Just How “Green” is the Octagon?

If you are interested in a tour which focuses on just how environmentally friendly the Octagon building really is, you can take a tour on December 18, 2007, if you register HERE. The tour is sponsored by the NYC chapter of the U.S. Green Building Council.

A Forgotten Roosevelt Island Subway Entrance?

No, the above image is not of a forgotten subway station nor is it a publicity shot from the new Will Smith movie "I am Legend". It is simply a picture of an emergency exit from the 53rd Street subway tunnel (currently the E and V Train) that is beneath Roosevelt Island.

It is not an image one sees every day as this “exit” is behind the restricted zone of fences down by Southpoint Park. The building on the right hand side of the picture is Strecker Laboratory and the building in the background is Goldwater Hospital with a partial view of the 59th Street Bridge lattice work appearing as if it is part of the hospital. The image was found on Flickr (as photographed by eye0shot).

For a Flickr Slide show of “exit” signs posted about Roosevelt Island link HERE.

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Not to get into a discussion of additional subway acccess but you wonder if this exit from the 53rd Street subway tunnel exists whether it could ever be expanded to create another subway station for the Island. Yes, I know the issue has been discussed the required capital would be insane and the City would never put up with the possible affects on an active subway line but you still wonder. If Goldwater is ever razed and the land developed for residential use the developers should be forced to contribute funds towards such an effort. After all the monies they'll make on selling apartments with the views of Manhattan will be astronomical.

Congestion Planning Needed for Roosevelt Island Southtown?

Any Roosevelt Island resident can tell you that if there is going to be momentary delay in their morning mass transit commute off the Island it will take place right outside the local subway station.

The reasons for this congestion is that Main Street (or whatever that side is called nowadays) is (1) at it thinnest point, (2) is at an angle, (3) has the Red and Q102 buses stopping on either side of the road trying to discharge / pickup passengers (4) parked delivery trucks, (5) is adjoined by a unofficial parking lot for MTA employees and MTA construction workers, and lastly includes (6) intermittent but constant construction vehicles related to Southtown expansion. And on top of all this is one of the only access roads for employees and staff to get to (7) the Goldwater Hospital Campus.

The presence of the Red and Q102 bus is somewhat constant during rush hour and when RIOC tried to move one leg of the Red Bus route to Main Street proper that was met with quick resistance and eventually settled back to its present pattern of pickups right outside the subway.

The only factor that perhaps can me modified is where the delivery trucks are allowed to park. Currently they either sit on the subway side at the bottleneck or park in the bus drop off cutout just beyond the bottleneck.

At least theoretically two of these factors will disappear over time, #s 5 and 6, as construction ceases in Southtown.

In truth RIOC should hire a professional traffic engineer to determine what to do. But as a layman with an opinion here is my best shot:

One possible congestion easing plan would be to require the MTA employee and construction worker personal vehicles to park where the Southtown construction workers park just off the Eastern branch of Main Street. Then widen the bottleneck as close to the subway air vent as possible creating a wider traffic lane and designated delivery parking spots. These spots should be parallel to the road with defined entry points. We don't need trucks backing out into traffic causing the same issues to resurface. The picture above is an example of how veicles constantly move into the opposing lanes when traffic is backed up.

Certainly no one would ever agree to congestion pricing on Roosevelt Island but we do need something to ease traffic through the morning rush hour as this juncture is an accident waiting to happen with so many pedestrians and vehicles being forced through a space no more than 50 to 75 feet wide (my guess) at its thinnest point.

Paul Giamatti Flick Being Filmed on Roosevelt Island

The blog “Keeping up with Jonas” reports this morning that a film starring Paul Giamatti is being filmed up at the Octagon. I wonder if this is the same film that was using part of the 504 Main Street building the other day.

Per IMDB the only film they have for Giamatti that is in production is “The Owl in Daylight” According to IMDB: The life story of science fiction author Philip K. Dick, whose novels inspired such popular films as "Blade Runner," "Total Recall," "Minority Report" and includes "Owl In Daylight," the author's great unwritten novel. As I commented on KUWJ using the Octagon lobby for this film seems out of place.

Follow-Up Links:

Roosevelt Island 360: Tram Advisory - Jan. 5th - Film Production

Announcements: Visitor Center Hours, Environment Event, MSTDA Open House, Christmas Trees

Since the Main Street WIRE is only published every other week many Roosevelt Island residents learn of Island events via the poster kiosks scattered across the Island or their own building announcement boards. For many of the adults this is reminiscent of our days in college before the Internet.

As such please find below announcements for the RIHS Visitors Center, an Environmental Awareness Event, the Main Street Dance and Theatre Alliance, and the local Boy Scout Troop Christmas Tree Sale:

The Proposed Fare Hike Revisions and a Roosevelt Island Family of Four

Upon reading in today’s New York Times about the current revisions to the fare hike proposals I went back to my September 25, 2007 post where I concluded it still made sense to buy two unlimited monthly Metro Cards at $86 / card as opposed to buying single trip cards and trying to take advantage of the off peak discounted fares proposed at that time.

Certainly my computations below show that a monthly Metro Card still makes sense taking into account the revised plan for a $81 cost for a monthly unlimited fare card. With the proposed rate hike decreasing $5 I would have been shocked if all of sudden the monthly card was not better than other combinations of weekly cards.

With one child now over 5 years old I also should take into account the “pay-per-ride” card I now need to buy for that child when he travels during non school hours or on weekends as his school issued Metro Card is not applicable for those times. The added trips could not save us with the added discounts the the savings already achieved with the monthly cards.

To be honest I believe I have underestimated the number of trips we make a week as this schedule does not take into account weekend usage and other miscellaneous events like Mom and Dad if they are lucky getting a night out and off the Island.

Back to the Lack of Public Bathroom Issue: Local NYPL Branch in Particular

Now that Related / Hudson has indicated that the last retail space at 425 Main Street is planned for some sort of “food” related tenant it puts to bed some of the rumors that the Roosevelt Island Branch of the New York Public Library will be moving to that space. I now find myself coming back to the need for increased public bathrooms centrally located on the Island.

I first starting making noise on this blog regarding this need, back in August, in regards to the local NYPL branch NOT making available to the public the sole bathroom on their premises. It was hoped that if the NYPL Branch moved to a new space on the Island that access to a public bathroom on the premises would be made available. Currently if a parent has a child needing to go that they either have to run home or go to Trellis and quickly try to descend those slippery worn steps to their bathroom. Running South to the Tram or North to Octagon Park are not options.

The Roosevelt Islander picked up on this same theme in a number of posts and also put forth my suggestion that RIOC apply for one of the planned twenty stand alone public toilets the City intends to construct around the five boroughs. I guess it is time to start making inquiries again. For users of the library it would be so much easier if the bathroom at the library could at least be made available to them.

Perhaps a portion of 504 Main Street once it is converted to the Public Safety offices could be set aside and turned into a publicly accessible restroom. With the public safety officers onsite at least we would be assured that the restrooms would be safe and not used for any illicit purposes. Perhaps when the Charmin toilet paper folks leave their now annual Time Square facilities they could be talked into sponsoring a public lieu here on Roosevelt Island?

A Day for Family Chanukkah Gatherings on Roosevelt Island

Yesterday evening, Saturday, December 8, 2007, a family / community menorah lighting was held on Roosevelt Island in front of Blackwell House. The event was well attended and children young and old were all treated to complimentary Chanukkah gelt, dreidels, as well as latkes courtesy of Rabbi Zalman Duchman (Chabad of Roosevelt Island) and his family. You have got to love the hurricane lanterns used to shield the flames for each of the candles. The evening was perfect weather wise and the views of Manhattan and the River from Blackwell House as always spectacular. Some of the smaller kids found themselves running around the menorah and the neighboring Christmas tree.

The Roosevelt Island Jewish Congregation earlier in the afternoon also held a fun filled Chanukkah party following their morning Shabbat service, lead by Rabbi Leana Moritt, where the children acted out a play explaining the meaning of the various symbols of the holiday and who the main players are in the Chanukkah story.

No Respect (?) From the Brooklyn Daily Eagle

To paraphrase that great philosopher Rodney Dangerfield “We Don’t Get Any Respect”. In yesterday’s Real Estate Roundup, Ms. Sarah Ryley, finished her article listing Roosevelt Island in what appears to be an afterthought. It isn’t the first time and it assuredly will not be the last time Roosevelt Island is referred to in such a manner but still it is no less aggravating.

“For that kind of money, judging by a rental search on Craigslist, one could find an apartment with as many bedrooms in the Upper West Side (around the 60s streets), Upper East Side, West Village, East Village, Soho, Chelsea and Greenwich Village (oh, and Roosevelt Island).”

Perhaps I am misreading the grammatical context of the phrase? Perhaps Ms. Ryley was quoting the Brownstoner site referenced in the preceding paragraph? If so I could not find the same language there. So if I am misreading the intent of the phrase I apologize to Ms. Ryley. If I am not misreading her intent I ask "What did we do to you?".

Relocating Public Safety Too Close to Youth Program, Playgrounds?

The following is an e-mail exchange I had yesterday with Steve Shane, the President of RIOC, concerning the relocation of Public Safety from its current location to 504 Main Street, the former Christian Lillies School. I had learned of the planned relocation from a recent blog post on the Roosevelt Islander.

After reading the response I received I feel better about the idea, I still have reservations, but will be looking to see if the community’s has any additional reactions to the plan. I am also not exactly sure where the public safety vehicles will be parked if not on Main Street. I expect and hope no part of Blackwell Plaza will be sacrificed to a parking lot. I also am assuming the entrance for any "apprehended persons" will be at the rear / side entrance of the building.

Dear Mr. Shane:

Upon learning of the possible relocation of Public Safety to 504 Main Street I wanted to ask what consideration was given to the fact that this location adjoins the Youth Center and that there is a public playground / sprayground directly behind it?

Upon reading of the need to create "holding cells" and the obvious increase in car and scooter traffc I have concerns regarding the proximity of all this activity to the sland's children.

Thank you.

The response I received (within an hour of my inquiry) from Mr. Shane:

On balance, and in consultation with the director of the Youth Center, we think it a good idea. The proximity of a public safety office to a youth activity is the underlying foundation of PAL activities. The opportunity to get the public safety vehicles off the street (relieving the much discussed congestion), eliminating the need for publicly parading any apprehended persons through a Main Street entrance, creating a much, much better environment for both visitors and employees (the present facility approaches appalling), central location with the build out of Southtown, etc., were all factors considered. The existing playground and sprayground will not be impacted, other than to be sure that safety concerns are carefully met by appropriate barriers. The architectural study to realize the programmatic goals has not yet been undertaken, but will, of course, consider the various other issues and in any event, will be available to be thoroughly vetted by the community.

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

Polar Bear, Penguin, & Reindeer Sighted on Main Street

Reindeer were sighted on Roosevelt Island all along Main Street. Each year children of all ages are treated to holiday decorations along Main Street and this year is no different. The lighted reindeer are a nice treat and the kids love sighting the few that are animated.

Temporary Pedestrian Walkway Across Roosevelt Island Bridge Still Under Construction

The temporary pedestrian walkway across the Roosevelt Island Bridge is still under construction and not expected to be ready for pedestrian use until next week.. Despite my skepticism, according to one construction worker / supervisor it should be ready next week.

Based on these pictures, taken on Monday December 3, 2007, it is not clear whether the current “grate” decking of the bridge will be paved over to create a smoother surface for pedestrians or whether the current decking will be what pedestrians will have walk on. Based on how it feels to even drive over the grates I am hoping that some sort of temporary pavement is laid or else walking or driving a wheelchair over the bridge will not be an easy feat.

The Current State of Retail on Roosevelt Island - Dec 2007

According to an interview in the Dec 2007 online real estate publication “The Real Deal” David Kramer of Hudson Related stated that “the developers are looking to bring a food store into [425 Main Street]”.

It was unclear from the article whether “food store” referred to a restaurant to compliment the planned Italian and Japanese establishments (soon to open or still under construction) or as an alternative to Gristedes. It would appear that the space is of ample square feet to support another restaurant but a supermarket would require greater space. As it is the additional truck traffic making deliveries has already tied up traffic outside the subway entrance.

The article also includes the following regarding the empty stores on Main Street in Northtown:

"RIOC comptroller Carmine Tedesco, who is overseeing the corporation's retail development strategy, said the top priorities now are to bring a pizzeria, fish store and bakery to the island, to replace ones that were evicted after falling behind in rent last year. Tedesco said several businesses have expressed interest and are working through the state leasing rules before being approved by the RIOC board.

He has also received several calls from people looking to open a sports bar and a veterinarian clinic on the island, and that he continues to hold discussions with the interested parties. He declined to identify future plans for the RIOC-owned retail space, but said service-oriented retail has been a goal for the island. “

Chanukkah Events This Saturday Dec. 8th on Roosevelt Island

Today is the first day of Chanukkah. The menorah at Roosevelt Island’s Blackwell House was lit last night in honor of the first night. This coming Saturday evening there will be a special community candle lighting ceremony at Blackwell House hosted, I believe, by Rabbi Zalman Duchman. The below image is a partial image of the announcement from the December 1, 2007 issue of the Main Street WIRE.

The full announcement included the blessings for each night of Chanukkah which can also be found HERE. As noted in the announcement Chanukkah candles should be lit before Shabbat candles this coming Friday evening.



Earlier in the day on December 8th, following regular 11:30 am Shabbat morning services the Roosevelt Island Jewish Center will be hosting for its members and anyone attending services a Chanukkah party at the Shul located in the Cultural Center at 548 Main Street.



The Roosevelt Islander in the spirit of the holiday embedded HERE in his blog Adam Sandler’s always hilarious Chanukkah Song.

City Tests Emergency Text / E-mail System

The City yesterday unveiled its new “Notify NYC” emergency e-mail / text system. The system is being tested in only four pilot communities.

To RIOC’s credit the system is quite similar to the e-mail advisory / alert system that RIOC currently maintains. I had discussed using the RIOC system as an emergency notification system back in early October / late September.

To read those posts and to see the response I received from Michael W. Moreo, RIOC’s Emergency Management Coordinator, please link HERE.

F Subway Line Servicing Roosevelt Island Gets 'C Minus" by City's Staphangers

Overall per NY1, subway riders gave the F train a “C-“ which included a D for adequate room during rush hours.

It is unknown if the priorities list and individual service grades that straphangers submitted overall match those submitted by Roosevelt Island residents but it is clear that all F Train riders are not happy with the service being provided.

Link HERE for NY1's video report.

For a full list of the priorities and grades on an issue by issue basis link HERE for the transit blog Second Avenue Sagas.

This Holiday is Brought to You By RIOC and Amalgamated Bank

Up until this holiday season I don't recall seeing professionally sponsored event or seasonal banners on Roosevelt Island's Main Street. Banners sponsored by RIOC or local organizations have been common place with respect to Island events but the above banner to my memory takes the sponsorship a step further.

Is Amalgamated Bank opening a branch here on Roosevelt Island? Based on the branch address on the banner it does not appear so. It's a nice gesture for a branch that is not within a short walking distance.

Don't get me wrong I am not against such sponsorships as long as they are tastefully done and don't overshadow the event, holiday, or local organization. And this one is not bad. But it is a step and with all such steps it can be a slippery slope.

State Senator Serrano Posts Roosevelt Island Office Hours

State Senator Serrano has posted office hours he or his staff will be available at the RIOC offices this week. According to the flyer posted on the kiosk along Main Street office hours will be between 2pm and 6pm at 591 Main Street on the ground floor. Double click the above image to enlarge.

Residents are encouraged to bring whatever paperwork they require that they want to discuss with the Senator. This is a great opportunity for residents concerned about the recent ESDC tax bills to ask the Senator and his office what the current status is of these bills and what he and our other elected officials are doing about this issue.

RI Lighthouse Included in NYBG Holiday Train Show

Each holiday season we find ourselves visiting the various holiday model train shows here in New York City. This year we treated the kids and took them to the Annual Holiday Show at the New York Botanical Garden. We had heard about this show for years but never found the time to see it.




On Saturday we saw the show and were surprised to find a replica of the Roosevelt Island Lighthouse included in the show. The trains while certainly being the binding ingredient to the show are actually not the stars of the show. The stars are the structures and buildings depicted in miniature through recreation using only natural materials to build them. The inclusion of our lighthouse was quite a surprise. The structures depicted range from well known to nbot from across the New York region.

To see more photo from the show available on Flickr link to them HERE. It is an amazing show and worth seeing. We found that by taking the Metro North Train up to the NYBG station stop it was so easy even with young children.

I have sent an email into the NYBG to learn more about the inclusion of the lighthouse as I am sure some sort of process was required before they added it to the exhibit. Not that I don’t think it is a worthy landmark but I was and am still surprised to have found it there.

Renwick’s Connection to Welfare Island – More Than Just the Smallpox Hospital

Most Roosevelt Island residents and other interested parties know that James Renwick was the architect behind the former Smallpox Hospital (link to RI Historical Walk) now known as the Renwick Ruin (RIHS link) but few people realize he also was in charge of the planning and construction of two other structures which no longer exist on the Island.

The structures Renwick designed, in addition to the Smallpox Hospital, were the Workhouse and City Hospital. Each was eventually razed and no longer has any footprint on Roosevelt Island today. But each was a major part of life here on the Island in their day.

The above image was found on a NYC Department of Corrections webpage regarding its history and connection to Blackwell / Welfare / Roosevelt Island.

Renwick’s NY Times obituary (shown below) discussed all three structures near the bottom of the article in addition to listing each of his major accomplishments. For a full version of the obit double click the image.