The new Tram elevator is a big deal. RIOC’s sunk millions, probably too many millions into it, but what makes “pedestrian traffic patterns” the state’s biggest concern? While barely making a note about the elevator?
By David Stone
The Roosevelt Island Daily News
The New Tram Elevator
A point of frustration for decades, physically challenged Tram riders depend critically on a working elevator for daily needs. Many times, over the years, breakdowns brought forced isolation.
The need was great, but failures at addressing it seemed nearly as powerful.
While humorous at times over its endless disruptions, the new Tram elevator kept former RIOC president/CEO Susan Rosenthal in knots for much of her term. But against what seemed like all odds, she pulled it off. It opens on Tuesday.
Probably the funniest mishap on the way to the new lift landed when the first company contracted for the job declared bankruptcy a day or two before the scheduled start of construction. That sent RIOC back to the drawing board.
Then, when construction finally started, work stopped when unexpected underground features required renewed planning.
So, what’s with RIOC and foot traffic patterns…?
Even the subject line in their email blast was weird:
“Manhattan Tram Elevator| Pedestrian Traffic Pattern Update”
So, you’ll navigate on foot a little differently. That demanded a mass mailing?
The rest of the email wasn’t helpful…
“Please be advised that, due to the construction of the Manhattan Tram Elevator project, starting Tuesday, October 12th the below changes will take effect:
- The existing operational elevator will be closed to the public
- The south stairwell towards Tramway Plaza Park will also be closed
- The new east elevator will be open for public use
All the way down at the third bullet point, the writer got around to the important news, but we’ll rephrase it:
The New Tram Elevator Will Open, At Last!
That should’ve been the subject line. It’s a big deal, but instead “pedestrian traffic patterns…?” Really?
And just for the record, there are two south stairwells, and there is no such thing as an “east elevator.” There’s just one, and that’s it.
But don’t you just think, sometimes, that these bulletins are written by someone who’s never even been here?
More from the Roosevelt Island Daily
- 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.
- College Point Community Responds After Senior Dog Taken From Front LawnA College Point senior dog was taken from her front lawn, sparking a neighborhood response and NYPD investigation. Learn how the community is working together after a senior dog was taken from front lawn.
- Queens Child Death Investigation: Family and Community React as NYPD Probes TragedyGet the latest on the Queens child death investigation. NYPD continues to probe after a 5-year-old was found unresponsive in Richmond Hill, as the family and community grapple with the tragic event.
Three Newspapers and a Broken Water Fountain
In 2018, Roosevelt Island had three local newspapers and no working drinking fountains. Seven years later, one paper had disappeared, one founder was leaving the country and the word “your” was about to receive a much clearer ending.
