Confusion surrounding the official New York State Shelton J. Haynes Parking Area multiplied when RIOC tried evading accountability… er, clearing up some details. We decided we’d better take a look.
By David Stone
The New York State Shelton J. Haynes Parking Area RIOC Advisory
What brought this to our attention was a late in the day “RIOC Advisory.” Here it is, verbatim, and yes, there are bonus points if you figure out what their saying:
It has come to our attention that there is a narrative circulating through the community that the parking spots on Main Street, which have been designated for use by vehicles pertinent to the operations of Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation (RIOC), were reserved for our President and CEO, and his guests. This narrative is false. To be clear and in an effort to maintain transparency, RIOC is reiterating that these four parking spots are designated for use by contracted vendors, visitors, and RIOC vehicles germane to efficient operations of Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation. These parking spots are reserved only during RIOC business hours of 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.
RIOC Advisories, Thursday, April 29th, 2021, 4:50 p.m.
The problem with this semi-literate information spill isn’t immediately apparent. But once you discover that the author of this false “narrative” is none other than RIOC’s own public safety chief Kevin Brown, your jaw may drop a little…
WTF?
Yes, Chief Brown told a RIRA committee, earlier this month, that the New York State Shelton J. Haynes Parking Area was, in fact, set aside for Haynes and his guests. That made sense, of course, what with his annexing a major part of historic Blackwell House for his office.
Blackwell House is across the street, and he shouldn’t have to walk too far.
So, who is lying here? Is it RIOC or… mmm, RIOC?
We confirmed Chief Brown’s statement with two people present at the meeting. Yes, both agreed, that was his clear answer to a question. Chief Brown said the four reserved spots were for RIOC’s president/CEO and his guests. Period.
Let’s be clear. This news site repeatedly criticized Brown’s management of RIOC’s Public Safety Department. But Kevin Brown is not dishonest. In fact, the legendary Jack McManus stood up for him and his character, and that should be good enough for anyone.
Moreover, Chief Brown has reported directly to Haynes for year, before he became CEO and after. If anyone was aware of the situation, he was.
No, Kevin Brown was not lying about the New York State Shelton J. Haynes Parking Area.
So, who was? RIOC’s alleged Communications Team?
Maybe, neither.
Off the rails when RIOC confuses information with marketing and branding
Blame a limp board already sued for failing to do its job. Or, blame unqualified leadership for setting up a Communications Team where the leader’s main prior qualification was handing out volleyballs.
Quickly, last June, with his promotion following the disgraceful Susan Rosenthal ambush, Shelton Haynes wedged out the last professional public information officer RIOC may ever have. Terrence McCauley took an exit when he saw the writing — more like scribbling — on the wall, protecting his reputation.
And probably his sanity.
By fall, after buttoning up the bunker around Haynes, the alleged Communications Team presented RIOC’s board of enablers directors with their operational structure. External communications, according to director Erica Spencer-EL was limited to “Branding” and “Marketing.”
Talking with local media or sharing accurate information was not part of the plan.
In this scenario, understanding the advisory and all the misinformation is easy.
After Chief Brown’s blunder, saying out loud the silent part, marketing raced in and made it look better. Except it really isn’t any better.
Once past the New York State Shelton J. Haynes Parking Area, the single readable sign is posted. With plenty of company.
But really, it’s the “ADJ TO 501 MAIN STREET” that takes the cake.
Where exactly is 501 Main Street?
501 Main Street is way over there, the lighted doorway sunk beneath Rivercross. Maybe “ADJ To” means something other than “adjacent to.”
We’ll await the alleged Communication Team’s next advisory.
Conclusion:
Enough as the New York State Shelton Haynes Parking Area is a problem for Roosevelt Island, the long term issues are greater.
If a state agency, a company or even an individual can’t simply acknowledge a mistake, the kind all of us make, and instead opts for shirking accountability, it, he or she will never get better.
So often, dealing with RIOC is like dealing with high school juveniles still uncertain about the virtues they’re willing to adopt and the shrinking entitlements that must go with it.
More from the Roosevelt Island Daily News
- MTA Launches Six-Year Signal and Track Overhaul on A and C Subway LinesThe MTA launches a six-year signal and track overhaul on A and C subway lines, bringing CBTC and major infrastructure upgrades to the Fulton and Liberty Avenue corridors through 2032.
- Long Island City Rent Overcharge Lawsuit Seeks $50 Million Against DeveloperA Long Island City rent overcharge lawsuit seeks about $50 million from Rockrose Development, raising questions about billing practices, tenant protections, and legal oversight in NYC’s fast-changing rental market.
- Astoria E-Scooter Rider Dies After Northern Boulevard Crash in Long Island CityA 22-year-old Astoria e-scooter rider died after a Northern Boulevard crash in Long Island City. Details remain under investigation, highlighting micromobility risks on busy city streets.
- Hate Crime Charges Filed After Vandalism at Fresh Meadows Kosher Bagel ShopHate crime charges have been filed after vandalism at a kosher bagel shop in Fresh Meadows, with prosecutors alleging bias-motivated acts. Hearings are set in New York’s legal process.
- Midtown Subway Shooting Leaves 26-Year-Old Dead; Queens Incidents SeparateA shooting inside a Manhattan subway station left a 26-year-old dead. Police investigate the Midtown incident and separate shootings in Queens as commuters seek safety.
The Women Who Held the Ground
The recording arrived before RIOC posted it. On this island, that usually means they’ll release it when they’re confident nobody still cares. ArchRI simply made a copy available, the way people here tend to do once they’ve stopped waiting for institutions to keep their word. It was the first meeting of what is now meant to be a monthly community advisory group (CAG).
8 COMMENTS