If anything emphasizes the schism between RIOC and how Roosevelt Islanders want to live, it’s the landscaping. The contrast is raw and inescapable in the community’s most active shared space: Riverwalk Commons.
by David Stone
The Roosevelt Island Daily News
Anyone getting a prescription filled, using the F Train Subway Station or simply wishing to sit quietly on one of the benches in the closest thing to a village green in New York City can’t miss it.
City landscaping is an oxymoron, but in Riverwalk Commons, RIOC has lost the plot, figuratively and literally.
Urban landscaping can bring several benefits to city dwellers, including:
- Improving air quality
- Reducing noise pollution
- Providing green space for recreation and relaxation
- Increasing property values
- Attracting tourists and businesses
But although there are great examples nearby, RIOC seems almost unaware of its surroundings. Litter has been cleaned up, but raw earth where flowers should cheer passersby isn’t the best alternative.
When contrasted with the artful beauty cycling through the season around Hudson-Related’s Southtown buildings, the reason may dawn on you.
Hudson-Related collects rents, counts on an upbeat community. They’re invested in fulfilling a satisfying mission for tenants daily.
And RIOC?
Well, they collect over $25 million in taxes from residents without consent, and they never consult with the community about anything. And they’re cheapskates when it comes to investing in the community.
That’s about all you really need to know.
Please toss in a couple of bucks to help us with expenses.
Thank you.
More from the Roosevelt Island Daily News
- 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.
- Queens Public Library Ransomware Attack: Digital Services Still DisruptedThe Queens Public Library ransomware attack continues to disrupt public computers, digital books and online services, with no confirmed restoration date.
Ten Years, or Another Temporary Fix?
Roosevelt Island was built through public investment, then expected to support itself through development. The ten-year lease extension gives RIOC a rare chance to replace short-term deals with a financial system designed to outlast the people approving them.
