As we reported earlier, RIOC’s holiday decorating team planned on culling the reindeer herd in the Tram Plaza, from five to four. But in reality, they went the other way. There are now six “healthier” reindeer chewing the grass near the RIHS Kiosk.

By David Stone

The Roosevelt Island Daily News

Not Culling the Reindeer Herd

Winning what RIOC said was a competitive bid, their partner, The Neave Group, said they would reduce the decorating done in years before. But since our report came out, they’ve had a change of heart.

Today, we counted six fresh reindeer grazing in the Tram Plaza, and they were noticeably healthier.

These are the kinds of changes we like. RIOC retains all credit for improvements for themselves. That’s okay. We’re just happy we were able to help.

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You Can’t Be All Three

Transit for the city, an attraction for visitors, and a liability on the Island’s books. The tram is already part of the MTA system. The only question is whether RIOC is ready to admit it.

Theo Gobblevelt Jul 10, 2026

April 9, 2026, during the full board meeting of the Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation, Fay Christian said something that should have landed harder than it did. She wished RIOC were not responsible for the tram. Then she asked what it would look like if it were given to the MTA. That was not a passing comment.

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