From Farm House to Town House

Ever wonder where the Blackwell family went after they left Blackwell (now Roosevelt) Island?

OK, so maybe that question never crossed your mind. But apparently one descendent Louis Blackwell was for a time a member of the New York Stock Exchange and lived in town house in what is now Park Slope, Brooklyn.

The blog "Save the Slope" has an interesting post about Louis Blackwell's residence at 99 Berklely Place and some historical facts about this Blackwell and his connection to now Roosevelt Island.

Raised Subway Platforms for Wheelchairs

The Roosevelt Islander in a post this afternoon answered a question I raised to a spokesperson from the MTA but from whom I had not received an answer: "What was the purpose of the continuing platform construction at the Roosevelt Island subway station on both the Queens Bound and Manhattan Bound Platforms?"

According to Steve Shane via the Roosevelt Islander:

"The MTA is working on the platforms to eliminate the "gap" for the handicapped. The raised platform area is in the middle of each platform so that the handicapped may be observed by the conductor who controls the doors. The project is not yet finished, but is ongoing to get tile, etc. suitable for the job, plus signage and public notice. "

While I think the goal is a great one and obviously needed the location is at the thinnest point of the entire platform. So either a wheelchair waits in the waiting area in the foreground of the above picture and zips to this new boarding area or the individual waits in this boarding area potentially adding to the narrowness of this segment of the platform.

It's no ones fault that the center of the train just happens to line up here but it has the potential to be annoying for all parties. But at least the issue of the gap between the platforms and the train doors is being addressed allowing individuals to actually board the subway where before for a number of individuals they woudl need assistance to simply roll into a subway car.

Introducing: Gabriela, a Multicultural Doll, from Roosevelt Island

Today’s NY Times online speaks about an AIDs event that took place yesterday where the organizers could not find enough black and brown dolls even though 90% of the woman living with H.I.V. in NYC are black and Hispanic. It instantly made me recall that I knew of a doll company that specifically manufactured multi-cultural dolls for children. I first learned of this doll company while attending Roosevelt Island Day where they had set up a table.

The following is from a news release I found about the company:

New York, NY (BlackNews.com) - Vannuzza, LLC recently announced the launch of the Vanange® multicultural and multi-ethnic dolls now available for girls of all ages. The doll line was inspired by the continuing need to raise the self-esteem of young girls across the globe. "Little girls are receiving the wrong messages about their self-image: They are confused and they suffer silently! The result is destruction of the society!" says Toussaint-Cali of Vannuzza LLC.

The AIDs event is obviously over but if you are interested in a beautifully crafted dolls I would recommend your considering these dolls as I saw them up close and they looked great. Maybe Gabriela from Roosevelt Island will find a home with your child.

Even a Punk Rocker Would Settle Here....

It’s always very cool to read how visitors to Roosevelt Island find that they could see themselves settling down on the island. Blogger “Cruelty Free K”, when off duty from his “punkrockeracademyfightsongs” indicated he could see himself doing just that.

In his own words on his blog “I WON’T BE LEFT…”:

"I always enjoy venturing to Roosevelt Island after the dining for a brief moment with a swagger of character in its community. It intrigues the hell out of me. The parking is aweful, but it is mad peaceful. I would totally raise a family there….. Anyways, it is a cool pad, in a bizarre way. Gorgeous view of the waterfront near Manhattan that I could easily sit and think nearby for hours."

Runaway Barge off Roosevelt Island

Our friends over at the Populuxe Books blog "Retro Info!" just informed us that this afternoon a barge must have gotten away from a tugboat just off Roosevelt Island in the East River (West Channel) just North of the Octagon. The funny thing is I was doing laundry this afternoon and my building's laundry room faces the West Channel and I think I saw this barge go by but from my angle I had no clue anything was out of the ordinary.

The above picture is from Populuxe Books. To see more shots link over that site.

NY1: Resident Concerns re July Tram Outage

The Roosevelt Islander within his blog post about Roosevelt Island on the web this Saturday added a link to the NY1 article and video about resident concerns about this coming Summer's planned tram outage.

The blog post by the Roosevelt Islander is an update of the Internet links provided by the Roosevelt Islander which ran in this weekend's Main Street WIRE.

Vernissage 8 at RIVAA

The Roosevelt Island Visual Arts Association (RIVAA) is hosting Vernissage 8 starting on March 14, 2009 running through April 19, 2009. This group show is always a great one to catch as the variance of artists is extremely enjoyable.

As per Bonnie Goodman of RIVAA: "Vernissage has its roots in the old practice of setting aside a day before an exhibition’s opening for artists to varnish and put finishing touches to their paintings – a tradition that dates back to 1809 when it was instituted by England’s Royal Academy of Arts."

One Good Push Deserves Another....

Anne over at the blog "The Unemployment Benefits" tells the story of how she helped one Roosevelt Island wheel chair bound resident down Main Street all the way onto the subway and what she learned from her good deed.

It's a very nice story, now go read it, and Anne we thank you for your kindness.

Purim Spiels Aplenty on Esther Roosevelt Island...

I will admit I have not always been a good Jew as far knowing how it all works but I always thought Purim was on one night only but this year we are celebrating the holiday over two nights on Roosevelt Island. What makes this night different from all others? Sorry wrong holiday. Updates here when I learn more about my confusion.

The RIJC as part of its celebration will be hosting Rabbi Pincus (aka Rabbi Morritt) who will be moderating the ongoing great debate which is better latkes vs. hamantashen and Chabad of Roosevelt Island will be hosting a Chinese Purim the next night.

Giant Water Guns to Power Tram

The Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation in an effort to spur tourism, having learned something about the power of water from Olafur Eliasson's NYC WaterFall Project, has gone ahead and purchased giant water guns, actually canons, to be used to power the tram cabins back and forth across the East River.

When asked if this was considered a waste of water, an unnamed source at RIOC (it has been rumored) responded that the water meters on the island have not yet been fixed so NYC is actually footing the bill for this exhibition as well.

Full size image available on Flickr by tatoodjj ................................... (spoof)

Low Res: Manhattan's Roosevelt Island Tram Station:

Low resolution video of the Manhattan Roosevelt Island Tram Station

Governor Forces RIOC Board Member to Resign from Simultaneously Holding Resident's Association Seat

Jonathan Kalkin, Courtesy of The Main Street WIRE

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

From: Frank Farance
Date: Wed, 04 Mar 2009 11:45:18

To: Steve Shane
Subject: Re: Official Resignation from The Roosevelt Island Resident's Association (RIRA)
To: RIOC President, RIOC Board of Directors
Dear Steve and Ken-

I received the following E-mail below, which is appalling.

Could you explain:

(1) under what grounds Mr. Kalkin is being forced to resign from RIRA
(2) what is the written policy that establishes this policy
(3) what has changed, if anything, regarding Mr. Kalkin (and future RIOC board candidates) that would require their resignation from RIRA.

I note that RIOC Directors Kraut and Stewart were former RIRA Presidents and were permitted to be on the RIOC Board and retain their RIRA positions. What has changed?

Frank Farance
RIRA President

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

From: Jonathan Kalkin
To: Frank Farance

Subject: Official Resignation from The Roosevelt Island Resident's Association (RIRA)
Date: Wed, 4 Mar 2009 11:08:02 -0500
Cc: Stephen Shane & Kenneth Leitner

Dear RIRA President Frank Farance,

I have just been informed that Governor Paterson's office, upon a second review of my file and the file of possible new board members, has stated that I must regretfully resign my position as a RIRA Council Member. On the original review I was not told to resign. Since I have been informed, I officially and regretfully resign from my seat on the Roosevelt Island Resident's Association.

Thank you,

Jonathan Kalkin
New York, NY 10044

Police Raid [Roosevelt] Island Prison

Seventy years ago this week, On March 1, 1939, Warner Brothers premiered the film "Blackwell's Island" starring John Garfield. The movie focuses on one repoprter's quest and the eventual raid made by the police upon the prison which was at that time on Blackwell's Island (later Welfare Island and now Roosevelt Island).

The NY Times review stated that it was a "sound melodrama ... and amusing, too, in a cynical way". The movie was loosely based on the actual 1934 raid that revealed widespread corruption at the prison. It was the actual 1934 raid that prompted NYC to soon after move all the inmates off Blackwell's Island into the new prison buildings built at Riker's Island abandoning Blackwell's Island where the site was later razed and upon which was built Goldwater Hospital.

Direct YouTube Link by Foxter65

flickr: Deserted Roosevelt Island Structures

The above image links to two flickr photo sets of buildings abandoned on Roosevelt Island prior to their demolition. The first being Sacred Heart a Catholic Church and second the old Central Nurses' Residence that sat where Riverwalk (465 and 475 Main) now stands. [Correction made].

Double Click Map for Full Map - Nurses Residence at #7

Weekend Subway Service Update thru June 1st

[Image Created by RI360]

Yesterday evening I received the following e-mail from Deidre Parker, the MTA NYC Transit Spokeperson, regarding F Train weekend subway service affecting Roosevelt Island and the two other stations that are served by the 63rd Street Tunnel. In short we can expect three weekends of service disruptions between now and June 1st:

"From Deidre Parker
To: Roosevelt Island 360
Date: Mon, Mar 2, 2009 at 6:22 PM
Subject:: F Train Weekend Service
Changes Affecting 63rd St Tunnel ???

Eric,

There is no northbound F service on the weekend of April 4-6. There is no southbound F service on May 23-26 and May 30-June 1 weekends. Transit is trying to avoid work that affects 63rd Street during the time of the tram outage and will only do a reroute if there is an emergency.

Deirdre Parker"

FERI wants Stimulus Money to Build FDR Park

Updated: 2:51pm for addition of City Council Member Lappin's Response

As reported on Crain New York Business.com the Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt institute is applying for $25 million in Federal stimulus monies to supplement the funds they themselves could not raise in 30 plus years for the planned Four Freedoms Park to be built on Roosevelt Island. While the creation of the park will create jobs in the short term I still don't believe this is the best use of public monies at this time.

Per Crains:

"The Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt Institute wants roughly $25 million to create a park on Roosevelt Island that was designed years ago by legendary architect Louis Kahn to honor the 32nd president.

“We can begin construction in June, provide 300 jobs and be an incredible tourist attraction for New York,” says former diplomat William vanden Heuvel, who founded the institute.

Mr. vanden Heuvel has dispatched detailed applications to Gov. David Paterson, Sen. Charles Schumer and other power brokers, but he has no idea when to expect an answer. "

Other than City Council Member Jessica Lappin's (D - 5th District) comments below no word yet from our other elected officials as to whether they support this request by FERI.

If any monies are allocated to the Park out of the stimulus funds it would be shocking if they were to receive all $25M they are asking for. As such if these monies are so allocated it should be stipulated that the public areas of the park and not the memorial site and "room" be built first for fear that the FERI folks will never raise the entire $40M plus they project the Parks creation will require.

City Council Member Jessica Lappin's comments re FERI's request (courtesy of the council member's Press Secretary, John Moore):

“I do support the use of federal stimulus money to support this project. In the short term, the construction of the park will directly create 200 construction jobs over the 30 months that it will take to complete the project. In the longer term, the completion of this project will make Roosevelt Island a destination for tourists and others who wish to visit the only memorial to Franklin Roosevelt in his home state. With the design of the park completed, this is a “shovel-ready” project that will have both short and long term benefits for the Island and for our city.”

Letter Grades for Island Restaurants

Next year we will get to see letter grades in the window at each of Roosevelt Island's restaurants and food service establishments as issued by the NYC Department of Health. Under the current system the DOH posts online the number of violation points each establishment was issued at their last inspection. The lower the points the better the grade.

The New York Times has run a few articles and blog posts in the past week about restaurant inspections. One long time Roosevelt Island resident had the following to say in response to one piece:

This is VERY GOOD news. Restaurant inspection results and grades should be posted on front doors or front windows. Works very well in LA and other cities. Makes owners and staff concentrate on food safety AND sales.

Too bad the city’s deli’s & supermarkets are not covered by this requirement. The state does a terrible job of responding to complaints and supermarket and deli owners and staff make the barest attempts to comply.

As a 26-year resident of Roosevelt Island, it is outrageous that our Deli and Gristede’s pass (just by a rodent’s tail) their regular and/or requested inspections. One of our Island restaurants was closed 2 times by the NYC DOH and now are probably the better for it…

— anonymous

RIOC's Abramson Speaks at "Meet the Construction Chiefs" Event

The blog Real Estate BISNOW reported that Rosina Abramson, RIOC's Vice President of Planning and Inter-Governmental Affairs, spoke last night at the event "Meet the Construction Chiefs" sponsored by the organization Professional Women in Construction.

According to a web report of the evening by "New York Real Estate Scene by GreenPearl":

"[Ms.] Abramson ... noted that a number of capital projects are underway there, including the rebuilding of the tram, the renovation of the Blackwell House and an educational playground–which will be made from the parts of the old tram to teach children about engineering! She also took a moment to praise Lenore Janis, PWC president, for her farsightedness in, among other things, hosting a meeting that underscored the importance of government during difficult economic times. "Government projects are (economically) counter-cyclical," she noted. She went on to encourage planners, despite the slowdown these days. "Plan, baby, plan," she said, "cause you’ll never know when you’ll be ready to go!""

What's at auction on eBay right now? PSD Patch

Roosevelt Island related items at auction right now on eBay includes one item: an older Public Safety Department patch. Last night the auction also included two old Tram tokens, which are pereninals on eBay. If you are interested in the patch act fast as the auctions ends on March 1st and there are three bids already. [I am not the seller.]

For you "Buy It Now" folks the following items are available including a few books, a few pictures, an old newspaper clipping as well as a miniature RI lighthouse:

B is for Boarding

When we moved in 2006 to Roosevelt Island on April 18th the Tram went out of service so we did not step foot in the elevator at the Manhattan tram station until service returned in late August. Once we did we were momentarily perplexed as to what the "B" stood for on the control panel. As we never thought to ask it was some time before we learned that "B" was for Boarding.

If you travel with a child ask them to guess what the "B" stands for. I am guessing you will get a few interesting responses if they don't know the answer.

Film Shoot Destroys Tram Station

Unbeknownst to most Roosevelt Island residents who came to the island after the first Spider-Man movie the film shoot destroyed the island's Tram station captured here on film.

Granted the station destroyed was a 1/18 scale miniature of the station. Pretty cool video. Direct YouTube link by GMDFX. I don't recall any of this footage in the movie but watch for the close up at about 1:00 minute of the station's interior as it is pretty detailed of the yellow fencing etc.

Mystery Photo: A Piece of ?

For some the what and where of this Roosevelt Island mystery photo posted on Flickr by Ritwik Dey will be easy. For others they may take from morning 'till night fall to figure it out.

If you are stumped feel free to view my own Flickr photos here, for the what, and here, for the where.

Possibly 30 East River Turbines by Mid '10

According to a post by City Limits today if Verdant's application is approved there could be as many as 30 tidal energy capturing turbines by mid 2010 in the East River just off Roosevelt Island.

The article does point out concerns for the River's wild life which has reacted well to the three turbine array but whose reaction to a 30 turbine array is unknown. Erik Baard from the Long Island City Community Boathouse, is also quoted in the article regarding his views that the existing cables "are too close to the surface, presenting hazards to boaters and kayakers. "

“They have got to create a safer cable, rope and buoy system, because what they have now is not safe enough,” Baard said. “I also emphatically don’t want them narrowing or interfering with our navigation. The cables that go to the turbines can do that.” Neither Mr. Baard nor the Long Island City Boathouse filed comments with FERC, but he hopes that Verdant will redesign the 30 turbine array so that connecting cables have more slack, allowing them to drop deeper into the water. Taylor, however, said there will be adjustments to the cables, but no radical changes.

The current turbines partially supply power to the Motorgate Parking Garage as well as the Gristedes. The article does not define where the power generated will be used but earlier reports had the energy being used to power the local Roosevelt Island F Train subway station electrical systems.

Resident Profiles: Dr Jomo Kwame Sundaram

Writing a blog about Roosevelt Island I find myself googling the island quite often to see what I can find. This evening it was a story on a Malasian website, The Star, regarding Dr Jomo Kwame Sundaram who is the Assistant Secretary General for Economic Development in the United Nations’ Department of Economic and Social Affairs. Definitely worth reading.

Urban American Posts YouTube Video re Roosevelt Landings

Urban American has posted a video commercial for Roosevelt Landings on YouTube depicting beautifully furnished apartments and views on Roosevelt Island. No mention regarding the current submetering situation or the quality of the heating systems or the ability of the apartments to retain the heat generated by the electricaly based systems.

Caution: Playground under Construction Despite Access

I went down to the new Roosevelt Island playground (former Castle playground site) that is behind / between Blackwell House and Eastwood and noted that while the site is obviously not complete that the fencing is horribly insufficient to prevent children from playing on the site exposing them to risk of injury.

While I was there a group of kids ran through and they themselves moved the portable fencing (as shown below) allowing greater access to the site.

There currently are exposed cement edge surfaces by the tables (which themselves are not yet anchored properly) that pose risks in addition to the small mountain of loose wood chips that is sitting along side of the new climbing apparatus just waiting for kids to slide under the unfinished structure. As well as several holes that have yet to be filled in completely.

I will admit I am also concerned how close the play area comes to the water / sprayground area. I would have hoped for some sort of buffer area. It is also unclear as to whether the wood chips will be the final play surface or wehther some sort of rubberized cushion surface wil be installed on top of the wood chips. Was thrilled to see the new swings though.

I have made an inquiry into RIOC to see if the site can be better secured in the period before it is completed and rated as safe for the island's kids. Makes no sense that it was left this open.

CB8M: Hurricane Preparedness Video Roosevelt Island

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

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

Reports that Roosevelt Island's Only Bank to Close

[Updated at 3:00 pm for the addition of the second paragraph and the revision of the fourth.]

According to a reader of this blog a letter has been sent to depositers at the Roosevelt Island branch of New York National Bank (a subsidiary of the Husdon Valley Holding Corporation) announcing that the branch is scheduled to close this June. I have not seen a copy of the actual letter and based on the above picture taken last night no public signs of the claimed closure are apparent.

Stephen Shane, President of the Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation, confirmed the expected closing as RIOC received notification from NYNB as its landlord and as a depositor of the branch. According to Mr. Shane "neither the residents nor the merchants used it enough to make it economically viable [to NYNB]". RIOC has contacted Amalgamated Bank about the location but Amalgamated apparently does not want to repeat the failures of the former banks at that location.

As per this reader: This would be a terrible loss for the island since:
(1) It is the only bank here with full service,
(2) It serves the island businesses, seniors, disabled and those who cannot leave the island, and
(3) If the store is vacant will it be yet another storefront that RIOC would leave empty.

If the branch closes, the only bank ATMs on the island would be the two Chase ATMs and te ATM at Gristedes. The Chase ATMs are located at the Octagon and at the Duane Reade. It is unknown to this blogger if there are other ATMs at either Coler or Goldwater Hospitals.

My understanding is years ago there was an actual Chase Branch on the island and that only after a letter writing campaign to the State Banking Commission was NYNB found and brought to the island. It would appear that another grass roots effort may be needed if NYNB actually does close this branch.

French or Italian View of Roosevelt Island?

Apparently the text on this short 44 second video of Roosevelt Island is either French or Italian. The first sentence apparently describes the length and width of the island. The second island mentions something about the hospitals but I am unsure if it is saying there was or still is a penitentiary on the island. Amusing.

Direct YouTube Link by stephtraveler

Eastwood Submetering Delayed due to PSC Motion to Stay

The State of New York Public Service Commission has issued an Order stayin g a previous order which granted Urban American permission to submeter and issue electric bills to the tenants of Roosevelt Landings (FKA Eastwood).

A large thank you should be sent to each of our elected representatives as well as their staffs, State Assembly Member Micah Kellner, Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney, Borough President Scott Stringer, City Council Member Jessica Lappin and State Senator Jose Serrano.

The full text of the stay can HOPEFULLY be read by double clicking the below images:

Touring Roosevelt Island - 75 Years Ago Today

An article published 75 years ago today by the New York Times offers an interesting time capsule view of then Welfare Island. I have only posted here a few measly snippets, which truthfully don't even start the tour, but if you subscribe to the NYT you should have full access to the article. Sorry not trying to be an advertisement.

For Subway Stairs - We're Counted Third !

Apparently a runner from the Prospect Park Track Club who likes climbing subway stairs has counted the Roosevelt Island subway station's steps and placed us third in total stairs among comparable stations:

>209 steps - Lex/63rd Street

>175 steps - Smith Street

>159 steps - Roosevelt Island

So do staircases step up onto little staircases to accept their gold, silver, and bronze medals?

For a video of what it is like to walk down the Roosevelt Island stairs here you are. Note this video was shot before the current restoration was completed of the half the escalators and once completed the stairs no longer felt so closed by the construction walls . Also the lighting is much much better than the light in the video.

Make video montages at www.OneTrueMedia.com

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Wanted: Individual to Sit on Coler Advisory Board

I was contacted by Manhattan Borough President Scott M. Stringer's office to post the following information with respect to local Roosevelt Island institution Coler Hospital:

"Manhattan Borough President Scott M. Stringer seeks community-minded individuals to serve on the Coler Specialty Hospital and Nursing Community Advisory Board (CAB).

The role of the CAB is to advise the Coler Specialty Hospital and Nursing Facility by representing the views of the community in the hospital’s decision-making process and inform the community of the hospital’s goals and objectives.

CAB members provide a vital perspective on the development of hospital plans and programs, and they interact with community groups, local officials and hospital administration.

Individuals should have an interest in health care, be familiar with the Roosevelt Island community and available to attend monthly meetings during the evening.

For more information or to apply, please contact Jason Welch at 212.669.4546 or at jwelch@manhattanbp.org.

The opportunity to sit on the Coler Advisory Board is a great opportunity for a civic minded island resident to really make a dfference helping our neighbors with whom we share this island. So if you are interested please contact Jason welch as noted above.

Submetering at Roosevelt Landings (FKA Eastwood)

The New York Times ran a story yesterday about the submetering situation at Roosevelt Island's Eastwood complex, now known as Roosevelt Landings, and referred to the emergency meeting held on Saturday as well as the efforts of State Assembly Member Micha Kellner on behalf of the tenants affected.

The comments posted on this blog and others about this situation are amazingly scary. The article in this past weekends Main Street WIRE is a must read.

The issue of whether the heating systems and buildings are energy efficient on Roosevelt Island applies to each of the original WIRE buildings and the possibility of insane sub meter bills could be a possibility in each building. I live in Rivercross and I fully expect that if the building goes private, coming out of Mitchell Lama protections, that my apartment which has old and inefficient electric heaters will also be bound for direct electric bills.

The issues and resolution of the Roosevelt Landings electric bills are of interest to everyone in the original buildings and shoudl be followed closely. It is simply insane to expect many of the seniors in Eastwood to simply turnm down their heat during the daytime when many cannot leave their apartments.

Images: Basketball (not) on Roosevelt Island

The above image of a Roosevelt Island basketball net is from the blog Shattered Shattered. I am not sure how old the image is but I am sure the shooter could have found a better ball than this.

Overall I do have to say watching the kids and adults play ball on this island does provide some competitive games to watch. Apparently this game however was not one of them.

Letter to Editor re FDR Memorial

Matt Kats, our former Roosevelt islasnd Residents Association President, submitted a letter to the New York Times and the below image is the letter printed from this weekend's City Section (double click to enlarge):