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
- 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.
Can You Hear Us?
In earlier meetings, a bright light behind Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation Vice President and General Counsel Gretchen Robinson had left her face nearly invisible. On July 2, 2020, with Susan Rosenthal gone and a new administration forming, Gretchen appeared fully lit.
