Yesterday, it was spring for one day on Roosevelt Island as 60 degree weather brought strollers out on the promenades and on Main Street. The other half of topsy-turvy lands today.
by David Stone
The Roosevelt Island Daily News
Out and About

My goal, walking up the East Promenade was simple. The crabapple trees under the Roosevelt Island Bridge Helix are the first to blossom, beating out cherry blossoms by a week or so. I hoped I’d catch the first burst, but they weren’t close.
That still made a great reason for getting out for a walk – coatless – on our spring for one day. The walkways along the East River were filled with strollers, and a RIOC crew was busy with spring clean up.
After checking out the trees, I turned down Main Street and immediately met friends. Across from PS/IS 217, I talked with RIVAA President Tad Sudol and artist Ioan Popoiu. With pandemic restrictions pulling back, they’re opening this year’s Vernissage on March 5th.
Crossing Main Street, Nisi owner Kaie Razaghi told me what most Roosevelt Islanders already know – Main Street business has been terrible since the Omicron surge. But being ever resilient, Kaie’s planning a new menu in a few weeks, and we will bring it to you.
The best surprise was meeting the Roosevelt Islander blogger near Blackwell House. Before I discovered it, he spotted the awful handicapped un-access sign being removed. He’d already sent me a photo.

Conclusion
Things change. And that includes the weather. Temperatures go in the wrong direction today, falling through the 40s and 50s, ending our spring for one day. After a cool, dry weekend, Monday brings a high in the 50s. By Wednesday, we see 60s again.
More from the Roosevelt Island Daily News
- When You Think About Your Health, Don’t Forget Your EyesBernard J. WolfsonSeptember 22, 2023 I vividly remember that late Friday afternoon when my eye pressure spiked and I staggered on foot to my ophthalmologist’s office as the rapidly thickening fog in my field of … Read more
- Americans now want gun restrictions for those convicted of domestic violenceOriginally published by The 19th Your trusted source for contextualizing America’s core issues. Sign up for our daily newsletter. Want to support this work? Donate today. Michele Bell wishes more politicians knew what she saw … Read more
- A Fabulous New Haynes Lawsuit Gets Crain’s Attention AgainFiled last week, the new Shelton Haynes lawsuit required an article here, but that’s where it should have ended. But Crain’s New York got wind of it and couldn’t resist. Missing much of the substance … Read more
- How to Get the New COVID-19 Vaccine in New York CityThe newest shot is not a booster, and it’s available at pharmacies at no cost. Here’s how to make your appointment for a jab. Rachel Holliday Smith, The City This article was originally published on … Read more
- Building a Better World for People With PMDDAugust 31, 2023 by Ciara McLaren For one week of every month, I have a very bad time. My back aches so badly I struggle to stand up straight. My mood swings from frantic to … Read more
[…] 60° weather warms Roosevelt Islander with promise. […]