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
- Stiff Prices, Unfulfilled Orders: How the Private Contractor Running Rikers Commissary Serves Detainees
Bianca Pallaro and Reuven Blau, The City This article was originally published on Jun 9 5:00am EDT by THE CITY In April 2022, the New York City Department of Correction signed a no-bid contract with a company called the Keefe Group to take over the commissary operations at Rikers Island, and offer a new web-based - Haynes at it again. Someone please offer this man a new job
It looks like a long campaign for a new job. Why else would anyone push this nonsense? “Given a problematic task nearly 50 years ago, the Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation established and slowly grew a small-town community in the middle of New York City – until Shelton Haynes took over as CEO.” Echoes of “Only - Staying Inside Won’t Protect You from Smoke Unless the Air is Clean
Samantha Maldonado, The City This article was originally published on Jun 8 8:38pm EDT by THE CITY As New York City’s air quality remained unhealthy due to Canadian wildfires, Mayor Eric Adams encouraged New Yorkers to avoid going outside to protect themselves from the pollution. The city made it easier for some New Yorkers to - Gap Show – RIVAA’s New Idea Surprises Next Week at the Gallery
What is a gap show? We’re about to find out on Wednesday June 14th, when RIVAA‘s artists surprise visitors with a themed show. With ten days to run, they will fill the walls with inspiration while sculpted objects surprise from the floor. But, here’s the fun part: the theme is so loose, art lovers can - The Tug-of-War for New York City’s Streets: Iconic Avenues with Unbelievable Histories
Hey there, fellow street wanderers! Ever wondered how the bustling, iconic avenues of New York City came to be? We’re about to take a fast ride through the histories of NYC’s most famous streets. From fun facts to intriguing stories, you’ll never see the Big Apple the same way again. So, ready to dive in
