The much anticipated ribbon-cutting for the Graduate Hotel at Cornell Tech on Roosevelt Island delighted a small crowd on the campus, today.

The Graduate Hotel is the first ever for Roosevelt Island. Attending were New York State Assembly Member Rebecca Seawright (in red jacket); behind her Cornell Tech Dean and Vice Provost Greg Morrissett; RIOC President/CEO Shelton J. Haynes (in blue suit); Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney (holding ribbon); General Manager Bill Cutillo (holding scissors) and City Councilman and Manhattan Borough President candidate Ben Kallos.

More from the Roosevelt Island Daily

• 
  Three New Schools Open in Western Queens Amid Ongoing Classroom Overcrowding
  Three new schools have opened in Western Queens, giving some relief in classroom overcrowding, but families still face capacity challenges and tough implementation issues this fall.
• 
  Certified 9/11-Related Cancer Cases Double at Northwell Health
  Northwell Health has seen a sharp increase as certified 9/11-related cancer cases double, transforming care for survivors and responders in the New York region.
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  Long-Term Health Effects Linked to 9/11: 25 Years Later
  The 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks brings renewed focus to long-term health effects linked to 9/11, with ongoing needs for survivors, first responders, and affected communities.
• 
  NYC Yellow School Bus Shortage Disrupts Back-to-School Plans
  A potential NYC yellow school bus shortage could affect back-to-school transportation and schedules as classes begin. Learn how families, schools, and city officials are responding.
• 
  Lithium-Ion Battery Fire Suspected in Hunters Point High-Rise: FDNY Responds
  A lithium-ion battery fire is suspected in the Hunters Point high-rise incident that prompted a major FDNY response, with a second Queens fire following at Ravenswood. Officials are investigating both events.

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Lance A. Polivy, Vice President for Legal Affairs

Before RIOC votes, residents deserve to know what happened to the promised search, what conflicts were reviewed, and who will be protected when the next negotiation begins.

Eleanor Rivers May 12, 2026

I do not usually write ahead of the week’s rhythm. Fridays suit an old woman. They allow time for tea, rereading, and the small mercy of correcting one’s own excessive cleverness. But this cannot wait for Friday.

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