Improv Everywhere: Subway Art Gallery

On the same day Improv Everywhere ran their MP3 experiment here on Roosevelt Island, Agents of IE also set up an underground art gallery on the subway platform giving residents and visitors a taste of an earlier event they ran at another "platform gallery". As opposed to that earlier experiment we did not get the full black tie treatment (see linked post & video) but the photos and "art descriptions" of the local installations were still fun to read and see today.

Thanks to fleepy_99 from Flickr for permission to use her photos and text. To see her complete photo set of the show link here.

"This piece, inspired by the "The Treachery of Images" pipe painting by René Magritte, mirrors that famous work with the suggestion that although the sign claims the availability of assistance through the mediation of an intercom, the assistance which is described will not be forthcoming, just as the pipe in the painting was not, in fact, a pipe: just an emotionally unsatisfying painting of a pipe."

"This surrealist piece plays on the idea that the mystery of what is inside sparks the imagination more than the reality of what is inside. Perhaps concealing an electrical panel, or labyrinthine underground passageways, this locked space nevertheless fascinates us, introducing the possibility that the unseen space contains hidden wonders"

"These speakers, eerily silent, engage the viewer in a peculiar non-discourse as a commentary on the ineffable nature of technologically-mediated communication within the quasi-unreal space of commuting.
"

"Intended to be purely ornamental in contrast to the escalators, these antiquated sequentially raised steps draw the viewer to inescapable conclusions about the mechanically-mediated nature of movement in technological society."

What Road Markings or Signs Make our Main Street Safer?

It has been said that Main Street on Roosevelt Island has too many signs by some and others want to replace the pedestrian yield signs with more stop signs? Which is safer for pedestrians I am not sure. Certainly requiring drivers to make a full stop would seem the most sensible.

Drivers who frequent Main Street at this point are well acquainted with the Yield to Pedestrian signs that sit in the middle of Main Street at most pedestrian crossings and which sometimes I believe many residents, foolishly, take to mean they have right of way no matter what.

I have also noticed that the painted street markers, from the street crossings themselves to the painted yield signs have faded at many locations and are in need of repainting. According to RIOC President Steve Shane the repainting of these markers is "RIOC's responsibility" and they have started a program to repaint the faded markers but they "need 2 dry days in a row to advance the whole project". Well I believe this week they are actualy projecting dry weather so maybe soon we'll see this repainting come to fruition.

Fading Pedestrian Crossing at 510 Main

As a parent with young kids, the older of which is clamoring to be given more freedom to run around with less supervision I am hoping the signage is enough to protect him from himself and all our neighbors. I have never heard of any serious incidents along Main Street and I hope it stays that way.

Well Painted Pedestrian Crossing at PS 217 (above)

Faded Pedestrian Crossing at 580 Main Street / Deli Bus Stop (below)

Rendering of New Fountain at Tram Plaza Turnaround

I received the above image from the Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation in response to my request for a rendering of the new fountain. Based on the description, see below image, it appears that the fountain will have 16 perimeter jets, 5 cascading jets all in addition to a central cascading nozzle. The above image is more a sketch than a true rendering and so we are left to wonder what it really will look like when completed but it gives us some idea.

The fountain additionally will be lit up at night based on the inclusion of 18 low voltage lights. No further renderings were providing but I am hoping to find an image on the manufacturer's web site, a company named Stonewear Fountains.

The turnaround circle certainly needs something whether it called for a fountain is unclear. Anything more than the current dirt will be a welcome change. Although a nice set of manicured bushes and hedges with flowers would certainly have been cheaper and easier to maintain

The Tram as School Bus....

In less than two weeks my near daily trips across the East River via the Roosevelt Island Tram to take one of my children to school (with a transfer to a downtown M15 bus) down near 23rd Street after 3 plus years will be coming to an end.

I have to say seeing the number of kids that travel off island via the Tram and subway to ge to school has been an a real eye opener. These kids are real troopers have had to deal with all the commuting nonsense their parents (me included) have put them through. It has also been a lot of fun as all the Tram operators have been great with my kids and all the kids and at least for me the kids have brightened every ride they have been on.

Next year both of my kids will be taking the F Train to get to school so we will not be affected by the Tram overhaul scheduled to start this coming September and most likely last most of the school year. G-d help those families that will be taking the F Train along with us that must then double back East and then also need to travel either Uptown or Downtown that would have simply taken the Tram as their School Bus.

What if they remade Nighthawks today?

Roy Edroso over at the Village Voice blog Runnin’Scared had some fun mocking up remakes of 1970s movies he would define as nightmarish resuscitations in reaction to Chris Rosen at the New York Observer writing an article about Hollywood’s fascination with 1970s movies (ala the New Pelham 1 2 3). I could not resist joining in so here is my expectation if they remade an early 1980’s movie Roosevelt Island residents are mostly familiar with:

"Nighthawks (2010)

Deke DaSilva (Kiefer Sutherland) is an aging vampire (ala Lost Boys) who turned good and is laying low as a cop newly assigned to the NYPD anti-terrorist unit with the goal of hunting down fugitive and much younger vampire / now terrorist Wulfgar (Robert Pattinson). DaSilva’s partner Maddy Fox (Jada Pinkett Smith) is attacked by Wulfgar as she patrols the F Train stop on Roosevelt Island.

The climatic hostage scenes on the Tram would be reshot aboard the newly designed tram cabins which are conducted by futuristic fembot Svedka tram operators who decide they want Wulfgar (Masterson) for their own pleasure at which point he releases the hostages bound for Hudson / Related sponsored Roosevelt Live 2010 performances with the goal of selling / leasing apartments in the still unoccupied buildings 405 and 415 Main Street. "

Sabrina Contemplates Her World View

I have written before about how Sabrina came to Roosevelt Island and her connection to the universe, Amherst College and Roosevelt Island and many photos have been shown of her but few of her view of the world from Roosevelt Island looking outward.

We thank Tisdale on Flickr for the above photo. My apologies as Blogger seems to be slightly distorting the image. Link to Flickr to see the original image.

Improv Everywhere Posts Video of Island MP3 Event

In what was the most colorful event and most participatory for non residents ever coming to Roosevelt Island the Improv Everywhere MP3 Event was a overwhelming sucess. Have fun watching the above video.

Escalators Reversing Directions or Not Working ?

What’s the deal with our local Roosevelt Island subway escalators?

ES 414 which normally runs down from the Upper to the Lower Mezzanine alternatively shut down for repairs to running "up" to being shut down again.

ES 415 which normally runs up from the Lower to the Upper Mezz has been running as a down escalator and is now also out of service.

ES 411 which normally runs down and ES 412 which normally runs up are both reversed. (They run between the street level to the Upper Mezzanine).

And weren’t we promised some time ago that two of the four escalators which run between the Lower Mezzanine and the platforms would run down to the platforms during the morning rush hours? I think that was in effect for what maybe two weeks. The idea was that the station agent would use their key and put all four back into an up mode after the rush hour concluded.

New Juice Business for Roosevelt Island

A new retail business started up this week on Roosevelt Island and it again is in Southtown / Riverwalk escaping the public authorities issues surrounding the empty storefronts on Main Street.

The business will be starting slow, opening a few days a week, and only a few hours each day. It’s young owners are balancing their education requirements as well as family life so you can forgive them if they start small. You will find their stand at the East end of Riverwalk Commons between the small bike rack and the Japanese restaurant. As noted on the shirt of one of the owners their location is right off the F Train.

They will be open, as per their original business plan, on Wednesdays and Friday evenings from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm and all day on Saturdays. All hours are contingent on the prevailing weather that day as well as who has not finished their homework at least until the school year officially closes.

The business has yet to decide on one name but they will be offering Sweet Lemonade or Slightly Sour Lemonade depending on that day's lemon shipment. Juice will be offered at $1 a cup but this blogger bets they will negotiate depending on the volume purchased.

No word yet how the young entrepreneurs expect to spend their profits or rather if they plan to reinvest in the business perhaps at an additional location further North on the island.

The youngsters probably recognize they are not the first to start a lemonade stand on Roosevelt Island so they may or may not realize this is a purely seasonal business. So if you are thirsty stop on by now while the stand is open.

-------

Note: The blogger is not related to this new business or its owners in any way and himself found the stand by accident and through his own thirst for a good cup of lemonade.

Down Escalator ES 411 Out of Service until June 9th

At least when we found the down escalator out of service this morning they had one of the normally UP escalators running down for the morning commute.

Officer PePe was Here !!!

I am always amused seeing tourist photos taken from Roosevelt Island as you never think of your home as a tourist destination but at some level that is what Roosevelt Island is for many that come here.

In this case the above photo, posted on the web today, is from a blog, The Adventures of Officer PePe, that takes photos of this toy copy everywhere the blog author goes. Apparently there is an audience for anything. Personally I am not sure why this toy as Officer PePe seems perpetually mad.

Mystery Photo - Where Are These Flowers ?

Where on Roosevelt Island is this flowerbox? Care to guess?

The above photo was shot by Preetalina during this pat weekend's Adorama Tweetip / Shootout here on Roosevelt Island of photographers who found each other on Twitter. You can find this photo on Flickr HERE.

PSD Arrests Little Leaguer's Father In Front of Kids; "Enough Blame to Go All Around"

It what has to be one of the most unfortunate incidents I can remember in the few years I have lived on Roosevelt Island a local parent was arrested by a PSD officer, at a Little League game at Capobianco Field, in front of not only his son but all the kids who were hoping to complete their game. The worst part about it is that from all accounts it never had to come to that.

I will not try to summarize all the facts but direct you to a Main Street WIRE article that is still under preparation for the next issue regarding the incident.

Michael Shinozaki, local resident, former and expected future member of the RIOC Board, who witnessed the events as they unfolded had the following to say (as quoted in the aforementioned WIRE article):

"There is so much blame to go around that it isn't funny," Shinozaki said. "They should have called the game [when time ran out]. RIOC didn't have the field prepared. The parents should not have been rabble- rousing. Public Safety escalated the situation. The only one with no blame in all this are the kids, and they are the ones who were ultimately hurt. They'll end up with a negative view of Public Safety, of government, and an upset memory about their summer baseball fun. They are the only ones who were really hurt."

All I can say is that Saturday was a sad day for all parties involved.

Roosevelt Island Day This Saturday - June 6th

This Saturday, June 6th, is Roosevelt Island Day. As always the day will begin with volunteers planting flowers, childrena d adults waitiing on line for t-shirts, children having a ball at the petting zoo. We have not even got to the rides, free food and concert later that evening. And did I mention it is all FREE.

Lilian Moreira of Lateral Window gives us the below preview of this year's shirts.

Sign My Petition: Modify the FDR Four Freedoms Memorial Park Design To Recognize FDR's Legacy as a Disabled American

I have created an online petition on line which states the following text regarding the ongoing call to modify or add to the Louis Kahn design of the FDR Four Freedoms Memorial Park, planned for Roosevelt Island, to recognize FDR's legacy as a disabled American:

To: FERI, RIOC, All Federal, State and Local Govt Officials

We, the undersigned, believe that the FDR Four Freedoms Memorial Park, as currently designed by Louis Kahn, and planned for Southpoint Park on Roosevelt Island within New York City should be modified to include a depiction of FDR in some form recognizing his disability.

(1) By recognizing FDR's disability it would further strengthen FDR as a role model to all those with disabilities and again prove that being being differently abled is not a bar and individuals can transcend any impediment placed before them.

(2) By recognizing FDR's disability it would further tie the Memorial to the unique history of Roosevelt Island (formerly known as Blackwell's Island and later Welfare Island) as a home to hospitals and instititions dedicated to the health and well being of individuals who are differently abled.

(3) By recognizing FDR's disability it would additional tie the Memorial to Roosevelt Island recognizing that as a planned community reborn a core component of its rebirth was to enable its disabled citizens to live and function at a level not reached in other communities.

For these reasons and others, we, the undersigned, call upon the Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt Institute and the Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation, and each of the elected officials representing Roosevelt Island to modify the park's current design to include a depiction in some form of FDR as a disabled American as that fact is as much a part of his legacy as is the Four Freedoms that he brought to this nation.

Sincerely,

The Petition can be found HERE.

Signage Better at Subway Racks Regarding Overnight Bike Ban

It appears that the ongoing overnight bicycle ban at the Subway racks is working allowing a greater number of spots to be available to commuters biking to the Roosevelt Island subway station. The signage also has increased warning bike owners to not leave their bikes out overnight.

If as earlier reported it is true that part of this began due to complaints of the Riverwalk management I wonder if parking in their bike rooms (fee based) has increased or has this simply lead to a greater number of local Riverwalk bikes being paraded through their lobbies and elevators tracking dirt and grime along the way.

I certainly have not seen an increase in bikes locked to street signs and other immovable objects which RIOC also wanted to stop but then again I don’t ever recall that being too much of a problem.

THIS This Weekend: Queensboro Bridge Centennial Festivities on Roosevelt Island

Somehow last weekend I ran the below post well I was off a week but here we are now.

Three events will be taking place this Sunday 5/31 on Roosevelt Island to commemorate the Queensboro Bridge Centennial:

"All Aboard to the past; the Queensboro Bridge Trolley" as photographed by Sid Kaplan

RIHS Visitor Center, Tram Plaza

1pm to 7ppm

<><><><><>

"Connecting Islands and Generations - the Queensboro at 100"

Gallery RIVAA, 527 Main Street

2pm to 7pm

<><><><><>

Grucci Fireworks

Viewable on the Island anywhere above Southpoint Park

(no barges but launched from Southpoint)

9pm

Have a great weekend everybody !!!!

Tomorrow: Start of Roosevelt Live Concert Series

While the MP3 event was touted as the start of the Roosevelt Live concert series here on Roosevelt Island it is really this weekend wit their first concert featuring Alex Battles and the Whiskey Rebellion as well as Dock Oscar & the Ambassadors of Love.

And again another weekend with no Brooklyn / Manhattan bound subway service.

Twitter: Meetup and Photo Shoot This Sunday

The ONGOING word on Twitter is that this Sunday May 31st there will be an "AdoramaPix Tweetup/Shootout" here on Roosevelt Island.

The idea is for a group of individuals to wander about the island text messaging like mad be about photos they are taking of the island and from the island.

According to one of the organizers the event is for photographers from Twitter, and anyone else interested. After conducting some research it was decided that Roosevelt Island was an interesting place to have a photo tour.

Thanks to AdoramaPix and Preetalina for the info and definitions. RVSP to these ladies through Twitter if you want to join in the fun.

Tram Closure Delayed Until Fall 2009

The Roosevelt Islander has the "Breaking News" (he always wanted to say that) that the Roosevelt Island Tram modernization program is behind schedule and the scheduled July 6th closure date is being pushed back until September 2009. Link to his blog to read RIOC President Steve Shane's confirmation.

Former Resident Tom McGeveran Named Interim Editor of The New York Observer

Via the Internet from "The New York Observer":

"Tom McGeveran has been named interim editor of The New York Observer starting June 1. He will be replacing Peter Kaplan, who announced his departure from the paper a little over a month ago.
...

“I’m a McGeveran man,” said Mr. Kaplan. “Tom has intellectual depth, he is a deadline journalist, and most of all, he is a New Yorker.”

Mr. McGeveran ... was born in the Bronx and raised on Roosevelt Island..."

It Has Begun...17 Bikes Removed Overnight

It has begun. The Roosevelt Island Public Safety Department has begun enforcement of the overnight ban on bikes being parked at the subway and tram bike racks. So if you are looking for your bike (17 of you should be accordin g to the below e-mails) and you missed the whole tagging process get yourself over to the PSD office at 504 Main Street to reclaim your bike within the next day or so.

No word yet on increased signage although I keep asking.

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

From: rooseveltisland360@gmail.com
Date: Wed, 27 May 2009 18:13:25
To: Keith Guerra
Cc: Estrella Suarez; Fernando Martinez; Sergeant Desk; Steve Shane
Subject: Re: Bike racks - enforcement start date ?

Keith -

Thank you for your reply. I am assuming that the statistics will prospectively be added to the daily public safety reports on an ongoing basis.

Any word on increased signage beyong the clipped laminated letters being posted at the racks?

Thank you again
Eric

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

From: Keith Guerra
Date: Wed, 27 May 2009 13:52:45
To: rooseveltisland360@gmail.com
Cc: Estrella Suarez; Fernando Martinez; Sergeant Desk; Stephen Shane

Subject: Re: Bike racks - enforcement start date ?

Eric

So far, over the last 2 nights, 17 bikes have been taken to Public Safety. One of the bikes was retrieved by the owner, without incident. There were 3 bikes that were tagged and not removed as of yet. Those had special bike locks on them and require a special tool to remove. They will be removed tonight - if they are still there.

We are noticing that many residents have removed their bikes on their own and there is now plenty of room for those that wish to use the bike racks.

Keith Guerra, Director
Roosevelt Island
Department of Public Safety

http://www.rioc.ny.gov/


----Original Message----
Date: Wed, 27 May 2009 18:13:25
To: Keith Guerra
Subject: Re: Bike racks - enforcement start date ?

Dear Keith -

May I ask how many bicycles were impounded due to last night enforcement of the overnight ban? I also noticed that while most bikes which were tagged previously were removed at least or two remained which had tags previously. May I ask what caused these bikes to be spared?

Do the enacted procedures now include a day count based on the tag date before a bike is removed? I had thought this was to be.strict interpretation of no overnight parking between 2am and 5am.

Thank you,

Eric

F Train Delays Force Morning Tram Shuffle

Due to either a sick passenger or signal problems, the announcements were inaudible, riders waited for more than 25 minutes, between 7:40 and 8:10am (that we spoke to), on the platform at Roosevelt Island before the mass exodus began out of the station. My family included.

Riders quickly walked to a growing Tram line which stretched back to the kiosk by approximately 8:15 am. It is unknown what the true problem was and when and if it has cleared up. No service advisory was received via email from the MTA at this time.

Thankfully the Tram is not scheduled to go off line for about 6 weeks.

Town Hall Meeting Tonight Re FDR Memorial Park

The folks from FERI will be making a presentation tonight at the Good Shephered Community Center regarding the proposed Louis Kahn design FDR Four Freedoms Memorial for Southpoint Park.

The meeting is scheduled for 7:00 pm and will also include a presentation on behlf of the Roosevelt Island Disabled Association who are against the current design including its lack of inclusion of any element not recognizing FDR's disability

Still There....?

As of 8:10 am the tagged bikes were still chained to the bike racks outside the Roosevelt Island subway station.

No word as to what has delayed the expected enforcement.

Perhaps the thoughts were to wait a day for possible Memorial Day vacationers to return home? Stay tuned....

Subway/Tram Bike Racks - Enforcement Starts Tonight

This is it folks. Starting tonight at 2:00 am bikes left overnight at the two racks by the Roosevelt Island subway station and the one rack by the subway will be cleared of any bikes not retrieved prior to that time. All bikes to be cleared have been tagged giving them notice, theoretically, of their impending removal and very short storage before being given to charity.

------Original Message------
From: Keith Guerra
To: Roosevelt Island 360
Cc: Estrella Suarez
Cc: Fernando Martinez
Cc: Sergeant Desk
Sent: May 25, 2009 5:06 PM
Subject: Re: Bike racks - enforcement start date ?

Tuesday morning 2:00-5:00.

-----Original Message-----
From: rooseveltisland360@gmail.com
Cc: Martinez, Fernando
To: Guerra, Keith
Sent: 5/25/2009 5:03:42 PM
Subject: Bike racks - enforcement start date ?

Dear Keith -

Does the enforcement of the bike ban on the subway bike racks start tonight Tuesday the 26th at 2am or Wednesday the 27th at 2am ? Last week Mr. Shane stated next week but with the holiday I was unsure of the exact date and the tags don't give a date other than May 18th.

Thank you,
Eric

Initial Reactions to the MP3 Event

Experiencing an Improv Everywhere event can vary depending on your knowledge of what is going on and what is yet to come. That fact certainly affected my and my family views when we settled down on the Riverwalk Commons lawn this past Saturday to watch MP3 Experiment 6. My wife and I had watched a number of videos from past “scenes” including past MP3 events. My young children had not. I purposely did not participate so I can experience the events with no preconceptions as best I could.

Seeing approximately 2000 plus individuals spread out from Blackwell House down to 425 Main Street in various primary colors was amusing. My kids commented that Red must be winning as they saw more red shirts that anything else. When the event started our kids were very amused. Not scared in any way thankfully. Although during the high five sequence one young woman did chase my 7 year old a bit and he was a bit confused but he had fun with it.

A young participant blogger, named Megan, wrote online today the following which I found most intuitive as most Improv Everywhere events seem to go for reactions of the locals. Here the locals were out numbered by almost 50 to 1 for the areas overwhelmed by “agents”:

“Since we were the overwhelming majority on the island on Saturday (participants were dressed in red, blue, green or yellow t-shirts with white undershirts), it didn't feel like we were putting on much of a show for the few bystanders around us. The few who were on the island and not participating got a lot of attention though, as there weren't enough of them to go around when we were instructed to "give a high five to a stranger" or "follow someone's every move who is not participating". In this respect I was a little disappointed with the overall dynamic of the event, because way back in 2006 when I watched the report on .mp3 experiment III there were far fewer participants than there were bystanders in Central Park, so the effect of having a "slightly too large a group acting together to be normal" as being surprising, suspicious or unnerving to more bystanders was significantly diminished. Though I imagine that to the handful of bystanders on Roosevelt Island an army of 2000 primary-colored people marching in silence across the island was pretty intense, this event felt very much like we were doing it for ourselves, rather than performing for the enjoyment of others.”

The pictures on Flickr (1,2,3,4) linked from the Improv Everywhere site are great.

A few comments I have seen and received. The Tram staff was almost overwhelmed as they were the sole direct exit to Manhattan from the Island. As the event started at 4:00 pm it hit during a Goldwater shift change and a few residents thought a greater PSD presence was needed for traffic direction purposes. I can’t comment as I never ventured South of the Riverwalk Commons.

I wonder what the 2000 plus visitors thought of Southpoint park and what their reactions would be to the FERI approved Louis Kahn design as the 360 degree views these folks enjoyed on Saturday would be quite different if the expected trees were in place. Since island residents overall are not a concern to FERI and the architects I wonder what these unbiased visitors would think. Too bad I could not conduct a snap poll but my kids wanted dinner.

Note: Link through the photos to the photographers Flickr page for that photo.

Putting the Memory back into Memorial Day

Memorial Day is a day for rememberance for those lost and sacrificed to war. Too often this is lost. Only a few who have served in my extended family were lost and these were long ago. For those of you that have not been so lucky my thoughts are with you.

To those veterans out there keep on reminding us what the day is for. We salute you work this weekend as we did back on Veteran's Day.

This Weekend: Roosevelt Island Based Queensboro Bridge Centennial Events

Three events will be taking place this Sunday 5/31 on Roosevelt Island to commemorate the Queensboro Bridge Centennial:

"All Aboard to the past; the Queensboro Bridge Trolley" as photographed by Sid Kaplan

RIHS Visitor Center, Tram Plaza

1pm to 7ppm

<><><><><>

"Connecting Islands and Generations - the Queensboro at 100"

Gallery RIVAA, 527 Main Street

2pm to 7pm

<><><><><>

Grucci Fireworks

Southpoint Park

9pm

Have a great weekend everybody !!!!

Long Holiday Weekend: Only Queensbound Subway Stopping at Roosevelt Island

Only the Queensbound F Train will be making stops this weekend through Tuesday, 5/26, at 5:00am on Roosevelt Island so if you are coming over for the below listed events and need to return to any borough plan on taking the Tram to get off the island if you did not arrive by car.

Affected events:
(1) Saturday 5/23, 4:00 pm Improv Everywhere MP3 Six
(2) Sunday 5/31 Adorama Tweetup / Shootout
(3) Sunday 5/31 Queensboro Bridge Centennial Events at the Visitors Kiosk and RIVAA
(4) Sunday 5/31, 9:00 pm Centennial Fireworks

You would have thought for a holiday weekend the MTA could have delayed this stoppage as it must be affecting events and festivities up and own the F Train line.

NBC: What's the Deal: Roosevelt Island

The second of two videos with our local City Council Member Jessica Lappin. The first on the Tram and now Roosevelt Island itself.

May 21st: Free Family Law Legal Clinic

News Release Received from the Office of Assembly Member Micah Kellner:

Are you facing the Family Court system without a lawyer? On May 21, 2009, from 4:00 to 6:30 p.m., my office will partner with LIFT (Legal Information for Families Today), to bring a free legal information drop-in clinic to the Church of the Good Shepherd (546 Main Street, Roosevelt Island). The clinic will offer Roosevelt Island’s parents and grandparents who have questions about child support, custody, and visitation cases the chance to meet one-on-one with LIFT staff for help.

LIFT is an award-winning nonprofit organization that operates community and court-based programs all of which empower vulnerable families to advocate for themselves in Family Court, ensuring that all families – no matter what their income level or ability to hire a lawyer – have the ability to access justice in the complex Family Court system.

There is no need to schedule an appointment for the May 21st event, nor must you be a Roosevelt Island resident. The event is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be served. For more information about any of LIFT’s programs call 212-343-1122 or visit www.LIFTonline.org.

Fw: WIRE-BULLETIN: Smith, Shinozaki Win Residents' RIOC Board Nominations

----Original Message----

From: WIRE Bulletin
Sent: Tuesday, May 19, 2009 11:22 PM
To: wire-bulletin
Subject: WIRE-BULLETIN: Smith, Shinozaki Win Residents' RIOC Board Nominations
Smith and Shinozaki Capture Islanders' RIOC Board Nominations

Winners in Tuesday's voting for residents' nominees to the RIOC Board of Directors were Margie Smith, with 578 votes, and Michael Shinozaki, with 318. Their names will be forwarded to Governor David Paterson as the community's nominees for open seats on the board. Under law, the Governor appoints board members.

The count:

Margie Smith 578
Michael Shinozaki 318
Lee Edelman 287
Tammy Jackson 187

The Main Street WIRE will have a breakdown of voting in its May 30 edition.

Bike Rack Enforcement Delayed One Week

Apparently the bike rack enforcement has been delayed a week. Perhaps we will get better signage.

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

From: Steve Shane
To: Roosevelt Island 360
Cc: Fernando Martinez
Cc: Keith Guerra
Sent: May 19, 2009 10:37 AM
Subject: Re: Bike Racks

We decided to put warning tags on this week. ......enforcement next week.

I'll forward your suggestion on signage.

Steve


----Original Message----

From: Roosevelt Island 360
To: Steve Shane
Sent: May 19, 2009 10:00 AM
Subject: Re: Bike Racks

Dear Steve -

I expected to see virtually empty bike racks this morning but I believe many of the bikes were there the night before. Am I incorrect or was the enforcement delayed and if so why?

I also wanted to ask if the policy notices posted could be posted more prominently. The two notices I found on the rack adjacent to the subway were not very visible as they were almost blending in with the bikes as the notice is clipped to the rack. Could the notice be posted on the wall behind the rack above the handlebar level? I think that would be better received than the current notice locations.

Thank you,

Eric

H1N1 Virus Hits Private School on Roosevelt Island

Last night the Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation released the following advisory regarding a confirmed case of the H1N1 virus at The Child School located in several buildings on Roosevelt Island.

In addition I was sent a copy of the e-mail letter sent to all Child School parents notifying them of the temporary school closure, for at least the next twto days, put into effect to sanitize the school. The full letter can be read on the Child School website HERE.

----- Original Message -----
From: RIOC Advisories
To: RIOC Advisories
Sent: Mon May 18 17:55:10 2009
Subject: The Child Legacy School Closing

The first known case of the H1N1 virus "Swine Flu" has been announced on Roosevelt Island by the Principal of The Child School. The School will be closed for the next two days while administrators take the pro-active approach of a complete disinfecting process. The NYC Board of Health has been informed. RIOC will communicate updates as we learn more. For information on what to do to better protect yourself and your family please go to the New York City Health Department website at - http://www.nyc.gov/html/doh/html/home/home.shtml.

Attached is helpful NYC Health Dept. information on what to do if you think you may have H1N1 or have come in contact with it. Further questions - please call 311.

Sincerely,

Roosevelt Island Operating Corp Advisories Group

TODAY - RIOC Board Nominee Elections - Please VOTE !

Starting this morning at 6:00 am residents of Roosevelt Island will have their second opportunity to directly influence the direction of this island by directly electing nominees for seats on the Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation Board of Directors. Once elected, the two nominees, will be submitted to the Governor and Mayor for appointment and if they are appointed the nominee will need to be confirmed by the State Senate.

To read the position statements of each of the four candidates I stronly urge all residents to link to this week's Main Street WIRE if you have not already read the hard copy version distributed to our apartments. Each of the candidates appear qualified and worthy of your review and consideration. They are Lee Edelman, Tammy Jackson, Michael Shinozaki, and Margie Smith.

Voting Location Schedule:

Octagon Residents
6am to 10am vote at the Octagon
10am to 4pm vote at Good Shepherd Community Center
4pm to 9pm vote at the Octagon

Manhattan Park, Westview, Island House, Rivercross and Roosevelt Landings (Eastwood) Residents
6am to 9pm vote at Good Shepherd Community Center

Southtown / Riverwalk Residents
6am to 10am vote at 455 Main Street
10am to 4pm vote at Good Shepherd Community Center
4pm to 9pm vote at 455 Main Street

Please remind your neighbors, spouses, room-mates etc all to vote. For Albany to take these votes seroiusly we need to show a volume of voters to evidence our desire for this process to continue. Note as this is not a state sponsored election, but one sponsored by the residents association, and as such you do not have to be a US citizen to vote but merely a resident of Roosevelt Island.

Bike Rack Enforcement to Begin Tonight at 2am

A reminder to all Roosevelt Island residents who have been "storing" your bikes on the Riverwalk bike racks that RIOC is still planning to start their enforcement of no overnight parking tonight.

So make sure before you go to bed to remove those bikes or tomorrow you will find your chains cut and your bikes in temporary storage. After two days the last plan I heard was bikes not retrieved from storage will be given to the Thift Shop.

Improv Everywhere: Primary Colors to Invade Roosevelt Island

Well not exactly an invasion but the Improv Everywhere participants dressed in red, blue, yellow and green shirts, will be scattered about SouthTown on Roosevelt Island this coming Saturday May 23rd at 4:00 pm.

Based on the above map their "agents" will be anywhere from between the 425 Main St- Riverwalk building North to the Southern exposures of the Eastwood and the Rivercross buildings.

For full instructions on how to participate go to their web site.

Birthday Party Today (#33) for the Roosevelt Island Tram

Today between 3pm and 6pm the Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation will be throwing a birthday party for the Tram.

The party is in honor of the Tram's 33rd year of service and is being thrown now as the current cabins will be decommissioned once the Tram begins its scheduled July 6th recnstruction and overhaul.

So come on down between 3pm and 6pm today and raise a piece of cake in honor of Cabin 1 and Cabin 2 who will be dropping in as the parties progresses. According to Steve Shane's RIOC column in this week's Main Street WIRE 'a videographer will interview residents for [their] tram stories".

FYI, the Tram's actual "birthday" was actually yesterday May 17th as on that day in 1976 service was inaugurated. According to a Main Street WIRE article the festivities included a fireboat salute as well as remarks by Mayor Abe Beame.

No F Train to Queens This Weekend from RI

Sorry folks but I missed the announcement on the MTA website that

NO QUEENS BOUND subway service this weekend through the 63rd Street Tunnel affecting the following stations: Lex/63rd, Roosevelt Island, and 21st/ Queensbridge.

Starting tonight, May 16th at 12:01 am through May 18th, Monday morning at 5:00 am.

I had been relying on prior emails I had received from the MTA which did not include this disruption. Hopefully your plans were not disrupted and hopefully the Tram will pick up the slack as it usually does.

To go to Queens you will need to take the F into Manhattan to the 47-50th and transfer back to a Queens bound F which will run on the E Line through the 53rd Street Tunnel until Roosevelt Avenue.

Bike Rack Update - Only Tram & Subway Racks Affected

Updated 5:50pm

Stephen Shane, President of the Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation, according to a report on the Roosevelt Islander, has stated that the enforcement of the overnight bike parking ban will ONLY apply to the racks outside the subway and tram.

It appears based on the below response that the Southtown bike rack facing Queens on New Main Street will also be included in the overnight ban as RIOC believes it close enough to the subway to qualify. In subsequent e-mails, Mr. Shane indicated his belief that because the two sets of Riverwalk racks are so close that residents who are just clogging the racks would just do so as well at the rack near the Japanese restaurant.

Apparently this all began based in part on the requests of the Riverwalk developers to RIOC. It has been pointed out to me that perhaps some of the bikes parked outside are outside as opposed to their being parked inside interior Riverwalk bike rooms that are available to residents only for a fee.

Conclusion: No Southtown - Riverwalk Commons bike racks are safe to park at overnight.

------Original Message------
From: Steve Shane
To: Roosevelt Island 360
Cc: Keith Guerra
Sent: May 15, 2009 4:51 PM
Subject: Re: Bike rack by Japanese Restaurant ?

Safe? I would not recommend leaving a bicycle overnight. Isn't the rack by the Japanese restaurant close enough to the subway and visible enough so that the same reasons apply? Your fellow residents are the originators of this initiative. "Eyesore", "hogging available space to discourage others who would use their bikes", propagates chaining to street signs and other inappropriate places. The Southtown commons is not supposed to be a storage area.

------Original Message------
From: Roosevelt Island 360
To: Steve Shane
Sent: May 15, 2009 4:33 PM
Subject: Re: Bike rack by Japanese Restaurant ?

Steve, I read your response to Rick that only the subway and tram racks will be enforcing the overnight ban. I presume the Southtown rack by the Japanese Restaurant is safe for overnight parking? At least for now?

Thank you,

Eric