Can Facebook Help my Morning Commute off Roosevelt Island?

The Subway Blogger reported yesterday Wed. 8/23 (and New York Magazine Intel blog picked up the story today Thursday 8/24) on a new feature on Facebook that is tracks the status of subway lines. The feature is totally user driven and dependent on members constantly feeding updates into the system.

Using the F train to get off the island on rainy days will probably based on recent history get only worse. We are at the mercy of track conditions in Queens and Manhattan (and to a much lesser degree Brooklyn). If it floods we risk losing service or at least being horribly delayed. So I am always looking for ways to better monitor subway for morning and evening commutes to and from Roosevelt Island. Perhaps this is another tool that will help.

All I know about Facebook is that it is the current "in thing" on the Internet especially among the young and single crowd. So if something exists I will try it. My only guess is that if it is something you have to always be at your PC to use it will be no help when commuting. If the updates can be sent to my Blackberry that would be helpful but who needs 30 emails from a bunch of kids using the feature as another way to hook up with each other. I will post again if this is helpful or at least interesting.

Christmas [Vacation Movie] Finally Arrives This Saturday 8/25; “Funny Girl” Review

If you don’t already know RIOC is showing National Lampoon’s “Christmas Vacation” this Saturday 8/25 at Southpoint. The movie was rescheduled for this date after being postponed due to fear of rain earlier this summer. RIOC has plastered the island and Manhattan Tram station letting us know of the rescheduled date. So come on down to Southpoint this Saturday.



If the weather is anything like last Saturday night wear layers and bring a blanket. The showing of “Funny Girl” last Saturday was tempered by how cold it got. Moviegoers toughed it out but were all quite happy that a Red Bus was waiting to take them up island after the two and one half hour feature concluded. The movie was great and for those unfamiliar with the flick it included many of the songs that became Streisand standards.

The Encampment "Tabletop" Tents

Today Encampment tabletop “tents” showed up in the Wire distribution wall box at the Tram station on the Manhattan side. They are take-aways further describing The Encampment

---------------------------------------------------------------

As the Roosevelt Islander and The Gothamist each pointed out in the last few days it appears that "The Encampment" may be getting the media blitz that The Gates got two years (?) ago.

Here is a partial list of on-line articles posted about the project:

More Than 100 White Tents To Go Up On Roosevelt Island - Created: Tuesday, 21 Aug 2007, 6:00 AM EDT - MyFoxNY.com

Tent art pitched for Roosevelt Isle (Tuesday, August 21st 2007, 4:00 AM ) – Daily News

The Encampment: Roosevelt Island's Past, Illuminated (August 16, 2007) – The Gothamist

The Encampment Update - Call for Creative Collaborators (Wednesday August 15, 2007) – Roosevelt Islander

Decreasing Open Spaces

Make photo slide shows at www.OneTrueMedia.com

For those islanders who have been here since the 1970's probably the greatest change has been watching more and more open space disappear to construction. From apartment buildings to the construction of P.S. / I.S. 217 the percentage of open space or undeveloped space has dramatically dropped.

When Southtown is completed the remaining large scale open spaces will include only 6 major areas with only 4 currently open to the public. These six include Lighthouse Park, Octagon Park, Capobianco Field, Blackwell's Park (opposite Blackwell House and adjacent to Riveercross), the lands between and around the Renwick Ruin and Strecker Lab and finally Southpoint Park.

We have yet to see the realization of Southpoint Park as envisoned by the Trust for Public Lands or that of the FDR memorial but each promises vistas and experiences of parkland that offer quiet spaces as well as venues where we all will gather for events and ceremonies. We look forward to the dreams each envision even if we might disagree with perhaps the design of these spaces (I.e. The FDR Memorial).

For now I offer the above video of the open field just East of the current Southtown buildings as within the next year it will be another construction site and another space lost to public and quiet enjoyment.

MTA: 8/21 F Train Elevators Out at Lex & 63rd

As of 9:10 am this morning the MTA website is reporting that the elevator is out of service, again, at the Lexington & 63rd Street stop on the F train. I can't say how much this new MTA web page helps in planning travel plans when traveling with children and strollers. Thanks MTA.

UPDATE:

As of 2:30 pm the website no longer reports that elevator as out of service.

Off Island Schools: We'll Only Pay for Half Your Commute

As indicated in one of the side panel polls there are a number of Roosevelt Island children that go to public schools located in Manhattan. For most of these children they rely on school provided metrocards to allow them to travel to school whether it be via subway or tram. For the youngest of these commuters their parents commute with them taking them door to door.

Optimally you would think that if enough children from one school were provided with bus service direct from Main Street that would fill a need making the children's commutes more efficient. The question then becomes would the added time on the bus waiting through any Queensborough Bridge related traffic be worth it. An alternative apparently suggested by one group of parents last year was that they would bring their kids over via the tram but asked for a defined bus stop where a bus would pick the children up and take them the rest of the way.

It was unfortunately at this point that the City schools said we can do that but that they would no longer issue these children Metrocards forcing the parents to layout the fares for the tram rides to and from school.

Putting aside the reasons why families enroll their kids in public school off the island you would think the schools would see the value in providing the tram fare as opposed to having a bus sit in bridge traffic.

It is my understanding that the inclusion of the tram under the Metrocard system (brokered by our former City Council Speaker Gifford Miller) does not turn over our fares fully to the MTA but results in a percentage of those funds returning to RIOC to be applied against tram operation costs. If that is the case could RIOC waive the tram fares for these children upon presentment of a RIOC school fare card to the tram operators. In this manner the City schools would also be assured that our kids are not abusing the school issued fare cards that we have been reading about.

In all likelihood these parents will continue to commute directly to these off-island schools with their children but it is an issue that confronts many of our neighbors when they decide to send their children to public school in Manhattan.

Related Linkage:

Public Schools Update (Roosevelt Islander)

A Video Post Card of Roosevelt Island Retailers

Make an on-line slide show at www.OneTrueMedia.com

I don’t pretend to understand the legalities and all of the issues involved in bringing more retail / store front operations onto the island specifically into Northtown. The reasons, suggestions, and arguments have all been discussed at length in The Wire.

I do know that while many residents want Main Street to retain its charm many are looking for the ability to shop on our island for many of the conveniences most neighborhoods take for granted. The opening in Southtown of the Italian restaurant and Duane Reade for many will be a welcome addition to their daily lives.

The attached video is not so much an advertisement for the businesses that currently are here but a video snapshot or postcard for what we have today. For a complete phone and address listing please go to the NYC10044 website.

By my tally we currently have:

3 markets/convenience (Gristedes, M&D, The Octagon Deli), 1 restaurant (Trellis), 1 take out / sit in Chinese (China 1), 2 cleaners, 3 salon / nails, 1 coffee place (Starbucks), 2 pharmacies (Gristedes and the expected Duane Reade), 1 stationery card store / newsstand, 1 thrift shop, 1 general store (hardware/videos/housewares/toys), 1 florist (Cymelia), 1 liquor store (The Grog Shop), 1 boutique (We Are One), 3 financial services (NYNB, Accountable, Montauk Credit Union), 1 pro shop, 1 souvenir / historical center, several professional service providers (doctors, dentist, chiropractor), and 1 art gallery (RIVAA).

If I have left out any specific businesses my apologies. As I walked today to my office I was talking with a friend who lives in Southtown and we both agreed the developments at Southtown are encouraging and we can’t wait for the Duane Reade to open (between the ATM and the shear convenience) as it will be a major addition to the island.

MTA: You Can Grade the F Subway Line

The MTA has a series of 3 web pages where subway riders can complete a 21 item report card on the subway line of their choice. The “grader” first picks the line they want to grade and then station they commence their rush hour commute from. After grading the subway line on 21 separate areas the grader gets to pick the three areas (out of the 21 listed areas) they want most to see improved in order. There appears to be nothing to keep riders from voting / grading a single line more than one time.

The starting page to grade the F subway line can be linked to HERE.

If enough residents of Roosevelt Island submit this report card indicating the areas they see as problems we can at least make our voice heard that we have issues with the quality of our morning rush hour from the Roosevelt Island Station.

The problem with the Report Card is that it does not give automatic cumulative results and there is no indication when, if at all, the results would be made public. I will follow up with the Straphangers Campaign to see what they know about whether the results can be made known under the freedom of information laws.

For your benefit I encourage readers to complete the Report Card and let me know in the comments section to this post which areas you rated as the most in need of improvement. My own top three picks were # 3, # 2, and # 6 in that order (see the graphic above).

Friday Evening - Local Linkage

The idea is to highlight local stories concerning this Island that I have not perhaps touched on today and also events or happenings here on the Island or on either shore of the East River that may be of interest to readers.

Duane Reade to Open Post Labor Day (Roosevelt Islander)

RIOC to study public bathroom situation (Roosevelt Islander)

Free Music at LIC Bar Sunday 4-7:30pm (Joey in Astoria)
(accessible via Q103 on Vernon Blvd)

Pan Arts Festival at Socrates Park - Sat & Sun 12-7pm (Joey in Astoria)
(next to CostCo up Vernon Blvd)

Capobianco Field, Roosevelt Island - A Single Purpose Map

I have noticed for some that many of our visitors show up on Roosevelt Island looking for Capobianco Field but have no idea where it is. For those that travel over via the Tram that are smart enough to pick up the new Roosevelt Island Visitor's Guide they will have the Main Street Wire map and not look so befuddled when the Tram touches down on the island.

But what do the visitors do that arrive by subway? Well until The Wire convinces the MTA to allow them to put up a distribution board or a large version of the map (on the subway info board - replicating the standard "you are here" signs most stations have) I am providing this single purpose image of the map detailing where Capobianco Field is in reference to the subway.

So Play Ball (after you find your way to your game that is). And afterwards perhaps have a drink or bite to eat here on the island. I am sure your company would cover the expenses.

Routine Air Force F-15 Flight Up East River Today

My office’s facilities manager has sent an email out stating that at approximately 1:30 pm EST two Air Force F-15 jets will be conducting a routine fly over up the East River.

Like many office managers he is hooked into all these e-mail alerts including one from the FAA. We were notified so no one would think an emergency was in effect. So if you are going to be outside look for the jets as it is always a great sight to see.

NY Times City Room Blog Roll Lists Roosevelt Island 360

To say I am surprised that the City Room blogroll listed both Roosevelt Island blogs is an understatement. I figured the Roosevelt Islander made sense. But hey they had what like 20 about Brooklyn what's two little blogs about Roosevelt Island. Cool. Very cool.

Technorati Profile

Roosevelt Islander Blog Linked on NY Times City Room Blog Roll

Kudos to the Roosevelt Islander for being linked under the neighborhood blog section. I am extremely jealous but excited that NY Times readers will see a link to issues affecting Roosevelt Island. Very very cool.

A Taste of Jazz at The Trellis….

Make an on-line slideshow at www.OneTrueMedia.com

I will admit that part of this blog’s purpose is to promote this island and portray it positively as it is our home and is a great place to live. As part of that goal I present videos spotlighting the facets of living here that makes the place fun and enjoyable.

On that note I present a short video focusing on the return of weekend music to the Trellis Restaurant. The sound could be a bit better but it gives you the feel of what it is to sit on the plaza outside the restaurant and to enjoy the music being presented along with any food or refreshments patrons of the Trellis are enjoying.

So if you like what you hear or see come on down to The Trellis.

Riverwalk Playground: Believed Safe for Now

According to Donna Masly, of RIOC’s Program Services group, the “Riverwalk” toddler playground appears to not be slated for Related’s wrecking ball when the last three Southtown buildings begin to be built on the Eastern side of Main Street. Ms. Masley’s belief is based on her conferring with RIOC’s resident engineering staff. The engineer stressed to Ms. Masley that it is his belief the playground is safe for the immediate future but that could change.

Once construction begins we will see what happens but for now our swing loving babies and toddlers can rest easy for perhaps nine months before the two current buildings are completed. My bet is Related starts any new buildings closest to the toddler playground based on their track record on the Western side of Main Street but this is purely a guess. If we are lucky and the site is close to the playground perhaps all the heavy work, causing the playground to be blocked off, would be in the Winter months. Again this is all conjecture.

Thank you Donna for the update.

East River Tidal Energy: Videos Regarding Turbine Removals

Each of these videos relate to the story from Tuesday where it was reported that Verdant Power has removed its turbines from the East River’s East Channel as the tides are stressing the bolts holding the propeller blades and the blades themselves. Earlier this year the tides destroyed several blades causing Verdant Power to upgrade the blades to those now being removed.

It is also reported that a second entity, Oceana, has been granted the necessary license and/or permits to begin tidal energy tests just North of Roosevelt Island within the Hell’s Gate section of the East River.



NY1 Video Story

For the NY1 video once connected you will need to link through the connection speed icon on the NY1 webpage to get a quicker connection.



New York Times Video

This is another link to the NY Times video I mentioned the other day. I thought it appropriate to post these together.

Roosevelt Island Branch - NY Public Library - 8/15-8/20

The one of the greatest resources any community can provide its citizenry is a library. As residents of NYC we are lucky enough to have access to one of the greatest library systems in the world. When we moved to island one of the selling points to us was the existence of the Roosevelt Island Branch Library located at 524 Main Street.

The ability to take out books literally from a branch right on our own street was something that was a big deal to us. Now with the branch hours open six days a week the library is even more accessible to everyone.



Over the next several days the library is hosting every day a different program for children ranging from “Reading Aloud” to “Summer Crafts” to “Book Bingo”. The hours and age ranges are noted in the graphic provided here and on the Branch website.



Our branch is quite active and it is rare I have not seen many individuals inside taking advantage of this great gift we are given by NYC.

The only downsides we have are that for a library to adequately serve a community the library needs to grow and ours is bound by the four walls that limits its growth. One factor that mitigates this is the ability to reserve books not kept in our branch’s permanent collection from other branches citywide. Perhaps one day another space would become available that would allow the library to expand not only its current facility but the community as a whole (perhaps the former Lillies School building).

Another downside is that if nature calls one must leave the library as the staff does not make the lavatory available to the public due to either concerns of safety (they store their cleaning agents in the bathroom) or fear that the library would be used simply as a lavatory and create a stream of guests who would not be there otherwise disrupting the library’s primary function.

Overall we have a great resource in our neighborhood branch library and we should all take advantage of it. For it to be granted greater resources I am sure it’s continued and expanded use play major factors. So do better by yourself and stop by and make your voice heard that this is a place that matters to you.

New Roosevelt Island Visitor's Survival Kit

On my way home through the Manhattan tram station I found something new. RIOC, RIRA, and the WIRE together have published a Roosevelt Island Survival Guide which is essentially the map published in the Wire's last issue presented in a tri-fold laminated brochure style. It is a great idea long overdue.

The question is who named the island "the little apple"?All parties should be commended on this great brochure.

Can we take it a step further and create a similiar brochure in conjunction with the RIHS and send packets of them to Citywide tourist kiosks to promote the island?

Free Movie Sat 8/18 "Funny Girl" at Southpoint

Start planning your weekend now and hire a babysitter as this weekend’s free RIOC sponsored movie, on Saturday August 18, 2007, at Southpoint is Funny Girl starring Barbra Streisand and Omar Shariff.

Per Wikipedia (with links intact):

“Funny Girl is a film based on the stage musical of the same name. The semi-biographical plot is based on the life and career of Broadway and film star and comedienne Fanny Brice and her stormy relationship with entrepreneur and gambler Nicky Arnstein. Its original title was My Man.

The 1968 screen adaptation, directed by William Wyler, paired Streisand with Omar Sharif in the role of Arnstein. Medford repeated her stage role, and Walter Pidgeon was cast as Flo Ziegfeld, with Anne Francis in the added role of showgirl Georgia James, although most of her performance was left on the cutting room floor allegedly at Streisand's insistance. The role played by Stapleton on stage went to Mae Questel. Fans of the original Broadway score were dismayed to discover most of its songs were eliminated. The most notable addition was "My Man," a Fanny Brice tune used as the film's finale.

Streisand won the Academy Award for Best Actress, an honor she shared with Katharine Hepburn for The Lion in Winter. The film was nominated in the categories of Best Picture, Best Actress in a Supporting Role (Kay Medford), Best Cinematography, Best Film Editing, Best Music, Score of a Musical Picture (Original or Adaptation), Best Original Song ("Funny Girl"), and Best Sound.

Streisand received a Golden Globe as Best Actress; nominations also went to the film, the title song, and Wyler. Lennart's screenplay won her recognition from the Writers Guild of America.

The film was a huge hit in theaters, and became the top grossing film of 1968.”

The Tempest Storms into Roosevelt Island

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

On Saturday evening, August 11, 2007, I was able to attend about the first half hour of The Tempest staged at the Eastwood Amphitheatre at home on Roosevelt Island. I should be upfront that I have never been a big fan of Shakespeare and probably last read and attended a play by him back in college.

I am in no way qualified to critique the performance and I will not try to do so here. But as a fan of home grown productions I can say I enjoyed each minute I attended this production.

I had been told by island residents with far more years than I that any production given at the Amphitheatre especially without amplification is doing so at their own peril. I can say that the players did very well in this regard despite what my inadequate camera picked up for sound. My short video provided above showcases a few of the players and I only wish I could have taped more and showcased their talents here for those not able to attend.

Julie White as producer should be congratulated as well should be Michael Flanagan the director of this production as they battled the possibility of being rained out on Friday, August 10th but they hung on and gave their all by all reports despite the drop in temperature that evening. They had a much better evening on Saturday night and I am sure the players were thankful for it. The crowd appeared very much into the performance.

I can say that almost any production or cultural event I have attended here on Roosevelt Island has been well supported by the community and that is a credit to RIRA and the organizations putting on these events. As this play was an experiment I can say from an outsiders point of view it was a success and I expect we will be seeing future productions from this group.

Waters off Roosevelt Island Ripping Tidal Energy Propellers to Shreds

Verdant Power has learned what Roosevelt Islanders have known for some time the tides flowing up and down the East River are more powerful than anything man can build and place into their path. The New York Times reports today just that in an article written by Anthony DePalma.

A link to the related story on NY Times video can be accessed HERE.

Related On-Line Articles

Roosevelt Islander

Gothamist

Newsday.com

1010Wins

WNBC.com

amNewYork

Alternative Energy

F Train Running Normally to/from Roosevelt Island on Sat 8/11 & Sun 8/12

My brain does not believe it but we have no subway disruptions this weekend. I learned tat every Friday the MTA posts in addition to on-line service advisories one overall summary of that weekend's subway advisories. It is usually posted by the maps etc and will bear a color pattern and title such as that in the following picture.

Rain Update - The Tempest (8/10 Perf)

According to Julie White, the producer (and also a RIRA Common Council member from the Octagon) of The Tempest, the RIRA sponsored play is still scheduled to be run this evening at 7:30 pm here on Roosevelt Island at the Eastwood Amphitheatre. According to Ms. White the weather reports are stating that the rain is supposed to taper off and since the play is being produced with little staging the rain should not affect their being able to stage it.

The question remains who will know it is being staged or think to attend? So if you are thinking about attending, give it a shot as the players will appreciate the effort and I am sure pay you back with a fine performance. Just remember to bring a waterproof blanket or seat cushion to sit on and your umbrella.

If it’s Not Rain It’s Trackwork – Either Way Roosevelt Island Subway Riders Suffer

The NY Times reported today the following regarding F Train service:

"Earlier today, as of 5:59 a.m., because of track work at the 21st Street-Queensbridge station in Long Island City, Queens, Brooklyn-bound F trains are running on the V line from the 36th Street station in Queens to the 47th-50th Streets-Rockefeller Center station in Midtown Manhattan. The F line was bypassing these stations: 21st Street-Queensbridge, Roosevelt Island, Lexington Avenue-63rd Street and 57th Street. "

As I took the Tram today at about 8:30 am I noticed no mob exodus from the Subway station walking to the Tram or lines at the Tram so I am assuming the track work concluded prior to rush hour. Later NY Times updates and the MTA website show no indications as to what time the track work was cleared. With our luck the continuing rains will flood out the F Train somewhere causing delays and disruptions for the evening rush.

Anybody have a shovel where we can start a new tunnel down to the N, R or E trains under the island. The Roosevelt Islander continues his posts regarding Ferry service. We need alternatives. I think this is the last weekend of three in a row that track work disruptions cause no Queens bound service stops on the island.

I have not heard anything in a while about the idea of rebuilding a staircase up the 59th Street Bridge. Does anybody have info on that? Back on April 8, 2007 the NY Times ran a piece titled “A Bridge Not Quite Far Enough for Some” where the reporter, Emily Brady, discussed the direct access proposition. I need to go back to the last Main Street Wire (Issue 2722 - July 28, 2007) and check the RIRA column by Matthew Katz. The graphics, provided above, were amusing but the article title always seemed to me like it was saying we wanted the bridge to be “further” away as opposed to being more accessible.

Rainy days in New York City no longer will just be messy but rather for some time to come bring fears of being stranded with few too options. Thank heaven for the Tram.

Roosevelt Island Bridge Test Opening Switched to Friday Aug. 10

Per RIOC’s advisory page the NYC DOT has [re]scheduled the test openings for this Friday. So either the DOT recognized the risk of a stuck bridge with subway issues affecting access to Roosevelt Island or their EMS unit never got to the island.

It did not make sense to me that they had to wait for a specific EMS unit when we have the FDNY Special Operations Command (“SOC”) on the Island. If anything you’d think the SOC would move some of its trucks off island in case of an emergency somewhere else in the City that they’d need to get to if the bridge became stuck open.

The DOT fact page about the bridge includes a section on past openings (test and vessel) but this section stopped being updated after 1998. I guess no one was finding the info useful or interesting enough so they stopped updating it.

Shakespeare Comes to Roosevelt Island This Weekend 8/10-8/11

For a few hours each evening this Friday and Saturday the Eastwood Amphitheatre will become the Globe Theatre and the East River will become the Thames. The reason of course is Shakespeare. A new production of Shakespeare’s The Tempest will be presented to those lucky enough to attend. The play is scheduled to begin at 7:30 pm each night. Much as it was presented close to 400 years ago the play will be presented without the benefit of professional lighting or a sound system. So what you will hear will be pure and dependant on the actors alone to convey the emotions and story line written by Shakespeare.

According to Octagon resident Julie White, who is producing this presentation, the players all have a lot to offer and they each bring it to this production. We should expect to see a set design that is quite minimal in nature which will also apply to the costumes. The setting of this Tempest may be somewhat modern but I have been assured the text is all Shakespeare.

This play is Ms. Whites first as a producer but she draws from her experiences as a member of the City Island Theatre Group while a resident there where she was an actor and served in many roles behind the curtain of several productions. Michael Flanagan is directing and has directed several other shows and recently completed his MFA in Directing from Brooklyn College. Besides Ms. White look for a few of your fellow Roosevelt Islanders among the players.

The Roosevelt Island Residents Association is sponsoring this production which is free to the public. Contributions will gladly be accepted and be used to cover current costs and future theatre projects. If this play is a success Ms. White hopes to make similar productions an annual event.

NYC DOT : Despite Floods Scheduled to Test RI Bridge Opening 8/8 Today

Per the RIOC website there is a BRIDGE ADVISORY.

“NYC DOT Bridge Operations Unit will be performing a test opening on the Roosevelt Island Bridge for preventive maintenance. They will be conducting the test opening on Wednesday, August 8th, between 11AM & 2PM. Please be advised that the test opening will take anywhere from 8 to 10 minutes to be completed. Thank you for your cooperation.”

I would expect with the rains and flooding that this would be postponed especially if the subway is still flooded out. Trying to find out now via 311.

UPDATE: 11:30 am

Apparently the tests are continuing but were delayed due to a [DOT policy?] that an EMS unit be on the Island side of the bridge before they commence the tests. Unbelievebale.

MTA's F Train Flooded Out - Tram Handling Overflow

The morning thunderstorms flooded out the F train leaving the Tram as the only way into Manhattan or Queens. Mother Nature once again has shown that Islanders need another means of transportation in case of an emergency. To take on the added passengers the Tram staff queued up riders on the platform but still the lines wrapped their way towards the visitors center kiosk. The rains, heaviest between 600am and 630am additionally took the tram off line for about 25 minutes according to one of the Tram operators due to the winds and lightning.

UPDATE 9:25am: According to the MTA website they are reporting F train disruptions but no reference to service working or not through Roosevelt Island.

DOT: Roosevelt Island Bridge Listed as "Fair"

Make an on-line slideshow at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Based on the NYC DOT’s 2006 Annual Report on the condition of NYC’s bridges the Roosevelt Island Bridge is listed as FAIR. According to the report approximately 58% of all “structures” fall into this category which is the largest category percentage wise. Granted learning the only constant source of egress from the island is only listed as “fair” is not great news but we should expect that within the next few years that the rating should jump to “Very Good”. This is due to the fact that the bridge will soon begin a major reconstruction project.

Per the 2006 report:

The reconstruction of the bridge is scheduled to start in March 2007. The estimated construction duration will be a total of 36 months with approximately 8 months’ lead time. The project’s scope of work includes rehabilitation of the existing mechanical and all of the electrical systems for the lift span, rehabilitation of the bridge operator house, installation of safety fences on the sidewalk, replacement of the street lighting, resurfacing of the approach roadways, installation of pigeon proofing systems and repainting the entire structure. The project will also include the installation of a dedicated right hand turn into southbound Vernon Boulevard in Queens, and the construction of a new back-up generator building under the Queens approach.

The aspects I am most excited about are the resurfacing of the sidewalks and the safety fences. Sometimes when walking over the bridge the sidewalks on the span just seem shaky and some segments of the fence are just to wide for my liking when traveling with kids.

I can't say if they actually started in March but the only activity I have seen is the construction of the trailers on the RI side of the span equivalent to the 4th level of Metropark and the staircase they built from that side down to the ground.

My First Southpoint Movie Experience: A Video

Make an on-line slideshow at www.OneTrueMedia.com

I was a few minutes late to Southpoint so I missed my RIHS Visitors Center Kiosk video montage but what I did see is a very professionally run movie night. RIOC should be congratulated. And the weather was great making life great for everybody. Attached to this blog post is a short 2 minute video giving the viewer a taste of what attending a RIOC movie night provides.

Both the picture and sound were great and I state in the video above the views from your seats are priceless. As I have stated in prior posts RIOC chares nothing to those attending and all of the movies are open to residents and non-residents alike.

Once the bus arrives at the South end of the Goldwater Hospital Campus I walked with a large group down the lighted path towards the screening. I should point out before entering Southpoint a large sign announces the future of Southpoint and the parkland planned. Unless I missed it very little is stated about the planned FDR memorial as part of that project.

Before you get to the movie the lighted path takes you past the former city smallpox hospital known to most residents as the Renwick Ruin. With the spotlights on the ruin the eerie feeling of ghosts descends upon you which would be great for a Halloween film fest if RIOC ever were to sponsor one (hint hint).

Once I got to the screening area it became clear that if you want a good seat you better get there early and bring a late picnic dinner. RIOC provided popcorn during the showing but you should bring your own food so you don’t have to get up during the showing. I believe that full height folding chairs are not allowed but beach height chairs were OK. As I said above I was late so I never got a full view of the audience.

The next movie on 8/18 is Funny Girl starring Barbra Steisand and I plan to have the baby sitter arrive early so we can do the same.

Roosevelt Island as a Battlefield ?

I stumbled across a web page where a game of "Capture of the Flag" is being described. Not a big deal but in this case the players are using Roosevelt Island as their battlefield. Not all of the island but the areas North of Eastwood up to just short of Lighthouse Park.

For the most part the idea of non-residents coming here to play is certainly welcome. But I was bothered by the statement "Our tactics included jumping down to the river front and climbing the rocks along the East River". A few weeks ago I was walking with my kids on the West promenade behind PS 217 when we saw a group of teenagers jump the sea wall fence to go down onto the rocks. I have no idea if these kids were playing this "Flag" game but my 5 year old son asked when he can go down on the rocks. I said never.

Now again I have no problem with people inventing or adapting games to be played here. But as visitors please act responsibly and don't include actions that our kids may try to emulate possibly causing them to get hurt. Feel free to continue your "games" but just do it responsibly.

RIOC Has Rescheduled the Christmas Movie to 8/25

After last week's (7/25) feared rainout RIOC cancelled its showing of National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation. It has now rescheduled that movie to be shown on Saturday night August 25th. Last night was Happy Feet. Look for my video report on that showing in the next few days. On August 11th RIOC will be screening Funny Girl with Barbra Streisand.

8/4 - A Hot Day for More Than Just Roosevelt Island's Human Residents

Make an on-line slide show at www.OneTrueMedia.com

August 4th was a hot day to be out in the sun on Roosevelt Island so we retreated from the Southtown toddler park to the shade and cool water of the sprinklers behind Blackwell House. While there we ran into a little dog named Izzy who needed cooling off as much as we did. He just got into the water and decided to chill out. We're not saying we want every local dog to join in our fun. For health reasons alone it would not be a good idea but we empathized with this little guy and just had to take his picture to remember him by.

Stay cool Izzy !

My RIHS Kiosk Montage to Play Tonight at Southpoint Park

Make video montages at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Tonight prior to the showing of “Happy Feet” RIOC will be showing a video / slide montage I created regarding how the RIHS Visitors Center kiosk physically came to Roosevelt Island. If that is the DVD I am lending to them at 530 pm tests well for the expanded size of the big screen planned for Southpoint Park.

The montage discusses briefly where the kiosk was before coming to RI, what its original purpose and location was and shows how it was transformed into the Visitors Center. The above version has a few added information slides than the version being played at Southpoint tonight but is essentially the same montage. It was created in under two days in order to allow for it to be produced and shipped from One True Media’s offices in California to RI.

The weather appears to be holding and there is no forecast of rain so this showing should take place. If the DVD does not play well you can say you saw it here. Please let me know what you think.

Flying Wheel Chair Sculpture Inspired by Roosevelt Island Morning Jogs

A June 2007 Newsday article just put up online on Wednesday, August 1, 2007, pictures and discusses how a Long Island City based sculptor was inspired to create a wheelchair with wings that would make the viewer question whether it could really fly. The picture presented, see above, reminds me of the fully flyable Aerolights that look like a cross between a stripped down one seat airplane and hang gliders.

Upon seeing this sculpture I immediately was reminded of a wheelchair bicycle I saw go by the Visitor’s Center & Tram station one Sunday afternoon. It was built much like that pictured below and was carrying a wheel chair bound resident of Goldwater hospital out for some fresh air.

All too many of us think only of the hospital residents that are mobile in their chairs and beds and tend to forget about the immobile hospital residents for whom this bicycle chair must seem as if they are actually flying. If I see this real life chair again I hope to video it for you here as it was really inspiring and uplifting to see the joy on that riders face.

Horror Anime Set on Roosevelt Island

The horror anime Red Garden is coming to DVD this September per the linked website. You can also watch a video preview of the series at that link.

Per the site:

“About Red Garden:

From studio GONZO and director Kou Matsuo (Rozen Maiden) comes an urban horror masterpiece as sexy as it is disturbing. Unique character designs, stylish settings, and a haunting story make Red Garden one of the most anticipated titles of 2007.

Synopsis:

An odd string of suicides surrounds a private institution on Roosevelt Island. On the night a classmate dies, Kate, Rachel, Rose and Claire wake with no memories of the evenings’ events. The next night, the four girls are drawn together by mysterious red butterflies only they can see. Converging at Central Park, the girls are approached by a strange woman who tells them they are dead. Now, the four girls must work together to learn the secrets of their death – and the means to return to their previous life.”

Just what we need another Dark Water type of reference.

http://www.activeanime.com/html/content/view/1434

Update 8/8 12 Noon:

Back in August 2006, the Gothamist published a post on Red Garden. The below link includes a few sketches of this "animated" Roosevelt Island.

http://gothamist.com/2006/08/18/roosevelt.php

Southpoint Movie Night Aug. 4 - "Happy Feet" + "Kiosk Video"

This Saturday night RIOC presents, at Southpoint Park, the toe tapping animated adventure “Happy Feet”. The theme this week is family night and voters selected Happy Feet above the other entries. We voted for Nemo as we thought watching fish with water around us would be appropriate. But unlike American Idol where viewers can call in numerous times this process was vote via email.

So if you are not already on Roosevelt Island come on over for the 9:00 pm showing as its free to all whether you live here or not.

Plus Kiosk Visitors Center Video:

And if all works out the newsreel being shown will be about the RIHS Visitors Center Kiosk and how it moved onto Roosevelt Island. This video was compiled by none other than me. I am hoping it translates well to the big screen.

Will we lose the “Riverwalk” toddler playground to construction of a Riverwalk building?

Again, I look at a lot of the infrastructure and facilities of Roosevelt Island from the vantage point of raising young children here. Certainly it was the defined nature and openness of the island that helped draw us to moving to the island.

When The Main Street Wire first ran a map outlining the full footprint of the Riverwalk buildings in Southtown I became concerned about whether the only true toddler playground with swings will become history and be lost to one of the last three buildings expected to be constructed next year. Granted we are at a minimum of 9 plus months away from anything actually happening but questions shoudl always be asked early.

Again this may seem trivial compared to other matters of importance on Roosevelt Island but if the island expects to draw more young families or expect them to stay schools and playgrounds are high in importance to these families.

I have posed the question to RIOC and expect to do the same with The Related Companies. I am unsure whether RIOC funds or Related funds were used to build this playground but if the cash was from Related and after they sell their buildings using the playground as a selling point its destruction due to a building would be a bait and switch where our kids will be the loser.

I am hoping the playground will survive and this column was written for nothing. But unless residents make noise about their concerns don’t be surprised if things you take for granted are gone one day.

8/6 Update: I have added the rendering of the completed Riverwalk complex showing by the red arrow where the park sits currently.

NYCTA Unveils Elevator & Escalator Access Status Webpage

Today the MTA unveiled their on line web page (link HERE and through this post’s title) so riders can monitor and check what elevators and escalators are not working or under repair. Our own Roosevelt Island subway escalators are prominently shown as out of service.

The site is currently updated three times daily at 6 a.m., 3 p.m., and at 10 p.m..

This information was already available by phone at 1-800-734-6772 (recording) or via 718-596-8273 (TTY). The MTA is asking that reports of any additional outages be reported to 718-243-3222 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The site includes a disclaimer that elevator & escalator status is subject to change without notice. Does that mean they are already stating that if the list is wrong they can’t be blamed? Sounds like it.

My wife quickly learned with two children in a stroller to ask our Island wheelchair residents if they knew whether our subway elevators were out of service as I am sure this info travels quickly. Luckily for all of us if our elevators are out of service the next subway stop in either direction has an elevator where hopefully you can turn around and take the train back to Roosevelt Island to get yourself to the RI platform that has the working elevator.

Update:

My wife reported to me, at around 3pm, that the elevator at Roosevelt Island on the Queens bound platform was out at around 2pm and we reported it. As of 4:30 pm I have seen changes on the NYCTA site but our elevator has not been listed. I'd rather hear it was working again anyway.

Another option if you are not in a wheelchair or pushing a large stroller to get from one platform to another is simply go up the bottom flight of stairs to the lower mezzanine and back down the stairs to the opposing platform to get to the working elevator. Not sure why I did not think of this earlier.

Museum Natural History : 8/23 Roosevelt Island Geological Walking Tour

According to the website for the American Museum of Natural History they are offering a “members only” walking tour of Roosevelt Island. The details are below.

August 23, 2007
AMNH
$28
Code: MW082307
10:00 a.m.–12:00 noon

“Geologist Sidney Horenstein leads an exclusive walking tour of Roosevelt Island in the East River. Horenstein will discuss the geological features of the island, the origin of the East River, and the history of the New York area. Enjoy a unique view of the Queensboro Bridge and the fascinating scenery of historic structures and landmarks on the island.”

If you are into waking tours I encourage all visitors and resident’s alike to inquire at the RIHS Visitor’s Center (the Kiosk at the Tram) about taking a walking tour specifically designed around and about our Island’s History.