After a modest start in March, the first big wave of cherry blossoms opened in April, from one end of Roosevelt Island to the other. There are delightful newbies and exquisite oldies.
by David Stone
The Roosevelt Island Daily News

The first big wave…
The first big, pink wave of blossom season on Roosevelt Island swept in as March turned into April. The center point, for now, is Riverwalk Commons where the community sports the greatest traffic.
But it all started early in March as our first blossoms opened on the East Promenade near Capobianco Field. That’s our first, local harbinger of spring. Cooler weather followed, but that just promises a longer, fuller season.
The march into spring featured newcomers as young trees planted, last year, by Judith Berdy and the Historical Society sprung their first ever buds, increasing traditions along both shorelines.
To the south, the cherry tree row below the Queensboro bridge also made their 2022 debut.
As this season continues, expect more visitors, warmer weather and more breathtaking breakouts in pink.
More from the Roosevelt Island Daily News
- Coastal Flooding Disrupts Southeast Queens Streets and TransitCoastal flooding disrupted streets and transit across Southeast Queens as a fall nor’easter brought heavy rain and renewed calls for resilience and improved drainage.
- Nor’easter Brings Slow Streets and Transit Delays Across Queens and NYCAfter the nor’easter, slow streets and transit delays across Queens and NYC greeted commuters. Utility crews continued repairs as normal routines resumed Monday.
- Nor’easter Brings Flooding and Disruption Across New York CityA powerful nor’easter brings flooding and disruption across New York City, with heavy rain, gusty winds, and coastal flooding impacting neighborhoods through the weekend.
- Fatal Shooting Outside Astoria Gentlemen’s Club During Robbery AttemptA man was fatally shot outside an Astoria gentlemen’s club during a robbery attempt early Thursday. NYPD investigators are seeking witnesses and reviewing video footage as the homicide investigation continues.
- FDNY Response After Minor Explosion at Bayside’s P.S. 41 School Construction SiteFDNY response after minor explosion at Bayside’s P.S. 41 school construction site reassured families with prompt action, thorough checks, and a steady return to routine.
The WIRE: Two Futures, One Empty Chair
It is December 6, 2015, and David Stone is writing to Dr. Jack Resnick about a chair that will soon be empty. Dick Lutz is preparing to leave the Main Street WIRE, and Stone has been encouraged to ask whether he might replace him. Seven years of covering art, Cornell Tech and questionable practices inside Public Safety have taught Stone how the paper tells an Island story.











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