Eagle-eyed historian Judith Berdy spotted the Tram Plaza clean up and took some pictures. After more than five years blocked off for construction, it looked ready for the fences coming down. All the equipment, the stacks of supplies… But wait a minute! What about the elevator?

by David Stone

The Roosevelt Island Daily News

A Tram Plaza Clean Up, But Something Is Missing

Over five years ago, the Roosevelt Island Tram Plaza on Second Avenue disappeared behind construction fencing. New elevators were coming. They would replace the frequently out of service originals. But it wasn’t to be, not yet.

The operator RIOC to which awarded the contract went bankrupt on the eve of groundbreaking. RIOC reopened the bid process, which took a long while because they now had trouble finding viable bidders. But they persevered.

Finally, a new company was signed on, but then, unexpected obstructions were discovered below the surface where the equipment would be placed. Then, once they tackled that, the Coronavirus Pandemic hit.

All the while, the plaza remained closed. Equipment rolled in. Supplies were stacked. You almost forgot there was a park underneath all that. So, it was no surprise that the change caught Berdy’s attention, right away.

But…

Keeping in mind that the whole shebang resulted from elevator construction – the last few months involving a second elevator – shouldn’t the elevator be operating before the equipment leaves and the paving blocks get rinsed?

Safe to assume that the second elevator is ready to go, but RIOC isn’t. So, now, we wait again to hear officially what we already know. The elevator is done, the fences will come down, and by sometime in the spring, we will enjoy those benches again.

More from the Roosevelt Island Daily News

• 
  Fall Prevention for Seniors: Make Your Apartment Safer, Nov. 20November 13, 2026
  Fall prevention for seniors: Sen. Krueger’s Nov. 20 virtual roundtable tours a typical NYC apartment, with tips on landlord changes and balance. RSVP on Zoom.
• 
  Thursday’s PSD blotter: two hospital runs, a trespass summons at 888 MainNovember 13, 2026
  RIOC’s Nov. 12 PSD blotter lists 15 incidents: six medical calls, two alarms at 546 Main Street, and a late-night trespass at 888 Main Street that ended with a summons.
• 
  Queens Home Prices and Rents Rise in October 2026 as Long Island City Condos Draw BuyersNovember 13, 2026
  Queens home prices and rents rose in October 2026. See StreetEasy’s housing figures and Long Island City condo contract activity at Radiant and Vesta.
• 
  Medicare Open Enrollment Ends Dec. 7: Get Answers on 2027 ChangesNovember 12, 2026
  Medicare open enrollment ends Dec. 7. Sen. Krueger’s Nov. 16 virtual town hall covers 2027 premium, deductible and Part D changes, with a HIICAP expert’s Q&A.
• 
  Wednesday’s PSD blotter: two medical calls, a water leak, a custody reportNovember 12, 2026
  RIOC’s Nov. 11 PSD blotter lists 10 incidents, all on Main Street, including two medical calls at 555 Main Street, a water leak at 560 Main and a custody or visitation report.

Can You Hear Us?

At the first public RIOC board meeting after Susan Rosenthal’s dismissal, a longtime resident had to borrow an official’s voice to ask whether the people governing Roosevelt Island could hear us

Eleanor Rivers Oct 16, 2026

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.

Continue reading →