Local businesses got booted aside by RIOC yesterday as the state agency that collects rents from but never promotes them gave a shout out for Cousins Maine Lobster Truck. It was another blow against the community that pays all the salaries, benefits and work of RIOC.
by David Stone
The Roosevelt Island Daily News
Roosevelt Island’s local businesses never get this…
In a RIOC Advisory, the state agency that never gets it wrong said:
“This Sunday, April 24th, enjoy what should be a beautiful day by strolling along the promenades and grabbing a bite to eat from the Cousins Maine Lobster food truck, which located at Tram Plaza (300 Main St.) from 12 PM – 8 PM!” (Somebody loan RIOC a “will be.”)
Nobody has any complaint with the Cousins Maine Lobster Truck pulling up with delicious food, but using our RIOC Tax money in promoting an out of town business is thickheaded. It’s also abusive toward the numerous local businesses from which RIOC collects monthly rents.
It’s no secret that several local businesses, stung by the pandemic, are hanging by a thread. But RIOC wants you to bypass Nisi, China One, Fuji East and Granny Annie’s on your way to the lobster truck.
It’s not a big change of form for RIOC since they’re notorious for disregarding residents too, but it’s still unacceptable.
Cousins Maine Lobster is a franchising operation headquartered in Los Angeles. The franchise serving Roosevelt Island hails from New Jersey.
An email to RIOC’s brain trust questioning this promotion did not generate any response.
More from the Roosevelt Island Daily News
- 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.
- Wednesday’s PSD blotter: two medical calls, a water leak, a custody reportRIOC’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.
- Six-Unit Apartment Building Planned for 10th Street in AstoriaPlans for a six-unit apartment building in Astoria call for four stories at 35-25 10th St. See proposed dimensions, apartment sizes and permit status.
- Tuesday’s PSD blotter: noise calls, a harassment reportRIOC’s Nov. 10 PSD blotter lists 15 incidents, all on Main Street, including four noise complaints, a harassment report and one hospital transport.
Can You Hear Us?
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.
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