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

• 
  MTA Boosts 7 Train and LIRR Service for US Open Tennis CrowdsAugust 21, 2026
  The MTA is boosting 7 train and LIRR service for US Open tennis crowds, providing extra trains and on-site staff at Mets-Willets Point to handle increased riders during the tournament.
• 
  700,000-home housing gap mapped by neighborhoodAugust 20, 2026
  NYC’s path forward: meeting the 700,000 home housing challenge offers a roadmap for closing the city’s housing gap, with neighborhood-level solutions and coordinated action.
• 
  Building Queens conference on Long Island City developmentAugust 19, 2026
  Long 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 OrganizationsAugust 18, 2026
  NYC 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 disruptionAugust 17, 2026
  A 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.

Before the Door Closed

In one meeting, RIOC showed that procedure could be used to bless a contested appointment, and then used again to keep a resident-safety resolution from reaching the floor.

Eleanor Rivers May 29, 2026

The May 14 RIOC board meeting began with public concern over the steam plant and ended with two votes that revealed more than any report could. Some meetings announce themselves by what is said. This one announced itself by what the room permitted to move and what it stopped before it could breathe.

Continue reading →