A new secret project started this week by RIOC stirs apprehension, keeping the last one in mind. Is the super secret state agency taking over even more of Blackwell House’s surrounding area?
By David Stone
The Roosevelt Island Daily News
Last spring under the guidance of (fill in the blanks), RIOC deemed it wise seizing Blackwell House for executive office space. That followed residents coughing up millions for restoring it as an historic location, drawing visitors.
And soon, their brain trust decided that seizing four prime spaces of precious parking spots across the street was wise. Those became the New York State Shelton J. Haynes Parking Area because the boss and his assistant shouldn’t walk too far or ride a Red Bus for work.
Fortunately, though, while RIOC’s Project Tracker is hopelessly out of date, the not so new secret project shows up on page 2. We think.
If it’s the Blackwell House Plaza Pavers Project as listed, RIOC plans on putting over a million dollars into replacing the aging pavers.
But since it’s listed as having a completion date almost two years ago, it’s no more than a well informed guess until RIOC’s crack Communications Team gets around to an announcement.
More from the Roosevelt Island Daily
- Queens Public Library Ransomware Attack: Digital Services Still DisruptedThe Queens Public Library ransomware attack continues to disrupt public computers, digital books and online services, with no confirmed restoration date.
- A new RIOC appeals officer denied records on how its general counsel was hiredA different RIOC appeals officer denied records on how RIOC hired general counsel Lance Polivy. RIOC’s internal deliberations on the hire stay withheld.
- Monday’s PSD blotter: two hospital transports, two disputesRIOC’s Nov. 9 PSD blotter lists 14 incidents, including four aided calls with two hospital transports and a verbal dispute at 750 Main Street that drew FDNY.
- Flushing Spa Murder: Man Charged After Woman Found Stabbed to DeathFlushing spa murder investigation leads to a murder charge against a 54-year-old man after a woman was found fatally stabbed in a Queens storefront.
- Sunday’s blotter: four medical calls, three non-criminal investigationsRIOC’s Nov. 8 PSD blotter lists 19 incidents, including four aided calls (two hospital transports) and three Investigation Non-Criminal entries at 465, 580 and 546 Main Street.
The Steam Tunnel Repair That Disappeared
Capital projects change. Costs rise, engineering evolves, funding moves and questions of ownership can complicate even urgent work. But the Roosevelt Island Steam Tunnel was not a speculative improvement that simply slipped down a priority list. RIOC’s own records describe an infrastructure problem known for decades.
