Coronavirus infections soar, fueled by the Delta variant, but one small group has absolute immunity. Immunity from responsibility, that is, as RIOC keeps failing at enforcing mask mandates on Red Buses.
By David Stone
The Roosevelt Island Daily News
Note: all photos submitted by readers
The only plausible excuse for RIOC’s dereliction at enforcing mandates issued by Governor Cuomo is their immunity from responsibility. Having evaded accountability for numerous recent fails, protected by a feckless board and see-no-evil electeds, the state agency apparently rolls along without guardrails.
A little over a year ago, Susan Rosenthal at the helm, RIOC lead the way in the fight against spreading the coronavirus. But now, their efforts fall near the bottom of the heap.
Coronavirus infections soar while RIOC naps
Yesterday, I took a Red Bus ride, hopeful I’d see better than what readers posted on Facebook, but I saw worse.
A woman boarded, wearing a mask, but pulled it down, in full view of the driver, as soon as she was seated. Then, a man boarded without a mask at all and rode to his stop, also in full view of the driver.
It’d be easy saying the driver did nothing, but in fact, he did less than nothing.
Steering the bus through the middle of town, he passed a PSD officer idling at the curb outside RIOC’s new offices. A quick stop could’ve resolved the problem of maskless passengers, helping the majority of passengers stay safe. As a bonus, it might serve as an example, reminding the reluctant that privileges come with responsibilities.
But, of course, the driver rolled on, clearly unaware of any focus on public safety.
Mask up or walk? Too much for RIOC as coronavirus infections soar.
When will anyone in authority ever get a handle on this indifferent public operation?
For the record, RIOC collects in excess of $20 million annually from residents. And $4 million of it goes to public safety.
For what?
More from the Roosevelt Island Daily
- MTA Launches Six-Year Signal and Track Overhaul on A and C Subway LinesThe MTA launches a six-year signal and track overhaul on A and C subway lines, bringing CBTC and major infrastructure upgrades to the Fulton and Liberty Avenue corridors through 2032.
- Long Island City Rent Overcharge Lawsuit Seeks $50 Million Against DeveloperA Long Island City rent overcharge lawsuit seeks about $50 million from Rockrose Development, raising questions about billing practices, tenant protections, and legal oversight in NYC’s fast-changing rental market.
- Astoria E-Scooter Rider Dies After Northern Boulevard Crash in Long Island CityA 22-year-old Astoria e-scooter rider died after a Northern Boulevard crash in Long Island City. Details remain under investigation, highlighting micromobility risks on busy city streets.
- Hate Crime Charges Filed After Vandalism at Fresh Meadows Kosher Bagel ShopHate crime charges have been filed after vandalism at a kosher bagel shop in Fresh Meadows, with prosecutors alleging bias-motivated acts. Hearings are set in New York’s legal process.
- Midtown Subway Shooting Leaves 26-Year-Old Dead; Queens Incidents SeparateA shooting inside a Manhattan subway station left a 26-year-old dead. Police investigate the Midtown incident and separate shootings in Queens as commuters seek safety.
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.
