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
- Former NYPD Sergeant Pleads Guilty to Impersonating ICE Agent in Brooklyn Federal CourtA former NYPD sergeant pleaded guilty to impersonating an ICE agent in Brooklyn federal court, highlighting issues of authority, public trust, and the legal process ahead.
- Queens Subway and Far Rockaway Stabbings Spur Police InvestigationsQueens subway and Far Rockaway stabbings on September 30 prompted separate police investigations and community response after two fatal incidents disrupted daily routines.
- Fatal Stabbing on J Train at Woodhaven Boulevard Spurs Subway Safety Concerns in QueensA fatal stabbing on J train at Woodhaven Boulevard raises fresh subway safety concerns in Queens, as NYPD investigates and riders reflect on recent incidents.
- J and M Train Weekend Service Changes: What Riders Need to KnowJ and M train weekend service changes will impact riders for five weekends as crews replace elevated track switches. Here’s what to expect and how to prepare for modified schedules across Brooklyn and Queens.
- 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.
Before the Door Closed
The May 14 RIOC board meeting began with public concern over the steam plant and ended with two votes that revealed more than any report could. Some meetings announce themselves by what is said. This one announced itself by what the room permitted to move and what it stopped before it could breathe.
