While just plain people complain about the scarcity of parking on Roosevelt Island, RIOC president/CEO Shelton J. Haynes solved his problem. He awarded himself four free spaces, complimenting his $200,000+ annual salary. But his generosity didn’t stop there.
By David Stone
The Roosevelt Island Daily News
Initially, Haynes determined that four was just about right for his needs as patroon, giving him easy access to offices that are not ADA compliant in historic Blackwell House.
Elites from outside need special privileges, of course, because they are… well, so special. But as The Space Cadet noticed, Haynes recently extended honors to a new, permanent guest. A hybrid car owner now gets space in the coveted New York State Shelton J. Haynes Parking Area.
Yes, she’s an employee working right alongside Haynes, except during his frequent absences, in the totally inappropriate, ADA non-compliant Blackwell House suite of executive offices.

More from the Roosevelt Island Daily News
- Queens Subway and Far Rockaway Stabbings Spur Police InvestigationsQueens subway and Far Rockaway stabbings on September 30 prompted separate police investigations and community response after two fatal incidents disrupted daily routines.
- Fatal Stabbing on J Train at Woodhaven Boulevard Spurs Subway Safety Concerns in QueensA 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 KnowJ 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 TransitCoastal flooding disrupted streets and transit across Southeast Queens as a fall nor’easter brought heavy rain and renewed calls for resilience and improved drainage.
- Nor’easter Brings Slow Streets and Transit Delays Across Queens and NYCAfter the nor’easter, slow streets and transit delays across Queens and NYC greeted commuters. Utility crews continued repairs as normal routines resumed Monday.
What the Promenade Remembers
The light on the East River in the early morning is different from the light anywhere else on the Island. It comes in low and sideways, catching the water in long, uneven flashes. On certain days it makes the promenade feel less like a walkway and more like a corridor someone once meant to finish but never quite did. When I was younger I found the suggestion to stop and look at it faintly ridiculous.











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