In 2021, when RIOC, the state agency that always gets it right, prevented anyone from enjoying picnics or fireworks in Southpoint Park, we were quick to blame the Communications Team. But that group was disappeared by President/CEO Shelton J. Haynes. This year, the meanspirited blockade is back, and it’s all on Haynes and his executive protector, Governor Kathy Hochul.
by David Stone
The Roosevelt Island Daily News
The Haynes/Hochul 4th of July Blockade
Although the bunkered executive team inside RIOC posted the bad news – by implication only – on its website, no one has had the backbone to send out an advisory. Nor has anything been posted on Twitter or Facebook.
Calling it a Roosevelt Island Fourth of July Family Fireworks Celebration, the state agency makes its intentions known by what it’s not saying.
“Non-Ticketed Admission to the Cornell Tech Campus starting at 12 PM. Limited Ticket Event at FDR Four Freedoms State Park, opening at 6 PM,” it reads.
In other words, the same stiff-arm blockade of Southpoint, the public park Roosevelt Islanders pay for, and, before Haynes rolled into town, enjoyed on the 4th of July.
Their decision to low-key the news may limit criticism of Governor Hochul with a primary challenge coming up. Hochul, via factotums in Albany, is as responsible for RIOC as she is any other state agency. They turn highly paid RIOC execs into patronage-protected bobbleheads.
In fairness to FDR Four Freedoms State Park
Four Freedoms unhesitantly allows admission at the maximum allowable level. That limits the crowd to 1,500 because of safety precautions concerning limited access and egress.
And in case you thought RIOC evaded its usual illiteracy, their website cautions, “All attendees who have NOT been vaccinated against COVID-19 are reminded to kindly where a mask throughout the event.” (There has never been a documented case of outdoor COVID transmission.)
And, “Visitors are strongly encouraged to use public transportation,” they advise. “No parking will be available on Roosevelt Island on July 4th.”
The last bit is not truthful, but what the heck? This is RIOC.
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Free at the Door, Paid Somewhere Else
The Red Bus is one of Roosevelt Island’s most popular public services, and for good reason. For residents near the subway and Tram, it may be a convenience. For residents at Manhattan Park, the Octagon, Coler and the northern WIRE buildings, it can be the connection that makes the rest of the Island accessible.
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