The child hit in a crosswalk, yesterday, was the third on Roosevelt Island in two months. Multiple reports say RIOC’s Public Safety Department refused a request for protection during a Halloween party, claiming they were “understaffed.”
By David Stone
The Roosevelt Island Daily News
Child Hit After PSD Refuses A Request for Help
Monster Bash, an early Halloween Party for kids at Capobianco Field, came to a halt at 5:00 as emergency vehicles rushed to aid a child hit by a car. Reports are sketchy, of course, with RIOC bunkered in its defensive shell, offering nothing. But multiple witnesses say a girl was struck in or near the PS/IS 217 marked crosswalk. Her injuries, fortunately, are reportedly not serious.
Less than an hour earlier, parents concerned over kids attending the event say they called Public Safety, asking for help. PSD, they add, refused their requests, claiming they were “understaffed.” Just last week, after a dog was hit and killed, assistant chief Anthony Amorosa used the same excuse for letting cars, bikes and scooters overrun the promenades.
Understaffed? Since RIOC president/CEO seized space in Blackwell House, PSD stations one officer full time, protecting him downstairs. While Haynes is among the most disliked among RIOC chiefs, there have been no known threats on his safety. But his predecessors, Susan Rosenthal and Charlene Indelicato, routinely walked around, interacting with residents.
Going back further, Steve Shane encouraged people to stop by his office, with or without appointments.
See also: Where the Hell Are They, our report on the invisible Public Safety Department, back in April.
For the Record
According to their own reports, PSD’s 50 member staff handles only 220 reportable incidents per month. That’s all of 4.4 for each, roughly one every six days. The highest number is for standing by, directing traffic, while off-island first responders handle 911 calls.
Maybe PSD needs a better excuse than understaffing for all the failures and incompetence.
We will try following up on this, but considering that RIOC still refuses supplying details on the death in Sportspark in May or on two women hit by cars in August, don’t expect much until when and if Albany clears out the mess festering, wasting tax dollars at RIOC.
In spite of accumulating complaints, the new Hochul administration seems as disinclined to help Roosevelt Island as Cuomo’s was. Political patronage has a firm, protective grip on continuing – and now dangerous – mismanagement here.
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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.
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