The 4th of July, 2022, on Roosevelt Island was as peaceful — pre-fireworks — as it was sunny and warm. Advance planning paid off with previous years’ problems never developing.
by David Stone
The Roosevelt Island Daily News
Kids of all ages anticipate the rockets red glare to come after nightfall, but for most, the holiday is a time to relax and enjoy the pleasures of summer.
But in the background, a working force made it possible.
NYPD and RIOC‘s Public Safety Department did not take this day off. They were out in force. Not only was there no violence, but traffic flowed and visitors were moved as efficiently as possible on public transit.
In previous years, traffic on Vernon Avenue and connecting streets backed up for as much as a mile through Astoria. But the benefits of pre-planning and coordination kept jams at a minimum.
Late in the afternoon, PSD remained on its feet in the sun. A lieutenant (white shirt) filtered vehicles driving onto Roosevelt Island. It was smooth as was entry to Motorgate.
Meanwhile on Main Street…
Traffic other than emergency vehicles and Red Buses were turned back from Main Street, allowed north of the Roosevelt Island Bridge Helix only.
As an added bonus, with rare exceptions, Red Bus passengers respected each other with face masks that are disappearing on subways and MTA buses.
All in all, it was a good day to be on Roosevelt Island and to be a Roosevelt Islander. Thousands came, but thanks to thoughtful planning and calm execution, a lot of cheer flowed and disruptions were at a minimum.
Also from the Roosevelt Island Daily News
- MTA Launches Six-Year Signal and Track Overhaul on A and C Subway LinesThe MTA launches a six-year signal and track overhaul on A and C subway lines, bringing CBTC and major infrastructure upgrades to the Fulton and Liberty Avenue corridors through 2032.
- Long Island City Rent Overcharge Lawsuit Seeks $50 Million Against DeveloperA Long Island City rent overcharge lawsuit seeks about $50 million from Rockrose Development, raising questions about billing practices, tenant protections, and legal oversight in NYC’s fast-changing rental market.
- Astoria E-Scooter Rider Dies After Northern Boulevard Crash in Long Island CityA 22-year-old Astoria e-scooter rider died after a Northern Boulevard crash in Long Island City. Details remain under investigation, highlighting micromobility risks on busy city streets.
- Hate Crime Charges Filed After Vandalism at Fresh Meadows Kosher Bagel ShopHate crime charges have been filed after vandalism at a kosher bagel shop in Fresh Meadows, with prosecutors alleging bias-motivated acts. Hearings are set in New York’s legal process.
- Midtown Subway Shooting Leaves 26-Year-Old Dead; Queens Incidents SeparateA shooting inside a Manhattan subway station left a 26-year-old dead. Police investigate the Midtown incident and separate shootings in Queens as commuters seek safety.
Stack Work Advances While Answers Do Not
On June 17 and 18, HPD told the first meeting of the Roosevelt Island Steam Plant Demolition Community Advisory Group that smokestack demolition had no projected start date. Residents and the CAG would receive at least five business days’ advance notice once a date was set. Scaffolding around the stacks could not proceed until soil removal and backfill were complete and the area stabilized.
