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

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  Fatal Stabbing on J Train at Woodhaven Boulevard Spurs Subway Safety Concerns in Queens
  A fatal stabbing on J train at Woodhaven Boulevard raises fresh subway safety concerns in Queens, as NYPD investigates and riders reflect on recent incidents.
• 
  J and M Train Weekend Service Changes: What Riders Need to Know
  J and M train weekend service changes will impact riders for five weekends as crews replace elevated track switches. Here’s what to expect and how to prepare for modified schedules across Brooklyn and Queens.
• 
  Coastal Flooding Disrupts Southeast Queens Streets and Transit
  Coastal flooding disrupted streets and transit across Southeast Queens as a fall nor’easter brought heavy rain and renewed calls for resilience and improved drainage.
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  Nor’easter Brings Slow Streets and Transit Delays Across Queens and NYC
  After the nor’easter, slow streets and transit delays across Queens and NYC greeted commuters. Utility crews continued repairs as normal routines resumed Monday.
• 
  Nor’easter Brings Flooding and Disruption Across New York City
  A powerful nor’easter brings flooding and disruption across New York City, with heavy rain, gusty winds, and coastal flooding impacting neighborhoods through the weekend.

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You Can’t Be All Three

Transit for the city, an attraction for visitors, and a liability on the Island’s books. The tram is already part of the MTA system. The only question is whether RIOC is ready to admit it.

Theo Gobblevelt Jul 10, 2026

April 9, 2026, during the full board meeting of the Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation, Fay Christian said something that should have landed harder than it did. She wished RIOC were not responsible for the tram. Then she asked what it would look like if it were given to the MTA. That was not a passing comment.

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