Although it may be more about amateurish communications, apparent chaos at RIOC spilled over since Friday. And now, concerned residents are asking worrisome questions.
By David Stone
Chaos at RIOC?
“What else can RIOC do wrong?” asked a longtime Roosevelt Islander. This was after hearing about a drowning death in Sportspark. While there’s no evidence that anyone did anything wrong, RIOC’s handling of the news was a mess.
Another resident was more elaborate…
Let’s see — Since Friday —
1. Mysterious move of Covid test center?
2. Late & Poorly disseminated info about TV Shoot Inconveniencing many?
3. Individual drowns at Sportspark & RIOC tries to hide it?
4. Anyone’s guess for what’s next…?
Roosevelt Island Pioneer
What’s next…?
We have an answer…
RIOC board does a backflip
May 12th, 2021, Advisory: Please be advised that the RIOC Board of Directors meeting, scheduled for Thursday, May 20th of 2021, has been cancelled.
The second time a board meeting was cancelled — not postponed — this year, signalled that the state’s descent into the bunker escalated. For years, until current president/CEO Shelton Haynes took over, public board meetings were our most consistent source of information about the agency the community is forced to pay for.
May 17th, 2021, Advisory: Please take notice that an emergency meeting of the RIOC Board of Directors will be held on Tuesday, May 18th, 2021 at 5:30 P.M., via videoconference.
Almost all “advisories” land in mailboxes after hours these days, but no explanation was given for the flip.
And don’t mistake it for a return to transparency. The single item on the agenda is a retreat into “executive session” where they’ll discuss “pending litigation.”
Because RIOC’s not saying any more about this secret session, the topic is unknown. However, RIOC’s board and state officials, all of whom are defendants, suffered a major courtroom setback. Last week, the court ordered them to hand over information about Susan Rosenthal’s dismissal that they fought to hide.
But it’s a guess.
What else suggests chaos at RIOC?
How about the “mysterious move of the COVID test center…?”
More than three hours before publicly acknowledging an incident at Sportspark that occurred the day before, RIOC’s alleged Communications Team released this:
“Please be advised that the COVID-19 Testing Site will be closed from Wednesday, May 19th through Saturday, May 22nd. This temporary closure comes ahead of an anticipated relocation of the site to RIVAA Gallery (527 Main Street).”
A head scratcher?
More like a head-spinner with more questions raised than answered.
Already subject of suspicions surrounding its funding and practices, the testing center’s abrupt closing startled. Why? RIOC again denies residents’ right to know.
But the real corker is a move in RIVAA Gallery? RIVAA currently has a major exhibit in place, Vernissage 20, and it’s scheduled until May 30th. A solo show featuring Georgette Sinclair is already on tap, following.
So, what happens to RIVAA? As usual, RIOC’s not saying, and a RIVAA executive did not respond to an email seeking information.
Conclusion
Again, what appears as chaos at RIOC may be nothing more than amateurish fumbling by a Communications Team lead by an athletics instructor. But taken in total, for a frustrated community, it is what it is.
Residents hope the chaos will sort itself out, but no one’s counting on RIOC’s help in doing so.
Also from the Roosevelt Island Daily…
- Queens Family Tragedy: Fatal Shooting and House Fire Leads to ArrestA fatal shooting and house fire in Queens leaves two family members dead and a suspect in custody. Read how emergency responders managed a tragic scene and what comes next as the investigation continues.
- Five-Alarm Flushing House Fire Leaves Elderly Woman Dead and 19 Responders InjuredA five-alarm Flushing house fire left one elderly woman dead and injured 19 responders. Details on casualties, response efforts, and local impact.
- Far Rockaway House Fire and Shooting Leaves Two DeadA Far Rockaway house fire and shooting left two dead and shocked the community as police and firefighters responded to the tragic scene. Read how the events unfolded and what comes next.
- Queens chain-snatching spree prompts multi-precinct responseA chain-snatching spree in Queens has sparked coordinated police action and renewed conversations about neighborhood safety. Learn what steps you can take.
- 140 Rentals Proposed for Mixed-Use Building at 50-01 Queens BoulevardA 13-story mixed-use development is planned for 50-01 Queens Boulevard in Woodside, featuring ground-floor retail and 140 rental units, with a portion reserved as affordable housing. Learn about the proposal, affordable housing details, and the next steps for this evolving Queens neighborhood.
Unequal Bargains
On June 18, the Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation’s Real Estate Development Advisory Committee gathered to discuss ground leases, the master retail lease, and the ten additional years being offered under the Island’s master lease. Howard L. Polivy, the committee’s chair, opened the meeting as a longtime host shows guests through a familiar house, pointing out the furniture as if it had never moved an inch.
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