Update re Shots Fired (on 4/14) Outside 2-4 River Road

The following info updates what is known about yesterday morning's gunfire incident at 2-4 River Road.

In short the individual apprehended claims he was set up and in self defense he wrestled the gun away from his assailant.

------Original Message------
From: Steve Shane
To: Roosevelt Island 360
To: Roosevelt Islander
To: Dick Lutz / The Main Street WIRE
Sent: Apr 15, 2009 11:17 AM
Subject: Shots Fired

Be advised that the apprehended person who fired the shots on Monday night/Tuesday morning has been released by NYPD. He established to their satisfaction that he was the victim of a setup/mugging from a location off Island and that he wrestled the weapon away from the other person involved in self defense, during which struggle the shots were fired and the window shattered.

Another example of why we all should not jump to conclusions.

Stephen H. Shane
President & CEO
Roosevelt Island Operating Corp.

Was the Bridge Open or Closed Last Night ?

Confirmation:
Due to rain last night's scheduled closure was put off. We should expect the scheduled closure to be in effect unless notified otherwise. [via Denise Lynch of RIOC].

Original Posting:
I sent an inquiry regarding last night's planned bridge closure to Roosevelt Island PSD Director Keith Guerra to learn if the preparations all worked out as planned but have not heard back from his office yet.

According to a post on NYC Fire.net the closure may have been delayed a day. RIOC's Steve Shane had indicated in prior emails that the rain may cause delays hence all the extra days of scheduling.

Berlin on Roosevelt Island ?

4/16 - 12:30 pm Updated for Last Paragraph:

Back on April 6th, I reported that according to a post on Curbed that some sort of Spacebubble will be making a stop on Roosevelt Island but no information existed as to what event the bubble would be associated with. It appears now that according to The Pop Up City the possible appearnace of a bubble would be part of an expo titled

‘Spacebusters’ (April 16-27), which deals with the work of German studio’s Raumlabor and Plastique Fantastique. The exposition called ‘Berlin in NYC’ starts with ten consecutive evenings of events in an inflatable pavilion in Manhattan, Brooklyn and Roosevelt Island.

After dropping into the Roosevelt Island Visual Arts Association (RIVAA) on my way home I confirmed with the folks in the gallery that RIVAA is indeed involved with bringing the bubble to Roosevelt Island. The date is either 4/18 or 4/19 and they were not sure what works were to be exhibited in the bubble. They also confirmed, to their understanding, that the bubble would be set up on the Rivercross Lawn across the street from Blackwell House.

4:30am Gunfire Outside 2-4 River Road

------Original Message------
From: Steve Shane
To: Roosevelt Island 360
To: Roosevelt Islander
To: Dick Lutz / The Main Street WIRE
Sent: Apr 14, 2009 12:58 PM
Subject: FYI:

FYI:

At approximately 4:30 AM on the morning of April 14, 2009, NYPD responded to a 911 call of shots fired at 2-4 River Road. The security guard placed the call.
There apparently had been 2 men arguing outside, one pulled a gun and fired 2 shots, one of which shattered the lobby door window.
NYPD apprehended the shooter and recovered the weapon. The other person involved fled the scene and remains at large.
There were no injuries.
Public Safety responded and assisted NYPD at the scene.

Stephen H. Shane
President & CEO
Roosevelt Island Operating Corp.

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Based on the above e-mail it is unknown as to what sparked the incident and until the police or PSD offers additional information it is all we will know.

During the last week I also received an email from PSD Director Keith Guerra regarding a separate incident that PSD responded to, that according to Director Guerra, is believed to have been a gang initiation hazing that took place within a building lobby here on the island and involved several youths that live here on the island.

Director Guerra has asked that residents report to his office any suspicious activity in this regard. While I have not seen evidence of this event I obviously agree with Director Guerra that residents should report any suspicious activity to the PSD or the NYPD and let these offices investigate accordingly.

NYT: Video re Renwick Ruin Stabilization

This morning's NY Times , online, includes an article and video about the restoration of the Renwick Ruin, the former smallpox hospital here on Roosevelt Island.

It's Official: A New Bar for Island !

It's official, as reported earlier by the Roosevelt Islander a new bar is coming to Roosevelt Island. To be located in the 425 Main Street building in the space behind Duane Reade facing into the Riverwalk Commons.

In light of the post immediately preceding this one regarding the dog poop bag station, and the fact that the lightpost the bags are attached to are right outside the new bar's location, I can't help but hope that if a drunken patron does exit the bar that they have the courtesy to use the bags for themselves if they feel they are getting sick.

Roosevelt Island: Land WITH Dogs and Their Poop

My how times have changed on Roosevelt Island. Just a few short years ago dogs were close to outlawed as parodied in the below movie but now pooches are almost encouraged based on the presence of conveniences like the above dog poop bag dispenser, pictured here at Southtown's Riverwalk Commons. This is the only poop bag dispenser I have seen anywhere on the island so this may be just a Riverwalk thing.

See the next post regarding an alternative use for the waste bags in light of the dispenser's location.

Safety Issue at Grandpa Al Lewis Playground ?

Apparently something may have happened to the playground apparatus at Grandpa Al Lewis Playground here on Roosevelt Island to cause the unit to be partially taped off.

I have written Michael Smith, RIOC's Parks and Recreation Manager for details and will post them once I hear back from his office.

In the meantime I'd advise that if your kids frequent this park that they do so with adult supervision as I know my own kids would not let a little tape stop them from climbing on through this segment of the apparatus.

Passover Provided to Patients on Welfare Island (1935)

Passover - Welfare Island - NYT - 1935 April 17

RI Bridge Closure 4/15-17 & 4/21-22: Emergency Preparedness

Double Click Image to Enlarge.

Times affected 12:30 am to 5:30 am

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

From: Steve Shane

To: Roosevelt Island 360
To: Roosevelt Islander
To: Dick Lutz / The Main Street WIRE
Cc: Fernando Martinez
Cc: Keith Guerra
Cc: Tom Turcic

Sent: Apr 7, 2009 5:26 PM

Subject: Bridge Closure

You have all received a copy of the DOT Notice of Bridge Closure.

1. It is absolutely necessary.

2. The Fire Department will station an engine (pumper) and a ladder truck on the Island during the outage to respond to any emergencies. In addition, there will be a fireboat available to deliver additional personnel if a big emergency occurs. An engine company (with 5 firemen) will be at the Vernon Ave. end of the Bridge to provide additional bodies as needed.

3. The Fire Dept. (EMS) will station an ambulance on the Island and an ambulance at the Vernon Ave end of the bridge. In the event of a medical emergency, the victim will be treated and taken to the RI end of the bridge and conveyed on a gurney to the other side where the other ambulance will be waiting to transport. In addition to the 4 EMS persons, there will be the 5 firemen there to assist. If the bridge is completely impassable (one of the procedures will require it to be 6'-8' above the connecting streets), then transport will have to be by Tram to a waiting ambulance on Manhattan side.

4. RIOC will run the Tram all night on 1/2 hour intervals (except in emergency) with the Red bus to match up. The Subway (F Train) should be available.

5.Only 2 nights are needed, and if the weather permits, the later nights will not be required. Steelworkers union contract and OSHA rules do not permit workers on exposed iron surfaces at heights when it is raining.

6. NYPD is also likely to station a squad car on the Island to assist.

We have coordinated all of this with NYPD, NYFD, EMS, DOT, HHC, etc. A necessary evil, but we should get through it. Please try to quell the hysterics.

Stephen H. Shane
President & CEO
Roosevelt Island Operating Corp.

Could PSD's Next Puchase be a P.U.M.A.?

Many Roosevelt Island residents have seen officers of our local Public Safety Department drive by on their Segways but now that G.M. and Segway have unveiled the P.U.M.A. how long will it be before we see a couple of these cats on Main Street? Granted the unit pictured is only a prototype but according to the article it can practically drive itself.

P.U.M.A. stands for Personal Urban Mobility & Accessibility

P.U.M.A. Picture via Gothamist modified for RIOC Logo

Abstract Exploration of Island Ruin

The above YouTube video by ChristosNYC is of a former hospital on Roosevelt Island which I must assume is the former smallpox hospital but which could be of another ruin since demoslished as noted below.

Currently the access to the ruin is under tighter restrictions due to injuries sustained by two RIOC PSD officers who were chasing unauthorized intruders. In other words do not attempt to dupliacte the images on this video.

Per the videographer:

"abstract exploration of now demolished ruin of abandoned Victorian style hospital on Roosevelt Island in New York City's East River. Shot as part of Graduate Film program work in the early 1990s. "

Curbed: Giant Bubble Coming to Unknown Island Event

According to a post on Curbed this afternoon the above Spacebubble will making a stop on Roosevelt Island but no indication what event it will envelope? Roosevelt Live at Riverwalk Commons? Southpoint Park?

I hope this thing can handle many kids bouncing on it at once or they will have a security perimeter as I know my son at a minimum will want to give it a good kick. So do I for that matter.

The Grass is Greener on Roosevelt Island !

Our friends up at the Octagon, blogging as "retro info!" took a trip up to the Upper East Side's Carl Schurz Park this weekend to see how their slice of heaven looked from the other side of the East River and guess what ...their conclusion is the grass is greener on our side of the fence (validating their choice to live at the Octagon). Head over to see more pictures.

7:54am F Train from Roosevelt Island (Mon Apr 6)

Perhaps this is a bad week for a test of how crowded the subway arriving from Queens into Roosevelt Island is but for the next few days I will try to get to the platform before 8am and take a picture once we enter the Manhattan bound train.

While I do believe the transportation infrastructure needs to be strengthened and increased, I am also of the belief that as long as island residents leave at a reasonable time they do not have to encounter the packed trains from Queens that arrive starting at and after 815am and continue through 845am.

Again this week may not be a good test, it is a holy week for many and schools are off starting Thursday. So be it. Again the above picture shows one family's experience at 7:54am after getting onto a Manhattan / Brooklyn bound F Train from Roosevelt Island.

Resident Profile: Hiromi Asai, Kimono Dresser & Instructor

Yesterday's New York Times included a great article about resident Hiromi Asai who is a certified Kimono dressing instructor and works from her Southtown Roosevelt Island apartment.

Access RI - Community Presentation Tomorrow (2nd Showing)

Link to AccessRI website

The second AccessRI community review meeting, is tomorrow 4/4, if you missed the earlier presentation and will be held at the Roosevelt Island Senior Center on Main Street, located accross the street from Trellis.

Poor Rich Kids Using RI as Dating "Sure Thing"?

Warning: Perhaps Not Totally Family Friendly

According to the blog “Poor Rich Kids” bringing your date to Roosevelt Island is almost a sure thing. It’s cheap, romantic and according to the blog post. In the blog’s own word the reasons to come include:

“Why: Although its just a stones throw away from Manhattan, no one ever goes there. Filled with a rich history of prisons, psych wards, and syphilis containment centers the old hospital buildings are something between a tour of scottish castles and a good ol’ scary movie–either way, a total panty-dropper.”

Somehow this was all a bit much but was amusing to read. Obviously this is not an image we want Roosevelt Island to be known for. While the views, promenades, and sites to be seen via the tram (read their article) are romantic it is amusing that the now not so rich are using our fair isle because they can't afford anything ritzier. I feel so cheap don't you?

Update: Wheelchair Access from Platform into Subway

The MTA's capital project to raise a portion of the Roosevelt Island subway platform , at the center of each platform, to allow wheelchairs to easily enter subway cars is progressing and as per the above picture indicates it may be ahead ahead of schedule.

You may recall from my earlier post on March 12, that the platforms in some areas are about a 1/2 inch too low making it difficult for mnay wheelchair bound residentst to simply roll into the subway cars requiring them to ask nearby individuals to push and even lift their chairs in some instances.

According to Deidre Parker, an MTA Spokesperson, the project, on both Queens and manhattan Bound platforms is scheduled to be complete by April 30, 2009.

------Original Message------
From: Deirdre Parker (MTA Spokesperson)
To: Roosevelt Island 360
Sent: Mar 31, 2009 11:55 AM
Subject: RE: Platform Construction

The centers of both platforms are covered with plywood. This plywood is painted safety yellow which allows customers to notice the unevenness of the platform. This is the area of the platform where Station Maintenance will be installing the recently approved new ADA Tiles for the ADA boarding area. This work is only done on weekends and is scheduled to be completed by April 30, 2009.

Can 11 Subway Cars Platform at Roosevelt Island?

NY1 is reporting that the MTA ran a test 11 car train through the system last night.

Can 11 cars platform at Roosevelt Island?

I don't believe so.

The answer per the first comment provided is NO so the test by the MTA was in essence as one SubChat contributor stated an "April's Fools" joke by the MTA on the public unless stations were modified to increase the accessible lenth of the platforms needed.

ROOSEVELT L!VE - Full Schedule Released

Double Click to Enlarge

The folks who are putting together ROOSEVELT L!VE have put out the full schedule of groups to play at Roosevelt Island's Riverwalk Commons from May 23rd through September 5th and it looks like it will be a busy 15 weeks of concerts. Not being anything remotely close to being a hipster I have no clue as any of these groups are. I will be honest I am glad I don't live facing the Commons area.

Nonno's, Duane Reade, and Starbucks should clean up quite nicely with that amount of foot traffic. You have to give Hudson / Related credit for doing all they can to bring foot traffic to the island to see their new buildings and hopefully set up apartment tours. Maybe after the concerts the visitors can even schedule some rappelling time down the sides of the buildings.

I just hope the MTA holds to its goal of not disrupting weekend subway service while the tram is off line. Kudos to the concert promoters for highlighting the F Train service.

Riverwalk Rappelling Club on Roosevelt Island

In an effort to provide increased services and amenities, Hudson / Related has started a rappelling club at the Riverwalk complex on Roosevelt Island in the hope that it will induce a greater number of individuals to buy condos at the newest two buildings still under construction.

To see the pictures by "grantrjones" of club members in action you link here to the photos on Flickr.

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The pictures had been posted here but were removed at the request of "grantrjones" as they were posted here without permission in error.

NY Senate Video: Serrano Congratulates Elected RIOC Board Nominees

The above NYS Senate video is of State Senator Jose Serrano congratulating those individuals elected to the Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation Board of Directors who were then chosen as appointees of the Governor and confirmed by the State Senate. The video is from June 2008.

Direct YouTube link.

Hunter College AccessRI - Community Review TONIGHT

Link to AccessRI website

Both AccessRI community review meetings, tonight 3/31 and 4/4, are to be held at the Roosevelt Island Senior Center on Main Street, located accross the street from Trellis. Each meeting will present the same information to the public.

Tram Featured as Staycation Destination

A post on the NY Times City Room blog this morning featured the Roosevelt Island Tram as one of several destinations that the author visited on a recent “staycation”.

Get in those staycations now before July 6th or you will miss out until December 2009.

The Periodic Return of the Snapple Cap

It’s amazing how much play one little Snapple cap can get over time. Take “Real Fact” cap #266, supposedly retired, which states that “Manhattan is the only borough in NYC that does have a Main Street”. Any Roosevelt Island resident knows this statement to be absurd but every so often the issue comes up again to perennially make us to be the Rodney Dangerfield of Main Street NYC lore. Today this “fact” was again memorialized in the NY Times Metropolitan Diary. The Diarist, rose to our aid, and corrected amused life long City girl Judi Sinnreich, who obviously has never set foot on our shores.

Happy Birthday Queensboro ( fka Blackwell's Island) Bridge !

Many, certainly not all, Roosevelt Island residents know that the Queensboro Bridge, which turns 100 years old today, was once named for the island's former name "Blackwell's Island".

But few know that the bridge due to opposition to the British sounding name "Queensboro" almost did not get renamed to its curent moniker. The below article from the NY Times archive reports on a City hearing about the name change proposal and that one City Alderman did not believe those in favor of the name change had made their point.

As it is the bridge and the island have gone by many names. And many music fans outside NYC are not aware that the Simon and Garfunfle standard "The 59th Street Bridge" song is the Queensboro Bridge anyway.

To buy the above book about the Queensboro Bridge and to support the Roosevelt Island Historical Society which produced the book in conjunction with the Astoria Historical Society please link HERE.

Will Spider-Man The Play Feature the Renwick Ruin or the Tram?

Will the Broadway play Spider-Man feature a fight scene with the Green Goblin holding the Roosevelt Island Tram hostage or at the Renwick Ruin?

[Semi - amusing comment re the first movie and the Tram: Since the Tram is on a clothesline system when the Green Goblin let go the Tram cabin, most non Island residents had no clue that the other cabin must have already crashed below - but residents certainly did.]

If the Tram is featured will RIOC get a fee?

Apparently the play's book is going to be nothing like the movie franchise based on comments by Director Julie Taymor published in a New York Post news article by Michael Reidel. Oh well I guess the Tram will not be heading to Broadway..

Amusing thoughts.

Earth Hour 2009 - March 28th 830pm-930pm

I only just sent an email a few hours ago into the Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation asking if they have any plans to participate in Earth Hour 2009 by turning off non-essential lighting so I have not yet received a response. Like many people I am guessing they did not even hear of this effort. I only heard my self a few days ago.

Didn't the Earth get a whole day a few years back? This year Earth Hour is from 830pm to 930 pm on March 28th , Saturday night in your time zone.

Anyhow I was wondering if RIOC were to participate what lights would they turn off? My assumption would be the Lighthouse and Renwick Ruin.

I am not sure regarding the Lighthouse as I thought it was no longer working in the true sense of its original purpose,(yes the lights works but I thought it was decommissioned due to radar etc) but obviously if it it prevents any ship from running aground I am guessing we would not want to turn it off.

Just random thoughts.

Lighthouse picture via Flickr and Renwick ruin via Bowery Boys.

ROOSEVELT L!VE - Summer Concert Series

Last October, on Saturdays, it was KidFest on Roosevelt Island's Riverwalk Commons, this May it will be ROOSEVELT L!VE. According to a NY Press blog post, starting May 23rd, this new concert series will kick off and run through September 5th.

According to the post the confirmed acts include " trumpeter Steven Bernstein on July 11; Dance L!VE Brazil featuring Nation Beat (July 18), and Chicha Libre (pictured) of Barbes fame (Aug. 22). All of the concerts begin at 4 p.m. ".

The question is will the concert series do as well as KidFest did with no tram starting July 6th? The web link provided so far only allows the the reader to subscibe to email updates.

Subway Update re 3/26-4/10 Weeknight Disruptions

Update per MTA website: The service changes to the F Line described below, between 3/26 and 4/10, are only in effect on Tuesdays through Fridays Midnight through 5:am.

179 St-bound "F Trains" trains run on the "V Line" from 47-50 Sts to Queens Plaza Late night.

For service from Manhattan to Roosevelt Island and 21 St-Queensbridge, take the "F Train" to Roosevelt Av and transfer to a Coney Island-bound "F Train" .

-----Original Message-----
From: Parker, Deirdre, MTA Spokesperson.
Date: Wed, 25 Mar 2009 13:27:41
To: <rooseveltisland360@Gmail.Com>
Subject: RE: FW: Roosevelt Islands

Please be advised that due to emergency work, there will be no northbound F service at Roosevelt Island on weeknights from 12:01 AM - 5AM, March 26th to April 10th. We apologize for any inconvenience thismay cause.

Bad 1980's Movie Filmed on Roosevelt Isle

Old Man Grumpus on Live Journal blogged yesterday about a really bad movie titled Robot Holocaust that was filmed partially on Roosevelt Island. Grumpus lays out the plot fairly well but in short the robots rebelled and wiped out civilization and the remnants of mankind apparently were outside the last city (of course NYC) and well would you believe it were here on little Roosevelt Island. I guess we don't need RIOC to divulge their evacuation plan as this rock turns out to be the safest place left on the planet. Pretty wild.

Well I had to see for myself and after watching 10 minutes I could not take it anymore and turned it off but very clearly many scenes were filmed down at Southpoint Park. From the look of it the park was still in formation.

If you want to see this movie before it is taken off Hulu you only have about 2 to 3 more days to see it.

F Train: 3/26 - 4/10 Late Night Week Day Service Changes

-----Original Message-----
From: Parker, Deirdre, MTA Spokesperson.
Date: Wed, 25 Mar 2009 13:27:41
To: <rooseveltisland360@Gmail.Com>
Subject: RE: FW: Roosevelt Islands

Please be advised that due to emergency work, there will be no northbound F service at Roosevelt Island on weeknights from 12:01 AM - 5AM, March 26th to April 10th. We apologize for any inconvenience thismay cause.

One Very Upset Local Blogger - NY GULAG 10044

A local resident blogging under the title "nygulag10044" published on line today a letter written, in August 2008, to New York State Inspector General Joseph Frisch alleging corruption and more at all levels of state government involving Roosevelt Island.

Without knowing the specific facts backing up the blogger's claims it's hard to say if anything written has legitimate merit. I just know from the comments posted to the Roosevelt Landings post a lot of folks are very unhappy.

The Little Red Bus - Can't Beat It's 25¢ Fare

There has been talk that soon even the Red Bus, Roosevelt Island's other red painted transportation symbol, may have to raise it's fare above the current 25¢. We shall see if that occurs but in the mean time two bus enthusiasts (not me) took the below videos of the Red Buses and posted them recently on YouTube.


Direct YouTube Link by FL92002



Direct YouTube Link by FL92002



Direct YouTube Link by Eman2211

Mystery Photo: 1936 Cornerstone

This week's mystery Roosevelt Island photo is of a 1936 cornerstone. The question is what building is this cornerstone from?

To see the answer link here to the Flickr photo posted by The Real Janelle.

S Stands for "Salt" Film Shoot ?

While I never received confirmation from the Roosevelt island Operating Corporation that a film permit was issued for the movie "Salt" it appears that the signs that have been posted with the letter "S" indicate that it is likely the movie is filming on the island.

Granted one letter is not outright confirmation and I admit I have not ventured down to Goldwater or Southpoint to confirm in person but the odds are pretty good. Still no word regarding any possible sightings of Angelina Jolie, Brad Pitt or the kids.

$2.50 Fare Card = $170 Break Even Monthly Card for these Roosevelt Island Parents

Double Click to View Clearer Image

With the likelihood of a $2.50 base fare card and a monthly card at $103 it was time to again determine what the break even for a Roosevelt Island couple that incurs 6 fares per day on the MTA would be. My wife and I incur approximately 136 fares /month which with a $81 monthly card averages out to $1.19/fare.

Based on the below analysis my break even goes from $136/month at $2/fare to now a whopping $170 per monthly fare card if the full fare is as expected raised to $2.50/ride. This is actually a reduction from a $204/month break even if the fare jumped to $3.00/ride.

The Rolling Seas of East 60th Street

As I stood this morning on the Roosevelt Island Tram, heading into Manhattan, I was struck by the wind that was making the cabin swing so much today . I have been on the tram on windier days, as many residents have, but with a half empty cabin you tend to feel it in your feet more. Makes that bump when we platform all the more exciting.

Supposedly when the new tram cables are strung the guide cables will be father apart, perhaps even ten feet on either side of each cabin decreasing the amount of swing. It will not be the same.

Amusing start to the day.

A Multicultural Event - Around the World Right Here on Roosevelt Island

The above video found on YouTube is of a multicultural event held here on Roosevelt Island and shows a number of varying dance routines. I believe the stage to be at Goldwater Hospital but it could also be PS 217. I am not sure. Any info would be appreciated.

The video was created by "peckerwoodtwist". No indication as to the actual date of filming.

Cease and Desist: MTA 1; This Blogger 0

This past week I was copied on an electronic cease and desist letter, sent to me via email, from the MTA regarding a graphic I created for Roosevelt Island's local newspaper The Main Street WIRE, which ran in its March 7, 2009 edition. The graphic was titled "Unofficial Service Changes" and detailed the weekends the MTA has planned (for the period March 1 through June 1) to institute service disruptions affecting the stations serviced by the 63rd Street Tunnel between Manhattan and Queens. I say planned as all New Yorkers know any service changes, announced or otherwise, or always subject to change.

The letter asserts that the graphic violates the MTA's federal copyrights as well as puts forth service information not sanctioned by the MTA and which may be subject to change.

While I admit the graphic was created to evoke the image of Service Change notices issued by the MTA it could not generally be confused to be an officially sanctioned and issued notice due to its header which read "Unofficial Service Changes". I do admit I mistakenly left the MTA's footer on the image which only upon being enlarged to 400% could even be read and was still blurry.

As for the content of the notice I can only say the information stated was provided to me by an MTA spokesperson in writing (via email) and who had provided such info to me in the past and knew its purpose was for publication (from earlier correspondence) in the WIRE. Granted this individual did not know nor did I state I would be presenting the info in an "unofficial" service change mock up.

The whole goal of the graphic notice was to present information to the public not to mock or berate the MTA so the intent was only to benefit the public. I see on the Internet, on TV, and within print media use of the subway line bullet logos all the time so I was highly surprised this little graphic caused an issue warranting a cease and desist letter.

The WIRE in its current issue, dated March 21, 2009, has referred to the cease and desist letter in its editorial and presented it, in full, within its "Letters to the Editor" section along with a response from the WIRE's legal counsel. The info I provided is again presented but within a simple text box, not prepared or designed by me, titled "Subway Dis-Service".

For myself, this blog post is my mea culpa for something I do believe was not copyright infringement nor done with malice. But as a working dad supporting a family in this fragile economy I will be more careful to not use official logos in such forms prospectively as legal action is not something I can afford right now. But where it is called for I expect to publish photos, graphics, and stories dealing with the F subway line and the local station without hesitancy.

The graphic in my left side bar is my current method for stating the possible service change dates communicated to me. I don't believe I am threatening the copyrights held by the MTA at this time. I am sure I will be told if I cross the line as they see it again.

So right now the result is: MTA 1; This Blogger 0

Residents Who Fear the Back of the Red Bus

What is it about the raised back section of our Roosevelt Island Red Buses that scares residents from walking up those two little steps on a normal week day morning?

The front of the local bus is jammed tight by the time the bus leaves the Good Shepherd Church stop but the back aisle remains empty and clear. Sometimes a simple request by the driver or fellow passengers seems to wake commuters out of their fear but more often pleas to move back go unheard as if taking those steps is the equivalent of crossing the River Styx.

I just don't get it.

Brad Pitt Visits / Angela Jolie To Film Locally Next Week

Apparently Brad Pitt brought all five of his children to check out Roosevelt Island yesterday. I guess the visit was in preparation for when / if mom Angelina Jolie's film "Salt" is rumored to be shooting here next week. No confirm from RIOC regarding whether a permit was issued for that film.

According to one island employee, Mr. Pitt appeared to be alone with his children and was in full control of all five kids at once. Perhaps he can teach a few of us to handle the kids we have.

Through the Looking Glass....

My daughter keeps asking me to take her to see Coraline which is in some ways an update of Alice in Wonderland. Sometimes it feels like coming to Roosevelt Island was like stepping through the looking glass. Of course without the Cheshire Cat.

Some would say that living on an Island controlled by a State authority sitting semi-outside the domain of New York City is a bit out of the ordinary and comparable to Alice's Tea Party but life would be too dull otherwise don't you think?

Original photo by ni_san_shijp on Flickr.

News Release: Lappin & NYS Nurses Hold Vigil at Goldwater Hospital

The following is the text of a news release from NYC Council Member Jessica Lappin:

Lappin and New York State Nurses Association hold vigil at Coler-Goldwater Hospital

Council Member Jessica Lappin joined with the New York State Nurses Association and a representative from Assemblyman Micah Kellner’s office on Thursday morning for a vigil outside the Coler-Goldwater Specialty Hospital & Nursing Facilities to protest management’s decision to eliminate alternate work schedules.

Two years ago, the hospital management allowed nurses to choose between working five 8-hour shifts or more flexible 12-hour shifts three to four days a week. The 12-hour shifts proved to be a popular choice and helped recruit many new nurses to the hospitals. In fact, other HHC hospitals are moving toward adopting the alternate work schedule for that reason.

After two years of successfully implementing this schedule, the management is now forcing everyone to return to a five-day schedule. Considering our city’s nursing shortage and the fierce competition amongst hospitals to hire and retain nurses, this seems like a foolhardy decision.

This change will also drive nurses away from these hospitals at a time when a hiring freeze prevents new nurses from being added. As a result, nurses who plan to remain at the hospital expect to see their workloads rise even further with no relief in sight.

“We need to look at what’s best for the patients of this hospital and what’s best for the nurses who work there. Neither of those groups are being well served by this switch,” Council Member Lappin said. “I strongly urge the hospital to rethink its decision.”

“The decision to eliminate the alternative work schedule at Coler-Goldwater punishes the hard-working nurses who devote their lives to caring for their patients and the patients themselves,” said Assembly Member Micah Z. Kellner. “Coler-Goldwater must reconsider its options during this time of hardship and make the choice that does the most good for all involved.”

“I’m committed to my patients here a Goldwater, but I’m also committed to my family,” said Keron Capleton, an RN at Goldwater for 16 years. “By eliminating the alternate work schedule, the hospital is forcing me to choose between the two.”

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

For more info contact the Office of Council Member Jessica Lappin at (212) 788-6865. Picture provided by John Moore of Jessica Lappin's office.

Interested in Buying "Your" Roosevelt Island Apartment Cheaply?

Starting next Monday, you may be able to buy an apartment on Roosevelt Island for $50 or an entire house for $250. Well in truth these prices are not for actual real estate on Roosevelt Island but for an interest in the model of Roosevelt Island that is part of the Panorama of the City of New York originally built for the 1964 World’s Fair.

The Panorama has for years now resided at the Queens Museum of Art and as part of their “Adopt-a-Building” program individuals are being offered the chance to buy apartments, single family houses, or even add new buildings to the Panorama for $10,000. I expect that any building purchase of $10,000 is tax deductible up to a limit. At least I would hope so.

The opportunity to support the Panorama and the Queens Museum was reported on today by the NY Times online. Link here to the article. No link on the Queens Museum site for the program.

Based on the above picture of the Panoramic Roosevelt Island it appears that each of the WIRE buildings is represented as is Manhattan Park. No further island residential “construction” appears to have been added to the Panorama in years. Perhaps the “Adopt-a-Building” will allow for adoptions of other Roosevelt Island landmarks, if they exist, such as the Lighthouse, Tram Station, Good Shepherd Church, and each of the Coler-Goldwater Hospitals campus buildings. Based on the above photo there is no model for Blackhouse House present on the Panorama.

Although I am sure most island charitable organizations would rather that your donations be put to local uses this is a cute promotional idea to raise funds for the Museum at costs most New Yorkers can justify spending.

63rd Street Tunnel Subway Stations No Longer MTA Newest

Since October 28, 1989, the stations that make up the 63rd Street Tunnel extension, including Lex/63rd , Roosevelt Island, and 21st St Queensbridge had the distinction of being the newest stations in the NYC Transit Authority subway system. That answer is no longer accurate.

Today the MTA opened up a new station at South Ferry replacing the old one. One less trivia question where Roosevelt Island is the answer.

Manhattan Hi-Rise Views of Roosevelt island

Chi the Islander has posted on Flickr some great night panorama style pictures of Roosevelt Island, the Queensboro Bridge and Queens.

I recommend the following photos 1, 2, and 3 without hestitation as worthy of checking out. According to the Flickr pages they were taken from a 38th floor rooftop. Thanks Chi !

Cool Tram Video: Lego and Actual

When you write a blog about Roosevelt Island you tend, by occupational hazard, to watch a lot of Tram videos posted on YouTube. Most are run of the mill and published in real time speeds. The above video has that something extra.

The video, posted by toyshansolo, is comprised of trips from and to Manhattan preceded by video of the Lego version of the Tram and the actual footage is sped (misp?) up avoiding the views I see every day being played out in ho hum real time. Good choice of music as well.

Asthma Alley, Playgrounds, & Roosevelt Island

This is a great little playground and one of only two public playgrounds on Roosevelt Island that have gates and locks but I am always amazed that this island does not have a higher percentage of asthma among our kids or the adult population.

The power plant in the background, in Long Island City, was formerly owned by Keyspan and known by many as Big Alis. For many in Queens it is believed to be the source of their asthma problems and hence the reason many in LOC refer to the area as Asthma Alley. If Roosevelt Island did not have the breezes associated with the river those issues might be ours as well. To my knowledge there has not been any kind of c omprehensive study of island residents or our kids in years, if at all.

The crazy thing about this picture, by Jerome Bailly on Flickr, is that if the picture was taken from the other side of the park you would see a great view of the Queensborough Bridge in the background.