Yesterday morning, we published our report on the desecrated flag shredded and stuck between trees outside Blackwell House. RIOC’s response was swift, and the flag was freed by afternoon.
by David Stone
The Roosevelt Island Daily News
New York State law requires that government buildings follow a strict rule for when and how the American flag is flown. That says that flags should be held to a sunrise to sunset routine. RIOC got into trouble because it failed to follow that guideline for months. During that time, strong winds, rain and snow shredded the flag, ripping it into pieces which got stuck in opposite directions.
This condition lasted until a resident pointed it out to The Daily. Our report followed. RIOC noticed, finally. We know, also, that at least one other resident reported it into the state agency’s ticketing system.
Bottom line: the desecrated flag is down and RIOC learned a lesson about showing respect for our country’s best known symbol.
More from the Roosevelt Island Daily News
- Variety Boys and Girls Club Sale: Astoria Property Sells for $28 MillionThe Variety Boys and Girls Club sale brings $28 million for its longtime Astoria property. Questions remain about the building’s future and youth programs.
- Fall Prevention for Seniors: Make Your Apartment Safer, Nov. 20Fall 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 MainRIOC’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 BuyersQueens 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 ChangesMedicare 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.
The Steam Tunnel Repair That Disappeared
Capital projects change. Costs rise, engineering evolves, funding moves and questions of ownership can complicate even urgent work. But the Roosevelt Island Steam Tunnel was not a speculative improvement that simply slipped down a priority list. RIOC’s own records describe an infrastructure problem known for decades.
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The only flag Shelton Haynes cares about is that domestic terrorist flag Black Lives Matter flag
I’m not agreeing with that, but you are welcome to your opinion.