RIOC will open FDR Hope Memorial, but you’re not invited

RIOC will open FDR Hope Memorial, but you’re not invited

You paid for it, but you’re not invited to the ribbon-cutting for the FDR Hope Memorial on Saturday. A press release excluded all local news sources. And no RIOC Advisory extended an invitation to the event, just three days away.

By David Stone

Roosevelt Island Daily News

You’re not invited

“Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation (RIOC) and the Roosevelt Island Disabled Association (RIDA) announced plans to celebrate the 31st anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) with the unveiling of the FDR Hope Memorial,” RIOC said.

But there’s a problem. RIDA did not know that any press release went out and had not approved it. State assembly member Rebecca Seawright, also quoted in the release, was unaware of its exclusive nature.

As we reported yesterday, we stumbled on a story in Yahoo News about the ribbon-cutting. As standard practice, they simply replicate a press release they receive, if they think it’s newsworthy. Others followed.

Although clear that RIOC wanted the news spread, it was in fact equally clear that you’re not invited. Not if you live on Roosevelt Island.

Keep in mind we know about this only because we found it in a Google search. It does not even include a time for the event, and RIOC has not notified the local community.

The ribbon-cutting is just three days away. You’re not invited.

But you might find a couple of items worth a chuckle. A cynical one, probably, but still…

About the ribbon-cutting..

“We are reminded every day, by our island’s name, that we have a legacy to uphold by continuing to represent how inclusion and diversity can prosper in New York.”

RIOC president/CEO Shelton Haynes

This is funny only because it contradicts reality on the ground. Roosevelt Islanders and local news media have no place in this exclusive event. And take a look around. RIOC sports one of the least diverse work forces, at all levels, you will find anywhere.

Haynes recently seized the second floor of historic Blackwell House for his office. The space is not Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant. His salute of support for people with disabilities, in the real world, rings hollow.

“Guest speakers attending the FDR Hope Memorial unveiling will include… Representative Caroline Maloney.” Is she related to our own local “Carolyn Maloney?”

That’s Representative Carolyn Maloney, in white on the right, with NYS Assembly Member Rebecca Seawright, on Roosevelt Island Day. But we don’t know who “Caroline Maloney” is.

Note: If you have any spare spell check software, consider donating it to RIOC.

Finally: “RIOC is committed to providing services that enhance the island’s residential community,” but you’re not invited.

Also from the Roosevelt Island Daily News

  • Who Just Made the Big Fat Silence You Didn’t Hear?
    It was RIOC, and that big fat silence billowed out in every direction as it had for months. Starting with brutal accusations in a lawsuit condemning a wide swath of Roosevelt Islanders as racists, the vacuum spread through escalating lawsuits into… nothing. by David Stone The Roosevelt Island Daily News Another Big Fat Silence When
  • FDNY Canceled a Dozen Inspections, Including at a Brooklyn Public School, to Fast Track City Hall VIP
      Fire chiefs raised concerns about favoritism in the earliest months of the Adams administration, internal emails obtained by THE CITY show, as well-connected developers like The Related Companies lobbied to cut the fire inspection line. By Greg B. Smith Dec 3 12:00pm EST The pressure from Mayor Eric Adams’ team to fast-track an FDNY
  • The Pentagon Just Can’t Pass An Audit
    Conservative lawmakers calling for cuts should start with the agency that can’t account for $1.9 trillion — not the programs Americans rely on. By Lindsay Koshgarian | November 29, 2023 The Pentagon just failed its audit — again. For the sixth time in a row, the agency that accounts for half the money Congress approves each year
  • Main Street Now – How We Can Do Better, Tip #1
    When we take an honest look at Main Street now, it’s cringe-worthy. Even the easy improvements get little notice, and as we pointed out yesterday, slipshod appearances surround the handful of solid businesses. We can do better, starting now, at very little expense. by David Stone The Roosevelt Island Daily News “I’ll never understand why
  • Main Street Retail Now, a 2023 Review
    In the past, we looked at Main Street retail every year, comparing, looking to the future, but the pandemic changed everything. An analysis under extreme circumstances seemed unrealistic. But that’s in the past. It’s time for a fresh – rather, refreshed – look. by David Stone The Roosevelt Island Daily News Main Street Retail in

Leave a Reply

%d bloggers like this: