Roosevelt Island 360

It's Time to Say Goodbye to this Blog....

2011-01-03T21:00:00.011-05:00

This day has been coming for a long time. It's been a long time since I have seriously been able to give this blog the time and energy it deserves. Things changed in my life and the blog unfortunately became another casualty.

I have had a lot of fun writing it. It may not have been the most newsworthy and certainly not always the most timely but I feel it added its presence for a time to the discussion and helped bring Roosevelt Island into the greater consciousness of the City.

I thank the folks over at the NY Times City Room and the NYT Blog Talk posting as well as the folks over the Village Voice Running Scared blog for noticing this blog from time to time and highlighting several stories. My favorites were the ones involving the FDR memorial, the red bus, our subway station, its escalators, the bike racks, the fire call boxes among several others. I loved writing about our playgrounds as I am a parent to young children and I always tried to write partially from the perspective of a parent/resident of the Island.

I enjoyed the rivalry I had in the beginning with Rick over the Roosevelt Islander when I had more time and it became fun to see which one of us got a story onto the blogs first. Rick usually had the more in depth story as he has been amazingly dedicated to bringing another daily news source to residents and nonresidents alike about this little island. I will miss that fun. I encourage everyone to follow the Roosevelt Islander as it's a great blog to keep up with what's going in between issues of the Main Street WIRE.

I also thank Matt Katz and Frank France for including me in all correspondence and meeting notices about RIRA issues that came up along the way. Also kudos to Steve Shane for always responding to my email inquiries even if at times he really thought my question was obvious. Judy Berdy gets a special thanks for sending pics and news stories my way and for being a good friend.

I started this blog to show friends and family members what life was like here via my 360 degree videos I used to shoot and then with the encouragement of the folks at Outside.In (a blog and news aggregator who told me to add text) I started writing in addition to shooting 60 second videos.

But now it feels right to officially wind the blog down. I don't intend to turn off the blog as I think there are some good pieces and videos still worth viewing but don't expect there to be any new posts. In a short time I also will be shutting off the ability to add any new comments so the ongoing discussion / gripe sessions regarding Eastwood and Ron Vass will need to find a new home.

Thanks for the fun to everyone and feel free to say hello as I am keeping the email address RooseveltIsland360@gmail.com for anyone that wants to write or kibitz.

Regards,

Eric S.

Blizzard Hits Roosevelt Island's Main Street

2010-12-27T08:47:00.004-05:00

Mon. 12/27 7am

Sun 12/26 315pm

Sun 12/26 3:15pm

Congrats to Legacy HS for Taking 2nd Place - Beating NYC Elite High Schools

2010-12-16T11:17:00.004-05:00

Congratulations to the The Child School/Legacy High School for taking Second Place in the Foreign Policy Association"s 2010 Worldquest New York Competition. In doing so Legacy got bragging rights among NYC schools beating out Stuyvesant and Bronx Science.

Great Job !

Link to official site and NYDN article.

City Offers Goldwater Campus As Possible Site for Science / Engineering College

2010-12-16T10:46:00.004-05:00

The prospect of the Goldwater Campus being put to use as other than a hospital campus has popped up once again. This time as a possible site for a future science or engineering college with a 99 year lease to the institution that comes to it with an option to renew it.

Links: WSJ article; NYT Article

The idea of a top university space at the site would seem more appealing to Island residents than simply selling the site to residential developers but even this idea would drive rents and housing costs further up, due to increased demand for student housing, on the Island making it increasingly difficult for current residents to remain.

Vote for Roosevelt Island

2010-12-13T16:11:00.000-05:00

Please support Roosevelt Island as the best NYC neighborhood in the current contest at Curbed. Vote for us in this first round against Park Slope.

http://ny.curbed.com/archives/2010/12/13/curbed_cup_1st_round_1_park_slope_vs_16_roosevelt_island.php

Somehow I feel like the pairing of Roosevelt Island vs Park Slope and all its residents is slightly unfair and almost seen by folks as a "by" for Park Slope. So prove the folks at Curbed wrong and get out the vote.

Eric

Fw: Roosevelt Island Special Publication

2010-12-06T17:04:00.002-05:00

----- Original Message -----
From: RIOC Advisories <advisories@rioc.com>
To: RIOC Advisories <Advisories@rioc.com>
Sent: Mon Dec 06 17:02:17 2010
Subject: Roosevelt Island Special Publication

Happy Holidays Everyone:

Roosevelt Island community and friends should be aware that a brand new Roosevelt Island publication has come off the presses. The publication details the accomplishments of various RIOC employees and Roosevelt Island residents and spotlights some new developments and projects on the Island. Your glossy new magazine is available at the RIOC offices at 591 Main Street. Come pick one up and read about all the wonderful things you love about Roosevelt Island, complete with spectacular pictures!

Sincerely,

Roosevelt Island Operating Corp Advisories Group

Please visit us on the web at
http://rioc.ny.gov

Join us on Facebook at
http://www.facebook.com/riocny

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please email us at unsubscribe@rioc.com

Official Island Tree Lighting Tonight, Free Concert Tomorrow Night

2010-12-03T09:26:00.004-05:00

If you are on Roosevelt Island tonight stop by Blackwell House at 7pm to take part in the island's annual Holiday Tree lighting. Then tomorrow stop by Good Shepherd Community Center for a free concert at 8:00 pm.

Happy Chanukah - Public Menorah Lighting Sat. Dec 4th

2010-12-02T08:32:00.003-05:00

Menorah Lighting 2007

Happy Chanukah from Roosevelt Island ! The public Memorah lighting will be this Saturday, December 4th at 6:30pm in front of Blackwell House. It should be a lot fun but it is expected to be cold so be sure to bundle up.

The Roosevelt Island Tram is Back !!!

2010-11-30T13:12:00.004-05:00

In honor of the return of the Roosevelt Island Tram it is appropriate, to me anyway, to run simple pictures of the new Tram complete with its cartoon lettering reminiscent of Roger Rabbit. The above and below photos are courtesy of Duc Le Photography.

Many of Duc Le's photos of the Tram can be found at this LINK. I especially like the one of the two Tram cabins side by side. The old cabins passed side by side by Tower Two between the FDR and York. Much more satisfying a picture over the East River.

No Southtown Parking On Main Street

2010-11-29T15:30:00.000-05:00

It appears that RIOC is beginning to install the parking sensors under the new parking spots along Main Street in Roosevelt Island's Southtown starting this evening as signs were up along every spot advising motorists to not park there after 9pm. Not just tickets but your vehicle will be towed if its still there after 9pm.

Tram to ReOpen Tomorrow Nov. 30th

2010-11-29T13:15:00.002-05:00

Believe it or not the Roosevelt Island Tram (at least one cabin anyway) is set to reopen tomorrow Tuesday, November 30, 2010. We will believe it when we are on it.

Fw: WIRE-BULLETIN: Tram Ceremony Tuesday

2010-11-26T16:17:00.000-05:00

------Original Message------
From: Dick Lutz / The Main Street WIRE
To: wire-bulletin@nyc10044.com
ReplyTo: Dick Lutz / The Main Street WIRE
Sent: Nov 26, 2010 2:53 PM
Subject: WIRE-BULLETIN: Tram Ceremony Tuesday

Tram Launch Ceremony Tuesday at 11:00;
Service Likely to Resume Immediately After

The Roosevelt Island Operating Croporation has schedule a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the renovated Island Tramway. It is to take place on Tuesday (November 30) at 11:00. The public is invited.

It is Likely that regular service will resume immediately after the ceremony, though, at last report, RIOC was still awaiting a final "go" from the Department of Labor. The operating permit is expected before Tuesday's ceremony, according to RIOC Presidnet Leslie Torres.

The Main Street WIRE will present special coverage of the event on Website NYC10044, at http://nyc10044.com <http://nyc10044.com> , starting late Tuesday afternoon. (A bulletin will be originated when the coverage is available on line.)

________________________________

Associated with the re-opening of the Tram:
The Lumen Gallery will present an exhibition of photography by Carol Caver and Jonas Cuenin, titled Service Suspended - The men behind the New York tram renovation. It will run December 2 through December 7, with an opening reception Thursday, December 2, 6:00-9:00 p.m., at 221 East 60th Street.
________________________________

You have received this Main Street WIRE e-mail bulletin because past communications have indicated you have an interest in Roosevelt Island News. To add someone to this list, send an AddMe e-mail to MainStreetWIRE@usa.net <mailto:MainStreetWIRE@usa.net> . To be removed from

------Original Message Truncated------

Happy Thanksgiving Roosevelt Island

2010-11-25T11:18:00.000-05:00

Happy Thanksgiving Roosevelt Island.

Tram Safety Drills This Morning

2010-11-24T09:25:00.000-05:00

Ms Judy Berdy, Roosevelt Island Historical Society, has reported that the FDNY and NYPD are conducting safety drills on the new Roosevelt Island Tram this morning so don't get all worried due to the increases emergency presence by the Tram Station.

Fw: Elevator Out of Service at Lex / 63rd Subway Station until Nov 26th

2010-11-18T17:47:00.000-05:00

------Original Message------
From: RIOC Advisories
To: RIOC Advisories
Sent: Nov 18, 2010 3:41 PM
Subject: "F" Train Station

Be advised that the elevator located at the 63rd Street and Lexington Avenue Station will be out of service until Friday, November 26th, 2010.

Sincerely,

Roosevelt Island Operating Corp Advisories Group

Please visit us on the web at http://rioc.ny.gov

If you wish to no longer receive these messages from us
please email us at unsubscribe@rioc.com

The Loss of Open Vistas

2010-11-17T09:20:00.001-05:00

While I agree with everyone that adding on street parking to Roosevelt Island is fantastic it is a shame that another beautiful view looking out onto the East River will be lost. In the above picture the leaves you see on the ground in the street will soon be replaced by cars obliterating the view for those walking along the Southtown side of West Road / Street or whatever it is currently named. Yes there will always be the promenade to walk along and I recognize we need these spots but you can't argue that once a view is gone it is gone. Yes we have far greater issues to address on this island but it's a shame when such things are lost.

You may recall that I took issue, along with many others, that that the planned allee of trees that will adorn the Four Freedoms Memorial Park will destroy the 360 degre open views of Manhattan and Queens. Yes the trees will undoubtedly be beautiful and we have been told the trees will never be so thick to block the view fully but again a loss is a loss.

Happy Veterans' Day

2010-11-11T14:26:00.004-05:00

As a kid growing I fondly remember each and every year the Peanuts strip honoring veterans on Veterans Day without fail. Here is an authorized one panel strip drawn by Charles M. Schulz with a little help from Bill Maudlin honoring Veterans as only they each knew how.

Happy Veterans Day to any all Roosevelt Island residents who served our country !

[This image is being used without permission of United Syndicate Features, I apologize for not asking for permission in time.]

Hungry for Red Velvet Cupcakes? Come to the Farmers Market This Saturday !

2010-11-11T11:06:00.005-05:00

Get ready for Red Velvet cupcakes as a whole batch of them are coming to the Farmer's Market on Roosevelt Island this Saturday. Tiny Kitchen Girl is even frosting them red and white with RI written on top of each. Very cute. So get hungry.

Sadly we will not get to meet the baker, Tiny Kitchen Girl, but her blog, A Girl Bakes in New York ,says the cupcakes are coming. And yes Tiny Kitchen Girl we don't have cupcakes on Roosevelt Island so bring more than the 100 your blog has promised.

No Rocky Road for FDR Granite

2010-11-11T10:52:00.001-05:00

The granite blocks for the Four Freedoms FDR Memorial slated for Southpoint park are so fragile, as much as a 29 ton rock can be fragile, that special arrangements had to be made to ship each of the expected 70 blocks to Roosevelt Island. The blocks start their in North Carolina and required special rigging for their truck drive up to Jersey City before being shipped via barge to Southpoint Park.

The full story of the requirements taken to ensure each blocks integrity can be found here.

New Parking Spaces Chalked Out

2010-11-11T10:15:00.002-05:00

The first new on street parking spaces on Roosevelt Island are starting to be chalked out between the subway station and the Blackwell House Triangle along the West Road facing Manhattan.

Sorry no photos yet as the camera on my phone was not working this morning.

Did Tyra Banks & ANTM Film on the Tram Before Residents Got to Ride It?

2010-11-09T16:55:00.005-05:00

According to a TV Blog's post of earlier today the models of Tyra Bank's TV reality show America's Next Top Model, in this week's episode, each took a spin on the Roosevelt Island Tram with a male model to test how well each model broke the ice with a new colleague.

When was this filmed? I sure hope it was not recently as RIOC and POMA test out the Tram. If it's a new episode would they be only playing an episode now that was filmed prior to March 2010? That seems strange. So maybe they did film this recently? Seems improbable at best.

Cat Adoption Day !

2010-11-06T10:28:00.001-04:00

It's cat adoption day on Roosevelt Island. Come view the cats and kittens down by the Farmers Market and adopt one out of the cold and into your warm heart (and apartment).

Residents Land Bound During Marathon - No Tram Views This Year

2010-11-05T12:46:00.004-04:00

Unfortunately as compared to years past, Roosevelt Island residents will not be able to view the 2010 ING NYC Marathon from the lofty views afforded by the Roosevelt Island Tram. So I figured to present a couple of shots from years past of how great those views were and will be again for next year and years after that once the Tram is back online.

Thirteen.Org “City Concealed” Documentary to Reveal Four Freedoms Park and Island Lighthouse

2010-11-05T12:01:00.006-04:00

According to the Thirteen.Org news release:

“After two successful seasons of spotlighting un-tread landmarks of New York, The City Concealed returns with nine new episodes, taking viewers into historic sites within all five New York boroughs. The series presents unknown or inaccessible, though culturally-priceless, areas to the Web and into online conversations.

A mainstay of THIRTEEN.ORG’s locally-focused online video content, as well as a 2010 Webby Award Nominee for best documentary series, The City Concealed goes inside even more elusive locations for its new season: from the last Greek Synagogue in all of New York, to the abandoned Ft. Tilden at the tip of The Rockaways, to the remote hiking trails of Staten Island.”

Starting Novemeber 9th and each week after the series will explore a new site. The episode dedicated to the Four Freedoms Park and, according to Thirteen, Manhattan’s only remaining lighthouse will debut sometime in December.

Daytime Bridge Closures Nov. 9th and 10th

2010-11-05T09:57:00.000-04:00

From: RIOC
Date: Friday Nov. 5, 2010

Please be advised the DOT will be performing test openings on the Roosevelt Island Bridge on Tuesday, November 9th and Wednesday, November 10th from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m.

Sincerely,

Roosevelt Island Operating Corp Advisories Group

Can Giants Settle on Roosevelt Island?

2010-11-03T14:02:00.000-04:00

Recently I came upon this Otterness Giant at a playground on West 42nd between 11th and 12th and thought it would be so cool to install a similiar Giant on Roosevelt Island facing Manhattan.

If it were possible where on the Island would you place this guy? On Rivercross Lawn, Blackwell Park, at Manhattan Park, Lighthouse Park, or by Firefighter's Field?

A Stairway to Heaven Returned

2010-11-03T09:03:00.002-04:00

Quite quietly escalator ES416 returned to service this week at the Roosevelt Island subway station connecting the lower mezzanine to the upper mezzanine. It was slated to reopen September 19th a date that came and was gone with no fan fare or explanation as to why service had not been restored. The escalator had been taken out of service I believe in early to mid July from what I recall.

No big fuss was made by this blog as generally ES415 right next to it was up and running most days allowing riders to make their way up towards street level (or at least half way there).

All I can say is we generally take the escalators for granted until that time or two when they are out and you are carrying more bags than you would want to climbing the steps out after a long day.

Does this post have any real point other than to thank the MTA for finally finishing this project? Not really.

WIRE-BULLETIN: Katz Wins RIRA Presidency

2010-11-02T23:24:00.001-04:00

Katz Victor in RIRA Presidential Election

Matthew Katz reclaimed the Presidency of the Roosevelt Island Residents Association in voting today, 887 to 496. Ellen Polivy, running unopposed for a second term as Vice President, received 1033 votes.
Full results in the RIRA Election and the General Election will be posted later this evening on Website NYC10044 at http://nyc10044.com.

Polls Open Until 9pm Tonight

2010-11-02T17:04:00.001-04:00

If you have not voted yet all polling stations on Roosevelt Island should be open until 9:00 pm tonight.

Fw: WIRE-BULLETIN: TWO ELECTIONS on Roosevelt Island tomorrow

2010-11-01T17:24:00.000-04:00

------Original Message------
From: Dick Lutz / The Main Street WIRE
To: WIRE-bulletin@nyc10044.com
ReplyTo: Dick Lutz / The Main Street WIRE
Sent: Nov 1, 2010 3:22 PM
Subject: WIRE-BULLETIN: TWO ELECTIONS on Roosevelt Island tomorrow

Roosevelt Island Votes Tomorrow

Islanders will go to the polls in two elections tomorrow -- the General Election in which a New York State governor will be elected, along with State Assemblymember, State Senator, and Member of Congress -- and the Residents Association (RIRA) election, in which voters will choose a President and Common Council members to serve for the next two years.

All Island residents 18 and over (regardless of registration or country of citizenship) are eligible to vote in the RIRA Election. The sole Island-wide race is for the Presidency of the organization, with incumbent Frank Farance facing a challenge from Matthew Katz, who held the organization's presidency for three past terms.
Voting in this election will be from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. at three locations:
Octagon residents will vote at a machine in The Octagon.
Southtown residents will vote at a machine in the lobby at 455 Main Street.
All others will vote at PS/IS 217.

Video of Wednesday night's debate between Farance and Katz is available through the link at http://nyc10044.com

Only registered voters are eligible to vote in the General Election. Voting locations, 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., are:
Goldwater Hospital for part of Southtown.
Coler Hospital for The Octagon.
PS/IS 217 for River Road addresses and the "WIRE" buildings (510 through 625 Main Street).
Questions? Call the Board of Elections via 311 or 866-868-3692.

------Original Message Truncated------

Will it Create Parking Spaces out of Thin Air ?

2010-10-28T08:09:00.006-04:00

A snippet of the new release about the new parking system. We all know we have a limited amount of parking spaces on the streets of Roosevelt Island and we all know the same cars seem to hog the spaces day to day. Will this make the situation better? I am not wholly sure how this works yet or how it creates more parking spaces but it appears to be another step by RIOC Board Member Jonathan Kalkin to be innovative and bring RIOC and Roosevelt Island into the next century through the use of technology.

"Innovative Sensor-Based Solution Creates New Parking Spaces Near
RooseveltIsland Subway and Historic Tramway

PR Newswire

SAN FRANCISCO, Oct. 28

SAN FRANCISCO, Oct. 28 /PRNewswire/ -- Streetline Inc. today announced that the Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation (RIOC) will deploy Streetline's sensor-based smart parking solutions on New York's Roosevelt Island, part of the borough of Manhattan. Roosevelt Island is creating new "smart" parking spaces next to Roosevelt Island's subway and historic tramway. The innovative program, which marks Streetline's entry into the East Coast market, aims to help Roosevelt Island better assess its parking management policies, give citizens and visitors a better parking experience, and address traffic congestion.

The new "smart" parking spaces will be outfitted with Streetline's patented parking system which includes ultra-low power sensors that communicate with one another to deliver valuable real-time information, such as how long a caris parked and when a car enters and leaves a parking space. The initialsystem also lays the foundation for smart parking meters allowing for easierpayments and better pricing."

We shall see how the public takes to this as the new system goes into use. THe entire news release can be read here.

When asked about the system Mr. Kalkin responded with the following information:

Roosevelt Island presently has a number of parking issues. Parking in Motorgate is too expensive for short term parking, parking on Main Street is supposed to be for dropping off and picking up items and therefore it is limited to a maximum of forty five minutes. Some areas of the Island like Southtown are limited to two hours. However, if you walk the street you will see many cars parked there for more than twice that period or all day. Some of them have placards that are suspect, and many just feed the meter indefinitely.

As a result, if a person wants to drop off items at their place or just wants to have a friend in for a cup of coffee, parking becomes impossible. In addition, that person has to either drive around the island to look for a space which leads to additional pollution and traffic congestion, or drives all the way down to Motorgate and pays a hefty fee to park for that short period. All of these factors are a strain on Main Street and our
residents and visitors.

We want to encourage parking for it intended purpose, want to make sure that parking period of time is reasonable, and we want to relay that information to the resident or visitor. We also want to utilize more spaces by the hospital on the weekends and evenings (when they are usually empty) and in front of Southtown, but want these to be used efficiently. The information that parking is available ahead can be shown with signage on the street, on the internet, and on mobile devices. We can lower the price of short term parking at Motorgate to encourage the use of the facility for that purpose. Public Safety officers can flag vehicles electronically that use illegal placards and most importantly a vehicle in violation will be shown on their
mobile devices so they can spend their time more efficiently serving the
community or directing traffic on the street.

The sensors themselves will be embedded below ground so you won't see them. This is a trial that will eventually be integrated with our parking meters as well. This test phase is the start of several transportation and operations projects that we will be examining over the year like electric car charging stations powered by solar and east river tidal energy , bike sharing, LED energy efficient lighting, tap cards and mobile payments for the red bus and parking, arrival time clocks and information signs at the bus shelters and Tram stations, a SeeClickFix Island 311 system, a Solar
Hybrid Ferry, Island Park WIFI Internet, and a new Director of Transportation to make it all come together.

As the new Chair of the Operations Committee, I am excited to work with our dedicated team at RIOC and our tireless board members who help make this all possible. Roosevelt Island will lead the city and now the country with innovative solutions to our daily problems, making this place an even better place to live and work.

A video of the system in use can be found on You Tube HERE.

New Tram: Swinging Singles or Stable Studebakers ?

2010-10-25T08:27:00.001-04:00

Like many Roosevelt Island residents we have been watching POMA and RIOC test out the new Tram cabins back and forth across the East River.

They are being touted as more stable and certainly the double hangar system on each tram would appear to support the concept of greater stability.

But from what I have been seeing they seem to be swinging a lot more than the old cabins from front to back as they make the platform. Perhaps this is operator controlled and will settle down with the weight of 110 passengers but it has been interesting to watch.

Both New Tram Cabins Waiting

2010-09-23T08:56:00.001-04:00

As seen this morning and newly washed by last night's rain storm both new Roosevelt Island Tram cabins sit across from Southtown's plaza waiting for their November service debut.

It was reported yesterday by the Roosevelt Islander that the October return to service date has now been delayed until November, three months after the original date POMA and RIOC promised.

I ♥ Roosevelt Island Logo Challenge

2010-09-22T20:39:00.004-04:00

The New York Times City Room blog is requesting New Yorkers submit their ideas for using the iconic “I ♥ NY” logo. My idea which I submitted this evening is above. It is not very original or creative but it is already up on the NYT site along with many amazing variations.

The Tram picture is actually that of Dan Dickinson. I am hoping he is ok with its use here.

If you have other ideas involving Roosevelt Island show off your Island pride and submit them to the NY Times and also to me as I will display them on this blog as they are received.

945am: Second New Roosevelt Island Tram being Uncrated Now..

2010-09-22T09:52:00.001-04:00

Reports are the second tram cabin for Roosevelt Island is being uncrated as I type these word. Too bad I am at work and can't be there. Check back later for pictures from friends of RI360 at the scene.

Eric

FDR Four Freedoms Park Billboard ?

2010-09-20T10:50:00.003-04:00

I have not been over to the East River from the Manhattan side to see if the FDR Four Freedoms Billboard is back again this year but with the park construction and the UN in session I am assuming it is somewhere.

And with the United Nations back in session I am also assuming the US Coast Guard gun boats are back as well. The picture above was taken last year during this time.

Fw: United Nations General Assembly

2010-09-20T10:41:00.000-04:00

------Original Message------
From: RIOC Advisories
To: RIOC Advisories
Sent: Sep 20, 2010 10:39 AM
Subject: United Nations General Assembly

As a reminder the NYC DOT Bridge Operations Unit and Koch/Skanska Contractors will be manning the Roosevelt Island Bridge for the United Nations General Assembly. Security Zone closures of the west channel of the East River will be in effect. The crews will be on the bridge from September 20, 2010 to September 27, 2010 between the hours of 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Sincerely,

Roosevelt Island Operating Corp Advisories Group

Please visit us on the web at www.rioc.com

If you wish to no longer receive these messages from us
please email us at unsubscribe@rioc.com

New Tram Cabin Arrives on Island !

2010-09-15T16:37:00.006-04:00

One of the two new Tram cabins arrived on Roosevelt Island today. The ver helpful Judy Berdy forwarded a number of pictures to this blogger, the Roosevelt Islander and the Main Street WIRE.

NY1: FDR Memorial Takes Shape on Roosevelt Island

2010-09-14T10:08:00.003-04:00

NY1 is running a video regarding the ceremonies held at Southpoint park yesterday welcoming the first 25 granite blocks that will make up the Louis Kahn designed park and specificallt the "Room" that will sit at the foot of the new FDR Four Freedoms Park which is being built here on Roosevelt Island.

Link to the video HERE or above.

Voting Light at 715am at Roosevelt Island Polling Station

2010-09-14T08:42:00.004-04:00

Voting this morning at the Roosevelt Island polling station was llight at 7:15am. I was only the15th voter for my electoral district. The individuals at the tables seemed pretty knowledgeable and not thrown by the new process. The same old signature books are in use.

The voting sheets were clearly understandable. The sheets could have used larger print fonts but each privacy voting area came equiped with a plastic magnifier sheet. I did not notice if there were privacy stations at wheel chair height as depicted above. I hope there were as they certainly are appropriate for our island.

My sheet was scanned quickly and without incident.

The polling station included about 4 election districts to which they had only two (2) scanning machines. Which was fiine for today when turnout is low but for a general election I am betting the scanning line will get long and they better bring more scanners.

All in all positive marks.

Note the above pictures are from the Board of Elections website as I forgot my camera this morning.

Waiting for the Tram as Magic School Bus

2010-09-08T18:07:00.003-04:00

Last year at this time many Roosevelt Island kids began their morning commute to school via the Roosevelt Island Tram. With the current delays in getting the refurbished Tram back on line that was not to be. Perhaps we can look forward to Trick or Treating by Tram? Please please.

Roosevelt Island NYPL Branch Sees NO Reduction in Days or Hours

2010-09-01T20:55:00.004-04:00

In the year that the NYPL almost took back its sixth day of library service, many branches are seeing reduced hours as a trade-off to keeping the sixth open day. But Roosevelt Island has been spared any cut back in hours and has been granted the abilty to not lose any hours for our residents to enjoy our local NYPL branch.

2006 Video re Hurricane Preparedness & Roosevelt Island

2010-09-01T08:18:00.001-04:00

While it appears that Hurrican Earl will not be the be menace it was predicted for NYC the below post from February 19, 2009 is worth repeating. Most island residents still feel unsure what they would do in case of a hurricane hitting the island in light of our defined and limited ways off the island.....

As previously posted:

The above video is from a 2006 meeting regarding hurricane preparedness on Roosevelt Island. I stumbled upon it this evening and wanted obviously to post it here. The video was prepared by Manhattan Community Board 8 and was of a CB8M Public Safety meeting they held on Roosevelt Island in the Good Shepherd Community Center. The video is presented on a channel labeled CB8M Speaks.

I don't recall too many individuals feeling that the meeting answered all their questions but the video is clearly worth watching by all residents that were not there that afternoon.

Volunteering Your Local Bunny

2010-08-30T08:30:00.002-04:00

We don't have any bunnies in our apartment but do you? If you do and if your bunny has a gentle disposition maybe your bunny can volunteer (along with you) at Coler Goldwater Hospital and make a difference.

There was a story in this weekend's NY Post about a Jackson Heights woman who volunteers her bunnies, via the Animal Medical Center (AMC) Pet Outreach Program and they come to Coler Goldwater here on Roosevelt Island. It made me wonder how many local bunnies (or other animals) we have on the Island that can volunteer and expand the program locally for patients at the hospital and perhaps also through the Roosevelt Island Senior Association and perhaps the Roosevelt island Disabled Association. Just an idea.

To volunteer for AMC’s Pet Outreach Program, call 212-838-8100 x7348.

RI Visual Arts Assn : RI Tram Past & Future

2010-08-24T09:44:00.005-04:00

A new exhibit to debut at RIVAA, the Roosevelt Island Visual Arts Association, of large photographs by Island resident Tad Sudol of the Roosevelt Island Tram from the old machine room along with the design for the permanent exhibition of the old tram's parts.

Donating Your Old Tram Tokens ?

2010-08-23T12:45:00.001-04:00

Among the Roosevelt Island items that makes the rounds over at eBay are the old Tram tokens that were used prior to the Tram being connected to the MTA MetroCard system. I wonder how many of these old token are still in drawers across the Island.

If we set up one of those large water cooler bottles at the Visitor's Center once they re-open how many could we collect? Would be an interesting display. Perhaps then the Historical Society could sell them for $5 a token to the tourists.

Blog Wars: OYIT versus RI360?

2010-08-23T08:59:00.000-04:00

Apparently I am engaged in a Blog War with One Year in Texas. I did not intend it. My children are safe for now but I worry about their future if I am wounded. It started here. Continued here. And for now the battle rages here. If you support me please man (or woman) your keyboards.

As an aside OYIT in Texas does like Rick's Roosevelt Islander blog. I did not know it but apparently Roosevelt Island is limited to one blog per 10,000 residents. I will have to check the General Development Plan when this place was set up.

Residents: Morlocks and Bill Gates ?

2010-08-20T08:30:00.001-04:00

I don’t believe I have seen Warren Buffet or Bill Gates on Main Street lately, have you?

Glenn, of the blog “One Year in Texas”, stated recently that Roosevelt Island is full of wondrous beauty and some of the wealthiest people in the world. There are many beautiful sites across the Island so it’s great that Glenn is letting folks know about the island but as for thinking our residents are among the wealthiest in the world I ask Glenn, who are you talking to? Glenn makes both of these statements in a post titled “Good Morning Welfare Island”. At the same time his posts compares the population to being a “combination of the Morlocks from The Time Machine and C.H.U.D. from C.H.U.D.”

Once again Glenn is showing that as an island Roosevelt Island gets very little respect. We should be used to it as after all we are effectively the Rodney Dangerfield of NYC islands after Manhattan, Staten Island, Governors Island, Randall's and Ward's Islands and even City Island.

Seems like Glenn has not ventured too far North of Southtown and the Riverwalk buildings demographically. I am not denying that the purchase price and rental prices for the Riverwalk buildings are pricy by many standards but they are hardly representative of the majority of the Island’s residents much less that the island would draw Buffets and Gates to its shores.

Glen continues his love fest with the Island by stating: “Roosevelt Island is unique as the only island in the world that doesn't support any life form other than humans (or what we consider by New York standards to be human). The climate is too unstable and there isn't enough space for animals to spread out and enjoy themselves. Thankfully people don't need the same accommodations.”

In truth the apartment density on the island is less tightly packed than that of Manhattan such that the spreading out comments just seem off. I also don’t think Glenn is aware of the booming cat colony up at the Garden Club as proof that life does exist beyond our human populace. And to be honest the “24” hour Counter Terrorist Unit headquarters located under Southpoint Park and the Soul Storage Company located at Coler Hospital each don’t want the Island to be that active as more life forms may impact their operations.

Glenn has also predicted that NYC will win the bid for the 2020 Summer Olympics but that the site will be Roosevelt Island and many of our buildings will be torn down in prep for those games but that “Right before [these] massive construction projects gets underway, a lawyer representing the Canarsie Indians will show up and try to lay claim to the island for their wayward tribe. Mayor Bloomberg, in his 6th term, will give an impassioned speech about religious freedom and instead of a stadium they will turn Roosevelt Island into what it originally was: a large mosque.”

Somehow I am not sure Glenn really wants to step into the political mess of the Ground Zero Mosque. I know that Roosevelt Island currently has no official prayer site for the island’s Muslim residents which is surprising given the empty store frontage on the island. As for whether the Canarsie Indians will return to lay claim to the island, all I ask is don’t turn the Goldwater campus site into a casino unless the transportation infrastructure is improved including a second subway line and perhaps a second tram.

FREE Showing of Stallone's NIGHTHAWKS This Sat Night

2010-08-19T23:26:00.005-04:00

A free , outdoor movie, being shown mere yards away from one of the most climatic scenes shot in a NYC cop / bad guy movie. Who can't say they did not love seeing Stallone in our own Roosevelt Island Tram while trying to save residents from Rutger Hauer.

NYPD K9 Unit Hopefuls Tested at Roosevelt Island Subway Station

2010-08-18T13:00:00.005-04:00

For those of you that were wondering why the NYPD was visiting the local Roosevelt Island subway station this morning, in large numbers, the answer comes courtesy of RIOC Public Safety Director Keith Guerra:

"The Officers at the Roosevelt Island Station were from the NYPD Canine Unit. They were having their Agility Tryout for prospective candidates for the K-9 Unit. .... Running up and down the stairs & escalators. Dogs were not being used because the dogs are assigned to specific Officers and only they can train with that particular dog. These are candidates trying to get into the unit and receive a dog of their own."

It would have been fun to see a few of the dogs this morning but why make them sweat out the heat when its only the humans being tested.

A Continued Fascination with our Garbage

2010-08-16T08:45:00.001-04:00

After a period of years most residents no longer have as a great a fascination with the AVAC trash removal system that is maintained here on Roosevelt Island. But it continues to amuse and interest folks off-island. Today's blog post comes from the Gadget Lab page of WIRED.com.

Interesting slide show. Did not see the photo WIRED refers to of the Swedish technicians in the AVAC tubes. My kids still talk of the AVAC exhibition they held at RIVAA as they loved watching the pneumatic tube representation of the system.

What's more amusing is that news outlets hungry for stories love to pick up this stuff and post it everywhere:

A Few Views of a Bridge

2010-08-15T15:22:00.003-04:00

Just a few pictures from my walk home last night after I returned to Roosevelt Island

SEA Paddle NYC to Pass Roosevelt Island

2010-08-13T10:20:00.004-04:00

No Virginia, those are not surfers looking for a gnarley wave in the East River passing Roosevelt Island. They are surfers paddling for charity today circling Manhattan. Go to their website to learn more.

If anyone shoots pics of the paddlers today and sends them to RooseveltIsland360@gmail.com I will post them here. Make sure to include recognizable Island points of interest in the foreground or at least Manhattan views we recognize in the background (i.e. the Queensboro Bridge etc).

Does Anyone Off Roosevelt Island Care Who Runs RIOC?

2010-08-09T12:43:00.005-04:00

I must admit that when I see stories about Roosevelt Island in the mainstream media I always wonder why do they care? When I see the stories I experience a mix at pride for where I live and also a mix of amusement as I know most of the City sees Roosevelt Island as an oddity of state and local government and as that place which used to be known as Welfare Island (where they really have no clue what that meant) as well as that place that has the aerial cable car.

So back to my post title, does anyone off island really care who is President of the Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation? (It's a rhetorical question, but if you have answer please feel free to answer.) See today's NY Times for their City Room article.

On a serious note, congratulations to Ms. Torres on her new position! I am the island's now minor blogger who occasionally delves into politics but now mostly is here to occasionally note something more of interest to me about this island that 12,000 of us call home. Please be one of the good ones that runs this place. There have not been many.

Out of Service But Under Construction?

2010-08-06T12:17:00.003-04:00

Has anybody actually seen Escalator ES 416 at the Roosevelt Island subway station (F Train) being worked on by an MTA escalator repair crew? The escalator connecting the lower mezzanine to the upper mezzanine has been out of service for at least 2 to 3 weeks already but I have yet to see any work being done.

One morning I saw a few workers taking measurements but that was it. As long as the adjoining escalator ES 415 is working for rush hours allowing travelers to avoid walking up the steps we are ok. But it does get crowded sometimes. I can't complain too much but was curious to ask if during off hours anyone has seen work?

Paddle Wheel Boat Passes Roosevelt Island

2010-07-10T14:27:00.005-04:00

I am currently subletting an apartment here on Roosevelt Island and my apartment has a view of the East River so occasionally I get to see some fun stuff. Today it was a paddle boat. Have not seen this before. Made me smile.

Tweets from Roosvelt Island Ridge

2010-06-29T16:16:00.002-04:00

Apparently the folks at University College London have created a contoured NYC map based on Tweet traffic naming sites across NYC and other major cities. Apparently the number of tweets referring to Roosevelt Island are substantial enough that the contour designation of a ridge applies to us on par with Williamsburg.

See "Roosvelt Island Ridge" underlined in red. Now the question is whether the spelling error is indicative of how often those tweets mispell Roosevelt as "Roosvelt" or if the folks in London can't spell themselves.

Urbantick Via Gothamist

Is Coler-Goldwater Being Phased Out ? Beds Moving to North General Hospital Site? New Skilled Nursing Facility at Goldwater?

2010-06-29T10:10:00.008-04:00

According to an article in today's NY Times, 200 beds are being moved from a Roosevelt Island long-term rehabilitation center to the site now occupied by North General Hospital which just announced it will be closing due to bankruptcy issues.

Is this the start of the HHC closing or consolidating parts of Coler-Goldwater with an eye to the City possibly selling off the land of the closed structure?

Possibly I am overreacting but then again maybe not. I am not the only one wondering about this as at least one local representative's office is looking into the effect on Coler-Goldwater as a result of this ammouncement.

UPDATE 10:42 am:

According to the New York Real Estate Lawyers' Blog :

"The City of New York and the New York City Health and Hospitals Corporation (HHC) have reached agreement with the Governor, State Department of Health, and North General Hospital to relocate more than 200 long term acute care beds and related services from the Coler/Goldwater Specialty Hospital on Roosevelt Island to the Harlem community. With capital financing from the City, HHC will also build a state-of-the-art skilled nursing facility to replace its outdated facilities on the Goldwater campus."

So this would mean that Goldwater won't be sold off for the land rights ... at least for now.

Local Doyle Children Top Readers City Library System

2010-06-10T08:00:00.005-04:00

A great story in yesterday's NY Daily News about four local Roosevelt Island siblings who voraciously read books borrowed from local NY Public Library branch. Congratulations kids you are role models for your peers.

A View to a Bridge

2010-05-20T08:14:00.002-04:00

My view of the Queensboro Bridge last night as I walked home from the subway station.

Visitor Profile: Treehouses to FDR Memorial

2010-05-19T09:28:00.001-04:00

Yesterday, the NY Times ran a profile / Q & A with architect Stephen Martin who is working on the FDR Four Freedoms Memorial now under construction at Roosevelt island's SouthPoint Park and how he came to that project. The story was filed under their "Entry Level" series.

Our Trash Featured in the WSJ

2010-05-18T08:30:00.002-04:00

Who would ever think that our trash, Roosevelt Island trash would be featured in an article in the Wall Street Journal. But there it is. Granted our trash is moved underground within an automated vacuum system (yes the AVAC) that is cooler than seeing it pile up on the sidewalk.

If you have not stopped over to RIVAA to check out their Fast Trash exhibit plesae do before it closes as it is worth checking out. Dick Lutz just ran a great article about it in last week's Main Street WIRE.

'09 Subway Ridership Down at RI Subway Station

2010-04-26T09:24:00.008-04:00

The NYC Transit Authority has released their annual ridership results for 2009, and according to a graphic above, accompanying today's NYT article,, the ridership at the Roosevelt Island subway station decreased from 2008 by 2.8 percent with average daily riders at 5,138. This statistic alone seems low based on the number of residents that work off island. The station was ranked 235 out of 422 stations based on ridership. The full station by station data is available on the NYCTA website linked HERE.

Do you agree that this stat is low? Or does it seem right based on your experiences this past year?

NY1: Video re New Roosevelt Island Tram Cabins - Not Exactly

2010-04-23T09:57:00.004-04:00

NY1's website has video this morning from France (?) regarding the new cabins for the Roosevelt Island Tram. The lead in is a bit misleading as you expect to see an actual new tram. But it is another story starting with a rendering and filled up with video of the old tram cabins.

Brooklyn Bridge Park Open to Sit on Roosevelt Island Granite

2010-03-22T13:07:00.003-04:00

Apparently Brooklyn Bridge Park opened a segment of the park finally to the public and that part includes the much talked about granite steps featuring granite taken from the Roosevelt Island Bridge. So if you feel homesick while visiting Brooklyn Heights stop over at the park and set your keyster down for a bit on some "local" granite.

Link to full article at Gothamist.

NY Post: Tram Repairs Causing F Line Headaches

2010-03-09T17:33:00.002-05:00

The NY Post ran a story this afternoon recognizing that adding 5000 people during rush hour to the Roosevelt Island subway station to catch the F Train into Manhattan is not an easy task or one that can be easily accomplished.

Tram Retirement Party & Last Rides

2010-02-25T14:35:00.004-05:00

The current Tram cabins are being retired once the Tram overhaul begins with this Monday's scheduled shutdown. So a party is being held beginning Sunday night at the Riverwalk Bar & Grill after which folks are heading onto the Tram presumably for Monday's 1:45 am Tram to Manhattan and 2:00 am return trip to Roosevelt Island. Sounds like fun ! I will be home sleeping as babysitting after midnight gets expensive.

Phase Out of Free Student Metro Cards to Hurt Local Parents Pocketbooks

2009-12-15T13:00:00.004-05:00

At $88 / month the cost of metro cards is not cheap but from past analysis my wife and I still get a pretty good deal. With the added possibility of having to buy two more such cards for our kids if the MTA does away with student metro cards I am not so sure without running the numbers again. As expected our usage brinigs the costs down but spending $350 plus on metro cards is nuts.

Local Subway Stop Renamed to Honor This Blog?

2009-12-10T10:22:00.002-05:00

Before anyone goes issuing official cease and desist orders again for my illegal use of MTA logos, fonts, etc the above image was created on a retail site officially licensed by the MTA to produce personal use signage matching the signs in the NYCTA subway system.

Pretty cool site named Undergroud Signs. Worth checking out. Prices are a bit high to become a craze among purchasers but plenty of folks I am sure will consider it.

Concert This Sun. 11/22 at Good Shepherd

2009-11-18T07:28:00.004-05:00

The Church of the Good Shepherd Sunday Concert series is sponsoring a FUNDRAISING CONCERT this coming Sunday, November 22, 2009 at 2:30pm. Please join your neighbors and help raise funds for a worthy part of our community.

Reports of Orange Handed Tree Climbing Something?

2009-11-10T12:38:00.003-05:00

Based on the above evidence there is some truth to the reports of orange handed tree climbing beings roaming Roosevelt Island.

[....At least there were back afew weeks ago during RIOC's Fall for Arts festival.]

Sorry that I have been AWOL for the last few months but I am trying to get back into the swing of things but it is slow.

This Week...Marlins "Learn to Swim" Registration

2009-09-13T07:18:00.004-04:00

Starting September 15 registration begins for the "Learn to Swim Program" through the Roosevelt Island Marlins for anyone between 4 years and 14 years old. Contact RIMarlinsSwim@Yahoo.com or call the number listed on the flyer.

Next Weekend Begins Local Hispanic Heritage Month Events

2009-09-12T23:23:00.000-04:00

Next weekend starts a month of several special events recognizing Hispanic Heritage Month across Roosevelt Island. The events are sponsored in part by RIVAA and RIOC.

Tram as Magic School Bus...School Starts Today

2009-09-09T13:18:00.004-04:00

In addition to being a vital part of Roosevelt Island's transportation infrastructure the Tram resumed its role as school bus to many students that commute off the island to numerous public and private schools.

Dept Evironmental Protection Called in to Repair Tram Plaza Bathrooms?

2009-08-28T14:39:00.005-04:00

Picture Courtesy the Roosevelt Islander
UPDATE:

As per a Twitter post after this post was published. The DEP work affected the water main servicing the bathroomsd and did not directly involve the bathrooms.

Original Post:

Apparently the bathrooms on the Roosevelt Island side of the Tram were worse than any of us knew as the DEP has been called in per the below advisory. I have submitted an inquiry into RIOC as to why the repairs are being done by DEP as opposed to regular plumbers or maintenance personnel. Interesting. Did we have a toxic spill or something? Stand by.

-----Original Message-----

From: RIOC Advisories

Sent: Friday, August 28, 2009 2:34 PM

To: RIOC Advisories

Subject: Tram Plaza Bathrooms

Please be advised on Tuesday, September 1, 2009 the bathrooms on the Roosevelt Island side of the Tram will be out of service from 9:00 P.M. until 1:00 A.M. due to repairs by the Department of Environmental Protection.

Thank you for your cooperation.

Sincerely,

Roosevelt Island Operating Corp Advisories Group

Please visit us on the web at http://www.rioc.com/

Campaign Stop for Judge Leslie Crocker Snyder, Candidate for Manhattan DA

2009-08-27T09:17:00.003-04:00

The democratic primary this coming September 15th has two very important races including Manhattan District Attorney and City Comptroller. This morning former Judge Leslie Crocker Snyder greeted commuters outside the Roosevelt Island subway station alongside New York State Assembly Member Micah Kellner (D - 65) who is endorsing the former judge and who strongly supports her candidacy.

Judge Snyder is one of three candidates to replace long time DA Robert Morgenthau and whoever wins the primary has a strong chance of keeping that non-partisan position in Democratic hands. Judge Snyder's opponents in the pprimary include Cy Vance and Richard Aborn. Morgenthau has publicly endorsed Cy Vance. A profile of Judge Snyder's career can be found on the New York Times here.

Micah Kellner has been a strong presence on this Island and has proven he fights for and watches out for Roosevelt Island as does City Council Member Jessica Lappin (D - 5). A representative of Ms. Lappin's office confirmed that she "hasn't formally taken a position on the DA race."

What’s Your Favorite Roosevelt Island Location?

2009-08-25T13:59:00.002-04:00

The Daily News is running an on-line section titled "You Love New York” where they are asking all New Yorkers to name their favorite NYC location. There is only posting so far regarding Roosevelt Island. I submitted a post regarding Southpoint Park which has not yet been published.

My question / request for everyone here is:

“What is Your Favorite Roosevelt Island Location and Why?”

Let us know and be sure to explain fully why it is your favorite locations.

Photo from Last Nights Free Outdoor Movie Night

2009-08-18T11:37:00.004-04:00

I came by the Free showing of Hairspray directly from a late night at work with about 30 minutes left in the movie. Well attended and the crowd was having a ball during each musical number. the kids were all dancing and the sound system worked great.

Kudos to Erica and everyone at RIOC for another successful movie night here on Roosevelt Island.

Riverwalk Bar & Grill Opens TODAY

2009-08-17T15:10:00.008-04:00

The Riverwalk Bar & Grill opens today per their new website which is worth checking out itself.

According to the Feed Blog on Time Out New York:

Co-owners and brothers Jonathan and Salvatore Hoo hope to fill a void in Roosevelt Island’s dining scene with this casual bar and eatery. Alfonse Dicioccio—who owns nearby Nonno’s Focacceria—is also involved, but you won’t find much pizza here: The staunchly all-American menu sticks to burgers, hefty salads and fried finger food. 425 Main St between Road 5 and West Rd (646-833-7050)

I am expecting like many island residents that this new entry to the few available establishments on the island to be warmly and enthusiastically received.

Will the bar regulars at Trellis migrate to this new watering hole? We shall see. Will a younger crowd claim the Bar & Grill as their own? Will families flock to it? Will this new bar entice Zog Sports teams to stay a bit on island after their games? Is that a plus or minus to residents?

All in all we all hope it succeeds as it will add choices and push competition all to improve the local fare which can only benefit everyone.

8/20 - PSD / Youth Center Basketball Event

2009-08-17T11:45:00.003-04:00

-----Original Message-----
From: Keith Guerra
Date: Mon, 17 Aug 2009 11:40:51
To: RooseveltIsland360@gmail.com;rooseveltislander@gmail.com
Subject: Please post on your Blog

As part of our Community Outreach Initiative, the Public Safety Department has teamed up with the Youth Center and will be hosting a Community Basketball Game on Thursday, August 20th. The game will take place behind the Youth Center at the Blackwell Basketball Court and feature a team from the Public Safety Department playing with a team from the Youth Center.

The game should kick off about 6:30PM. The members of the Youth Center and their parents will be treated to Pizza and Refreshments after the game.

Keith Guerra, Director
Roosevelt Island
Department of Public Safety
552 Main Street
Roosevelt Island, NY 10044
(212) 832-4540 Ext. 306
(212) 832-0469 Fax
http://www.rioc.ny.gov/

New Satellite Image of Roosevelt Island (Aug 10th)

2009-08-12T16:00:00.004-04:00

Very very cool NEW (as of August 10, 2009) satellite image of Roosevelt Island from GeoEye but the image unfortunately cuts off Southpointn park and Lighthouse park but detail is amazing.

Link here for FULL image.

NYC Population Map: Day vs Night

2009-08-11T09:14:00.004-04:00

Via twitter comes to us the above image of the day vs. night population of New York City. It appears the representation of Roosevelt Island appears accurate to show decreases at night at the hospitals and increases at the residential centers.

Double click to enlarge the above image. Pretty cool.

Renewed Concerns re Choppers over Roosevelt Island?

2009-08-10T08:53:00.006-04:00

Chopper View from Tour Site

The collision this past weekend over the Hudson River between a small plane and helicopter may or may not result in any changes to how air traffic is controlled or regulated along the Hudson or East Rivers.

As I have stated before Roosevelt Island residents have a vested interest in such regulations as there are always helicopters passing right over our buildings as opposed to traffic being regulated to pass only over the water on either side of the island.

As a result of the October 2006 Cory Lidle plane crash, federal officials "banned all aircraft except seaplanes and helicopters from the East River corridor without specific permission from air traffic controllers." which certainly helped to mitigate fears of another such incident as the Lidle crash but the helicopters continue to pass over head with few additional restrictions.

Island residents with deeper histories on the island will also recall the 1997 chopper that crashed moments after taking off from the heliport that used to sit just North of the Queensboro Bridge. I don't recall now how prominently that crash contributed to the eventual shutdown of that heliport but it had to eb factor. [It's most recent incarnation was as the Roundabout Dog Run which we all see daily from the Tram looking North on the Manhattan side of the QB Bridge.]

Should residents use the Hudson River tragedy to refocus our concerns regarding the safety of the skies above Roosevelt Island? How can we not.

Free Concerts ! Free Movies ! Oh My !

2009-08-07T17:56:00.003-04:00

Big weekend for free events on Roosevelt Island. Roosevelt Live's free concert series continues on Riverwalk Commons at 4pm followed by the RIOC sponsored free movies at Southpoint Park on both Saturday and Sunday nights at 8pm. Very very cool.

Architect Charles Gwathmey Dies....

2009-08-04T12:25:00.003-04:00

Updated 8/5 at 9:05 a.m.for last paragraph

The noted architect Charles Gwathmey of Gwathmey, Siegel & Associates, died on Monday.

According to the NY Times, among the buildings he is attached to is "the 1,000-unit Northgate apartment complex on Roosevelt Island".

At 1000 units I am assuming the NYT is referring to Eastwood now Roosevelt Landings. Although my understanding is that Eastwood was designed by Sert, Jackson & Associates which I confirmed with Judy Berdy, President of the Roosevelt Island Historical Society.

Update: Judy provided yesterday evening the added detail that according to resources she has access to, Gwathmey connection to the island stopped at providing plans for Manhattan Park, which were never used due initially to lack of funds, and when the building complex was built the plans were again not used.

Local Soul Storage Business On Roosevelt Island

2009-08-04T09:32:00.005-04:00

If you were not aware already there is a medically related business on Roosevelt Island that offers you the ability to have your soul removed.

This "business" is profiled in the new Paul Giamatti movie "Cold Souls". According to the movie the business is located on the island but never says exactly where. From the mock website set up for "The Soul Storage Company LLC" it is here but where is the question. Filming tool place on the Tram and in the Octagon building.

The above graphic I created for fun from the mock website. It does not represent an endorsement of the movie by me or of my website by them. And was put to gether purely for fun. I wonder if their local filming fee the producers paid RIOC entitles them to use the Tram image on their website?

I was especially amused at the storage options. Perhaps the difference in rates between the new NYC rate 8.875% sales tax is enough to push folks to store in NJ at 7.00% sales tax rate.

Free Outdoor Movies RETURN to Southpoint Park this Weekend

2009-08-03T17:38:00.005-04:00

No matter the reason seeing movies at Roosevelt Island's SouthPoint Park is a treat not to be missed. Two chances this weekend.

Forest Gump - 8:05 pm pn Saturday Night
Kung Fu Panda - 8:05 pm on Sunday Night

------Original Message------

From: Erica Wilder
To: Roosevelt Island 360
Sent: Aug 3, 2009 5:36 PM
Subject: Re: Outdoor Movies at Southpoint Park this weekend

Forrest Gump was moved due to its duration and the live band performance prior to the movie. Kung Fu Panda was moved because all other available rain dates for the movie vendor were already booked by a league on Firefighters Field. Southpoint was the only available option. As you may already know, we had to cancel Kung Fu Panda a second time due to thunderstorms.

-----Original Message-----

To: Wilder, Erica
Sent: 8/3/2009 5:07:23 PM
Subject: Re: Outdoor Movies at Southpoint Park this weekend

Why the switch back to Southpoint?

Thanks Eric

-----Original Message-----

From: "Erica Wilder" <EWilder@rioc.com>
Date: Mon, 03 Aug 2009 16:55:54
To: rooseveltisland360@gmail.com
Subject: Outdoor Movies at Southpoint Park this weekend

Hi Eric,

This weekend, we will be showing movies back to back at Southpoint Park on Saturday and Sunday. Take a look at the flyer for more details. There will be a "Special Red Bus" available for pick up in front of the Chapel near 543 Main Street at 7pm. The bus will be designated for folks who can not make the trip down to the park by foot or for those who would just like to get closer to the gates. After the completion of the movie, transportation will be available outside the main gates of the park. Hope to see you there!

If you have any additional questions, feel free to contact me.

Thanks.

Erica

Erica Wilder
Community Relations Specialist
Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation
591 Main Street
Roosevelt Island, NY 10044
Ewilder@rioc.com
http://www.rioc.ny.gov/

Tony Vita Island Posters on Sale at Visitors Center

2009-07-29T22:31:00.004-04:00

For all you residents and visitors alike that were blown away by Tony Vita's paintings that were made into the promo banners that are hanging up and down Roosevelt Island's Main Street you can now buy the posters at the Roosevelt Island Visitors Center kiosk by the island Tram station.

You can also contact Tony Vita directly at TonyVita@Earthlink.net. Tell him you got his address from the poster here at RI 360.

Do We Need FedEx and/or UPS Drop Off Boxes?

2009-07-28T12:22:00.004-04:00

Fellow twitterer "getezra" tweeted this morning about his desire that FedEx and UPS install "drop off" boxes somewhere here on Roosevelt Island. Per their websites we each confirmed there are no such boxes hiding anywhere within Zip Code 10044 that we did not know about.

I spoke with FedEx this morning and the rep I spoke to indicated there are several factors that go into a decision to install a new "drop off" box which include (a) will the box bring in business? (b) is there enough volume in the zip code? (c) factors affecting the pick up time ? (driver routes etc) and among several others (d) would / does the requesting party have control ove the site wher the box would be installed and would they act as "owner" of the box in essence?

I indicated to the rep that several buildings on island have door stations that can receive packages and hold packages for pick up so those buildings are somewhat covered but that there several buildings whose residents do not have such an amenity that would benefit from a local drop off box.

What are your thoughts? Would you use a drop off box if one was installed? I am guessing RIOC would need to be the requesting party.

For safety reasons the box coud be installed say outside the reconstructed PSD offices or outside Trellis as that site is in direct view of PSD. I believe there are USPS boxes around the island which are just as safe so perhaps that is not an issue.

Again would you use such a box?

Has Anyone Ever Used the Bathrooms at Motorgate Garage?

2009-07-24T16:20:00.004-04:00

As a parent of young children I continue an obsession over access to public bathrooms on Roosevelt Island. I was walking back to our apartment the other day when a mother with three school age kids stopped me by the Main Street bridge ramp asking me where the closest public bathroom was.

I pointed her to the bathrooms on the second level of Motorgate Garage but stated I was not even sure they were open. I also told facilities farther North and at Trellis in case they were not or if she found them not to her liking. Us parents are fussy that way. I will be honest I would rather my kids pee behind a tree as opposed to how some bathrooms get. Occassionally the bathrooms near the Octagon Soccer field and the Garden Club get that bad but are usually ok.

Recently there was a piece in the NY Times Complaints column about parents using trees and bushes as bathrooms for their kids and I agree that should be a last resort.

The addition of the new public bathrooms up by Lighthouse Park was great news. the provision of a port-a-john at Riverwalk Commons during Roosevelt Live has been a life saver. I noted another port-a-john by Firefighter's Field. Unsure if that is RIOC or Zog Sports sponsored. Luckily the Tram station bathrooms are close by.

As the post title states has nayone used the bathrooms in Motorgate? If they are actually closed that leaves the central part of Roosevelt Island without a true public restroom. Trellis gets used as such but that is not really fair to Trellis.

Resident Request: To Help a Neighbor

2009-07-21T08:43:00.002-04:00

From: "Patrice Herlihy"

Date: Mon, 20 Jul 2009 20:17:17 -0400

To: RooseveltIsland360@gmail.com

Subject: Help a neighbor

My name is Patrice Herlihy. I have lived on this Island for 25 years and have raised my 6 children here.

I am running a half marathon on Aug 16th.

I am doing this for our neighbors 11 year old daughter who is battling brain cancer. .

If you could help get the word our through your blog that would be awesome and very neighborly.

I am hoping that some of you who are able could sponsor me for this event, every little bit helps. The name of the foundation is, "Team Continuum". You can go and read about this foundation first and then type in my name by athletes name (Patrice Herlihy) and your donation will help me reach my goal.

For those who don't like to enter info on-line, you can send a check to them directly with my name on the comment line.The address is- Team Continuum 410 5th Ave- 4 Floor ny ny 10016.

Thanks in advance for anything you may do. If you are around on Aug 16th come cheer me on. Please pass this on to anyone who may want to help. This family is part of our community but this foundation helps all people suffering from cancer.

If you would like to read about the Reyes family and their great spirt, visit ValeriaReyes.com. You can also hit donate on that page scroll down the pictures of her and I, click on them and that too will bring you to my page at Team Continuum.

Thanks again, Patrice Herlihy

Are You Missing a Green Parrot?

2009-07-15T16:21:00.005-04:00

Image Courtesy the Roosevelt Islander

Steve Shane, RIOC President, has notified each of the local Roosevelt Island bloggers and the Main Street WIRE that RIOC has found a GREEN parrot.

Is anybody missing a GREEN parrot?

------Original Message------
From: Steve Shane
To: Roosevelt Island 360
To: Roosevelt Islander
To: Dick Lutz / The Main Street WIRE

Sent: Jul 15, 2009 4:17 PM

Subject:
We are in possession of a green parrot found by itself outside. Please have its rightful owner call RIOC's office to claim it.

New Gift & Talented Program at PS 217 to Include Students from Manhattan & Queens

2009-07-15T09:20:00.006-04:00

Updated 12:26pm

Great news for Roosevelt Island residents as the Gifted & Talented Program slated for PS 217 is a go and will open with 17 students this Fall.

Based on the news release issued today by Council Member Jessica Lappin's office the class appears to be available to both students from Manhattan District 2 and Queens District 30. A representative from Ms. Lappin's office has confirmed that spaces in the class were made available to qualifying D30 students if they weren't enough qualifying D2 students to fill the class and it appears the class will include both Manhattan and Queens addressed children.

It is unknown what the split will be between the initial students is at this time. I have inquired if any off island students are from other neighborhoods in Manhattan District 2 which PS 217 is formally part of. I am also curious as to the funding for this apparent joint district program.

The scuttlebutt was that most parents in Manhattan that heard of the new program at PS 217 scoffed at the idea of commutting to Roosevelt Island to send their kids to the program. If the school was at the Tram I am wondering if they would have considered it.

What's Behind East Side Officials Asking for Green Manhattan Tram Station Roof?

2009-07-14T13:49:00.010-04:00

In a joint letter signed by virtually every East Side elected official the request was made to the Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation to incorporate into the design of the new Manhattan Tram station a green roof.

Why is this request coming now? Yes, RIOC is still in the design phase but it is interesting that the chorus has just started when the process discussing the new Tram and its stations has been going on for well over a year to two. If the overhaul had kept to its original schedule this question would be way late and impossible to even consider. My fellow blogger the Roosevelt Islander infers that it is because East Siders perhaps don't like the current design in some form.

For me I am all for "greening" our neighborhoods and construction practices but I say to these elected officials if you are going to push this at this time RIOC has a right to ask for the additional cash to make it happen. Let's see who is first to float a bill to increase the funding for the Tram overhaul for a green roof over another project they are currently backing.

I am in a cranky mood today so I apologize to each of the elected officials as the goal is admirable but I question why this project and why now and not earlier.

Subway Complaints? New Manager More Accessible than Current Superintendent?

2009-07-14T08:43:00.004-04:00

According to published sources, the MTA as part of a reorganization is naming individual managers to each of the subways 36 subway lines including the F Train which services Roosevelt Island.

Will that mean we will have a better access to complain or congratulate a real human if we want that direct contact? This remains to be seen as I have never heard of anyone being able to contact Crythen Langhorne, the current superintendant for the Roosevelt Island station.

The RIVAA Post - The Holocaust Exhibition

2009-07-14T08:21:00.006-04:00

In what is hoped to be a continuing "column" on this blog, I have invited the Roosevelt Island Visual Art Association to publish here regarding each current exhibition with the goal of increasing direct contact within our community and to enable further promotion of that exhibition.

The following post is written by Anca Pedvis, a current member of RIVAA, and an accomplished writer and poet. You can learn more about Ms. Pedvis HERE. My apologies to RIVAA for the delay in publishing this post:

"In what is going to be roughly a month from the Holocaust Memorial Museum shooting, On June 10, 2009, in Washington D.C., RIVAA gallery will host a show entitled, “Holocaust – Never Forget, Never Again” starting on July 11th.

In the show, artist Dana Baldwin Nauman will present 17 lead sculptures commemorating the horors that took place in Auschwitz on of many German camps death camps during Hitler’s reign of terror. The sculptures, each accompanied by a narrative poem by the artist, are humbly and lovingly dedicated to the life of his friend, and Auschwitz survivor, Sigmund Strochlitz (1916-2006).

Recommended by his friend, the Nobel Laureate Elie Wiesel, Mr. Strochlitz was a member of President Jimmy Carter’s Commission on the Holocaust. In this capacity he worked with Mr. Wiesel to create the National Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington D.C.

By strongly affirming his creative kind of remembering Dana Baldwin Nauman’s show seems to be endowed with a powerful message: that the grief and sorrow associated with the horrors of the death camps are not Jewish only – they are supremely and ultimately human, and as long as they belong to the realm of human consciousness, they will be partaken by anyone possessing this quality, be it in relationship to Auschwitz, Bosnia, or Rwanda."

Anca Pedvis

HOLOCAUST – NEVER FORGET, NEVER AGAIN

Gallery RIVAA, 527 Main Street, Roosevelt Island, New York City
July 11 to August 7, 2009 / Opening Reception Saturday, July 11, 2009
6:00 – 9:00 PM

Kellner Helps Assure Stability of New Bank

2009-07-13T17:40:00.007-04:00

State Assembly Member Micah Kellner according to his website has confirmed that the planned entry of Amalgamated Bank will lead to a long turn relationship on Main Street by pushing for Roosevelt Island to be designated a Banking Development District which means $10 million of state money will anchor the new bank here

Read the whole story HERE. Congrats to Micah and to RIOC for ensuring that banking services are available to local residents and businesses.

According to a news release issued by Amalgamated, the current NYNB will stay open until July 17th. The new branch expects to open on July 20th and will be taking applications at the current NYNB branch with an Amalgamated representative for new accounts prior to that date.

Amalgamated certainly has a history with Roosevelt Island sponsoring or co-sponsoring past events on the island including the annual Halloween Gala for the kids at PS 217, the annual tree lighting at Blackwell House and its involvement at the recent Health Fairs. And you can't notice the basketball backboards at the courts adjacent to Capobianco Field.

Octagon's Homage to Amherst Sabrina Defaced

2009-07-08T16:50:00.008-04:00

Local blogger "retro info!' from Populuxebooks has reported that the Sabrina statue which sits on the Octagon property facing the Western Channel of the East River and Manhattan has been defaced literaly and figuratively.

I forwarded the email sent to me by Retro Info onto Bruce Becker, the Octagon's developer and Amherst alumus extroadinaire for his comment and request as to what can be done to restore the beauty of this recasting of the original Sabrina statue which sat at Amherst.

Happy July Fourth ! No Fireworks But Plenty of Fun

2009-07-04T10:06:00.002-04:00

This year Roosevelt Island will not play host a few thousand visitors looking to watch the fireworks from our shores. While the island may lose some hoopla there is still plenty of fun with a festival planned for today sponsored by Nonno's on the Riverwalk Commons lawn.

And always all our parks are open for everyone to enjoy.

Momma Stop Loses Baby Stop on Roosevelt Island

2009-07-02T08:46:00.008-04:00

Momma Stop Sign was last seen on June 30th with Baby Stop along the side of the Tram turnaround on Roosevelt Island. As of this morning Baby Stop is missing. Baby Stop had been known to wander but had been at the Tram Turnaround with Mom for some time before today. If you have any information or see Baby Stop please let his or her Mommma know. She looks worried standing there as she is in the trees.

Note: Yes, this morning I can say I have lost my mind.