When we learned, in early October, that board members Dave Kapell and Jeffrey Escobar no longer lived on Roosevelt Island, The Daily asked both to resign. Their appointments were based on their residency. Escobar, always an ethical Island volunteer in multiple projects, complied right away. Kapell, an Andrew Cuomo pal, did not – until yesterday.
by David Stone
The Roosevelt Island Daily News
In resigning, Kapell did not acknowledge widespread demands that he go. Instead, in a tweet by RIOC, he blamed new business obligations. RIOC did not otherwise make any sort of official announcement.
Opposition to Kapell’s refusal to go, an anti-community stance supported by RIOC and Governor Kathy Hochul, grew so fierce that State Assembly Member Rebecca Seawright and Senator José Serrano proposed legislation that would require it.
The irony is that Kapell was the rare board member taking an active interest in community improvements. He pushed hard for upgrading the neglected Motorgate Atrium, among other projects, and was slowed only by the coronavirus.
More from the Roosevelt Island Daily News
- NYC Small Business Grant Program Invests $8.4 Million in Local Community OrganizationsNYC launches an $8.4 million small business grant program supporting community-based organizations to empower local entrepreneurs and boost neighborhood commercial corridors.
- Hate-crime charges after Central Synagogue Shabbat disruptionA man was charged with hate crimes after disrupting a Shabbat service at Central Synagogue in Midtown Manhattan. The incident raised concerns about worshipper safety and led to increased police patrols and community care.
- Forest Hills E train threat and Jackson Heights station stabbingTwo recent assaults on Queens subway lines have led to ongoing transit investigations, prompting increased safety measures and community response across key commuting routes.
- E train knife threat and 7 train stabbing in QueensRecent violent incidents on Queens subway lines have increased rider concerns as police investigate and communities discuss safety precautions.
- Dog found dead during College Point parole checkDog found dead during parole check in College Point raises concerns about animal welfare and leaves the neighborhood with questions about agency response and animal safety.
Air Doesn’t Have an Address
The Roosevelt Island Steam Plant fight has reached a new stage: DOB has agreed to a site walkthrough, ArchRI says it is bringing independent engineers and architects, and four elected officials have formally asked RIOC to create a Community Advisory Group (CAG) for the project.
1 COMMENTS