August 2021 on Roosevelt Island felt long and strained as multiple stressors and failing leadership met steaming heat and rain. September’s gotta be better, but here’s a look back, for the record.
By David Stone
The Roosevelt Island Daily News
Roosevelt Island, August 2021
On the bright side, though, Westview’s management finally got through enough hoops to open its Sales Gallery, ready to attract permanent, community-stabilizing residents.
In August 2021, RIOC completed its move into prime Main Street space, dashing hopes for expanding retail and creating havoc. The space is too small, and it enriches Hudson-Related’s Shops On Main at the expense of residents.
Compensating, RIOC seized large spaces in the Cultural Center for bulk storage. And whisking aside millions in residents’ investment, the state agency converted historic Blackwell House into office space.
But the mindless disregard didn’t stop there because President/CEO Haynes complimented his ADA non-compliant office space with this:
Moving on…
Unable to manage its own maskless drivers as the Delta virus took hold, it’s no wonder passengers ignored the rules too. But by month’s end, both problems finally cleared out.
For now.
Criticized in July for installing ugly seating, unusable for many, in Southpoint Park under reconstruction, RIOC brought in esthetically less offensive furniture. But none of it is usable for the physically challenged, evidencing an ongoing crisis in cluelessness.
Say what you will, the MTA is consistent. The level of grime and leaking water in the station continues while the state fantasizes bringing back riders by holding fares steady. In fact, the fares are too low and the patronage too high for the system we need.
August 2021 on Roosevelt Island continued with an historic insult…
In August 2021, after years of ignoring resident appeals, RIOC tore away fences protecting the historic Tram cabins, once Roosevelt Island’s claim to fame, the only full time commuter Tram cabins in the world.
When Tropical Storm Henri drenched Roosevelt Island, an empty ferry leaving Roosevelt Island resulted. More followed through the day as folks stayed home.
We can dream, can’t we?
In fact, RIOC does not have an executive director, and this was another oddity from an agency unable to manage signs. But it was hopeful.
Don’t worry, though, the New York State Shelton J. Haynes Parking Area still gobbles up four coveted parking spaces on Main Street.
The state agency that never makes a mistake let weeks pass before explaining why the AVAC system in many buildings wasn’t working.
But their explanation lacked details and credibility. The absence of any plan for a fix, though, rounded out the unresolved mess.
And last but not least, a reader wondered why nobody cleans the Island anymore…
Ask RIOC, its new boss, Gov. Kathy Hochul, and the elected officials consistently allowing conditions to deteriorate on Roosevelt Island.
More News from the Roosevelt Island Daily
- Police Investigate Fatal Stabbing Outside Jamaica Avenue NightclubPolice investigate fatal stabbing outside Jamaica Avenue nightclub after a 29-year-old man was killed. Detectives seek tips as the community responds.
- Former NYPD Sergeant Pleads Guilty to Impersonating ICE Agent in Brooklyn Federal CourtA former NYPD sergeant pleaded guilty to impersonating an ICE agent in Brooklyn federal court, highlighting issues of authority, public trust, and the legal process ahead.
- 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.
The Budget Knew Before the “Emergency”
The demolition began on paper long before the City invoked emergency authority to carry it out. In RIOC’s fiscal 2013-14 budget, the Corporation set aside $7 million for fiscal 2015 for the complete demolition and cleanup of the Roosevelt Island Steam Plant. RIOC called that figure its worst-case scenario, meaning the State corporation might be left responsible for the entire cost.
