A Changing of the Banner Size Rental Apartment Ads....

I will admit I did not notice that two weeks ago the Manhattan Park ads that adorned the Manhattan Tram Station were removed. But I certainly noticed the Riverwalk ads go up. The ads facing Second Ave and incoming bridge traffic moved from the balcony level down to street level and you can't help but see the ads as you walk by.

Upon inquiring whether we should expect to see additional ads (thinking now both Manhattan Park and the Riverwalk ads) were permament features of the structure I asked Steve Shane, President of RIOC, about future plans for the station and concerns re overcommercializing the space. He stated:

The instant ad banner is temporary and will be taken down when the Tram closes July 6. You may remember that there were Manhattan Park banners on the station for the last several years which were only removed 2 weeks ago. It is to everyone's benefit to promote the success of Riverwalk. Overcommercializing the space will not occur. See billboards and other display ads on the surrounding buildings.

We are working on the design of the new Tram station which will not have the same dreary presentation as the present terminal. Be patient.

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

So while we will miss the Tram station this Summer I am betting I am not alone in not missing these new signs.

DEP Delays Water Main Repair

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

From: Stephen Shane
Date: Tue, 02 Dec 2008 18:55:07
To: Rooseveltisland360
Cc: Fernando Martinez; Thomas Turcic

Subject: Re: Water Main repair

DEP has notified us this afternoon that nothing is likely to happen until next week. We are all at their mercy. Will advise as soon as we hear anything.


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

River Rd Water Main Repair Delayed 'til Tuesday

Water main repair delayed. Apparently Thanksgiving weekend was spared but residents of Roosevelt Island's Manhattan Park could have a rough time of it over the next few days. Not sure how this affects Gristedes but it must as far as some departments. According to the below email PS 217 is also to be affected so it is also unclear whether school will be interupted by the water main shut off.

------Original Message------
From: Steve Shane
Sent: Nov 25, 2008
3:13 PM
Subject: Water Main repair

Gentlemen:

See revised e mail below changing scheduled water shut off. Note shut off will now be either Tuesday or Wednesday night, depending on what is found as a result of the excavation to begin Monday. Apologies to all for inconvenience, but weather is a problem.

"Preparations for the water main shutdown, affecting: Manhattan Park, Gristedes, Motorgate, RIOC Transportation Garage, the US Post Office and PS/IS 217, have been delayed by the inclement weather. DEP and RIOC are forced to postpone the shutdown and repair until next week.

Excavation for the repair will resume Monday morning Dec. 1st.

Depending on the conditions encountered, DEP is tentatively scheduling an evening shutdown for either Tuesday 12/2 or Wednesday 12/3.

The shutdown would occur between 6 :00 PM and 6:30 PM, with an estimated duration of 8 hours. Because of possible repair complications, DEP urges residents to be prepared for a duration of up to 24 hours.

You will be contacted via e-mail as soon as the actual shutdown date is confirmed by DEP. If you have any questions, please contact Santo Verta at RIOC, 347-297-0367."

Respectfully,

Thomas Turcic
Director of Engineering
Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation

River Road Water Main Shut Down This Friday 11/28

Picture Courtesy the Roosevelt Islander.

According to an e-mail circulated by the Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation, this coming Friday Nov 28th, residents of Manhattan Park will find their water turned off due to a scheduled repair of the water main outside 40 River Road.

In addition to Manhattan Park, water will be turned off at PS / IS 217, Gristedes and the Motorgate Garage Complex. Residents are being warned that the shut off could last from 8 hours to 24 hours.

The above picture courtesy the Roosevelt Islander was from a Nov 17th post where construction related to AVAC repairs blocked off River Road.

Lorena's Manhattan Park Video

The above video was posted onto YouTube by Lorenasfm and involves several shots taken from her apartment at Manhattan Park here on Roosevelt Island as well as at street level . Catchy tune and a few aerial views you don't see too many videos shot from here on the Island.

The State of the Playgrounds - 2008

Over the last two weeks we have visited each of the four main Roosevelt Island playgrounds (Riverwalk, Al Lewis, Manhattan Park and Octagon) and they all head into the Spring and Summer months looking pretty good. No word yet on the construction schedule or design of the former Castle playground just South of the Eastwood apartments and behind 504 Main Street.

Be aware that none of these playgrounds has a restroom although there are plans to install a prefab unit close to Capobianco Field which is next to Al Lewis and reasonably / somewhat close to Manhattan Park. For the Octagon and Riverwalk I'd suggest carrying a potette for real little ones who are potty training.

Starting from the North these are my comments and observations as a dad of two kids six years old and under:

The Octagon Playground
A gate has finally been installed that appears more rugged which will keep the kids from falling down the stairs that lead down to the daycare facillity. I don't last year's version being as nice. Similarly they have installed fencing which at least deters older children from climbing into the plants again leading down to the daycare center level. There is still one interior fence lock / latch that needs repair and each of the exterior latches is working well.

For those unfamiliar with this playground it is essentially two fenced playgrounds sharing a common "demilitarized zone" which includes the only bench seating and sandbox at the playground. One half is geared to 2 to 5 year olds and the other half towards 5 to 8 year olds.

This playground set in a wooded area behind the Octagon apartment complex enjoys great views of the East River facing Manhattan and has plenty of shade. It is probably the most relaxed of the playgrounds due to the setting.

<><><>

Make video montages at www.OneTrueMedia.com

"Grandpa" Al Lewis Playground

Nothing new here to report. It is still the most open of the four main parks and probably the most used. It is the closest of any of the playgrounds to Main Street but is still far enough away that a watchful parent can catch a child before they get to close to traffic. It has two open entrances with no gates so with real little ones you need to pay attention. Older kids tend to get into games of tag here and need to reminded when little ones are around. But tobe truthful this playground is for the 5 - 10 set and not toddlers or younger.

At this playground you are at the center of the handball courts, basketball courts, and Capobianco Field as well as close to PS217 and the Farmer's Market on Saturdays.

<><><>

Manhattan Park Playground

This park was a wholly different park about 2 1/2 years ago and the reconstruction using the GameTime structure made the park a lot more enjoyable and safe. The old roller slides were not suited to young children and were dangerous to kids trying to walk up the slides.

I like this park due to the fact that in theory in has only one entrance / exit. I say in theory as there are two areas where the gating allows kids to scoot under or through to the outside which I wish could be sealed up. As compared to many City playgrounds this issue is not as great a concern as the exterior of the park does not affront a road or high traffic area.

This park has the best water views of Manhattan and of the Queensboro Bridge to the South. This park has no shade but for the shade of the buildings in the morning hours. So bring sunscreen for the kids as well as water for everyone.

<><><>

Riverwalk Toddler

This playground is like the Octagon playground the only other spot geared to toddlers and young children. The playground has the island's only swing set and includes two infant swings among the four provided. There are plenty of benches for parents and caregivers to sit on while the kids are playing. The only real drawback to the park is that when it gets hot the park has only a small section that enjoys any shade. If your kid likes digging the shady area is the section for it.

<><><>

The Spray-Grounds

There are actually two separate areas that fall under this description. The first is the stand alone cement sprayiground which sits between the Riverwalk playground and the Blackwell House basketball courts. This is one of the most popular areas most kids come to when the heat starts. It has plenty of shade and when the drain is "stopped" up it turns into a wading pool. The grounds crew officially frowns on this practice but it doesn't stop the kids from creating the wading pool several times a day.

The second spray-grounds are those directly adjacent to the former Castle playground location. This area is built as a wading pool but as with the earlier site the composition is all cement and kids of all ages should be watched and take care not to get rowdy or else the damage if an errant fall takes place could be painful.

<><><>

12 Year Old Girl Missing From Roosevelt Island

The New York Post Police Blotter, today, February 13, 2008, included a report that the NYPD were assisting in a search for 12 year old Jaslyn Gonzales. According to the article, police sources sayMs. Gonzalez was last seen at 4 River Road at 12:15 p.m. on Jan. 19.

Fri 10/26 Halloween Party to Benefit PS/IS 217

Celebrate Halloween early tonight from 6pm to 9pm at the Manhattan Park Theatre Club located at 8 River Road. The party benefits PS/IS 217 and features a magician from 7pm to 745pm.

For more details double click on the poster image to enlarge it.

The party is hosted by the PTA and Manhattan Park Management. Additional support by the FDNY Special Operations Command, the Roosevelt Island Seniors Association, the RI Publis Safety Department and Wengard Farmer.

The Most Popular Roosevelt Island Playground: Grandpa Al Lewis

Roosevelt Island’s most popular playground does not have swings, it’s smaller than all the other playgrounds and because it has two non-gated exits parents or caregivers need to watch their child a little closer to make sure they don’t run out of it. Which playground am I talking about? The Grandpa Al Lewis Playground.

I don’t know the full history of how the playground came to be named after Grandpa only that it was named for him in the Fall of 2005 before he passed away in February 2006. I am also unsure what prompted this playground to be so honored. Either way the honor binds his name to a location that every kid on the Island knows and will generally pick above the other playgrounds.

First off let me first say this playground is not built for toddlers and unless school is in session I would not suggest letting a toddler wander through Al Lewis unattended or without your being very close by. The average age in the park runs from 4 / 5 year old through pre-teens who can at times be all running through playing chase, base, or whatever other games are now the rage.

The equipment by Game-Time includes a spiral slide, a double slide suited for younger children, as well as a number of features that encourage climbing. There is a wheel that has fascinated most of the kids I have seen encounter it where they all want to push pine needled into the wheels cavity which I am sure the manufacturer did not expect or plan for. Again as the equipment has several differing levels young children must be monitored as they are a number of locations / gaps where an unattended small child can fall.

The kids love this playground and on a Saturday morning or after school when there is no snow on the ground it’s rare that no kids are hanging around. The playground is centrally located on Main Street across from PS 217 and is bounded by Capobianco Field, the Paddle Ball Courts, and beyond the picnic tables the basketball court. For adults the playground offers four lengthy benches which are much appreciated by every adult I know who has visited this park as getting your charge to leave is never easy and if you have to wait “another five minutes” you might as well wait sitting down.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

If I had to characterize each of the island's other playgrounds it would be as follows:

The Octagon - Most Scenic - Great rock climbing walls & two defined play structures (one specifically for the younger set) - Four benches but in the gated area between playground sections (not great for those quick need to catch / hold them moments. Newest and largest structures.

Manhattan Park - Best View of Manhattan - No sun protection on a sunny day, best in the AM before the sun rises over the adjoining buildings. Great slat bridge and a cute built in piano complete with four number coded tunes. Plenty of slides. One or two adult benches. Watch out for the child exit "hole" at the park's North end. Stairs left over from prior park designs - annoying when with strollers. They need to open up water side gate and close the current gate.

Riverwalk - Best for Toddlers - The only park with swings (2 baby, 2 standard) - Also best park for toddler digging area by the trees. Four adult benches. View of Keyspan not too inviting but great view of 59th Street Bridge.

There are also two or three other small playgrounds which are known more as apartment defined which generaly parents don't seek out unless you live in taht building. Two are adjoining to Manhattan Park buildings. One of which is by a garbage area which makes no sense. The last stand alone playground is within the Island House courtyard.

The Eastwood Castle Playground - slated for demolition - Great visual design but the cement construction lent itself to plenty of scrapes and bruises. The adjoining hybrid wood playground equipment was situated to close and kids in the past coming off the Castle's wide slide would slam into the apparatus. Once demolished RIOC is planning to install a Game-Time apparatus of yet unknown design and theme. The sprayground is expected to remain.

The Former Lillies School Playground (between the Castle and Main Street) - The two pieces of aparatus in this small area should be demolished. They are not kept up and invariably due to flooding always have puddles of sitting water nearby. The wall surrounding this equipment does not allow parents or children a clear view into or out of the area.

Manhattan Park's Park: 360 Degree View

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Same Video on YouTube

Just across Main Street from Gristedes and Motorgate lies the Manhattan Park residential complex. These buildings, as well as 2-4 River Road, are actually the only residences that don't have a Main Street address. River Road is more akin to a very large circular driveway that the buildings share, as it is only one way, but it is a legal road on the books of New York City.

In the Spring and Summer the park bounded by River Road and Main Street provides a great green area for individuals to just hang out and enjoy the breeze and abundant shade. The trees at this time also afford for some of the lower apartments a break from the direct views of Motorgate.

The park's center has views of Manhattan between 20 and 30 River Road and is lined up approximately East 74th Street.

Roosevelt Island Based Orphans International Summer Campaign Surpasses Goal

As reported this past weekend , Orphans International, on 9/15/07, held its Grand Finale at the Manhattan Park Theatre on Roosevelt Island. Jim Luce, founder of OI and Roosevelt Island resident, summarized the event on the Orphans International blog. It starts by noting that they surpassed their $10,000 target. It's a great post to read and I invite readers to do so.

Jim notes on his blog post that City Council member Jessica Lappin presented an Official Proclamation from the New York City Council which read:

“Whereas, the Council of the City of New York is proud and pleased to join family, friends and distinguished community members in celebrating the outstanding efforts of Orphans International, and to honor Mr. Jim Luce, whose tireless efforts commitment to the lives of children around the world has been vital to countless lives, and

Whereas we are truly indebted to Orphans International, shoes contribution to the well-being of children is inestimable, we are truly fortunate to have such a dedicated organization in our City, and it is with the deepest gratitude of this legislative body that we acknowledge and applaud its outstanding efforts.”


Congratulations to Jim and to everybody at Orphans International.

Another Red Bus Video: From the Octagon South

Make video montages at www.OneTrueMedia.com

A while back I began videotaping various aspects of life here on Roosevelt Island and for some reason one of the more popular topics has been the Red Bus. I can only surmise is that it provides the viewer a quick view of the island and at a quarter per trip it is seen as a bargain which “mainlanders” can’t believe. The above video was taken about two weeks ago and is of a bus ride from the Octagon South to the Church of Good Shepherd Plaza.

The video is hot facing the Western side of Main Street for the most part with a few quick shots looking East capturing views of the FDNY Special Operations Command, the Gristedes when the bus turned left into the circular pick up drive.

I thought about traveling further South to make it a complete trip down to the Tram but at four minutes the video is long enough and I have captured those views in earlier videos.

NYC Sunset - Time Lapse - View from Manhattan Park

Note the view of the "Prow" and the dock on the right hand side of the screen.

Manhattan Park Plaza View of East River

Direct YouTube Link