When RIOC updates on the AVAC, it’s always a little confusing and incomplete. But this time, it’s also mostly good news.
By David Stone
The Roosevelt Island Daily News
Updates on the AVAC
“Please be advised that maintenance work alongside the east side of the AVAC system is now complete. Normal operations will resume tomorrow,” RIOC posted in an advisory. (No, we don’t know why “side” and “of” are connected by a hyphen.)
That’s good news, but puzzling. What exactly is “the east side-of the AVAC system?” And what maintenance? What was wrong? Our best guess – Southtown and Roosevelt Landings will be back to normal today, but we’re not 100% sure. RIOC’s not giving us any help here; so, we will watch and see. The disappearance of all those piles of black garbage bags may brighten Thanksgiving.
Whatever happened to that bed frame that got blamed for everything? Angry residents condemned whatever fool or fools who stuffed it down a chute. But there’s never been any evidence that story was true, and now it looks like a thing of legend. Like Babe the Blue Ox.
The remaining updates on the AVAC are less clear.
Why Can’t They Just Say Rivercross?
“…the west side line of the AVAC system is partially complete but still in need of repairs near buildings 505 and 531 Main Street. This zone is clogged with solid and liquid material that requires RIOC engage a third party to remove. Once the waste is cleared, certain upgrades to the system will be necessary to prevent future clogging in this area.”
Here’s a tip to help the outsiders: 505 and 531 Main are not “buildings.” They are both Rivercross.
In any case, the clogged zone is news to most of us, six months down the road, but not so much for Rivercross residents. RIOC’s communicated in detail with the Tenants Corp. there for some time, just not with the rest of us.
In any case, assuming our translation of RIOC-speak is on the money, we can assume all buildings back at full AVAC service today, except Rivercross. But we’re not promising anything.
More from the Roosevelt Island Daily
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- Building Queens conference on Long Island City developmentLong Island City’s rapid development is driving discussions at the Building Queens conference, where stakeholders will address construction, housing, and the changing skyline.
- NYC Small Business Grant Program Invests $8.4 Million in Local Community OrganizationsNYC launches an $8.4 million small business grant program supporting community-based organizations to empower local entrepreneurs and boost neighborhood commercial corridors.
- Hate-crime charges after Central Synagogue Shabbat disruptionA man was charged with hate crimes after disrupting a Shabbat service at Central Synagogue in Midtown Manhattan. The incident raised concerns about worshipper safety and led to increased police patrols and community care.
- Forest Hills E train threat and Jackson Heights station stabbingTwo recent assaults on Queens subway lines have led to ongoing transit investigations, prompting increased safety measures and community response across key commuting routes.
Air Doesn’t Have an Address
The Roosevelt Island Steam Plant fight has reached a new stage: DOB has agreed to a site walkthrough, ArchRI says it is bringing independent engineers and architects, and four elected officials have formally asked RIOC to create a Community Advisory Group (CAG) for the project.
