic would enhance safety and could be implemented immediately;
• The RIOC President confirmed that an island emergency plan existed and approved the idea that it be shared with residents;
• The RIOC President and RIRA Planning committee Chair agreed that Cornell was acting very respectfully with regard to the community and expressed appreciation for Cornell’s management of community relations. They also agreed that Cornell could be involved in future developments on the island as an active contributor the community. With regard to environment protection, the RIOC President confirmed that she was ensuring that the new ferry service would not increase pollution levels. She agreed to the RIRA Planning committee Chair’s suggestion to request Cornell to maintain their air quality monitoring system in place to monitor air quality on the Southern part of the island even after the site construction is completed.
• The RIOC President confirmed that she would check on compatibility between the recycling program and existing AVAC system.
• The RIRA Planning committee Chair informed the RIOC President that some concerns had been expressed about the water quality on the island, and that further reflection would needed within the committee before he could get back to her with more details.
• With regard to long term planning and protection of the green areas on the island, the RIRA Planning committee Chair congratulated the RIOC President for the initiative on South Point park and enquired about potential plans for the /lighthouse Park. The RIOC President explained that no planning could take place until NY City Hall had shared their plans for the NY City managed‐Coler Hospital.

The Acting RIOC President & CEO confirmed that she would get back to the RIRA Planning committee Chair on the issues discussed.

Here is the June 1 RIRA Common Council discussion of the RIRA Planning Committee Report.

Roosevelt Island Is Safest Place In New York City Says RIOC Public Safety Director To RIRA Public Safety Committee - Vertical Patrols, Roosevelt Landings Hallway Marijuana Smoking, Dog Waste, Helix Bike Signage, Officer Training Discussed Too

Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Public Safety Director Jack McManus told the January 27 Roosevelt Island Residents Association (RIRA) Public Safety Committee meeting that according to the FBI's seven index crime statistics, Roosevelt Island is:

... the safest place in New York City....

Below is the RIOC 2015 report of Roosevelt Island Index Crimes

and Calls For Services/Responses.

Roosevelt Island PSD Stats


The RIRA Public Safety Committee submitted the following reports to the February RIRA Common Council meeting.

RIRA Public Safety Committee (“PSC”) Meeting Minutes December 30, 2015

The RIRA Public Safety Committee met on 12/30/15...

Erin reported that the Helix ramp signage is in the works, according to an email from Charlene. Erica was on vacation so no further update was possible.

Chief McManus provided updates on various agenda items:

Vertical patrols statistics were not provided. Update on the implementation of the Access system revealed that RIOC was still looking for a vendor able to be inclusive of all sites, at a reasonable cost.

The scaffolding is down and work completed on time at Roosevelt landings. PSD is focusing on ensuring emergency access with the façade work and Con Ed work on Main Street. This requires a significant amount of PSO time. In the event of a terrorist attack, or shooting, Deputy Director Marmara indicated that there are response teams located in NYC and Queens that would allow efficient response time in an emergency by FDNY, and NYPD.

During the past year crime statistics indicated that crime was minimal on RI in 2015. There have been very few complaints, QOL complaints (e.g. noise and marijuana complaints) have been decreasing. Grand larceny: 5, Assault, 13, Burglaries 13, and Robberies 6. This brought attention to the number of calls that are coming out of Roosevelt Landings and the collaborative work between Chief McManus and Urban America in apprehending the perpetrators. Romano provided the committee with building updates. With respect to new doors/locks at RL, new shareholders mean more money will be available for upgrades – possibly including cameras. Urban American is doing a better job at notifying tenants – with Notices to Cure and Notices to Cease and Desist due to collaboration with McManus. There are about 25 complaints a month at RL. Access control is crucial.

Chief McManus reported that there are currently 34 PSOs on the PSD, 5 more PSOs were hired. Collaboration with the 114th is strong.

PSC will reach out to Officer Mathis, the new CPOP officer to invite him to meet with the PSC.

Officer Cabassa is now the training officer of PSD. This topic was controversial. Romano questioned the choice of having Officer Cabassa in charge of training, referencing behavior RL residents had observed when interacting with residents recently in their building. It was noted that historically Officer Cabassa was named in civilian complaints when Guerra was PSD director. Chief McManus expressed his confidence in Officer Cabassa’s ability to handle this role.

Although informed by Chief McManus that there were mandatory trainings in 2015, such as on de‐escalation, the number of officers’ trained, and specific trainings that were held was not stated. This request will be submitted for the next PSC meeting.

With respect to the Explorer program, only four kids were recruited – though transportation was provided. It was thought there may not have been enough publicity about the Explorers program.

There is a looping device at the PSD office. Issues around the “policy” requested by Ron were tabled until the next meeting. Frank mentioned that the CERT has a training program focusing on emergency response with respect to the ADA.

The question of parking areas for unloading on Main Street will be discussed at the next meeting, as will a discussion of TAP.

Respectfully Submitted,
Erin Feely‐Nahem, PSC Committee Chair

and:

RIRA Public Safety Committee (“PSC”) Meeting Minutes January 27, 2016

Updates;

Helix Signage: Two signs have been completed and are to be hung shortly. One is a yellow, diamond shape sign with a picture of a bicycle going up a steep incline, and reads, “Steep Incline”. The second is a grass green rectangle, with a picture of a pedestrian and a bicycle, with a hand below the picture pointing with “Elevator” written next to it. Comments from committee members were minimal, except for Frank who stated he would send his remarks via email. Once the signs are hung, the committee will request feedback from members if they are adequate to enhance safety.

Officer Training: Deputy Director briefly outlined trainings. She will send Chair break down on training that are conducted annually, differentiating between trainings conducted by an outside vendor and those conducted by Sgt. Cabassa.

Vertical Patrols: Provided number of vertical patrols which totaled 1200, including Motor gate patrols. WIRE building patrols numbers are as follows: IH 91, WV 96, RL 460, RC 59, and Motorgate 483.

Roosevelt Landings (RL) issues: A number of tenants from RL came to discuss quality of life issues in their buildings, which focused around the use of marijuana being smoked in front of their doors, in the hall ways and stairwells. Doryne Isley was called by Romano and put on speaker phone. Doryne suggested they work collaboratively to address the issues and informed the RL tenants that she was willing to hold a separate meeting to discuss the issues and possible solutions. Later on, after hearing input from tenants and Chief McManus Committee members offered suggestions which included calling PSD, documenting incidents and sending them to UA via certified mail. It was concluded that even with PSD submitting incidents to UA the installation of cameras or door station personnel would be beneficial in addressing this problem

Dogs / clean up / playground rules / enforcement: Many had complaints by dog owners not using leashes, cleaning up after their dogs, and letting them play on the fields. PSD has difficulty enforcing the ECB ordinance as the Officer must witness the violation. Lynne spoke about the educational campaign initiated by SC&E. Deputy Director discouraged residents from taking matters into their own hands. Rossana suggested that RIOC post the laws which state that all dogs are required to be vaccinated when using dog runs etc.

Parking Areas for unloading: Jack has brought this to the attention of RIOC President who is investigating if and how this can be done.

Respectfully Submitted,

Erin Feely‐Nahem, PSC Committee Chair

RIRA Island Services Committee Reports On Roosevelt Island Tram Station Elevators, Sportspark, Southtown Commercial Trash, New Public Library & Enhanced Seniors Center Services

Below is Roosevelt Island Residents Association (RIRA) Island Services Committee (ISC)

 Image From RIRA

report to the RIRA February  Common Council: 

RIRA – ISLAND SERVICES COMMITTEE (ISC)

REPORT TO COMMON COUNCIL MEETING – 2/3/16

Tram Elevators – The design of the new elevators is continuing. We have no estimate from RIOC on when the design will be finished or when an RFP will be issued. RIOC is still maintaining that the new elevators will be in operation by the autumn, 2016. ISC’s estimate is that the elevators will not be in operation until winter, 2017. We hope we are wrong.

Meanwhile, the old elevator experienced only some minor interruption of service in the last two months, improving on the performance in the prior months.

Sportspark – ISC met with the RIOC staff responsible for Sportspark to review our latest report (December, 2015) on the conditions of the facilities and programs. It was a good meeting with a free exchange of the various issues ISC cited. Many of the problems with the facilities will be corrected. However, a number of major problems will require projects to remove the problem. Most of the needed projects are in the 2016‐2017 RIOC capital budget. However, so far, only the Sportspark HVAC and pool projects have been authorized by the RIOC Board.

Commercial Trash in Southtown – We’ve achieved about 95% of what we tried to accomplish. A substantial improvement in how the trash is handled came in November when Related assigned a porter from 425 Main St. to clean and straighten out the trash yard on a daily (7 days) basis. We don’t believe we can or need to do much more. So, ISC has deactivated this issue.

New Public Library – The NY Public Library held a public meeting with residents on 1/14/16 to give a detailed update on the new library project. Most of the information was featured in the 1/23/16 WIRE. The new library is expected to open in late 2017 or early 2018.

Enhanced Services at Senior Center – ISC is compiling a comprehensive list of possible services and programs that could be made available to the Senior Center. After the list is completed, ISC will meet with Senior Center officers.

Respectfully Submitted,

Aaron Hamburger, ISC Chair

RIRA ISC members provides a brief review of what they characterize as a very good meeting with RIOC Staff about Sportspark conditions



during the February 3 RIRA Common Council.

Full coverage of the NYPL plans for new Roosevelt Island branch, including video of January 14 Public Meeting, available at this previous post.

RIRA Public Safety Committee Recommends Studying Replacing Roosevelt Island Public Safety Department With Off Duty NYPD Officers, Seeks Greater Access To Public Safety Incident Information and Results of Prior Investigation

Below is the Roosevelt Island Residents Association (RIRA) Public Safety Committee report to the January 2013 Common Council Meeting:

Follow up Initiatives:

Vertical Patrols of Wire buildings. Report from member’s constituents is that if the patrols are being done, they are not visible. One member spoke of seeing the patrol for the first time on the 7th floor in 560. Westview and Island House representatives have not seen Officers anywhere but at the door station of the buildings. Discussion focused on PS staffing issues, as presented in the WIRE article by Frank. Committee is interested in obtaining a break down of how the 37 Officers are utilized, and their ranks.

Traffic Control: PS Officers are being seen at bottom of the ramp on Saturday, during the Farmer’s Market, usually directing traffic. Week day shifts vary in quality with a couple of days a week when the PS vehicle is parked at the bottom of the ramp, with the lights going, but with the officer sitting inside the car rather then outside it directing traffic.

Motorgate Patrols: There appears to be less visibility of vehicles driving through Motorgate than in the past. Members stated that they never see PS Officers on the stairs, or on foot patrols in other areas inside Motorgate, where individuals urinate creating quality of life issues.

Parking Enforcement: A member stated that there are still problems around South Town with unauthorized vehicles not been ticketed. In one instance a vehicle was illegally parked, with Jersey Plates, and a Florida Hang Tag. When PS Officers had it brought to their attention they did not take any action. Residents complain that they never see officers on foot patrols. Another member mentioned that she had not been seeing flagrant abuse of parking enforcement in the North Town area.

Investigation into the Stueber incident: The Committee discussed the Resolution which was adopted by the RIRA Common Council in October 2012 requesting an investigation into this incident . Committee members' noted that they were unaware of any investigative action that might have been taken by RIOC, concerning this incident. Following a discussion on tactics It was decided that the Committee Chair would write a letter to RIOC requesting an update on what steps had been taken to investigate the Public Safety Officer's handling of this incident.

Women's Safety: Laila voiced her concern, for the women on the Island, following the incident she experienced when a young man exposed himself to her while they were on the Manhattan side elevator of the Tram, then came across to the Island. She reported it to PSD but has not heard any updates. The Committee agreed that they would follow up with Director Guerra on what progress had been made on the case. Other ideas discussed for actions that might be explored were as follows: an educational campaign on Women's safety, creation of flyers for distribution within the community, a discussion with Director Guerra on what his department can do to make the women feel safer.

Committee’s Goals for the new term:

The following motion was put to the committee, seconded and adopted by a unanimous vote. The committee agreed to make a Public Call for volunteers to be part of this study group.

“To create a study group whose purpose is to explore the viability of replacing the PSD with an off duty detail of NYPD officers.”

Committee as would like to see the following changes initiated:

Transparency:

a) Increase the community’s access to information concerning the changes within the PSD, as well as information of the specifics of crimes on the Island.

b) Hold quarterly Town Hall Meetings with Public Safety Director to allow a forum for the community to be kept informed of updates and where residents are able to bring their concerns to the table.

c) Respect and answer questions from the Community's media, to allow the dissemination of facts through the community's media channels.

Visibility: More foot patrols of Officers throughout the Island.

Professionalism: Increased training of Officers focusing on: de-escalation techniques, Conflict Resolution, Cultural Sensitivity.

Community Safety Education: Increase public safety education campaigns to include women's issues.

Next Meeting set for 1/16/13 @ 7:30pm in the Senior Center

Minutes respectfully submitted by Erin Feely-Nahem

and the letter sent by RIRA Public Safety Committee to Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Acting President Don Lewis requesting an investigation into the Steuber arrest.

Also, video of RIRA discussing the Steuber incident during October 2012 Common Council meeting is here.



RIRA Common Council member Frank Farance adds:

I've heard parents complain that they fear Public Safety more than any gang influence. Some recent events are on-going problems that parents have known for years.

On New Years Eve, eight teenagers (ages 15-19) were arrested for trespassing: waiting in a Westview stairwell (because it was too cold outside) for one of their friends to come down from his apartment so they could go to an event off-Island. None of the kids were making noise, drinking, smoking pot, or making a nuisance. They were all handcuffed and, rather than walk from 591 to Public Safety, were put in police cruisers to drive 200 feet (for a big perp display), then put in holding cells. They were all issued summonses for trespassing and released later on. One of the adult teenagers possessed unopened bottles of alcohol, another adult teenager possessed pot, the remainder kids had done nothing wrong, they were just waiting for a friend to then leave.

The kids need to have their Miranda Rights read to them as soon as they were in custody, i.e., somewhere between putting their hands up against the wall and being handcuffed. Public Safety officers should be reading them their rights because Public Safety (as we can see from its criminal complaints and testimony) can, has, and will use their statements against them. Lieutenant Yee was on duty that night and supervised the arrests. Yee has two decades of experience and there were a handful of officers that helped, but none of them have the training to read Miranda Rights properly? PSD needs to train their officers to read Miranda Rights at the point in time when the suspect no longer has the freedom to move (they are in custody). Also, the under 18 kids need to have their parents called (which was not done for all kids).

As for trespassing, this is both a problem for Public Safety (way too aggressive enforcement) and the managing agents. Did you know you could be arrested for going to the Good Shepherd Church? Walking down the alleyway next to the September 11 memorial to the west promenade, you could be arrested for trespassing ... and that applies to many areas that we believe are public spaces but, in fact, they are not. You can arrested for trespassing walking in the hallways in building you live in (as discovered by some Roosevelt Landings parents). I spoke to Jennifer Jones at RY Management to get a better understanding of where/when one can just merely "stand" (assuming no noise, no alcohol, no drugs, etc.). She believes there is no such place on Roosevelt Island where one has the "right" to stand. She might be right, and this requires study, but Public Safety is the big problem here because they enforce this unreasonably and harshly.

A single 114th Precinct officer on his scooter is able to do more to create quiet and shoo away kids (the right approach) than all of Public Safety. Public Safety doesn't see the damage they do to the kids: a 16-year-old girl in Island House who grew up here, has never had any problems with Public Safety, has been back and forth in all the building with her friends is now traumatized by being handcuffed, put in cell, and having a complaint she must defend in court (taking a day off from school, possibly hiring an attorney, etc.). Creating these criminal complaints means either (1) the kids or parents have to spend thousands of dollars defending them, or (2) if they can't afford an attorney, pleading (which creates a criminal record that has a life-long effect).

As another example, some boys were skateboarding by the church, a PS officer asked them to move to the Island House courtyard. After they moved, another PS officer picked up one of their skateboards, said nothing, and walked away. He wouldn't explain why he took away their skateboard. So now they have to get a parent involved to get their skateboard back when there was nothing that they did wrong.

At this point, really, Public Safety is not the helpful neighborhood force, they are the entity that takes away your possessions without explanation, the entity that your teenage kids get ensnarled in that gives you handcuffs, arrests, cells, and a criminal record ... when you've been doing nothing wrong. It's easy to see why parents find Public Safety more troubling than gangs, and rightfully so.

RIRA's Public Safety committee, chaired by Erin Feely-Nahem, will be convening a study group to investigate how NYPD might replace PSD. Residents are welcome to participate in the meetings.

Roosevelt Island Residents Receive Certificates Of Merit For Howard Beach Hurricane Sandy Relief Efforts From NY State Senator Jose Serrano

Image Of Serrano/Addabo/RIRA Hurricane Sandy Howard Beach Relief Efforts From Romano Reid

During January 9 Roosevelt Island Residents Association (RIRA) meeting, Justin Rush of NY State Senator Jose Serrano's office awarded Certificates of Merit to Roosevelt Island Residents who donated and served hot meals to Howard Beach Queens residents in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy. Here's what happened:



RIRA Common Council member for Roosevelt Landings Romano Reid reports:

The Community Advocates who received a Certificate Of Merit from Senator Serrano for outstanding service to the Island Community were,

Ellen Polivy
Ethel Romm
Laila Amatullah'
Sharon Pope
Romano Reid
Juyana Armstrong
Erin Feely Nahem
Julie Palermo
Lynn Strong Shinozaki

The Names of the Island Community Advocates who received a "Certificate of Appreciation" from Senator Joseph Addobbo's office for "Efforts in Assisting others in Hurricane Sandy were as follows:

Romano T.Reid
Barbara Allen
Ethel Romm
Julina Hooks
Romano Reid
Juyana Armstrong
Cordell Reid
Maureen Leong
Sharon Pope..

More on the Roosevelt Island Hurricane Sandy hot food relief effort to Howard Beach from earlier post.

Going To Be An Interesting Roosevelt Island Residents Association (RIRA) Monthly Meeting October 5- Censure Former President, Disavow Current President Redistricting Testimony, Demand Main Street WIRE Retraction and Presentation Of Proposed Upcoming RIOC Budget

Image of September 2011 RIRA Meeting

 The Roosevelt Island Residents Association (RIRA) will be meeting Wednesday October 5, 8 PM at the Good Shepherd Community Center (543 Main Street). The Agenda for the meeting is below.

October RIRA Meeting Agenda Agenda

As always, prior to the start of each meeting there is a public session in which any resident can come and address the Common Council Delegates on any issue of concern.

Among the speakers at the October Public RIRA Session are Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) CFO Steve Chironis who will speak on the proposed RIOC 2012-13 Fiscal Year Budget and Miranda Murray from the Roosevelt Island Public Library.

An item on the Agenda under new business is a resolution to censure former RIRA President and current Planning Committee Chair Frank Farance. According to the Agenda item:

New Business (9:55) X B. Long- Resolution to censure F. Farance

During a September 26 RIRA Governance Committee meeting, an attempt was made by some present to censure Mr. Farance because of what they perceive to be inappropriate statements made by Mr. Farance to the Main Street WIRE and in emails to other RIRA members. The Censure motion was not voted on at that time because Mr. Farance was not present at the meeting. For the record, I was at the meeting and objected to the censure of Mr. Farance because he was not present. I would also have objected on the merits as well. The subject of censuring Mr. Farance for comments he has made is now on the RIRA October Agenda.

Another issue sure to be discussed at the October RIRA meeting is the Housing Committee Report below which, among other points, is critical of RIRA President Matt Katz's recent testimony during the LATFOR Redistricting Hearings and seeks an apology and retraction for an article in the most recent Main Street WIRE. Here is the Housing Committee Report to October RIRA Common Council.

A. The Committee’s attention was drawn to the front-page article in the Wire of 9/24/11, by David Stone, as well as the caption of the photograph of Matt Katz and others at a redistricting hearing of 9/21/11. The caption reads: “At Wednesday’s redistricting hearing, Linda Heimer, Residents Association President Matthew Katz, and Nancy Cruickshank asked that Roosevelt Island be mapped into a Manhattan district with which there is a “community of interest”. (My bolding.) This wording reads as a snide insult to the existing alignment of Roosevelt Island with the wonderful communities, including our own, represented by Senator Jose M. Serrano. The Committee was appalled by this wording on the front page of the Wire, which does not at all reflect the community’s affinity and brotherly feelings with the residents of the entire District. Roosevelt Island is already in a wonderful District which is represented by a hard-working, energetic and able State Senator. To say otherwise is to insult the residents of Roosevelt Island, the Senate district, and Senator Serrano.

1. Although the matter does not directly pertain to housing, we agreed that State Senator Jose M. Serrano has been a great help to RI, including with housing issues. We found that our community was not consulted prior to Matt Katz embarking on a unilateral effort to switch RI to State Senator Kreuger’s district. We therefore introduce the following Resolution by the RI Community in Support of Senator Jose M. Serrano at our upcoming RIRA meeting:

Resolution of the Roosevelt Island Community (RIRA) in Support of Senator Jose M. Serrano

Whereas, Roosevelt Island is well and ably represented and helped by Senator Serrano; Therefore, Roosevelt Island wishes to remain within Senator Serrano’s district.

Be It Resolved: The Community of Roosevelt Island (RIRA) Votes to Disavow the Initiative of RIRA President Matthew Katz requesting remapping of Roosevelt Island into Senator Kreuger’s Senatorial district, which was taken without a vote of the RIRA Council; RIRA Instead Enthusiastically Endorses and Embraces the Existing Senatorial District of Roosevelt Island which is the District Represented so Well and Ably by Senator Jose M. Serrano.

2. We learned that many African American RI residents were offended by a paragraph in David Stone’s article commenting on the shifting demographics of RI.

The paragraph in question is:

“Roosevelt Island’s ethnic balance is shifting, and is more in line with Manhattan than with the other boroughs. We’ve become more white, as has Manhattan. Blacks are leaving Roosevelt Island, too, but not at the bigger island’s 12.5% rate. Blacks remain our largest minority, at more than 21% of the population, greatly exceeding Manhattan’s 13%.” (My bolding.)

We agreed that the above paragraph was insensitive and that the information should have been presented in a less “slanted” and more sensitive manner. For example, the information could have been presented in the form of a table of numerical data, without commentary added about whether the island of Manhattan or RI is becoming “less white” or “less black” and so forth. Presenting data in a divisive manner is both hurtful and counterproductive as it is giving the impression that the newspaper is “keeping score”. We are all doing the best we can to survive in NYC and it is not necessary to appear to “gloat” about the departure of one group and/or the arrival of another group. For that matter, people of all colors are being priced out of NYC by richer newcomers of all colors – it might have made more sense to present this economic data. Yet, make no mistake: Discrimination based on skin color is still very much alive today, and the economic crisis that has hit New Yorkers of all ethnic and racial backgrounds is definitely hitting African Americans especially hard.

We are all, after all, brothers and sisters, and a community newspaper should reflect that spirit of community and cooperation. The article incidentally failed to mention that, overall, the number of whites has for some years (possibly decades) fallen below the 50% mark in NYC so that characterizing any particular ethnic group in NYC as a “minority” is technically a misnomer since there is no longer any one ethnic or racial “majority” in NYC.

Therefore, we wish to introduce the following resolution at our upcoming RIRA meeting protesting the insulting and divisive paragraph in the David Stone article and demanding that the Wire apologize in print for the wording of this paragraph because of the distress it has caused to a large number of residents on RI.

Resolution Protesting the Wording of Paragraph 10 of David Stone’s 9/24/11 Wire Article
Whereas, Roosevelt Island is a Community of Many Different Ethnic Groups – Like all of NYC – All of Us Living Together in Peace;

Whereas, the Wording of Paragraph 10 of David Stone’s 9/24/11 Wire Article Singled out an Ethnic Group – African Americans – as a “Minority”;

Whereas, there is currently no majority in NYC thus all the various ethnic and racial groups in NYC are “Minorities” including whites/Caucasians;

Whereas, We Believe Information regarding the socio-economic and ethnic composition of the Island would be best presented in a tabulated format, such that the reader can draw their own conclusions without editorial bias in the conveying of the information.

Be It Resolved: The Wording of Paragraph 10 of David Stone’s 9/24/11 Wire Article was both Inaccurate in its Characterization of African Americans as a “Minority” in the City of New York and Hurtful to the African American Residents of Roosevelt Island, and Was Not in the Interests of Brotherhood and Peace.

We therefore Demand, that Editor David Lutz of the Wire Issue a Retraction of the Characterization of African Americans as a “Minority” in New York City and an Apology for the Wording of Paragraph 10 of David Stone’s 9/24/11 Wire Article and have the Retraction and Apology prominently appear on Page 1 of the next Issue of the Wire.

B. The Committee discussed the status of sub metering of Roosevelt Landings. Although there have been some indications that Urban American has succeeded in its effort to sub meter Roosevelt Landings, the Committee, because of the element of doubt that remains that sub metering of Roosevelt Landings has been implemented, has decided to forego for the time being submitting a resolution in support of Roosevelt Landings residents in their struggle with the landlord over sub metering. We will await the final outcome of this matter before we proceed with a general resolution of support, to be submitted for the Council’s review and hopefully endorsement.

C. The Committee discussed the on-going unjust situation pertaining to the large number of Section 8 tenants of Roosevelt Landings: For these tenants, when their household income exceeds the Section 8 income guidelines, they are no longer eligible to receive their Section 8 housing subsidy and in view of the unaffordable “market” rents charged by Urban American, are then forced to leave their apartments. The Section 8 tenants feel they are discriminated against in being forced to abandon their apartments even though the Roosevelt Landings tenants receiving a Landlord Assistance Program (LAP) lease do not have income limits and remain in their apartments (rent-stabilized + 1%) no matter how high their income rises. Both groups of Roosevelt Landings tenants – Section 8 and LAP – form the group of original tenants of the building that were in place when the building exited the Mitchell-Lama program.

The condition stipulated by the State for the building exiting the Mitchell-Lama program was the on-going protection of the whole group of original tenants – with no exceptions or exclusions. The landlord has violated this condition by nonetheless charging a portion of the original group of tenants, those whose rising income makes them ineligible to receive the Section 8 subsidy, “market” rents.

The Committee concluded that the Section 8 tenants portion of the group of original tenants of Roosevelt Landings remains a victim of unfair and discriminatory practices, a situation that can be remedied by the landlord placing Section 8 tenants either in the alternate available program of protection, the Landlord Assistance Program (LAP) or in a similar program such as rent stabilization upon tenant exiting the Section 8 program. This would satisfy the requirement of protection for all original Roosevelt Landings tenants which was agreed upon by the owner as a condition for the building exiting the Mitchell-Lama program.

This issue has been on-going for many years and at this time, the Committee has decided to form a Subcommittee at our next meeting consisting of Roosevelt Landings residents to gather information and support from elected officials as well as to seek legal advice on the matter. Once the Subcommittee has completed the above effort and feels a sufficient amount of information has been gathered, the Committee will hear its findings and proceed with the introduction of a general resolution of support for the entire group of original tenants of Roosevelt Landings so that these tenants can continue to be protected either in the Landlord Assistance Program (LAP) or Section 8 or if they exceed the Section 8 income guidelines, then in LAP or a similar rent stabilization program.

More information on Mr. Katz's testimony before LATFOR and reactions from local elected officials available at this previous post.

So if you are interested in learning more about what is happening on Roosevelt Island, come on down to RIRA's October 5 8 PM meeting at the Good Shepherd Community Center.

Here's a re-post of an interesting discussion with RIRA President Matt Katz. Mr. Katz was recently interviewed for the Community Board 8 Speaks program. He talks about the role of RIRA as well as the history, governance and current issues facing Roosevelt Island.

Come Learn What Is Happening on Roosevelt Island With Red Bus, Main Street Stores, Library and More - Residents Association (RIRA) Meeting Tonight 8 PM At Good Shepherd Community Center

Image of April 2011 RIRA Meeting

The Roosevelt Island Residents Association (RIRA) monthly June meeting is tonight 8 PM at the Good Shepherd Community Center (543 Main Street). The Agenda for the meeting is below.

As always, prior to the start of each meeting there is a public session in which any resident can come and address the Common Council Delegates on any issue of concern. Scheduled to speak during tonight's Public Session are Miranda Murray of the Roosevelt Island Public Library and Sal Ferrara of the Child School/Legacy High School.

Also, remember that Roosevelt Island's NY State Senator Jose Serrano has Roosevelt Island constituent office hours just prior to the RIRA monthly meeting and on the first Wednesday of every month from 4 - 7 PM at RIOC Headquarters 591 Main Street.

If you have any questions to ask Senator Serrano's staff or are in need of any assistance that may require the help of your elected representative stop by RIOC HQ. Also, bring photocopies of any paperwork related to your situation so that the Serrano staff can effectively and efficiently address the issue.

Below is the Agenda for the June RIRA Meeting,

June 1, 2011 Agenda

the Island Services Committee Report,

RIRA – ISLAND SERVICES COMMITTEE (ISC) REPORT TO THE COMMON COUNCIL MEETING, 6/1/11

Updates on the key issues ISC is working on:

Red Bus – Schedule, Stops, Strollers – The Red Bus now seems to be operating according to the plan worked out with RIRA. There appears to be little or no complaints from passengers. We will continue to monitor the operation.

RIOC is studying the possibility of allowing strollers on the buses during rush hours and we expect to hear from them about this issue in mid-June.

Main St. Stores – ISC has been in contact with RIOC Board member Jonathan Kalkin on this issue and plans to have a meeting with Kalkin in the near future to discuss ways that RIRA can work with RIOC and Hudson-Related in getting the stores that the community feels are needed and desirable for Roosevelt Island. Meanwhile, we are establishing a direct contact with David Kramer, the person in Hudson-Related who will be directing their efforts in attracting and selecting stores for Main St.

Parks – RIOC has now delayed the opening of Southpoint Park to the end of July. We suspect weʼll be lucky if the park opens by Labor Day.

Public Library - Since the New York Public Library has not yet allocated capital money to this project, itʼs clear that there will not be a start on the new Library in 2012. Best we can hope for is 2013 or 2014.

Pedestrian Safety Barrier on RI Bridge - We still havenʼt received an official response to our letter to the NYC Dept. of Transportation (DOT) on this issue. However, we understand that last week both Jessica Lappin & Micah Kellner received letter from DOT rejecting the proposed installation on the Queens side of the bridge. More information to follow. The fight is not over.

and minutes from the May RIRA meeting.
Click Here For More

Roosevelt Island Residents Association Common Council Meeting, 

Wednesday, June 1, 2011

Minutes for May 4, 2011 Meeting

1. Public Access – 8:10p.m.
Robert Atterbury – Assemblyman Micah Kellner’s liaison to Roosevelt Island –
Kellner, with Rep. Maloney, is working with the DOT Manhattan Commissioner on safety barriers for the RI Bridge.

The Department of Justice is investigating the Taxi and Limousine Corp (TLC) for violating ADA guidelines for new Nissan taxis, which are not wheelchair accessible. Comptroller John Liu is looking into a potential conflict of interest, as those involved with choosing the vehicle were also involved with the vehicle design.

Micah has proposed legislation making the “Rescue Dog” New York’s State Dog; ditto the Rescue Cat.

A letter has been written and signed requesting that EMS partner with Public Safety for ambulance and emergency services on Roosevelt Island. Within two weeks, EMS will set up a call system so that every time EMS receives a call from a RI resident, EMS will inform Public Safety so that they can get to the emergency site even before EMS arrives and begin helping the caller. Public Safety is trained in the use of, and has defibrillators on hand.

Erin Feely-Nahem asked if the bill to establish a Civilian Complaint Board has been re-submitted. It is being reviewed, and people can contact Kellner’s office to give input.

Meeting called to order at 8:15pm:

2. Roll Call: Quorum achieved, (28 present/17 absent). Caetano removed having missed three consecutive meetings.

3. Approval of Agenda: Request to move SC&E report to head of the Committee reporting list; Helstien added a motion to New Business. Approved with amendments by acclamation

4. Approval of 4/6/11 Minutes: (Moved-Shull/Seconded-Atkins). Approved by acclamation

5. Treasurer’s Report – Report presented: Current Checking balance: $3,858.17; Legal Fund: $1,224.77; MTG Fund: $1,244.73.

6. President’s Report

1. The RIRA First Annual Cherry Blossom Festival required over 150 individuals and organizations to create. Lynne Shinozaki, SC&E Committee Chair will report the details of the event in her committee report. Katz dedicated a bronze plaque, funded by RIOC, to the Japanese people, along with RIOC President, Leslie Torres. RIRA received a Citation from Assembly Member Micah Kellner’s office, who brought a framed page from the Congressional Record citing the Island’f Fesival, courtesy of Rep. Maloney. Councilwoman Jessica Lappin’s office presented two framed Proclamations for the two Japanese Ambassadors to the United States and received by their representative.

2. A “Dear Friend” letter was received from Attorney General Eric Schneiderman, thanking us for the concerns raised regarding hydrofracking. He stated in the letter, that his office has “zero tolerance for public safety or environmental threats against our state’s families and any dangers will be met with the full force of my administration.”

3. Katz mentioned that Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer made good on his vow to follow up on our subway station concerns. He did so with an April 12 letter to MTA Chair, Jay Walder, citing our Manhattan-bound platform flood and the station door that never gets repaired. Katz also reminded Stringer of the unsanitary conditions in the lobby area caused by the netting that was supposed to interdict the pigeon population but, in fact, provides them with additional perching and nesting opportunities. His office has promised to follow up.

4. Katz sgined up Council volunteers to solicit blood donors at the Saturday Farmers Markets noting that he and Secretary Helstien have already signed up to start the ball rolling.

7. Committee Reports –
SC&E: Chair, Shinozaki – Expected numbers at the April 30 Cherry Blossom Festival were 300-400; actual attendance estimated at 1000-1200 people; that day we made $8,368.61! RIRA budgeted up to $150, only $50 used for lockboxes.

Events coming up:
5/14 – SkateRI during RIOC’s Health & Fitness Day, at Child School; RIRA Café fundraiser outside.

5/21 – Networking Breakfasts kickoff in residential buildings; 9am-Noon.

6/11 – RI Day – at RIRA FREE breakfast table, RIRA will be fundraising, partnering with Fresh Direct: with a $20 donation to RIRA, the donor will get a FD coupon; only for new FD members, however. Helstien presented Lynne with a pair of folded crane earrings, and will present a pair to Neha Kaul, who was in charge of personnel for the April 30 Festival.

Planning: Chair, Farance – Oral report: Farance has divided the Committee into sub-Committees which will focus on the following matters:

- GDP improvements sub-committee;
- Long-term financial planning by RIOC sub-committee;
- Blackwell Park sub-committee – to be led by Ilonka Salisbury;
- Transportation issues sub-committee in partnership with Island Services committee;
- SDRC sub-committee headed by Denise Shull: Letter has been sent to Stanford, NYU, and NYEDC. Next meeting will be with RIRA Councilmember and new CB8 Board Member, Jeff Escobar, who understands community benefit agreements, and RIOC Board member Jon Kalkin who has some expertise with NYEDC, to build a community coalition to give residents standing in the looming development of Goldwater Hospital. We hope that NYEDC will tell other prospective groups about RIRA letter. RFP is expected to come sometime over this summer.

- Issue: Better utilization of parking spaces on RI; commercial spaces

Public Safety: Chair, Feely-Nahem – oral report: Letter has been sent to Public Safety Director Guerra, commending his officers for their service at the Cherry Blossom Festival. There have been numerous Motorgate complaints with RIOC VP Martinez questioning whether Central Parking or Public Safety must enforce parking rules. The committee is working the hours of 4pm-midnight every night. Insp. Cirabisi has promised to bring the new full-time Island officer to the Common Council when one is appointed.

Communications: Co-Chairs, Dawson & Fortuna – Oral report: Website is running well; Vini is planning two training sessions to teach committee chairs how to use our calendar. He will send out some dates and times later. Fortuna wants to add RIRA to Wikipedia!

Government Relations: Chair, Mincheff –Oral report: the RI legislation review process with edits should be done by next meeting. Jessica Lappin had a baby boy, Miles. ASPCA will be out at Health & Fitness Day, 5/14, doing FREE micro-chipping for our pets.

Housing: Chair, Chirivas – Written report for February meeting. No recent meeting/no report. Constitution: Chair, Evans – Meetings in April cancelled. To resume in May.

Island Services: Chair, Hamburger - Written report submitted. Parking machines at Southtown location in operation.

8. Old Business – None

9. New Business –
Helstien – Proposed two motions with regard to the purchase and sale of RIRA hats and visors for fundraising:
Motion 1: seconded, Salisbury That the members of the RIRA Common Council approve the SC&E Committee’s request to purchase a gross of hats and visors at one of these amounts: (a) ($6 per hat/visor x 144 =) $864, (b) ($5.50 per hat/visor x 144 =) $792 or (c) ($5 per hat/ visor x 144 =) $720. The hats and visors will be sold at $15 each netting $2160 – $864 = (a) $1296, $2160- 792 =$1368, or 2160-$720 = (b) $1440.
(The cost of the hats was given in various price ranges, as the cost was not solidified at the time of this RIRA meeting; subsequent to this meeting, the price of $5.50 was agreed upon.)
Vote: 25Y, 0N, 0A. Motion carried.

Motion 2 as amended: seconded, Salisbury That the members of the RIRA Common Council agree to participate in the selling of hats and visors at all community events, in order to help build the RIRA Treasury ensuring our ability to do more programs and events that any of the committees might want to pursue.

Vote: 24Y, 2N, 2A. Motion carried.

Meeting adjourned at 9:25 p.m.

Roosevelt Island Residents Association (RIRA) Meeting Tonight - RIRA Committee Reports on Red Bus Schedule/Stops/Strollers, Housing, Proposed Science Center and More

Image of April 2011 Roosevelt Island Residents Association Meeting

The Roosevelt Island Residents Association (RIRA) will be meeting 8 PM tonight, May 4,  at the Good Shepherd Community Center (543 Main Street). The Agenda for the meeting is below. As always, prior to the start of each meeting there is a public session in which any resident can come and address the Common Council Delegates on any issue of concern.

Also, remember that Roosevelt Island's NY State Senator Jose Serrano has Roosevelt Island constituent office hours just prior to the RIRA monthly meeting and on the first Wednesday of every month from 4 - 7 PM at RIOC Headquarters 591 Main Street.

If you have any questions to ask Senator Serrano's staff or are in need of any assistance that may require the help of your elected representative stop on by RIOC HQ. Also, bring photocopies of any paperwork related to your situation so that the Serrano staff can effectively and efficiently address the issue.

Below is the Agenda for the May RIRA Common Council:
May 4, RIRA Agenda

and RIRA Committee Reports.

RIRA – ISLAND SERVICES COMMITTEE (ISC) REPORT TO THE COMMON COUNCIL MEETING, 5/5/11

Updates on the key issues ISC is working on:

Red Bus –Schedule, Stops, Strollers – RIRA (President, Planning & Island Services Committees)met with RIOC (Martinez & Cy Opperman)| on 4/25/11 to review Red Bus. We agreed on the following: Schedule – The buses are now operating close to schedule. The main problem causing delays is double parked vehicles on Main St. in Northtown. RIRA suggested that RIC might want to prohibit parking on Main St. at selected locations from 7 am to 9 am on weekday mornings. The key to maintaining a schedule is proper headway between buses. Opperman or another RIOC person will meet or dispatch buses at the Octagon and/or the subway/Tram stops during rush hours.

Stops- The East Tram bus stop will be the principal place to discharge passengers and load passengers. Buses will also dwell here as necessary. The West Tram bus stop, at the kiosk, will probably be retained as a service for Goldwater employees and other passengers from Sportspark and the tennis facility.

Strollers – RIOC agreed to studying and changing the policy of not letting strollers on during rush hours. We expect that the no-strollers policy will be eliminated or substantially modified in the next few months. If the policy is changed, RIO\C will need help from RIRA in explaining to parents and other residents proper protocol for using the buses during rush hours.

Pedestrian Safety Barrier on RI Bridge – We have not received an official response From the NYC DOT to our letter outlining a safety problem at the RI Bridge. However, our “informers” at DOT say that the issue is circulating around the organization.

Public Library – Senator Serranoʼs office informed us that the grant for the Public Library is expected to be $300K.

Aaron Hamburger, Chair - ISC

February 2011: RIRA Housing Committee Minutes
By Russell Fields

The Committee met on  2/27/11 and the attendees included Lorraine Williams, Romano Reid , Russell Fields, Ellen Polivy, and Committee Chairwoman Helen Chirivas.

Our Committee met to consider the following:
1.    HEAP – Home Energy Assistance Program‐ for low income utility expense assistance. Ellen and Steve Heller are planning a meeting with a lawyer from the Urban Justice center to assist eligible residents of all buildings with filing problems.

2.    Discussion of Jose Serrano’s submetering legislation securing that all housing allowances will be fair to all affected tenants in NYS; currently in State Senate Committee.

3.    Formation of a Housing Subcommittee called, HOUSING CONCERNS AND CHALLENGES to deal with the following issues (see attached resolution) a) Adequate disclosure of utility status for each building when referring to the building in common usage,    b) Accepting housing related complaints at the RIRA mail box and by email for referral to building committees, state agencies, and designated parties and follow‐up thereon. c) Conducting electronic surveys on housing issues and satisfaction ratings for all buildings and publishing the results.

4.    In addition concerns over the ongoing affordability were discussed including possible solutions.

5.    There is considered to be inadequate disclosure in clear language as to the how the buildings are heated and if their utility bills are submetered. We are concerned that non disclosure might cause a surprise burden to potential tenants. We believe that for a potential tenant to make an informed decision, this information must be available at the time of decision making. Russell is researching which buildings already disclose this information on their websites or in their marketing literature and what they say.

Southern Development Review – a sub-committee of the RIRA Planning Committee April 28, 2011

Last Thursday, we had the first in-person meeting of the SD (Science Center) Sub- committee of the RIRA Planning and Resident's council. We agreed that there are the following broad categories of discussion.
•    Transportation - during construction and once the new facility opens.
•    Integration - this includes ideas about the RFP-winner being able to leverage existing facilities either currently on the island or planned for it, ingress/egress for the new physical plant (i.e. a strong preference not to have a gated community inaccessible to residents) and other items of discussion.
•    Facilities - this dovetails with the above.
•    Logistics - among other things this includes thinking through waste removal via the "avac" system, construction loads over the helix roadway from Queens and the issues around the possibility of simultaneous construction projects if Southtown's planned additional residences are being built at the same time.
•    Youth - how could the science center be of value to our youth? What might be a reasonable partnership with bid winner in terms of local schools and programs?
•    Idealized conceptions - while there are many, one of the most interesting is the suggestion of a bio-medical engineering program to be developed to work in conjunction with Coler hospital at the North end.

Our next steps are to further refine each line item under the above and work with RIOC to arrange a discussion with NYEDC regarding our ideas and suggestions. We will be meeting again within the next few weeks. If any island resident would like to join the committee now is the time. Given the announced schedule, we need to work quickly to assist in optimizing the outcome for Roosevelt Island and the eventual designee."

Denise Shull Chair - SD sub-committee May 1, 2011

If you are interested in learning more about what is happening on Roosevelt Island, come on down to tonight's RIRA meeting. Sometimes, it can get quite exciting, in a Roosevelt Island sort of way.

I am unable to attend tonight's meeting so if anyone wishes to report on what happened please let me know.

Roosevelt Island's Version of Wikileaks Returns - RIRA Committees Report on Meeting With Public Safety Chief, Future Planning Issues, Skate RI, Internet Fundraising, Island Services, Calendar & More

 Image From The Public Record

Roosevelt Island's own version of Wikileaks continues - below are the Roosevelt Island Residents Association (RIRA) Committee Reports for tonight's Monthly April 2011 meeting. These reports had been made available on this blog for a couple of years until  a majority of RIRA members banned the release of these reports to the Roosevelt Island community prior to the Monthly RIRA meeting following the release of what some RIRA members thought were embarrassing Committee Reports.

Despite the ban by RIRA, here are the Committee Reports.

The Public Safety Committee Report:

Meeting with Keith Guerra 3/10/2011

Present: Pete Digilio, E. Feely-Nahem, Howard Polivy, Keith Guerra, Renee Bryant

After introductions, concerns of the committee were raised in the order presented in the agenda.

The purpose of the proposed meeting was reviewed, explained as a quarterly follow up to issues discussed, and the initiatives that had been promised by Chief Guerra in response to the meeting held in December 2010.

Discussion on the limited visibility of the vertical patrols in the WIRE buildings was discussed. Guerra stated that he stressed it in January’s supervisor’s meeting and he will remind them in March. He will also suggest that they return to the front desk to sign out if they are not doing so. He stated that the Supervisor will just show up and that they must call in to report where they are. Statistics were provided for January and February of the buildings as follows:

Building    January    February
Westview    114    111
Island House    80    84
Roosevelt Landing    925    751

The committee expressed concern over traffic control at the bottom of the ramp. Guerra stated it was not the highest priority but that it was happening. Committee members informed him that although there was a presence, they rarely directed traffic. Guerra stated that he would continue to monitor situation.

Motorgate patrols have been more visible it was noted.

Parking enforcement was again visited by committee members due to what committee members felt was a continued lack of enforcement i.e.: the continued presence of certain vehicles that are not legitimately exempt from parking regulations, parked without being ticketed in the North and South Town area. Mention that tours in these areas do not seem to be conducting visual sweeps of the area, or getting out of their vehicles was addressed. Guerra stated that he make sure that the tour moves more slowly through the area on the way to the Tram post.

Clarification was given of areas where vehicles are allowed to park/not allowed to park.

Gated area by Tram: For tram employees

NYS Placards on Dashboard: can park on the street, but not in areas that say no standing or no stopping, not allowed in crosswalks, or in front of fire hydrants. They can park in no standing unloading areas. These vehicles do not have to pay the meter. Handicap parking is available in Motorgate, for those individuals with NYS placards, on the ground floor, for free.

Hang Tag and license plate; Must park in handicap-designated areas without exception. Have to feed the meter anywhere else. Hang Tags have a few spaces designated in Motorgate, as well as in front of the post office.

Vehicles are not allowed to park under the ramp, except the Dry Cleaner’s vans who have a deal with RIOC to use this area during business hours when they are shuttling clothes between stores. School buses are also allowed to idle there, but not park after hours, but the handicap’s vehicles are only given an exception in snowstorms.

We were informed that recently 3 sergeants had relinquished their positions, and 3 others had been promoted. They are seasoned officers and are presently waiting for a spot in the academy.

It was confirmed that the bicycle pump is available 24/7 at the PS Office. They have 2 hand pumps available.

They have been patrolling the sea wall and have arrested two people, one is staying with residents without permission, and the other came here to Tag. Mention of an increase in gang activity in the form of graffiti, and some possible recruitment efforts. Guerra is planning a community educational workshop in the future on this subject.

Discussed suicide incident and the slow response time with traffic control and learned that once NYPD comes on to the scene, Public Safety officers establish the 2nd perimeter and are there to assist the NYPD. Guerra stated that there were 4 calls for service at the time of the incident as well, with a soccer game in the field. He only had 5 working officers at the time, until 3pm when 5 more came on shift. The initial 5 remained and at this time, they did begin to direct traffic at the bottom of the ramp and redirect the flow up the side of the island. He stated that his officer was remiss in informing him that the suicide had landed in the middle of Main Street and he had thought that once NYPD had arrived the situation was in control.

The Planning Committee Report:

Subject: RIRA Planning Committee Report
Date: 2011-04-03
From: Frank Farance

The RIRA Planning Committee did not meeting face-to-face in March, but we continued discussions via E-mail. Our next meeting is Wednesday, April 20, 2011 at 8:30 PM in the Island House Community Room. RIRA members are welcome to attend.

We have had some ongoing discussions on the seven topics in our work programme (below). Note that topic #7 has an item for action on the formation of a new subcommittee within the RIRA Planning Committee.

Matt Katz, Aaron Hamburger, and I have been following the progress of the Red Bus service. We will provide updates at the April RIRA Common Council meeting.
Frank Farance RIRA Planning Committee Chair

Status Report on Topic #1: Blackwell Park Planning

In the 2008-2010 RIRA session, we had collaborated with RIOC on a Master Plan. We need to provide continuity for RIOC so that community involvement is not lost. The Blackwell Park Subcommittee (of the RIRA Planning Committee) was handling this task. We have new/different members this RIRA session, so we need to make sure there is follow-up. Also, Rosina Abramson was our RIOC point of contact, but she left at the end of 2010, so we need to re-establish a connection.

Upcoming Actions: Re-affirm existing RIRA members of the committee. Re-establish connection with RIOC on this planning topic.

Status Report on Topic #2: Long-Term Financial Planning/Budgeting for Roosevelt Island

In the 1990's there was a state subsidy of $1.6 million. As presented at the November meeting, the RIOC CFO has presented a bleak financial picture. We should be investigating the amount of revenue lost by the lack of State and City taxes returning to Roosevelt Island. By saying "lack", it doesn't mean zero, it means that we aren't getting our fair share. The purpose of this activity would be to research and calculate what our fair share might be, and then to make suggestions on how to acquire that kind of funding and/or services.

Upcoming Actions: Need to get financial data. Need to determine a set of comparable communities and criteria for comparison.

Status Report on Topic #3: Amendments to Roosevelt Island's General Development Plan (GDP)

There is an existing GDP, but more will need to be said about the present and near-future configuration of the Island. One might ask: Why worry about the GDP if most of the development (except Southtown 7-9) is complete? Answer: The GDP also identifies open spaces, parks, etc. and if the GDP becomes a weak document (because both sides, City and State, are ignoring it in residential development areas), then it becomes equally invalid on designation of park spaces and such. This activity would look towards providing revised wording (even though we aren't a party to the contract) and advocacy through the Mayor's office.

Note: The GDP explicitly does not cover the use of the Goldwater Hospital space.

Status Report on Topic #4: Island-Wide Evacuation Plan

At present there is no Island-wide evacuation plan, but RIOC has plans for several kinds of emergencies (snow, cold, heat, power failure). Normally, the City's OEM (Office of Emergency Management) coordinates all of this, including ordering evacuations, i.e., the Mayor orders this, not RIOC. The lack of planning for Island-wide evacuations has been a concern of residents for many for years. We plan on working with RIOC, the Roosevelt Island CERT, and the City's OEM.

Upcoming Actions: I have spoken with Howard Polivy, Chief of the Roosevelt Island Community Emergency Response Team (RI CERT). Howard, Matt Katz, and I will meet soon with RIOC staff to review the existing plans. (Note: The three of us have been involved in this for the past several years.)

Status Report on Topic #5: Main Street and Retail Planning

We recognize that the master-lease process is ongoing within RIOC, but there is a need for resident input on planning topics that are long-range, not merely short-term questions of providing specific services. We plan on coordinating and collaborating with the RIRA Island Services Committee to formulate RIRA planning positions.

Denise Shull is our liaison to the RIRA Island Services Committee, who is leading this effort in RIRA.

Status Report on Topic #6: Roosevelt Island Waterfront Planning

This work involves coordination with the NYC Department of Planning and their "Vision 2020" effort (a comprehensive waterfront plan).

Upcoming Actions: Matt Katz has distributed a new version of the plan and it will be discussed at the upcoming RIRA Planning Committee meeting.

Status Report on Topic #7: Goldwater Hospital Replacement

The City has plans to close the Goldwater Hospital (the structure south of the bridge) and possibly replace it with a science park. Recently, we've heard that Stanford University, among others, are interested in this site, see "http://nyc10044.com/wire/3113/StanfordProposal.pdf". We have yet to determine RIRA's involvement in this effort.

Based upon encouragement from RIOC Director Jonathan Kalkin, RIRA President Matt Katz, and RIRA Common Councilmember Denise Shull, RIRA should become involved and establish a community position on the support for this project. Just like the Blackwell Park Committee, we should have a similar framework of participation (not necessarily same people as Blackwell), and a similar approach towards interaction and making recommendations to RIOC and NYC. The Blackwell Park Committee was a good and successful framework for RIRA/RIOC/etc. collaboration.

First, we need to establish a subcommittee. Although the RIRA Planning Committee can create its own subcommittee, it would be better to do it at the RIRA Common Council meeting so it has more visibility. The RIRA Planning Committee requests the following motion for approval at the April RIRA Common Council meeting:

"RIRA establishes a Southern Development Review Committee (SDRC), a subcommittee within the RIRA Planning Committee, with the following terms of reference (1) the SDRC is focused upon the southern part of Roosevelt Island at the present Goldwater Hospital and adjacent areas, and its future development; (2) the SDRC is a forum for the Roosevelt Island residents to provide input, comments, and review; (3) the SDRC may make recommendations for RIRA's review and approval; (4) the SDRC will liaise with RIOC, NYC, and any potential developers."

Once the subcommittee is established a chair should be appointed, which would be done via a separate motion. We ask for volunteers to join the new RIRA subcommittee.

An Applied Science Center Analysis:

There's More


Planning Sub-committee Science Center Analysis-April 2011


The Social, Cultural and Education Committee Report:

SC&E Committee Meeting Notes March 8, 2011

Present: Shinozaki, Katz, Helstien, Darwish, Marcus, Green, Tang, Allen

Skate Roosevelt Island: We discussed next steps and our plan for moving ahead. Shinozaki and Helstien met with RIOC President/ CEO, Leslie Torres and RIOC Vice President of Operations, Fernando Martinez, on February 23rd to discuss this project. We agreed that we would move forward with the Skate RI concept this year incorporating it into RIOC’s Health and Fitness Day, Saturday May 14th.    By trying it on a small level (one day) we can see if it is popular enough to possibly try out for a ten day period during the winter break in 2012. (For follow-up to this meeting-see end of this report.) We brought up several other program ideas, all of which were met with relative enthusiasm.

Teen/Youth Issues – We will continue to meet with Islanders and potential stake holders in these projects as we move forward to create these sub-committees. -    “GarageBand”: We are looking for committee members and professionals in the music industry who will work together reaching out to their colleagues to act as mentors for Island youth. -    “Bounce”: A program organized around late evening youth basketball will be reaching out to pro-basketball players. We are waiting to hear if there is any interest in coming to Roosevelt Island to work with us. In presenting this program to RIOC, we found them willing to work with us, possibly opening Sports Park for this project. We are actively setting up this sub-committee. If you are interested in, and/or have any friends interested in volunteering to work for the Island’s youth, please let us know.

“Networkbreakfast”- The Sub-committee Chair is Robin Rawlings. She will introduce herself at the April Common Council meeting. The committee is full and is setting up its first meeting to define next steps.

Internet Fundraising - We will move forward with a motion for our next RIRA meeting. We are requesting any of our members who work for companies that give matching funds to list us and support our organization through their corporate giving programs. We will be coming up with a plan to recruit other companies to the RIRA website and our SC&E page. We are considering asking Fresh Direct and other businesses serving Roosevelt Islanders to do likewise.

Helstien requested that the committee add to the committee’s projects, specifically for RIRA fundraising purposes, the creation of hats and visors for RIRA members to sell, possibly during Roosevelt Island Day in June and at others of our events. Helstien will look into this project.

We again discussed Roosevelt Island as the “GO TO Place” and have something going on every few weeks on the island. We revisited:
-    A Cherry Blossom Festival Celebrating Roosevelt Island’s Cherry trees and Japanese Culture. We will be working with RIOC other island organizations and charities. We will be dedicating a grove of Cherry Trees to the Japanese People on and off the island as a show of solidarity. This will also be a fundraising event for groups providing relief in Japan. We will include RIRA fundraising in this project.
-    An Asian New Year Parade with Dragon etc. celebrating Asian Culture. Currently on “hold”.
-    The Kite Festival in the spring, celebrating Middle East Culture. We are awaiting feedback from RIOC on the best time to hold this using data from the tram wind conditions. We are also investigating suppliers of kites and kite materials, e.g.: string and spools.
-    The RIOC/ RIRA wine and cheese evening was a great success and we thank all who attended particularly the RIOC Board members.

ACTION ITEMS:
L. Shinozaki, S. Helstien: Prepare a Motion for RIRA to provide up to $300 fund purchase of snack and drink items for RI Skate concessions for April RIRA meeting.

B. Darwish: Prepare a Motion for April meeting, for approval to set up “click-thru” page on the RIRA website.

R. Rawlings: “Networkbreakfast” Introduction at RIRA. Move toward setting up first meeting. L. Shinozaki: Set up Committee for “Bounce” continue to move forward with committee.

L. Shinozaki: Set up Committee for “GarageBand”; we are asking as a favor from our members to reach out to music industry people they may know and Roosevelt Islanders to see if they will donate time to teach groups of children or be available for one on one mentoring.

L. Shinozaki, S Helstien: Moving forward on RIRA hat/visor fundraiser, possibly ready for RI Day, June 11.

POST SC&E MEETING - FOLLOW UP:
Skate RI:

In a second meeting with RIOC, held March 18th, we agreed that for the purposes of Health and Fitness Day it would be better for our project to have a venue closer to where most of their event takes place at Capobianco Field. Therefore, Sports Park was ruled out as too far away; very few attended programs held there in past H&F events. Shinozaki approached Manhattan Park, asking if we would be able to use their Theater Club. Although the MP management was interested and willing to donate their space, it had been booked for another event. Subsequently, Shinozaki reached out to the Child School which has agreed to donate their gymnasium space.

Additionally, this meeting included a conference call with EZglide. The Child School will be faxing a floor plan to EZ-Glide for them to come up with a design plan for the number of panels and “fencing” to accommodate up to 40 skaters at one time on the surface. When we receive their assessment and plan, we’ll also be given a more comprehensive price, which may be quite a bit less than originally estimated. When we know the actual pricing we will then go to all the building managements to request financial support to pay for this event.

We will be organizing logistics of the project in terms of volunteers necessary. We will be setting up a time/work grid for RIRA and others in the community who will volunteer to hand out skates, collecting fees, and man the concessions area. Skating will be free, but skate rentals will cost $10 per pair.

Respectfully submitted,

Lynn Strong Shinozaki

S C & E COMMITTEE MOTIONS
RIRA MEETING: 4/06/2011

Motion #1
The SC&E Committee requests that RIRA Common Council approve our request in the amount of $150, for our first fundraising project, planned for April 30, a Cherry Blossom Festival. This amount will be used for the purchase of fans and parasols (and any incidentals) to be sold at the event. Whatever funds are left over from these purchases, it and all other money made, will be restored to the RIRA treasury.

Motion #2
The SC&E Committee has scheduled its second fundraising event: RIRA’s SkateRoosevelt Island. It will be presented in conjunction with the RIOC Health and Fitness program to be held on Saturday, May 14. We request approval from the RIRA Common Council of up to $300. This amount is for the purchase of beverages and some snacks to be sold at the event. We will endeavor to have Roosevelt Islanders do some baking, and we will be going after our local and area markets for donations of fruit, drinks, and other healthy snack items. We expect not to have to use the entire amount which we are requesting, but want to ensure that we will have adequate funds available, if absolutely necessary. Whatever funds are left over from these purchases, it and all other money made, will be restored to the RIRA treasury.

Motion #3
Attempting to address as many fundraising opportunities as possible, the SC&E Committee asks that the Common Council help us move forward by supporting our request in setting up on the RIRA website, in a joint effort with the Communications Committee, a “Click-through page”. This page will give us the possibility of raising some funds through companies who agree to be represented there. It will allow us and the community to support RIRA by using this site for our personal shopping choices. We hope that this effort, minimally, will generate enough money to support the small costs involved in maintaining the new site over the oncoming years.

The Island Services Committee Report:

RIRA – ISLAND SERVICES COMMITTEE (ISC) REPORT TO THE COMMON COUNCIL MEETING, 4/6/11

Updates on the key issues ISC is working on:

Red Bus Schedule – There continues to be problems with the new Red Bus schedule and with numerous complaints from residents. At the 3/31/11 RIOC Operations Committee meeting, we were introduced to Cy Opperman, new General Manager for bus operations. Cy is an experienced bus operations manager recently retired from the MTA. He begins work 4/4/11. Cy seems to fully understand the problems facing the Red Bus and is committed to making the Red Bus operation safe, efficient and on-time. ISC, Planning Committee and RIRA President plan to meet with Cy after heʼs been on the job for 3 - 4 weeks.

Strollers on Red Bus during rush hour - We have deferred raising this issue with RIOC until we meet with Cy Opperman.

Pedestrian Safety Barrier on RI Bridge – A letter (attached) was sent to the NYC Dept. of Transportation officials. We are awaiting a response.

Public Library – Weʼve been notified that Senator Serrano may authorize some money for the Library project planned for 504 Main St. We are trying to find out how much money could be granted. The total RI Library project was estimated last year to require about $10 million. Most of the money would have to come from the New York Public Library capital funds. RIOC is expected to provide some money as well as possibly some of the developers.

Programs for Older Youth After 9 PM – The Social Cultural & Educational Committee is taking the lead on this issue with support from ISC.

Main St. Stores – We had expected that the contract for the Main St. Commercial Master Lease would be awarded at the April 6 RIOC Board meeting. However, so far, this meetingʼs agenda doesnʼt include the Master Lease proposal. Also, the RIOC Real Estate Committee is meeting in executive session on April 4 to “discuss Final Terms of the Main St. Commercial Master Lease”. So, it seems likely this issue wonʼt come to the RIOC Board until their May meeting.

Parks - The opening of Southpoint Park has been delayed until July.

Aaron Hamburger, Chair - ISC


To:    Commissioner, NYC Department of Transportation
From: Roosevelt Island Residents Association, Island Services Committee Aaron Hamburger, Chair – Island Services Committee Jim Bates, President, Roosevelt Island Disabled Association
Re: ROOSEVELT ISLAND BRIDGE – PEDESTRIAN SAFETY

The Roosevelt Island Reconstruction project has a serious safety omission. While there is a pedestrian safety barrier on the Manhattan half of the bridge, thereʼs no barrier on the Queens side to protect pedestrians from falling into the line of traffic.

Why does only half of the walkway have protection while the other half has none? We are simply waiting for a child, disabled person in a wheelchair or others to be injured or run over.

An appropriate safety barrier must be installed before the Reconstruction project is completed.

Attached are photos from the Roosevelt Islander Blog illustrating the situation.

CC: Fernando Martinez, Vice-President, RIOC Jessica Lappin, Member, NYC Council Jose Serrano, Senator, New York State Senate Micah Kellner, Assembly Member, New York State Assembly Fred Herschkowitz, Community Relations, DOT Division of Bridges

The Communications Committee Report:

Communications Committee Report - March 2011
Committee met on March 15. In attendance: Ava, Vini, Joe, Lorena, Barbara, Rick, Sherie.

RIRA on Wikipedia

• Vini tried to create a page, but was rejected. Not enough sources and original content available. Frank showed interest in trying it again. 
• It was suggested to add information about RIRA to the Roosevelt Island page instead. 
• Ava will ask Ethel to write a RIRA section on Roosevelt Island's wiki page.

Website Stats

• Around 50 visits a week 
• Top traffic sources: Direct (33%), Facebook (21%), Google (16%), Roosevelt Islander(14%), The Wire online (10%) 
• Top content: home page (42%), calendar (12%), updates (8%), about (5%), get involved
• (3.7%), SCE (2.9%), Public Safety (2.7%), files (2.5%), election (2.4%) 
• Public Safety page has no content, and "Election" very little, despite being among thetop visited content.

Public Contact Email

• Made public contact@riraonline.com - will go to Matt and Joe to field.

File access

• Will create separate folders under “files” and arrange by date. Will post applicable
• documents under each date.

Reporting of Roosevelt Island issues

• Barbara reported that Public Safety Committee gets many emails about unresolvedissues. Suggested that we could post them on the website.  
• Conclusion was that those issues should be posted on Roosevelt Island's SeeClickFix page, for RIOC notification. 
• Barbara will try to post the issues to SeeClickFix. May post as "RIRA".

Community Calendar

• Will be managed by RIRA – to be used by everyone – involved will be Rick, Barbara (add events to calendar), Janet (reach out community organizations), and Vini (technical stuff). 
• Will speak with RIOC about using single calendar. – Vini & Rick 
• Sherie proposed to post advertisement of calendar – possibly on Red Bus.  Will reach out to island organizations for content.

Get more publicity for the website

• Rick can send press release to building email lists. Ava will write press release. 
• Update community/organization list – discuss with Dick re ownership, SCE working on this as well.

User-managed email groups

• Available at http://groups.riraonline.com (needs a Google Account for authentication) 
• Chairs can view and manage members of their groups by themselves. 
• Members can manage the groups they are in (subscribe/unsubscribe and choose email delivery options)  
• Also provides an archive and a web interface to read the messages online (accessible by members only)

Training on online tools

• Vini will provide training on how to edit the website, add calendar events and manage the email groups to committee chairs. Date to be decided, but will likely be on the week of 11-15 April.

and the Constitution and Bylawa Committee Report:

From: Constitution and Bylaws Ad Hoc Committee
Subject: Committee Report for April RIRA-Common Council Meeting
Members Present 7 March 2011: Matthew Katz, Dave Evans
Members Present 22 March 2011: Matthew Katz, Frank Farance, Joyce Mincheff,
Helen Chirivah, Dave Evans)

The Constitution and Bylaws Committee met twice during March to continue its review of the Constitution. This review of the Constitution is effectively fifty percent complete and it is expected the remaining portion will move along much quicker. Once the Constitution is done, any draft changes must be reconciled with the total review of the Bylaws. The next meeting is scheduled for 13 April 2011 at 8pm and 26 April 2011 is tentatively scheduled.

Respectively:

Dave Evans, Chair